The RISE Experience

RISE empowers mid-career creatives to develop and produce commercial film and television that reflects our multicultural society — driving narrative and systemic change through cultural impact.

Our transformative year-long fellowship offers unparalleled access to key economic, creative, and business resources.  Through tailored sessions and workshops led by top industry leaders, Fellows gain the tools, confidence, and network to bring viable, original commercial projects to life — and to market.

The RISE Fellowship

12 month program

Living stipend

Guest speakers & mentors

Market-ready
spec script & pitch

"Writers-Room"
Brain Trust approach

Creative campus

RISE GUEST SPEAKERS & MENTORS

Jessica Gao
Jessica Gao
Jon M. Chu
Jon M. Chu
Mark Goffman
Mark Goffman
Danny Chun
Danny Chun
Marti Noxon
Marti Noxon
Kay Oyegun
Kay Oyegun
Tanya Saracho
Tanya Saracho
Dana Fox
Dana Fox
Chris Weitz
Chris Weitz
Sanjay Shah
Sanjay Shah
Angela Robinson
Angela Robinson
April Shih
April Shih
Charlotte Koh
Charlotte Koh
Owen Smith
Owen Smith
Andrew Cohen
Andrew Cohen
Jeff Loveness
Jeff Loveness
Dave Callaham
Dave Callaham
Eric Garcia
Eric Garcia
Jason Blum
Jason Blum
Ava DuVernay
Ava DuVernay
Robert Rodriguez
Robert Rodriguez
Joe Robert Cole
Joe Robert Cole
Luvh Rakhe
Luvh Rakhe
Kemp Powers
Kemp Powers
Robin Swicord
Robin Swicord
Adele Lim
Adele Lim
Amanda Idoko
Amanda Idoko
Destin Daniel Cretton
Destin Daniel Cretton
Doug Jung
Doug Jung
Leo Chu
Leo Chu
Monica Breen
Monica Breen
Phil Lord
Phil Lord

Jamie Babbit

Jason Blum

Monica Breen

Dave Callaham

Jon M. Chu

Leo Chu

Danny Chun

Andrew Cohen

Joe Robert Cole

Destin Daniel Cretton

Ava DuVernay

Sam Esmail

Dana Fox

Jessica Gao

Eric Garcia

Mark Goffman

Jessica Goldberg

Amanda Idoko

Doug Jung

Charlotte Koh

Adele Lim

Phil Lord

Jeff Loveness

Marti Noxon

Kay Oyegun

Kemp Powers

Issa Rae

Luvh Rakhe

Angela Robinson

Robert Rodriguez

Tanya Saracho

Sanjay Shah

April Shih

Owen Smith

Robin Swicord

Chris Weitz

Graham Yost

RISE storytellers feel seen, valued, and supported

“The knowledge gained has significantly improved my writing process and script quality. My manager has noticed a maturation in my writing skills, which I attribute largely to this program.”

Y2 Circle
Y2 Circle
Writer/Producer
,

“This program enabled a mid-level creator like me not to give up but to double down and continue creating.”

Y2 Circle
Y2 Circle
Writer/Producer/Actor
,

“I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of such a supportive community at a time with so much uncertainty and constant change and course-correction in our business.”

Y1/Y2 Circle
Y1/Y2 Circle
Writer/Producer
,

“I think holistically if I could distill my experience in RISE I would say that I have both grown and become more confident as a filmmaker, through the support of a remarkable community that has made me feel less alone”

Y2 Fellow
Y2 Fellow
Writer/Director
,

“RISE has made me a better writer, a better filmmaker, and a better friend to my fellow POC creatives. With the help of fellow RISE members and the instruction of the talented folks who teach at RISE, I’ve finally found the confidence and resources to make my first feature.”

Y2 Circle
Y2 Circle
Writer/Director
,

“It’s hard to put into words just how impactful RISE has been for us. Skills that we always believed were our strengths, were validated. And in the areas where we struggled, we came out stronger and more confident.”

Y2 Fellows
Y2 Fellows
Writer/Director Duo
,

“I’ve gotten incredibly valuable feedback on other scripts and my short film in progress, all of which is improving my skills and the quality of my work.”

Y2 Circle
Y2 Circle
Writer/Director
,

“Everything was beyond exceptional for me in how rigorous and transformational the program was. It was a home that nurtured and challenged me and provided an artistic family like no other. I’ve done a number of programs and RISE was the best of them.”

Y2 Fellow
Y2 Fellow
Writer/Director
,

“I was blown away by the community, the staff, the incredible line up of speakers and instructors, the opportunities and educational courses, and the love and care RISE puts into the program.”

Y2 Circle
Y2 Circle
Writer/Director
,
OUR PROGRAM

Rideback RISE keeps its eye on the
business of storytelling

Creative

During ‘Braintrusts’—structured feedback loop sessions, each filmmaker refines their project to a market-ready package and pitch. The monthly collaborative trusts function as a writers’ room and are facilitated by renowned showrunners and screenwriters.

Commerce

RISE creators are armed with the tools necessary to turbocharge their creative work and to grow their industry network. Marketplace sessions focus on developing a range of vital skills, including producing, financing, marketing/PR, and deal-making from business leaders.

Leadership

Our holistic approach incorporates personal empowerment and leadership development. Fellows have the unique opportunity to receive monthly mentorship and personalized guidance from leading creatives and business experts.