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The Nick Writing Program is one of the best in the biz. While in the Program, writers get paid full-time while they polish their comedy chops, network with our series creators and studio executives, work in writers’ rooms, and receive hands-on experience writing scripts and pitching ideas for both live-action and animated television. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dedicate yourself to the craft of writing and build your career from the ground up.
Consider the facts: Dozens of our alumni have gone on to amazing careers as television Staff Writers, Executive Producers, and show Creators at Nickelodeon and beyond, and you could too!
The Nick Writing Program is not a writing contest – It’s a launching pad for diverse and emerging creatives. Come spend a year with us at the studio in Burbank, CA. If you bring the drive, the unique voice, and the engaging ideas, we’ll give you the tools you need to succeed in the industry for years to come.
Please note: notification dates are subject to change.
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Submission period closes at 11:59pm (PST) on August 1st
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Semi-finalists will be notified by the end of October
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Finalists will be notified by mid-November
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Chosen writers will be notified by the beginning of December
You must be 18 years or older to participate. If you have previously applied to the Program and were not selected, you are welcome and encouraged to apply again. However, you must submit a different spec script for each new submission period.
Your submission must include a spec script based on a show from the Accepted Shows List (see Step 3) and an original comedy pilot.
If you’re interested in writing for an audience who’s smart, funny, and likes to laugh and play this is the opportunity for you!
The Preschool track offers talent development opportunities with a focus on Nick Jr. content. The Preschool Track is a full-time 6-month commitment.
Your submission must include a spec script based on a show from the Accepted Shows List (see Step 3) and an original comedy pilot.
All applicants must submit a spec script and an original comedy pilot that adheres to the following guidelines:
Please note: Submissions that do not adhere to these guidelines will not be considered.
Beginning July 1st, you can start your application for the Nickelodeon Writing Program by clicking here: {NickWriting}
Submissions must be uploaded by midnight (PST) on AUGUST 1st.
Thank you for applying to the Nickelodeon Writing Program.
Good luck!
You must be 18 years or older to be considered for the Program.
Yes, the Program is a full-time position for up to 1 year; however, employment is on an “at-will” basis. Due to the intensive nature of the Program, you may not hold other employment or be enrolled in school on a full-time basis during the Program period, if it will interfere with any aspect of your time commitment to the Program.
Although professional writing experience is not necessary (i.e. having worked as a writer), a strong writing background is encouraged.
Yes, all Viacom employees are eligible to apply for the Program.
The submission period will open on July 1st and runs through midnight (PST) on August 1st.
You should submit your application through Nickelodeon’s online submission portal which you can link to in the "Apply Online" section. Once inside the portal, you will need to create a Coverfly log-in and password to set-up your own user account.
Once your online application has been completed and all of the requirements on the checklist have been uploaded, you will receive an email confirming that your application was successfully submitted for review.
No. Spec scripts can only be for half-hour comedic television series (please see "How o Apply" for the Accepted Shows List). Feature length specs will not be accepted.
No, all spec scripts must be based on half-hour comedies that are on air and currently being produced for primetime network, cable, Netflix, Hulu, or some other digital provider. Please refer to our Accepted Shows List in the "How To Apply" section of the website.
No – an applicant may NOT submit more than one spec.
No, your spec script is not required to be of a Nickelodeon show, nor does it need to be kid-friendly. As the Submission Guidelines state, your spec script should be based on any half hour comedy that is on our Accepted Shows List.
Yes. Scripts MUST BE TYPED and presented in the standard, industry-accepted format for sitcoms. Handwritten submissions will not be reviewed. Should you have questions about which formats are acceptable, there are publications as well as many additional online resources available. The computer program “Final Draft” is also a great aid in assisting in formatting your script. <br /> Please do not include a cover page. Make sure to number each page, and have the show name in the center of the header, and the title of the episode in the center of the footer. Scripts must be uploaded in pdf format.
The standard length for a half hour live action single camera comedy is, on average, 35 pages. The standard length for a half hour live action multi-camera comedy is 45 pages.
Unfortunately, for legal reasons, we are unable to provide you with any network materials.
The Nick Writing Program is completely based on writing in both animation and live-action. There are no drawing requirements as part of the submission process as writing is the focus of our Program. You will not be able to upload your resume reel nor should you include any storyboards.
No, we are a writing-focused program. We do not need headshots or an acting resume. If any such materials are uploaded in any part of your application your submission will be disqualified.
Yes. As a part of the review process, all applicants must submit a professional resume and an autobiographical summary. Applications that do not include both of these items will not be considered complete and you will not be able to submit online.
Due to the high volume of submissions to our Program, we are unable to provide you with such feedback.
It varies, but we can accept up to four per year for General Track. The Preschool track will only accept up to one writer.
Writers begin the Program in January.
The Program takes place at Nickelodeon Studios in Burbank, CA. Yes, writers who are accepted will need to relocate to the LA area. Roundtrip airfare and one month’s furnished accommodations are provided. However, all transportation (once in LA) and any moving costs (of personal effects) are the individual writer’s responsibility.
No. The Preschool Track only accepts submissions from individual writers at this time.
Not at this time. The Preschool Track is only open to applicants who are currently authorized to work in the U.S.
No early education training is needed. All successful shows start with great characters and tell a good story. Once a strong foundation is built, the "educational" portion is then layered in.
Yes, you can apply to both tracks, but you must create and complete two separate applications in Coverfly. (Please note that only domestic applicants are currently eligible to apply to the Preschool Track. Writing teams may not apply to the Preschool Track.)
Why, Yes we do! We recommend the following books to help you prepare yourself for the Nick Writing Program: 1. Writing for Episodic Television: From Freelance to Showrunner by John Wirth and Jeff Melvoin 2. Small Screen, Big Picture by Chad Gervitch 3. Story by Robert McKee 4. Making a Good Script Great by Linda Seger 5. Created By...Inside the Minds of TV's Top Show Creators by Steven Priggé 6. Inside the Room by Linda Venus 7. Change Your Story Change Your Life by Jennifer Grisanti 8. Creating Unforgettable Characters by Linda Seger 9. Successful Sitcom Writing by Jurgen Wolff 10. Crafty TV Writing: Thinking Inside the Box by Alex Epstein
Your original comedy pilot can be for any audience, live-action or animated, and must be half-hour in length. It should demonstrate your unique voice as a writer, and your laugh out loud comedy writing skills. The rest is up to you.
No. The original pilot will be submitted for use as a writing sample only. Nickelodeon will not own the work, and it will not be optioned for development, purchased, or produced. It might, however, be workshopped during the program as an exercise. You will need to fill out a standard release form which will allow us to read the sample, and If you’re concerned about the intricacies/legalities, be sure to read the form carefully.