Fusion Issues Open Call to Diverse Young Storytellers

The creative board of the cable network Fusion has put out an open call for scripted and unscripted TV projects as part of an effort to generate new opportunities for young storytellers who span different ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, genders and religions.

The open call is aimed at helping to level the playing field for underrepresented creative talent, with or without agency representation, who want to tell stories that are otherwise going unheard. Submissions are being accepted on a rolling basis and should center on stories that speak to the interests and issues that matter to America’s diverse youth.

The creative board is led by Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., with founding members including Viola Davis, Ezra Edelman, Jodie Foster, Meryl Streep and Residente (aka René Perez Joglar).

“Addressing the issue of representation in media starts with identifying and investing in a pipeline of talent who represent the diversity that makes this country great,” said Gates, who serves as chair of the creative board. “Then we need to provide them with opportunities where they can color outside the lines and think beyond the usual script. We hope our open call helps break down some of the institutional barriers to entry for young, diverse storytellers.”

“Fusion Media Group is dedicated to serving young, diverse audiences with content that speaks to their passions and shared values,” noted Felipe Holguin, the president and COO of Fusion Media Group. “The Fusion creative board’s open-call initiative is an exciting and impactful demonstration of our organization’s commitment. We look forward to seeing great, original stories from talented creators on the Fusion network.”

“Fusion programming is about celebrating perspectives, raising voices and showcasing passions through authentic, entertaining storytelling,” said Daniel Eilemberg, the president and chief content officer of Fusion. “There’s no better way to tell those stories than to engage with creators who are living them, and we’re thrilled by the Fusion creative board’s initiative to bring those creators to our network.”