Walt Disney Television Creative Talent Development & Inclusion - CTDI

12/02/2024

Three cheers for 2023 Disney Program Writer, Sean Rivas, who has staffed on season 2 of Disney+ and Hulu's GOOSEBUMPS! Hailing from Glendora, California, Sean describes himself as “Half-Mexican, Half-White, and 100% Homosexual.” Sean holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from UC Irvine and graduated from the sketch writing programs at The Second City, Hollywood and The Upright Citizen’s Brigade, Los Angeles. Prior to the program, Sean worked in documentary production and non-profit marketing, supporting companies like The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, The Jane Goodall Institute, and Friends of the Dalai Lama. He was a finalist for the 2021 NBC Writers’ on the Verge program and the 2021 Disney Writing Program. Sean is also a founding member of the Pre-Rainbow Pages, a merit-based list of LGBTQ+ pre-WGA writers, and has been selected twice as a Mentee for the Read Latinx Writers Initiative. Being dyslexic and growing up with a speech impediment, Sean uses his writing to tell stories that often go unheard, in an effort to give voices to the voiceless. Way to go, Sean!

17/11/2023

Last Call, Writers! The application for the 2024 DET Writing Program closes TONIGHT at 11:59PM PT. To avoid any technical complications, please be sure to submit your application well in advance of the deadline.

WRITERS: Apply now! The 2024 DET Writing Program application is live. The deadline is Friday, November 17, 2023 at 11:59pm PST. Be sure to carefully read all application materials, following these steps to submit:

1) Read the 2024 FAQs

2) Read the Application Instructions

3) Complete the online application

Please visit our new CTDI website, https://sites.disney.com/ctdi/application/ , for application information and to apply!

07/11/2023

REMINDER, Writers! The deadline to apply to the 2024 DET Writing Program is Friday, November 17, 2023. Don't delay! Apply today by visiting our website: https://sites.disney.com/ctdi/application/

WRITERS: Apply now! The 2024 DET Writing Program application is live. The deadline is Friday, November 17, 2023 at 11:59pm PST. Be sure to carefully read all application materials, following these steps to submit:

1) Read the 2024 FAQs

2) Read the Application Instructions

3) Complete the online application

Please visit our new CTDI website, https://sites.disney.com/ctdi/application/ , for application information and to apply!

24/10/2023

Exciting news: We’re working with FX to launch the FX Singleton Scholars, in honor of the acclaimed producer/director John Singleton. This initiative creates a dedicated position within the DET Writing and Directing Programs for creatives pursuing their first staff writing and episodic directing credits on an FX series. Please check our 2024 Application Instructions and FAQs for more info and to opt-in for consideration!

EXCLUSIVE: Applications are now being accepted for Disney Entertainment Television’s 2024 Writing Program. Now in its 34th year, the one-year writing program helps emerging, diverse writers secure …

24/10/2023

WRITERS: Apply now! The 2024 DET Writing Program application is live. The deadline is Friday, November 17, 2023 at 11:59pm PST. Be sure to carefully read all application materials, following these steps to submit:

1) Read the 2024 FAQs

2) Read the Application Instructions

3) Complete the online application

Please visit our new CTDI website, https://sites.disney.com/ctdi/application/ , for application information and to apply!

20/10/2023

We're excited! Our 2024 DET Writing Program applications go live on Tuesday, October 24, 2023! Stayed tuned for detailed application instructions and FAQs soon!

19/10/2023

We're excited to share that 2023 Disney Program Writer, Heidi-Marie Ferren, has staffed on season 7 of ABC/ABC Signature's STATION 19! Heidi is an award-winning Cherokee/Sioux-Polish-American writer, actor and producer who originally hails from Arkansas and Texas. Her original pilots and screenplays have garnered awards and recognition from over 20 film festivals and competitions. She recently served as a Showrunner’s Assistant/Writer under Showrunner/Creator Jim O’Doherty (THIRD ROCK FROM THE SUN, GROUNDED FOR LIFE), developing two new comedy series and a feature. After graduating from SMU and the University of Delaware with a BFA and MFA respectively, Heidi moved to NYC to serve our Armed Forces as the last and longest reigning Miss USO, performing and speaking across the globe as an ambassador and steward of gratitude. She performed for 4 U.S. Presidents and in over 1,000 venues including CitiField and Madison Square Garden. She is the first Indigenous Woman to hold that title since its inception. Heidi pulls from her own experiences – love, loss and trauma alike – to craft characters and worlds brimming with heart and humanity. Three cheers, Heidi!

