{
  "id": 1752446,
  "title": "Starz’s #TakeTheLead Writers Program Returns for 5th Year | Exclusive",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/starzs-takethelead-writers-program-returns-for-5th-year-exclusive",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T17:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TheWrap",
    "slug": "thewrap",
    "url": "https://www.thewrap.com/media-platforms/tv/starz-takethethelead-writers-program-2026-details/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Starz's #TakeTheLead Writers' Intensive is set to return for its fifth year, according to TheWrap. This program, aimed at discovering and nurturing exceptional television writers from underrepresented communities, is accepting applications until Sept. 15 at 11 am PT. Partnering with the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) and NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA), the three-week intensive program features collaboration with industry professionals who guide participants in developing an original episodic treatment and pitch. Upon completion, writers present their pitches to Starz's creative executives, receiving valuable feedback, industry exposure, and professional connections. Diana Luna, executive director of NALIP, and Larry Laboe, executive director of NFMLA, shared their enthusiasm for the program's impact, stating that it provides opportunities for emerging writers to be recognized and to contribute to the future of television. Past participants like Lia Romeo have credited the program for helping them secure their first professional television writing job. Romeo emphasized the program's value in building confidence and providing experience in a writers' room environment.",
  "summary": "The intensive is in partnership with the National Association of Latino Independent Producers and NewFilmmakers Los Angeles The post Starz’s #TakeTheLead Writers Program Returns for 5th Year | Exclusive appeared first on TheWrap .",
  "key_points": [
    "Starz's #TakeTheLead Writers Intensive returns for 5th year",
    "Program accepts applications until Sept. 15 at 11 am PT",
    "Collaborates with NALIP and NFMLA for industry guidance"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}