Showrunner Mara Brock Akil has announced the incoming cohorts for her Writers' Colony, a three-month screenwriting residency program launching dual sessions in 2026. The summer cohort begins June 10, while the fall group starts September 2. Located in Los Angeles's West Adams neighborhood adjacent to Brock Akil's story27 Productions company, the colony positions itself as an incubator for emerging writers navigating the television and film industries.
Brock Akil, the creator behind acclaimed series including "Living Single," "Girlfriends," and "Black Lightning," has leveraged her decades of experience as both showrunner and producer to establish this educational initiative. The residency model reflects broader industry trends toward mentorship-driven programs aimed at diversifying television and film workforces. Similar colonies and fellowships, from the WGA's Writers Guild Foundation programs to independent ventures backed by established creators, have proliferated as studios and networks prioritize diverse storytelling voices.
The proximity of the Writers' Colony to story27 Productions suggests direct integration with active production development, potentially offering participants exposure to real industry workflows rather than classroom-only instruction. This structure mirrors other creator-led initiatives where established names create pipelines for emerging talent while building their own production slates.
The announcement arrives amid ongoing industry recalibration following the 2023 writers' and actors' strikes. Networks and production companies have increased investment in writer development programs, recognizing both the creative and economic value of cultivating fresh talent pools. Brock Akil's venture demonstrates how prominent showrunners are taking direct roles in shaping the next generation of television and film creators, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds seeking entry into competitive entertainment markets.