EXCLUSIVE: The Writers Guild Foundation announced the 18 participants for the 2025 Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program on Tuesday morning.
Those selected to participate are: Aaron Ruttenberg, Alley Turner, A.R. Gamble, Bryce Marrero, Chloe Samillano, Colin Rothamel, Eleanor Cho, Jess Kim, Joey Lattarulo, Kadi Diallo, Kayla Yumi Lewis, Kyle Alexander, Manda K. Skelton, Mendel Bain, Puja Maewal, Rio Contrada, Rubén Mendive, and Tiffany McDonald.
According to the foundation, the 12-week program had a 1% admission rate this year. Applications were reviewed by a committee of more than 55 television creators, executive producers, showrunners, and writers.
“Last year was challenging, to say the least,” program co-founder and WGF Board Member Mike Royce said in a statement. “And it made us even more determined to keep providing underrepresented writers with training to be a writers’ assistant and script coordinator – crucial positions that even in a tough job market can spark opportunities for staffing. If you’re a showrunner and/or show creator in need of a WA or SC, look no further than this list of incredibly capable and well-trained graduates.”
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This year’s Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program begins in January and will be taught by Debbie Ezer (Based On A True Story) and Clay Lapari (Wonder Man).
Founded in partnership with Tanya Saracho (Vida), Mike Royce (One Day at a Time) and Liz Hsiao Lan Alper (Day of the Dead), the program aims to provide writers who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, writers with disabilities, and writers over the age of 50, with tools and education to become writing support staff.
Since launching in 2021, graduates have been hired on shows across essentially every major studio including Netflix, Warner Bros, Hulu, Amazon, NBCUniversal, Paramount+, Showtime, Sony Pictures, CBS, Disney+, Apple TV+, BET, The CW, and Peacock.
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