Warner Bros. Is Offering New Fellowship for Emerging, Underrepresented Directors

Warner Bros Pictures has announced the launch of a new fellowship program geared toward expanding access and experience to new and underrepresented voices in the industry. Known formally as Emerging Film Directors Workshop, the program is set to launch during the second quarter this year.

In a nine-month intensive program at the studio, the filmmakers accepted into the program will be partnered up with studio executives who will serve as their mentor as they work through every stage of the production process.

During their time in the workshop, participants will work with a screenwriter on pitching and writing to create of a short film script. Upon completion of the final script, the emerging filmmakers will prep for production, design a budget, cast their film, shoot on The WB lot and even edit with a full post-production process.

The fellowship is paid, and the five accepted individuals will have all their production costs covered by Warner Bros. Studios. At the end of the program, their work will be shown in a film festival attended by agents, managers, film executives, and producers. More info can be found on the program’s website.

“There are so many bright, creative individuals at the threshold, who just need access to bring their vision and voice to a bigger audience,” said Warner Bros. Pictures President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production Greg Silverman. “By providing that access, as well as a professional network and funding for a short film, Warner Bros. will play a small part in developing the next generation of great storytellers, whether they work in film or television, at our studio or elsewhere.”