Telemundo extends deadline to apply for ‘Taller Telemundo: Escritores’.

Telemundo announced it has extended the deadline to apply for the second installment of its successful writer’s workshop “Taller Telemundo: Escritores.” Originally conceived by Telemundo President, Don Browne, this year’s “Taller Telemundo: Escritores,” will offer a curriculum that specifically prepares and retains Hispanic writers interested in writing fiction (drama and comedy) for television and Telemundo’s growing digital media platform. The application process has been extended until April 23, 2006.

This year, the program will select up to 20 prospective students from qualified applicants to participate in a highly competitive 6-month instructional program in Miami, Florida. Later this year, another group of 20 may be selected to participate in Los Angeles, CA. There will not be a separate application process for the Los Angeles program.

For more information on “Taller Telemundo: Escritores 2006,” please visit www.tallertelemundo.com.

In line with its mission to create high-quality original content to reflect, inspire, and empower Hispanics in the U.S., Telemundo saw the need for creating a program that could recruit, train, and retain the next generation of Hispanic writers. Under Don Browne’s leadership, the first run of “Taller Telemundo: Escritores” produced 14 graduates which came from a pool of nearly 4,400 applicants who represented over 35 states, 26 countries and a wide variety of backgrounds including college students, journalists, housewives, waiters, truck drivers, and clergy. Eight of these students are now employed at Telemundo with another 3 students working on a freelance basis. Graduating student Erick Hernandez received a special honor this past December: a Book Award given jointly by Telemundo and Atria Books-an imprint of Simon & Schuster launched its Latino-Hispanic line in February 2006-to write a book based on one of Telemundo’s hit telenovelas. Hernandez, a Cuban immigrant with a compelling personal story, emerged as one of the most dedicated and hard-working students in the program.

“Taller Telemundo: Escritores 2006” is open to Telemundo, NBC Universal and GE employees who are not currently employed as writers at Telemundo, students of all educational institutions of higher learning, and the general public who possess the requisite writing skills and a passion for Spanish-language television. The program will provide selected students with tuition, books, and other classroom materials and program benefits, at no cost.