They’re cultivating diverse pipelines of creators within the entertainment industry.
According to Deadline, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios is set to make an impact with the launch of The Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios Storytellers Lab, an initiative aimed at building partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This visionary program seeks to close the gap between untapped talent and industry leaders.
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The Storytellers Lab is a nine-month immersive experience, designed to empower BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students with the skills and insights needed to become the next generation of content creators. Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios, in collaboration with Paramount’s Content for Change global initiative, will provide participating students access to mentorship and masterclasses with leaders across Paramount Global. Additionally, students will gain insider access to tried-and-true creative processes involved in content development.
As the program unfolds, the Storytellers Lab aims to showcase its impact through the development of a social media spot, to be featured on MTV Entertainment Studios’ digital platforms. This approach ensures that the voices and narratives developed through the program reach a broad audience, amplifying the diverse perspectives emerging from the HBCUs.
The inaugural class of the Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios Storytellers Lab includes 12 HBCUs, including Alabama State University, Cheyney University, Chicago State University, Clark Atlanta University, Claflin University, Fisk University, Florida A&M University, Lincoln University, Morehouse University, Savannah State University, Spelman College, and Tennessee State University.
Ti-Shea Meadows, VP of Operations, Channel Planning and Culture at SHO/MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks and Head of the Storytellers Lab, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s potential impact. “This first-of-its-kind program builds upon our existing relationship with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, underscoring our steadfast commitment to fostering diverse talent and amplifying underrepresented voices to create meaningful pathways for the next generation of storytellers.”
Beyond being a program, the Showtime/MTV Entertainment Storytellers Lab serves as a catalyst for change. National events on participating campuses are set to roll out in the spring, creating a dynamic platform for engagement. Follow #StorytellersLab on social media platforms to stay updated and witness the transformative journey of these budding storytellers.
Cover photo: Showtime & MTV Studios Launch New HBCU Partnership For Emerging Creators / Photo Credit: Olesiabilkei/Getty Images