Erika Alexander, who starred as Maxine Shaw in Living Single, is partnering with WeScreenplay to bolster opportunities for underrepresented voices and marginalized people.
Alexander’s Color Farm Impact, the non-profit arm of the eponymous production company that she founded with Ben Arnon, is working with WeScreenplay Diverse Voices Labs on the program.
The partnership will offer a series of workshops, mentorship programs, and writing labs designed to empower writers from diverse backgrounds. Selected participants will have the opportunity to receive guidance from industry veterans, develop their scripts, and potentially see their projects brought to life on screen. Applications for the first round of workshops and labs will open August 15, with a kickoff event scheduled for later this year.
Alexander, who has also starred in The Cosby Show, Get Out and American Fiction, and Arnon, are behind documentary John Lewis: Good Trouble, as well as podcasts including Reparations: The Big Payback and Finding Tamika.
She said, “At a time when DEI is historically under attack, it is more important than ever that we stand tall and boldly protect the ability for all people to gain access to opportunities to share their own stories. Marginalized people, especially Black people, have shaped culture for decades. Color Farm’s partnership with the WeScreenplay Diverse Voices Labs enables us to support underrepresented voices who hold the keys to unlock a brighter tomorrow.”
“In this ever-changing market, writers and filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds need champions,” added Geoffroy Faugérolas, Senior Manager of Development for Industry Arts, WeScreenplay’s parent company. “We are thrilled to be pairing six fellows with incredible industry experts and advocates like Erika and Ben who really care about making a difference.”