17/10/2023

Congratulations to 2023 DET Unscripted Program Director Kerry Clemens, who will direct a segment on the upcoming season of ABC's DANCING WITH THE STARS! Kerry will be mentored by long-serving DWTS lead director, Phil Heyes. The daughter of El Savadorian, Irish and Italian immigrants, Kerry has spent the past 25+ years working as a camera operator, camera utility worker, camera operator, field producer, and photographer. She graduated from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, and pursued acting for 15 years before transitioning behind the camera. Kerry's eclectic experiences in unscripted production include working in jungles and forests, chasing bad guys, and hobnobbing with A-list stars on the Oscar's main stage. Kerry has worked in live TV, live events, talk shows, and game shows, including AMERICA'S GOT TALENT, THE VOICE, THE TALK, HAIRSPRAY LIVE (where she earned an Emmy for her camera utility work), AMERICAN IDOL, and THE ACADEMY AWARDS, among many other series and productions. She can't wait to make the leap to unscripted segment directing via this program. Kudos, Kerry!

13/10/2023

Big congratulations to 2023 Disney Program Writer, Kevin Ramlal, who has been staffed on season 2 of ABC/20th’s NOT DEAD YET! A Canadian-born, Texas-raised South Asian with roots in Trinidad as well as Tanzania, Kevin was raised with multiple cultural influences and his writing focuses on themes of identity – always with a comedic slant! He was the Writers’ Assistant and Script Coordinator for THE SANTA CLAUSES on Disney+, and Kal Penn’s assistant on Freeform’s KAL PENN APPROVES THIS MESSAGE and Comedy Central’s HOT MESS HOLIDAY. Before this, he was a literary manager’s assistant at Underground, and freelanced in commercial production and post-production, specializing in music videos and short form content. Kevin received his BFA in Film & Television Production from the University of Southern California. His original writing/content have received recognition from Blacklist’s CAPE List, Giant Leap Accelerator, Slamdance, and the Nashville Film Festival. Keep up the great work, Kevin!

11/10/2023

Congratulations to 2023 DET Unscripted Program Director Rachel Shimko, who will direct a segment on the upcoming season of ABC's THE BACHELOR! Rachel will also shadow on ABC's SHARK TANK, and will be mentored directly by long-serving BACHELOR franchise and SHARK TANK lead director, Ken Fuchs. Rachel is an Assistant Director who has built her career working closely with directors to bring their visions to life on set. She has served on unscripted series such as HELL'S KITCHEN and GREAT AMERICAN FOOD TRUCK RACE as 1st and 2nd AD, and was the Lead Stage Manager for THE BIG BRUNCH and two seasons of FULL BLOOM. In addition to her unscripted work, Rachel has been the AD on many music videos, commercials, and narrative feature films. Her interest in and drive to create unscripted television is deeply inspired by her passion for exploration and desire to share perspectives from different walks of life. She's excited to transition to unscripted segment directing via this program. Way to go, Rachel!

11/10/2023

For the first time ever, the Disney Entertainment Television Directing Program is diving into unscripted TV. Emerging directors are mentored by top unscripted directors and get to direct a segment on one of ABC's hit unscripted shows. Meet the fresh faces in the director's chair: https://deadline.com/2023/10/disney-unscripted-directing-program-1235569359/ Catch their episodes of and soon!

Disney Entertainment Television is expanding its Directing Program into the unscripted genre for the first time, selecting two directors for its inaugural run. The program will offer emerging direc…

10/10/2023

Attention, Writers! We will begin accepting applications for the 2024 DET Writing Program soon. Please stay tuned for updates, including detailed Instructions and FAQs for applying.

10/07/2023

Our 2023-24 Disney Directing Program Applications have closed! Thank you to all who applied!

05/07/2023

Breaking News! We’re extending the deadline to apply to our 2023-24 Disney Directing Program to Monday, July 10th at 9:00am. Don’t delay – APPLY NOW!

1) Read the 2023-24 FAQs: http://bit.ly/de-dpfaqs-2023-24
2) Read the Application Instructions: http://bit.ly/de-dpinstructions-2023-24
3) Complete the online application: http://bit.ly/de-dpapp-2023-24

REMINDER: You will NOT need to visit our website as all application materials for the 2023-24 DE Directing Program are available through our page.

