There is now another avenue and partnership to add Black talent to the entertainment industry.
Last week, Showtime/MTV Entertainment announced the launch of “The ShowTime/MTV Entertainment Studios Storytellers Lab,” which is an initiative to develop impactful partnerships with HBCUs and universities to “cultivate diverse creator pipelines within the entertainment industry,” according to a press release.
What does this all do? The Storytellers Lab, in essence, bridges the gap between emerging talents as well as industry leaders through a nine-month “immersive experience that equips BIPOC students with the skills and insights to become the next generation of content creators.”
Thanks to working diligently in collaboration with Paramount’s Content for Change global initiative, students will embark on a journey that will provide access to masterclasses and mentorship with leaders in Paramount Global and insider perspectives on the creative ways of the development of content. The program will end with the development of an interesting social media spot showcased on MTV Entertainment Studios’ digital platforms.
The following HBCUs are involved in the partnership: Alabama State University, Cheyney University, Chicago State, Clark Atlanta, Claflin University, Florida A&M University, Lincoln University, Morehouse University, Savannah State, Spelman College and Tennessee State.
“The first-of-its kind program builds upon our existing relationship with Historically Black Colleges and University, underscoring our steadfast commitment to fostering diverse talent and amplifying underrepresented voices to create meaningful pathways for the next generation of storytellers,” Ti-Sea Meadows, VP of Operations, Channel Planning and Culture, SHO/MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks and Head of the Storytellers Lab, said.
Executive Director of Content for Change, Paramount Global, said this partnership helps the lack of diversity in this creative space.
“This unprecedented collaboration leverages Paramount’s Content for Change initiative to tackle the lack of diversity in entertainment by transforming our content ecosystem, from centering fresh perspectives in storytelling to building new points of access in our creative supply chain to strengthening our culture, and we are thrilled to collaborate with these incredible schools and SHOWTIME/MTIVE Entertainment Studios.”
According to the press release, the SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios Storytellers Lab is a catalyst for switching things up. Participating campuses will have national events beginning in the spring.
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