FUSION issues Open Call for scripted and unscripted projects from young and diverse creative talent

The Creative Board of FUSION, the cable network of Fusion Media Group (FMG), announced an open call for scripted and unscripted television projects. This initiative builds on the commitment by FUSION and its Creative Board to generate new opportunities for young storytellers who span different ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, genders and religions. The open call is aimed at helping to level the playing field for underrepresented creative talent, with or without agency representation, who want to tell stories that are otherwise going unheard.

Submissions, which are being accepted on a rolling basis, should center around stories that speak to the interests and issues that matter to America’s diverse youth—reflecting their curiosity, sharpness, and passion. Selected submissions will receive funded development deals with the network. Interested writers, filmmakers, and producers can submit pitches at FUSION.net/Submissions.

The Creative Board, which plays a key role in FUSION’s content development process, is comprised of a cross-section of marquee talent—actors, filmmakers, academics, and musicians—to help the network identify the next generation of creators and build a pipeline of diverse talent to engage and work with on future projects. The Creative Board is led by Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. with founding members including Viola Davis, Ezra Edelman, Jodie Foster, Meryl Streep and Residente (aka René Perez Joglar). The founding Board members have collectively been recognized with 7 Academy Awards, 9 Emmys and 25 Grammy Awards among other prestigious honors. The Creative Board was formed in May 2017, more info here.

“Addressing the issue of representation in media starts with identifying and investing in a pipeline of talent who represent the diversity that makes this country great. Then we need to provide them with opportunities where they can color outside the lines and think beyond the usual script,” said Gates, who serves as chair of the Creative Board. “We hope our open call helps break down some of the institutional barriers to entry for young, diverse storytellers.”

“Fusion Media Group is dedicated to serving young, diverse audiences with content that speaks to their passions and shared values,” said Felipe Holguin, President and COO of Fusion Media Group. “The FUSION Creative Board’s Open-Call Initiative is an exciting and impactful demonstration of our organization’s commitment. We look forward to seeing great, original stories from talented creators on the FUSION network.”

“FUSION programming is about celebrating perspectives, raising voices, and showcasing passions through authentic, entertaining storytelling,” said Daniel Eilemberg, President and Chief Content Officer of FUSION. There’s no better way to tell those stories than to engage with creators who are living them and we’re thrilled by the FUSION Creative Board’s Initiative to bring those creators to our network.”