26/06/2023

Friendly Reminder, Directors! The deadline to apply to the 2023-24 DE Directing Program application is fast approaching! To avoid any technical complications, please be sure to submit your application well in advance of the deadline, which is Monday, July 3rd, 2023 at 11:59p.m. PST!

The 2023-24 DE Directing Program application is live! The deadline is July 3rd, 2023 at 11:59p.m. PST!

We've updated the application process, so be sure to carefully read all application materials, following these steps to submit:

1) Read the 2023-24 FAQs: http://bit.ly/de-dpfaqs-2023-24

2) Read the Application Instructions: http://bit.ly/de-dpinstructions-2023-24

3) Complete the online application: http://bit.ly/de-dpapp-2023-24

REMINDER: You will NOT need to visit our website as all application materials for the 2023-24 DE Directing Program are available through our page.

12/06/2023

The 2023-24 DE Directing Program application is live! The deadline is July 3rd, 2023 at 11:59p.m. PST!

We've updated the application process, so be sure to carefully read all application materials, following these steps to submit:

1) Read the 2023-24 FAQs: http://bit.ly/de-dpfaqs-2023-24

2) Read the Application Instructions: http://bit.ly/de-dpinstructions-2023-24

3) Complete the online application: http://bit.ly/de-dpapp-2023-24

REMINDER: You will NOT need to visit our website as all application materials for the 2023-24 DE Directing Program are available through our page.

30/05/2023

Our 2023-24 DE Directing Program applications go live on Monday, June 12th! We've updated the application process, so be sure to carefully read all application materials, following these steps to submit:

1) Read the 2023-24 FAQs: http://bit.ly/de-dpfaqs-2023-24
2) Read the Application Instructions: http://bit.ly/de-dpinstructions-2023-24
3) Complete the online application: Opening Monday, June 12th

REMINDER: You will NOT need to visit our website as all application materials for the 2023-24 DE Directing Program are available through our page.

24/05/2023

Attention, Directors! Submissions for the 2023-24 DE Directing Program will open on June 12th! This year, we anticipate potential opportunities in scripted primetime, scripted daytime, and unscripted programming! Stay tuned for more details, including FAQs and specific information, next week!

11/05/2023

We're happy to finally announce that 2023 Disney Program Writer Nikki Kashani has staffed on Season 1 of Onyx/Hulu/20th TV’s DELI BOYS! A first-generation Iranian-American writer from Northern California, Nikki graduated from the School of Cinematic Arts at USC. She was a Writers’ PA on HBO’s WATCHMEN, Writers’ Assistant on the YouTube Red series LIZA ON DEMAND, and Showrunner’s Assistant on the Amazon thriller THE TERMINAL LIST. Nikki was also an in-house writing assistant for The Russo Brothers’ AGBO, reporting directly to the two co-presidents. Her writing strives to elevate Middle Eastern narratives in TV and film, and she welcomes audiences to laugh alongside her as she navigates what it means to be first gen in all its confusing glory. Keep up the great work, Nikki!

03/05/2023

We are postponing our 2024 DE Writing Program application period until further notice. Please check back for more information and new dates to apply…soon!

27/04/2023

Kudos to 2023 Disney Program Writer, Yaou Dou, for staffing on season 7 of ABC/ABC Signature’s THE GOOD DOCTOR! A first-generation Chinese immigrant, Yaou was born in Germany and raised in Florida. He was recently the Writers’ Assistant on HBO Max’s DUNE: THE SISTERHOOD, and was previously an assistant at Phantom Four and CAA. An alum of UC Berkeley, where he studied Political Economy, Yaou was slated to begin work at the U.S. State Department’s Sydney Consulate. A failed security clearance led to his unplanned wandering of the Australian outback, spawning a lifelong love of camping and curating a wardrobe that consists only of hiking shirts and shorts. Yaou enjoys telling stories that center around layered, motivated outsiders navigating complex worlds. Way to go, Yaou!

