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What is the Power of Diversity Master Workshop?
The Power of Diversity Master Workshop is an eight-week intensive program that trains you as a creative producer to take a project from script through distribution on multiple platforms. The Workshop exists to help nurture creativity and diverse perspectives from people from all walks of life. It gives select participants an opportunity to learn from some of the most successful producers in the business, and network with like-minded participants.

What kinds of people apply to the workshop?
If you are a highly motivated and creative emerging or mid-career producer with a project that you believe in, this is the place for you. There are no barriers here; we seek underserved voices in media: all genders, all sexual orientations, all ethnicities, all religions, all ages, all abilities and veterans. We accept participants from all around the world, but you must provide your own transportation and lodging. Our mission is to prepare you to launch a story to the world from your unique perspective.

What kinds of projects do you accept? What genres?
We accept film, television, documentary features and series, and new media projects, in all genres. We do not accept shorts and projects that are currently in production. You must submit a completed script, though not necessarily a final draft, or for documentary projects, a detailed treatment. We are looking for commercially-viable projects that foster diversity in the industry.

What does the workshop cover?
The workshop is focused on the tools of producing for feature films, television, documentary and digital media, with emphasis on up-to-the-minute trends in the industry. In eight weeks, we cover story, development, pitching, finance, packaging, production, marketing, distribution trends, multiplatform and more. Participants are expected to complete weekly homework assignments.

In addition to the expertise of guest speakers, each producer gets the benefit of individual mentorship throughout the two-month workshop by Producers Guild members. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will have a final project strategy, ready to launch into the marketplace.

Who are the speakers?
Some of the industry's most successful producers in film, television, and new media. Past speakers have included: Shonda Rhimes, Bruce Cohen, Lori McCreary, Gary Lucchesi, Lucy Fisher, Mark Gordon, Marshall Herskovitz, Bonnie Arnold, Nina Yang Bongiovi, Ashok Amritraj, Caryn Mandabach, Luis Barreto, Ali LeRoi, Cathy Schulman, Lauren Shuler Donner, Damon Lindelof, Lindsay Doran, Ralph Winter, Bruna Papandrea and many more.

What do I get out of this?
Success in any business, and most certainly in production, is predicated on building strong relationships. Some of our past participants have gone on to great success, and many have formed lasting relationships through the Workshop that will carry them well into the future.

Do I have to be a PGA member to apply?
No, you do not have to be a PGA member to apply. We encourage non-guild as well as guild members to apply.

I'm already a professional producer. Why should I apply?
A good producer is one who is always evolving, learning new things, meeting new people and searching out new stories. In the words of Dr. Seuss, "The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

What are the workshop dates?
This is an intensive workshop. Sessions are held two evenings per week, Mondays and Thursdays, from June 1st - July 30th.We will not meet during theIndependence Day holiday weekend. Workshops start promptly at 7:30pm. Again, in addition to the sessions, there is also a significant amount of homework to prepare and then review with your mentors.

Be aware that dates are subject to change to accommodate speakers' availability.

Please save the following dates as the Workshop finalizes its schedule.

May 16, 27
June 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
July 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30

Where is the workshop held?
Our meetings are held primarily at the headquarters of the Producers Guild of America in Los Angeles, CA.

How many are accepted?
The workshop is very competitive - only 10 projects are selected each year.

Is it really free?
Yes, it's really free. Out-of-town participants must provide their own transportation and lodging.

What are the application deadlines and fees?

The three application deadlines are:
$40Early Bird Submissions

Tuesday, January 21-Monday, February 10,11:59pPST
$55Regular Submissions

Tuesday, February 11 - Monday,March 2,11:59pPST
$85 Late Submissions
Tuesday,March 3 - Monday, March 16,6:00pPST

It pays to apply early! We do not offer fee waivers. There are no extensions.

What do I need to include in my application?
Your application must include:
• Resume
• Signed Release Form (downloaded from the Application page)
• Artist Statement (1 page)
• Script (needn't be final) OR Treatment (for documentary and unscripted projects)
• Story Summary (1-2 pages)
• Copyright or WGA registration
• Application Fee

If you have a Producing Partner, you must also include:
• Signed Producing Partner Release Form
• Producing Partner Resume
• Producing Partner Artist Statement

Genres include:
• Animated Feature or TV series
• Documentary Feature
• Narrative Feature (any genre, any budget)
• Comedy TV Series
• Documentary TV Series
• Drama TV Series
• Reality TV Series
• Web Series
• New Media Project

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Please review the requirements carefully and make sure everything is attached before you hit "send."

You must have created, optioned, or been attached AS A PRODUCER to the project you are submitting. If not, you will be disqualified.

What are the Steps to Apply?
Please check this FAQ page carefully before proceeding with the application process below.

Application - Step 1
Review the terms of the Release Form, which you must download from the Application page. You will need to submit a PDF of a signed version of this form as part of your application in Step 4.

Application - Step 2
Create the following four (4) documents and save them as PDFs - you will need them for Step 4. If you have a producing partner, they too will need to sign the Release Form, and submit a Resume and Artist Statement.

The four (4) documents:
a. A one-page Artist Statement telling us why you want to participate in the workshop, how diversity is reflected in your project, and why your project should be accepted.
b. One (1) of the following, depending on the type of project you are submitting:
Motion Picture - Script (needn't be a final draft)
TV Comedy Series - Episode Script (needn't be a final draft)
TV Drama Series - Episode Script (needn't be a final draft)
Reality TV series - 4-5 Page Series Overview
Documentary Feature or Series - 1-5 Page Treatment
Web Series or New Media Project- 1-5 Page Treatment
c. A one-to-two (1-2) page Summary of your story and the audience you expect it will reach.
d. A copy of your current Resume.

Application - Step 3
Get a U.S. Copyright (preferable) or a WGA Registration number for your project if you do not already have one. You must have created, optioned, or been attached AS A PRODUCER to the project you are submitting.

Application - Steps 4 & 5
Pay the non-refundable application fee through Submittable.
Submit!
Be aware, you cannot revise your application after you hit the Submit button.

What can I expect after I apply?
Your application will be fully reviewed by multiple Committee Members who are all professional producers. A select few applicants will be asked to come to the Guild for in-person interviews with the Committee. From those interviewees, ten participants will be selected.

All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by Memorial Day.

I have lots of diversity projects. May I submit more than one?
No. You must select the ONE project that you feel is the strongest. Your choice of project reflects your taste and business-savvy as a producer.

We are a producing team. Can we apply together?
Yes. No more than two producers per project may apply as a team. Teams should apply as ONE PROJECT (the project will have one application fee). Each Individual in the producing team should include their own: Release Form, Artist Statement, and Resume.

My script isn't finished. Can I still apply?
We require a completed script to apply, but it needn't be a final draft. We understand that applicants may be polishing or revising their script, and the feedback you receive in the workshop will be invaluable to your revision. Documentary features and documentary or reality series require a detailed treatment in lieu of a script.

I don't have a resume. Can I still apply?
No. You must submit a resume. A biography is not a resume.

What is an Artist Statement?
Through your Artist Statement, we want to understand you as a creative producer. Why are you passionate about this project in particular? How does it reflect your unique voice in the industry? What have you done so far to move it forward? How has your experience, personally and professionally, shaped the producer you want to become? We've read your resume, what else should we know?

I'm coming from out of town, out of state, out of the country.
We welcome participants from anywhere in the world. You are responsible for your own transportation and accommodations.

I'm not available all those dates. Can I still attend?
No. You must commit to all sessions.
If you have any other questions, please email us at diversity@producersguild.org.
We look forward to your application.

Ready to apply? Go to the application.