Nickelodeon has chosen three writers to join its 11th annual fellowship for diverse writers.
The program offers participants hands-on writing experience on the channel’s live-action and animated programs.
This year’s participants, as described by the network, are:
- Kevin Arrieta, a graduate of New York University’s Dramatic Writing program, has only been in Los Angeles for a few months. His belief that strong characters make for good storytelling is only exemplified in his love of classic Nickelodeon programming, like Doug, Pete & Pete, Ren & Stimpy and Rocko’s Modern Life. While at NYU, Kevin took a job as a NYPD Cadet to help him pay his bills. Upon graduating, he had the opportunity to become a police officer, but he decided to follow his dream of becoming a writer.
- Kiyong Kim graduated with honors from the Massachusetts College of Art with a BFA in Illustration. While in art school, he also took several creative writing classes at Emerson College and he began to find his voice. Kiyong is an award-winning writer, director and illustrator and believes that relatable characters with an emotional conflict make for good storytelling. Kiyong is certainly committed to his craft having put in a least 1,000 writing hours this year alone. He’s excited that he gets to tell his friends that when he’s watching TV, it’s for “research”.
- Brian Stampnitsky is a Vassar graduate with a BA in Film Studies, and is a self-described “… sitcom-obsessed, comic book-loving, introspective misfit.” After college he spent four years with a sketch comedy trio in New York and grew popular enough to play shows at Caroline’s, Gotham and Stand Up NY. Brian believes that good storytelling stems from an emotional journey that the audience can relate to. Brian has a definite sense of style and humor which is reflected in his writing. On his first day in the Nick Writing Fellowship, he wore SpongeBob boxers for inspiration — now that’s commitment!
Created to broaden Nickelodeon’s outreach efforts, the fellowship is designed to attract, develop and staff new and experienced, culturally and ethnically diverse writing talent on Nickelodeon network productions. Operating in a three-phased structure, the fellowship provides a salaried position for one year, and offers first-hand experience writing spec scripts, pitching story ideas in both live-action and animation television. Fellows have the opportunity to nurture relationships with creators, network executives, line producers, head writers, show runners and story editors.
The Nickelodeon Fellowship for Diverse Writers was established in 2000 and receives well over 1,000 applications each year. The three new fellows join an alumni group of 31 who have gone on to freelance and staff positions at various networks, including Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Disney, Kids’ WB!, PBS, Cartoon Network and the CW.