24/04/2023

We're excited! Our 2024 DE Writing Program applications go live on Monday, May 8, 2023! We've updated the application process, so be sure to carefully read all application materials, following these steps to submit:
1) Read the 2024 FAQs: http://bit.ly/2024-DE-WP-FAQ
2) Read the Application Instructions: http://bit.ly/2024-DE-WP-Instructions
3) Complete the online application: Opening May 8
REMINDER: You will NOT need to visit our website, as all application materials for the 2024 DE Writing Program are available through our page.

17/04/2023

We’re excited to finally announce that 2023 Disney Program Writer, Dallas Rico, has staffed on Season 2 of Onyx/Hulu/ABC Signature’s Reasonable Doubt ! Originally from Dallas, TX, Dallas graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Film & Television. He spent several years as a high school Spanish teacher in Los Angeles and New York City while honing his voice as a writer. Last year, Dallas sold his drama pilot, LESSONS, to NBC. Previously, he was a member of the writers’ room support staff on the Lena Dunham-produced HBO Max series, GENERATION, and later on the final season of the CBS show, BULL. In 2019, Dallas won the WeScreenplay Diverse Voices competition. From 2020 to 2022, Dallas served as an assistant to a showrunner. Moving nimbly between comedy and drama, Dallas' work celebrates Black, q***r, and blerd culture while challenging traditional ideas of masculinity. Many congratulations, Dallas!

12/04/2023

Attention, Writers! We will begin accepting applications for the 2024 DE Writing Program soon. Please stay tuned for updates, including detailed Instructions and FAQs for applying.

28/03/2023

28/03/2023

Great job, TK!

When tonight’s episode of The Rookie premieres on ABC, it will be a special milestone for episode director and industry veteran TK Shom. It …Read More

22/02/2023

Three cheers for 2023 DGE Program Writer Morgan Grain, who has staffed on Season 2 of Hulu/20th’s TELL ME LIES. A graduate of both Florida A&M and New York University, Morgan began her career in journalism, becoming a freelance culture and entertainment writer for Essence Magazine, Harlem World Magazine, PAPERMAG.com, and Huffington Post Black Voices, among other outlets. Prior to becoming the Writers’ Assistant for Hulu/ABC Signature’s REASONABLE DOUBT and HBO’s SULA, Morgan worked in film and television development and production on films and series like TRAFFIK for Lionsgate and WORK IT for Netflix, as well as MTV’s SCREAM. She also wrote, produced and directed her own original short films, one of which (GIRL’S NIGHT IN) premiered at California Women’s Film Festival in early 2022. Morgan’s work explores the complexity and nuance of black womanhood through the interior lives and interpersonal relationships of characters. Many congratulations, Morgan!

15/02/2023

Congratulations to 2023 DGE Program Writer Amanda Mortlock, who has staffed on Season 1 of THE NEVER GAME (CBS/20th TV)! Hailing from Singapore, Amanda is a former line producer and UPM who’s worked for Hulu, Go90, Netflix, Nickelodeon, Snapchat and Youtube Originals, including Michelle Obama’s WAFFLES + MOCHI and TAB TIME starring Tabitha Brown. Prior to working in physical production, Amanda was Director of Development for the comic book publisher RADICAL STUDIOS. Amanda was the Season 2 Writers’ Assistant on the BET+ series SACRIFICE and co-wrote an episode. She’s excited to join the writers room for THE NEVER GAME. Way to go, Amanda!

10/01/2023

We're excited to announce our 2023 DGE Writing Program cohort! Congratulations to these talented writers. We look forward to working with them this year!

EXCLUSIVE: Disney General Entertainment has selected 13 participants for its 2023 Writing Program. The one-year writing initiative, formerly known as the Disney|ABC Writing Program and the Walt Dis…

04/01/2023

Congratulations to 2022-23 DGE Program Director, Keisha Stewart, who will be directing an episode of Disney Channel's BUNK'D. An Emmy-nominated costume designer in the film & television industry, Keisha hails from Columbia, SC. She studied at Augusta College and the Otis College of Art and Design, and began her entertainment industry career working as a costume and wardrobe PA on shorts and independent films. She's since worked on NETFLIX's ALEXA AND KATIE, FAMILY REUNION, and Disney's BUNK'D. Over the past decade, Keisha has had the chance to shadow many veteran multi-cam television directors. Keisha recently shot her first short film and is excited to transition into episodic directing. As she continues her journey in the industry, her love for storytelling and directing grows. We're excited to see what Keisha will bring to the new season of BUNK'D!