RISE supports and empowers mid-career POC creators and artists to make commercial film and television across genres that reflects our multicultural society. The year-long fellowship offers unparalleled access to key economic, creative, and business resources. Through tailored sessions and workshops led by top industry leaders, Fellows gain the tools, confidence, and network to bring viable, original commercial projects to life and to market.

The Disney Entertainment Television (DET) Writing Program is a highly selective, annual TV staffing program. The goal is to staff emerging and diverse television writers on DET scripted series. Program Writers receive mentorship, professional development, and unprecedented access to the company and its creative executives, producers, showrunners, and program alumni.

The Disruptors Fellowship aims to disrupt the status quo in Hollywood and uplift and normalize narratives that have historically been underrepresented on television. For Disruptors 2026, we've restructured our program. Fellows receive a $3,000 stipend, mentoring from a TV writers, participation in mock writers' room sessions, and access to industry insights.

The program is designed to identify emerging creative voices of unscripted storytellers for NBC, Bravo and Peacock. The initiative offers independent creators and producers the opportunity to pitch original concepts directly to NBCUniversal television executives. Applicants do not need representation.

Square Peg Social is a five-day, intimate gathering designed to break down the walls and barriers that too often exist within the film industry. Led by Sqaure Peg (Hereditary, Midsommar, Eddington, and more) there are no awards or prizes by design. Through mentorship, deep industry relationships, and hands-on guidance, the Square Peg team is committed to ensuring emerging filmmakers are truly supported and that their work reaches the people who can help bring it to life.

Founded by George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola, Decentralized Pictures (DCP) is a nonprofit organization created to enable the next generation of independent filmmakers. DCP has partnered with Sofia Coppola to identify and celebrate a filmmaker with a distinct creative point of view, confident visual sensibility, and an instinct for storytelling that feels personal and unmistakably their own. The award Package includes, $20,000 to produce a short film, mentoring support, and distribution of completed film on DCP+.

During the program, writers develop an original pilot to which they retain all rights. They are paired with NBCUniversal development and current programming executives who mentor them and polish samples for staffing consideration. At the conclusion of the program, participating writers will be considered for available staff writer positions on NBCU Television and Streaming as well as Universal Studio Group series.

Each year, 30 filmmakers from diverse backgrounds are given the opportunity to hone skills, form creative partnerships, create short films and gain industry access needed to succeed as working artists. Participants are paired with mentors at the top of their respective fields, and receive personalized guidance to help move their projects and careers forward.

The Parenthood Fellowship will support four writers in developing compelling, evidence-informed film or television scripts about parenthood as a transformative human experience. Scripts must focus on the beginning of life, stories about pregnancy and becoming a parent. Each writer will receive a $15,000 grant, creative mentorship, and expert input, with the goal of shifting cultural narratives and inspiring broader recognition of parenthood’s human and societal value.

Filmpreneurship | June 13 &14 , 11AM-1PM PT

Online bootcamp, $49

In an industry where "no" is the default and gatekeepers hold all the cards, this course flips the script: you become the gatekeeper with the greenlight. In this weekend bootcamp, you’ll learn what investors actually fund, how to package yourself as the artist, and the specific tactics to access decision-makers, audiences, and capital. Taught by Iram Parveen Bilal, whose work has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, BBC, and more.

Five Film Fridays | June 26 , 6PM PT

Short Film Screening in Hollywood, $30

Join Grammy and NAACP Award-nominee Vic Mensa, as he presents his short film, Halfrican. Fireside chat to follow, moderated by Tre Wesley, along with networking event.