experiences
Since 2017, GTDI has created access for and awareness of underrepresented talent. Through our talent experiences across writing, directing, composing and below-the-line, our team continues to demystify the entertainment industry, tearing down barriers for those creators and artisans seeking career opportunities within the Studio system.
Filmmakers
What’s your biggest fear? What monsters lurk in the deepest corners of your inner thoughts?
Monkeypaw Productions, in partnership with TIFF and Universal Filmmakers Project, is excited to invite filmmakers to produce a short film that explores horror across cultures, time, environments and society.
Submissions Closed
writers
THE reimagined WRITERS LAB IS UP AND RUNNING
This one-year paid lab develops up-and-coming and experienced storytellers with commercial sensibilities and cultural perspectives, with the goal of creating narratives for potential development at Universal and Focus Features.
WRITERS WHO COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES
The Animation Writers Program is a first-of-its-kind program in the entertainment industry, combining both film and television content into one animation writing program. This experience aims to identify and develop an inclusive pool of talent with unique points of view in order to tell unique stories. During this one-year paid program, writers will have the opportunity to work with UFEG-affiliated teams including DreamWorks Animation and Illumination.
UNIVERSAL STORIES FROM INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
The Global Writers Program is a first-of-its-kind international writers experience launched in 2022. Partnering with legendary global production and development powerhouse, Working Title Films (Bridget Jones’ Diary, Love Actually, Baby Driver, The High Note), those selected have the chance to create film content for potential production development consideration in partnership with the team at Working Title Films in the UK. The program cultivates storytellers who organically incorporate multicultural and global perspectives in their writing. The experience also provides creative guidance from executives, producers and creative consultants, and broadens their network of industry champions to help shape their development.
Meet The writers
composers
CUE THE MUSIC
The first-of-its-kind Composers Initiative was created in 2018. The idea stemmed from the absence of media coverage or basic information on diversity in film music composition. In partnership with the Universal Film Music division, the two-year initiative welcomes applicants from all creative and professional backgrounds seeking to enhance their current career efforts. Participants have unparalleled access to the studio and network process, while the GTDI team increases the awareness of this underrepresented talent among NBCUniversal’s vast network of executives, producers and directors, leading to additional industry connections and mentors.
Meet the composers
directors
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
As part of the studio's ongoing commitment to inclusive filmmaking and storytelling, GTDI launched the Directors Initiative in 2017. The team is currently developing an elevated experience with an application coming soon, so stay tuned for more exciting updates on the initiative's evolution.
Meet the directors
below-the-line
BREAKING BARRIERS ACROSS THE GLOBE
Launched in 2021 on Jordan Peele’s Nope, the Universal Below-the-Line Traineeship provides on and off-the-job training and mentorship in over 20 below-the-line departments across 15 NBCUniversal film projects around the world, including USA, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and Australia. With the increasing demand for experienced craft talent throughout the industry, this innovative experience cultivates the next generation of costume designers, prop masters, camera operators, technicians and the myriad of roles crucial to any production team by collaborating with local partners to source up-and-coming talent.
