Movikarma and InventTV Conclude Pilot TV Development Fellowship Program, Release Survey Results
Fellowship participants highlighted a series of newly developed skills, confidence, and career opportunities
TV Development Fellows, Spring 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA (May 4, 2022) – Today, Movikarma, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that fosters diversity, equity and inclusion in Hollywood, and InventTV - a full-service production company with original content nominated for a Television Critics Award, Primetime Emmy Award, and People's Choice Award - announced the conclusion of their groundbreaking inclusive TV Development Fellowship Program that provided paid, hands-on learning opportunities for underrepresented talent.
The innovative initiative was a first-of-its-kind, paid equity and inclusion Program that placed 12 underrepresented talent - including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and economically disadvantaged individuals - as Inclusive Pathways Fellows with InventTV to gain unique hands-on experience, actively working on the TV development process over a 10-week period. Experience gained during the Program included exposure to the casting process, graphic design, formatting, editing, pitching, and more. Movikarma and InventTV launched the Program on February 22, 2022 and it concluded on April 29, 2022, with final pitch presentations by the Fellows to a major network.
To ensure that the Inclusive Pathways Program is an equitable, financially feasible opportunity for low-income and economically disadvantaged individuals, participants were paid a living wage by InventTV to participate in the Program, and all work was done remotely and collaboratively with the hands-on support of Movikarma and InventTV executives.
“I am delighted that InventTV partnered with Movikarma to create this transformative learning experience for underrepresented talent interested in TV development,” said Jared Milrad, Founder and President of Movikarma. “Highly talented individuals from historically excluded backgrounds were able to learn the creative development process from A-Z in our new Program - and I look forward to replicating it in the future.”
At the end of the 10-week Program, survey results demonstrated that the Program greatly impacted the Fellows and their future career prospects. Survey results included:
All of the Fellows reported that they were satisfied overall with the Program, including 58% who said that they were “very satisfied.”
Pitching was the skill that most Fellows reported as being improved by the Program, closely followed by Researching and Editing.
Fellows indicated that their favorite parts of the Program included learning from InventTV + Movikarma executives and researching potential show ideas.
Overall, more than 83% of the Fellows agreed or strongly agreed that the Program better prepared them to pursue a successful career in Hollywood.
Nearly all of the Fellows (91.7%) indicated that they would recommend the Program to others, and all Fellows indicated that they had a positive experience working with Movikarma and InventTV.
Upon exiting the Program, most Fellows said that they wanted to pursue a career in Producing or Writing.
"To get your foot in the industry, you need one person to believe in you - and this Program does just that,” said Fellow Nicolas Perez-Carreño. “I could tell that our mentors and teachers really did care, and I have gained a myriad of new skills and built on existing strengths. You don't see this kind of opportunity often. This program provided me with invaluable hands-on experience in television development and with encouragement and guidance, it emphasized to me that this is what I'm meant to do."
Added Fellow JoiAshanti Watkis: “This program has enhanced my passion to work in television. It allowed me to see where my strengths and weaknesses are in terms of skill set - and the people running the program were super supportive and engaging throughout!"
"This fellowship program has meant the world to me," said Fellow Mato Abourezk. "I have learned things in this program that I will never take for granted and never forget! Thank you to Jared and the rest of the team for being such wonderful mentors... You all push me to be better!"
This groundbreaking initiative was also supported by industry leaders, including acclaimed actor/producer Kal Penn, who stars in the upcoming FX comedy series BELATED. "I was so excited to hear that my friend Jared Milrad's nonprofit, Movikarma, is launching their Inclusive Pathways Program,” said Kal. “Back in the day, there were only a handful of initiatives to help expand access and opportunity for underrepresented talent. Today, there are groundbreaking programs like his, designed to make the industry we love become even more inclusive. It's wonderful."
Those interested in future opportunities through Movikarma’s Inclusive Pathways Program can apply at https://www.movikarma.org/inclusivepathways
Movikarma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Greater Los Angeles that empowers underrepresented talent and fosters inclusion, equity, representation, and social impact in Hollywood. Supported by WarnerMedia, Lionsgate and others, Movikarma has built high-level, inclusion-focused relationships across the industry, including with Netflix, HBO Max, Paramount, Disney Studios, Snapchat, Amazon Studios, Apple TV+, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Ryan Murphy Productions, Legendary Entertainment, MRC Entertainment, Shondaland, and other leading companies, organizations, and award-winning underrepresented talent. Through its many initiatives, Movikarma provides holistic career opportunities for underrepresented talent, serves as an inclusive teaching and training partner for industry leaders, spotlights underrepresented talent globally, and advocates for systemic change to make Hollywood more inclusive, equitable, and representative than ever before.
InventTV is a full-service production company in Burbank, CA, that specializes in producing scripted and unscripted television series, specials and live events. With original content nominated for a Television Critics Award, Primetime Emmy Award, and People's Choice Award, InventTV’s notable projects include reality series such as Preaching Evil (premiering this Spring on Peacock), Southern Charm: New Orleans, Into Alaska, Bringing Up Bhabie, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, and Twenties After-Show With B. Scott, which featured media personality B. Scott as the first out, trans non-binary host and executive producer in BET history. InventTV has a wealth of experience in television production and longstanding relationships with the world’s best networks and brands. Co-owned by Los Angeles Media Fund, InventTV focuses on creating compelling content and delivering groundbreaking, diverse stories to a multicultural world.
InventTV is represented by United Talent Agency (UTA) (Josh Levenbrown) and by Loeb & Loeb LLP (Marc Chamlin, Anne McGuire and Rachel Kiwi).
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