Our global Writing Program is one of the best in the biz. Consider the facts: alum have gone on to create their own Nickelodeon shows and write for all sorts of TV series and films. While in the Program, writers meet our series creators, work in writers’ rooms, and receive hands-on experience writing spec scripts and pitching story ideas in both live action and animated television. Basically, they write a lot and do cool things, all while being provided a salary!
There are two creative avenues to pursue: the General Track (12-months) and the Preschool Track (6-months). The Preschool Track was created to develop writers specifically interested in writing and/or creating shows for the preschool demographic. You bring the smart, funny, engaging stories and characters, and we’ll help you bring the preschool.
HOW TO APPLY
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.
STEP 1 – PICK A TRACK
GENERAL TRACK
The Nickelodeon Writing Program offers emerging television writers from around the world a paid opportunity to develop their craft and launch their careers.
While in the Program, writers hone their skills, build a professional network and gain real-world experience in writers’ rooms for our critically acclaimed live-action and animated shows. The General Track is a 12-month commitment.
Your submission must include a spec script based on a show from the General track's Accepted Shows List (see Step 3).
PRESCHOOL TRACK
Introducing our new PRESCHOOL WRITING TRACK. 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 the same talent development opportunities with a focus on Nick Jr. content. The Preschool Track is a 6-month commitment.
Your submission must include a spec script based on a show from the Preschool track's Accepted Shows List (see Step 3).
STEP 2 – SCRIPT GUIDELINES
All applicants must submit a Spec Script that adheres to the following guidelines:
- Must be based on a television series from the Accepted Shows List for either General or Preschool Track
- Typed in standard Final Draft (or equivalent) script format
- In black type
- In 12pt courier style font
- Do not upload a cover page with your script.
The following information should be included in the header/footer of your spec script (it is OK if it appears on all pages):
- Name of the show (center of the header)
- Title of the episode (center of the footer)
- Do not put your name anywhere on the script.
THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED:
Feature-length screenplays, hour-long dramas, reality-based comedies or dramas, pilots, treatments, outlines, plays, short stories, books, graphics, magazine/newspaper articles, poems, headshots, audio/video tapes, or other digital media.
Please note: Submissions that do not adhere to these guidelines will not be considered.
STEP 3 – PICK A TRACK, THEN PICK A SHOW!
See list of shows here.
STEP 4 – SUBMISSION MATERIALS TO INCLUDE
- Completed and digitally signed application
- One spec script in pdf format (this applies to both individual writers and writing teams)
- One-page resume in pdf format
- Short biography (500 words or less)
- Two essay questions (each 50 words or less)
- Completed and digitally signed Submission Release form and Schedule A
COMPLETE ONLINE APPLICATION
Beginning January 2nd, you can start your application for the Nickelodeon Writing Program by clicking here: {NickWriting}
Submissions must be uploaded by midnight (PST) on January 31st.
All submission materials should be completed and uploaded to the Nickelodeon online submission portal. Once inside the portal, you will need to create a FluidReview login and password to set-up your own user account.
For U.S. writing team applicants (General track ONLY): If you are part of a writing team, each partner must create their own FluidReview user account through the Nickelodeon online submission portal. One writer will create his/her account first and “invite” their writing partner to join the writing team. Both writers will have to fill out a separate online application, submit his/her own resume and bio as well as digitally sign the Submission Release form and Schedule A. Only the first writing partner will upload the script.
We recommend that you give yourself plenty of time to complete the online submission process. Don't wait until the last minute! We advise that you give yourself at least two weeks prior to the January 31st deadline to complete your submission.
If you are experiencing problems with the online application, please contact the technical support team by clicking the "Help" link in the upper right hand corner of your FluidReview user account page.
Thank you for applying to the Nickelodeon Writing Program.
Good luck!