BET Networks in a partnership with writer, director, producer Tracy Oliver (First Wives Club, Girls Trip, Little) are currently seeking aspiring and emerging TV writers who are looking for the opportunity to develop an original comedy for the small screen with the return of the nationwide competition titled, “PROJECT CRE8.”
This year’s search for fresh new voices in television was announced last week during Blackhouse’s panel “Project CRE8: A Meditation on Dreaming – Alieu The Dreamer” at Sundance by Oliver and Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET Networks.BET will purchase the winning script for $25,000 and work with the winner and Oliver’s Tracy Yvonne Productions to develop a comedy series for BET Networks. Submissions for original comedy television pilots are now open and can be made through BET.com/Cre8.
“We are so thrilled to partner with BET on ‘Project CRE8’.” said Oliver in a statement. “With this contest, we look forward to discovering and cultivating brilliant new comedic voices.”
Last year BET and Paramount Players debuted the competition, thrusting contest winner Quincy Ledbetter of Brooklyn, NY into the director’s chair with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to direct his original script, “Alieu the Dreamer,” which was filmed over the summer. Release details are forthcoming.
“Project CRE8 is a reflection of BET’s ongoing commitment to create a pipeline of diverse content creators and eliminate barriers to access, allowing these young creators to do what they do best: create,” said Orlando. “It’s through our partnerships with content creators at the top of their game like Tracy Oliver and Tracy Yvonne Productions that we’re able to reach back and put the next generation of content creators on, which is one of the most fulfilling aspects of this project.”
· January 26, 2020 – Submissions Open
· March 7, 2020 – Submissions Close
· Mid-March 2020 — Top Thirty (30) Submissions announced
After the first round of judging, only the Top Thirty (30) submissions will advance to Round Two.
Round Two:
The Top 30 writers will be given seven (7) days to submit a series treatment of up to five pages.
BET and Tracy Yvonne Productions will judge the screenplays and treatments, narrowing down the Top Thirty (30) submissions to the Top Five (5) for the Final Round.
Final Round:
Pitch
The Top Five (5) finalists will pitch their concept to panel of successful TV producers, writers and executives.
Spring 2020 – Winner Announced
Source: BET.com