What is the NATPE Diversity Fellowship Program and who should apply?
Now in its fourth year, the NATPE Diversity Fellowship Program provides a small group of emerging television and video content creators of color with the next step in their career development. The Fellowship offers a series of mentoring meetings, workshops, networking and educational opportunities and kicks-off during the week of NATPE’s LATV Fest, July 8-9, 2009.

What are the benefits of the NATPE Diversity Fellowship Program?
The Fellows are afforded a unique opportunity to make valuable contacts in and gain real insight into the television industry, prepare and polish their pitches, get access to sponsors and executives. This Program is a unique experience that gives creators of content and those interested in executive level positions a clear snapshot of the television business and how to navigate through it. It is an invaluable tool that helps producers sharpen their skills and get on the inside track of one of the world’s most competitive industries.

As a Fellow, you can you expect the following from the NATPE Diversity Fellowship Program
• Registration to all LATV Fest events
• One-on-one time with a mentor
• Four nights accommodations
• Entrance to special meal functions and networking events
The Fellows are responsible for their own airfare and incidentals.

Who Supports the NATPE Diversity Fellowship Program?
The NATPE Diversity Fellowship Program has grown from six fellows in 2006 to 20 in 2008. This growth is due largely to the support of industry organizations including the Walter Kaitz Foundation, NAMME, NALIP and CAAM. The Walter Kaitz Foundation advocates for diversity in the cable telecommunications industry by supporting people and programs that make a difference. Through their efforts The Kaitz Foundation has connected us with cable industry sponsors like BET, ESPN, Scripps and Style Network. Last year, long time NATPE supporter Dick Lippin and the Lippin Family Trust provided the seed money that allowed what had been a week long fellowship each summer during the LATV Fest into a year round mentoring and career growth opportunity with a project manager and two mentors.

How are the Diversity Fellows Chosen?
The Fellows are chosen through an application submission. The selection process is made by a panel that includes executives from spnonsoring companies and supporting organizations.

Submit your application before the April 28, 2009 deadline
Click here for more details and application information.
For questions, please contact Mildred Lewis at MiLewis915@... or 310-453-4440.

Important Dates:
Application Deadline: April 28, 2009
Selected Fellows Notified by: May 26, 2009
Diversity Fellowship Program: July 7- 9, 2009
LATV Fest: July 8-9, 2009
Hyatt Regency Century Plaza
Century City, California

Chris Rose
The 2008 NATPE Diversity Fellowship was a remarkable experience for me. The workshops and seminars were all top-rate and meeting and networking with some of the top names in the industry was tremendous.

Nathan Kitada
Director, 5432 Films
As a working producer of online content, I found the NATPE Diversity Fellowship incredibly helpful. The support provided by NATPE also contributed to the positive experience-- we felt as if we were an important part of a larger organization, not an afterthought. As a result of my fellowship, I landed two development deals. I’ve participated in other diversity training programs, and NATPE’s was the most supportive and influential on my current work.

Micaela Choo
The NATPE Diversity Fellowship taught me so much about Hollywood. I learned how to present myself, position my company and navigate the art of setting up pitch meetings. The advice our mentors gave us was current, valuable and insightful.

A unique opportunity for one independent filmmaker to win a professionally-produced marketing package, including a trailer, a poster, and a website. Feature-length narrative and documentary films at the festival submission phase are eligible, as long as they don't yet have television or theatrical deals.

This package (valued at $100,000) is being provided by Crew Creative, the award-winning marketing agency that worked on "Shortbus" and "Jesus Camp," as well as "The Dark Knight" and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall."

Deadline: April 20, 2009

Learn more and apply at: http://www.crewcreative.com/crewlabs/index.php