‘Insecure’ Director-EP Prentice Penny Launches ‘The First Up’ Program For Writers Of Color At USC’s School Of Cinematic Arts

deadline.com:

Filmmaker Prentice Penny (Insecure) and his A Penny For Your Thoughts Entertainment banner today announced the launch of The First Up, a new program for writers of color at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.Emmy-nominated SCA alum Penny created the First Up program to give BIPOC writers the opportunity to have their work seen, while providing real-world work experience as they embark on careers in the entertainment industry.

Students will receive guidance and participate in the process of creating a film or TV project from script development to pitching to network and studio executives.

All SCA students are eligible for the program and are not required to be enrolled in classes in the John Wells Division of Writing for Screen & Television to apply.

However, they should have the goal of entering the industry as a professional writer. All candidates must be students of color.The year-long program will kick off this summer, with three SCA writers in their final year of undergraduate or graduate studies soon to be selected.