Black Boy Writes Media And Coverfly Team For Fourth Annual Black Boy Writes/Black Girl Writes Mentorship Initiative
EXCLUSIVE: Mike Gauyo (Insecure, Ginny & Georgia, Send Help) and screenwriter talent-discovery platform Coverfly has partnered with the Black Boy Writes Media banner for the fourth year of the Black Boy Writes & Black Girl Writes Mentorship Initiative. The initiative, which launched at the start of 2021, is dedicated to supplying industry access and resources to pre-WGA Black screenwriters.
The admission window for the 2024 class will run July 15-August 15. The first round of the application process will require a bio, a one-hour or half-hour original script (of any genre), and a short essay. Those who reach the third round will interview with Gauyo and the initiative’s programming chief Heather Daughtry before 10-12 participants are selected.
More from Deadline
Coverfly Releases List Of Lists To Highlight Up and Coming Screenwriting Talent
Third Annual Black Boy Writes/Black Girl Writes Mentorship Initiative Set
“This initiative has been a labor of love since its inception and I’m extremely proud of the community of writers we’ve assembled,” Gauya said. “My hope for the program is to continue providing access and resources to underrepresented writers and I’m thrilled to partner with Coverfly, who share the same mission.”
Selected mentees will have access to monthly writer roundtables with established writers/industry leaders; past participants include Morgan Cooper (creator of Bel Air), showrunner Syreeta Singleton (Rap Sh!t), Kemp Powers (Soul, One Night in Miami), Kay Oyegun (This Is Us), Gary King (VP Development at Paramount) and Peter Ramsey (co-director, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse).
In addition, writing workshops and notes sessions will prepare mentees for fellowships, general meetings with networks and production companies, and staffing. They will also have access to additional program mentors/industry professionals in Jackie Penn (4400, The Catch, Turner & Hooch), Andre Ferguson (What’s Up) and Cynthia Adarkwa (Legacies, In the Vault, Saint X, Emperor of Ocean Park).
At the end of the program, each mentee will have the opportunity to be read by Gauyo’s agents at Culture Creative and lit managers at M88, and each will receive the latest Final Draft software.
“I am looking forward to taking our mentorship initiative to new heights as we continue to amplify and provide top-tier resources for underrepresented screenwriters,” Daughtry said. “Partnering with Coverfly is a step in the right direction.”
Added Coverfly’s business development executive Donnita Shaw: “I’m so excited that we have a program like Black Boy/Girl Writers on our platform. After speaking with Mike Gauyo and learning about their goals, I knew this would be a perfect fit. We are excited to continuously champion emerging writers’ voices in this industry through an amazing program such as this. The future of writing is now!”
Best of Deadline
‘Bridgerton’ Season 3 Ending Explained: From Season 4 Setup To The Post Credit Scene
Who Is Michaela Stirling in 'Bridgerton'? Francesca Changes, Explained
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2024: Photo Gallery & Obituaries
Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
