Disney Television 2024: Aspiring Writers Program Detailed

Applicants seeking to break into the television industry with Disney Television in 2024 must be legally eligible to work in the United States and be at least 21 years old by December 1, 2024. While prior entertainment industry experience is beneficial, it isn’t mandatory. The application process requires a comprehensive online submission, encompassing seven essential components (or eight if applying for either the Boone Scholarship or the FX John Singleton Scholars Initiative, but not both).

The cornerstone of the application is Script One: Original Pilot Script. This script serves as the primary assessment tool, showcasing the writer’s distinctive voice, style, and perspective in a live-action format. Animation samples are not accepted. The script should align with the programming typically found on Disney Television (DET) channels and streaming platforms. It’s crucial to note that this script cannot be modified or substituted after submission and must be unique to this application cycle.

A corresponding Exhibit “A”: Script One Summary Form is also required.

A second script, Script Two: Secondary Original Pilot Script, is also necessary, adhering to the same live-action format and thematic guidelines as Script One. However, unlike the primary script, this sample may have been submitted in previous applications and will retain its prior score.

This secondary script also requires an Exhibit “B”: Script Two Summary Form.

A concise Resume (maximum two pages) outlining chronological paid work experience is required. This can encompass both entertainment and non-entertainment roles, excluding unpaid work except for entertainment industry internships and full-time volunteer positions at non-profit organizations. Relevant courses or training undertaken to enhance writing skills should also be included, but undergraduate coursework should be omitted.

A compelling Staffing Pitch (limited to 1500 characters) is crucial. This pitch allows applicants to position themselves as potential staff writers for an existing DET series slated to return for the 2024-25 season. Applicants should demonstrate a thorough understanding of DET’s programming landscape and the specific show they’re targeting. The pitch should articulate why the applicant is well-suited for the chosen show, highlighting points of connection (character, theme, storyline, location, premise, etc.), and what unique contributions they would bring to the writers’ room. The emphasis should be on the applicant’s fit, not solely on their admiration for the show.

A Personal Essay (maximum 3000 characters) is required, providing a glimpse into the applicant’s unique perspective and/or multicultural sensibility through a personal narrative.

Optional application components include pitches for the Disney Branded Television (“DBT”) Eunetta T. Boone Scholarship and the FX John Singleton Scholars Initiative. The Boone Scholarship, focused on comedy writing, requires a 1500-character essay detailing the applicant’s familiarity with Eunetta T. Boone’s work, their connection to her shows, and how they would honor her legacy in a Disney Channel writers’ room.

The Singleton Scholars Initiative, geared towards aspiring writers for FX Networks, requires a 1500-character essay outlining the applicant’s knowledge of John Singleton’s work, their connection to his projects, and why they believe they are a strong candidate for an FX writers’ room. This provides opportunities for writers focusing on content for Disney Television 2024.