Our Program Structure

The RISE Fellowship identifies an annual cohort of Fellows who are supported financially and creatively to make commercial film and television projects across all genres. Fellows are experienced and established writers, filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs from throughout the industry. From approximately five Fellows and 10 Residents in Year 1, the program will scale in cohort size each year.

RISE also fosters the next generation of creative talent through the RISE Circle, a network of hundreds of mid-career writers and filmmakers who take part in and directly benefit from RISE programming including masterclasses taught by top industry icons, professional writing/development courses, and networking events.

PHILOSOPHY

We empower POC creators via economic support and creative + business excellence. RISE is a rigorous cohort aimed at commercial success across all film/tv genres. We’re buyer agnostic and committed to each project finding its best home + positive outcomes for all. The goal is to build a strong, lasting community of POC storytellers.

THE RISE EXPERIENCE

THE RISE EXPERIENCE

PROGRAMMING

RISE’s multifaceted year-long intensive programming for both the Fellows and the Circle include weekly monthly, and quarterly creative, business, and leadership sessions and workshops from notable industry luminaries and experts.

DEVELOPMENT FUND

Along with their stipend, RISE Fellows are eligible to access a development fund for the purpose of optioning IP, perfecting pitch decks, and/or shooting proof-of-concepts or short films to get their project market-ready.

CREATIVE CAMPUS

The iconic Rideback Ranch provides an oasis-like collaborative work and performance space that’s accessible 24/7 to our Fellows for rehearsals, production meetings, writing sessions, and any creative or business needs.

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

— 2024 Cohort member

RISE Guest Speakers & Mentors

  • Adele Lim

  • Amanda Idoko

  • Angela Robinson

  • Andrew Cohen

  • April Shih

  • Ava DuVernay

  • Charlotte Koh

  • Chris Weitz

  • Dana Fox

  • Danny Chun

  • Dave Callaham

  • Destin Daniel Cretton

  • Doug Jung

  • Eric Garcia

  • Jason Blum

  • Jeff Loveness

  • Jessica Gao

  • Joe Robert Cole

  • Jon M. Chu

  • Kay Oyegun

  • Kemp Powers

  • Leo Chu

  • Luvh Rakhe

  • Mark Goffman

  • Marti Noxon

  • Monica Breen

  • Owen Smith

  • Phil Lord

  • Robin Swicord

  • Sanjay Shah

  • Robert Rodriguez