Writers Guild of America, West and Disney/ABC Announce Recipients of Writers Fellowships

Posted on November 22, 1999

Eight writers have been chosen from a field of more than 2,000 candidates to participate in the 10th year of the Walt Disney Studios/ABC Writers Fellowship Program, it was announced by John Wells, President of the Writers Guild of America, west, and by Lloyd Braun, co-chairman, ABC Entertainment Television Group. The new Fellows were feted at a reception hosted by the Writers Guild in October, and again at a Disney/ABC reception on November 17, 1999.

"The Writers Guild applauds Disney's commitment of financial resources and creative expertise to the Fellowship Program, and encourages other studios to replicate this model," said Wells in making the announcement. "The program has provided direct access to employment opportunities for writers from diverse backgrounds and we hope to see it expanded even further."

Braun noted that "Walt Disney Studios is proud to be able to continue its support of this worthwhile project. We believe in nurturing talent in all areas and the writers that have emerged from the Fellowship Program have exceeded our highest expectations."

The 1999-2000 Television and Feature Fellows are: Jonathan Dees, Ayanna Floyd, Gary Green, Heather Hach, Paul Makkos, Meghan McCarthy, Margaret Webb and Joan Weiss. The recipients submit scripts, which are read by representatives of the Television Fellowship Division, headed by Susan Leeper, Vice-President of Current Comedy Series, ABC Entertainment, and the Theatrical Fellowship Division, headed by Casey Wolfe, Creative Affairs Coordinator, Buena Vista Motion Pictures Group. The finalists are interviewed in person before the final selection takes place. For detailed information about the program or to receive an application, candidates should call the hotline at (818) 560-6894. Writers Guild of America members only should call the Guild's Employment Access Department RSVP line at (323) 782-4648.