The Road to NY -TV Writing Program
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I’ve been working in television production since 2015 for a national public affairs network. My experience has been both educational and insightful, teaching me the behind-the-scenes work of broadcasting. But with time I began to feel like I wasn’t fulfilling my purpose. Simultaneously, I started noticing how regularly frustrated I was with the lack of diverse representation on television. It finally hit me a little over a year ago while searching for a show that I could relate to as a young woman of color. I realized what I was looking for didn’t exist.
It was at this point that Toni Morrison’s words began guiding me: “If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, you must be the one to write it."
I knew it was up to me write the television shows I wanted to see.
That is why, it is with great pleasure and excitement that I announce my acceptance into Columbia University’s TV Writing Intensive program in New York this summer. After what seemed like constant rejection from numerous writing programs and competitions, I finally received a yes; the first step in my writing career. I am aware that I’ll be taking a leap of faith, leaving the comfort of financial stability and a secure job, but I am confident that this path will allow me to grow and develop my abilities.
In this program, I will be able to develop my own original series concept as well as construct the series’ pilot. I will build my writing portfolio, visit production sets and studios, and learn directly from executive producers and showrunners.
It is with much humility that I share this GoFundMe page to help with my program costs. The total cost is $7600. Thus far I have raised a total of $1500 from my own savings.
I am pursuing my dreams, taking risks, and asking for help along the way. Please consider investing in me, an investment in both screen representation by writers of color and women in media.
With tremendous gratitude,
Janea West
Below you’ll find links for my sample work and the program’s description.
Sample Scripts Here
Program Description Here
Also, here's an interesting article on the lack of representation on streaming services as well.
Bring Back Black Sitcoms (Article 2017)
It was at this point that Toni Morrison’s words began guiding me: “If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, you must be the one to write it."
I knew it was up to me write the television shows I wanted to see.
That is why, it is with great pleasure and excitement that I announce my acceptance into Columbia University’s TV Writing Intensive program in New York this summer. After what seemed like constant rejection from numerous writing programs and competitions, I finally received a yes; the first step in my writing career. I am aware that I’ll be taking a leap of faith, leaving the comfort of financial stability and a secure job, but I am confident that this path will allow me to grow and develop my abilities.
In this program, I will be able to develop my own original series concept as well as construct the series’ pilot. I will build my writing portfolio, visit production sets and studios, and learn directly from executive producers and showrunners.
It is with much humility that I share this GoFundMe page to help with my program costs. The total cost is $7600. Thus far I have raised a total of $1500 from my own savings.
I am pursuing my dreams, taking risks, and asking for help along the way. Please consider investing in me, an investment in both screen representation by writers of color and women in media.
With tremendous gratitude,
Janea West
Below you’ll find links for my sample work and the program’s description.
Sample Scripts Here
Program Description Here
Also, here's an interesting article on the lack of representation on streaming services as well.
Bring Back Black Sitcoms (Article 2017)
Organizer
Janea West
Organizer
Washington D.C., DC