Creative, Editorial and Production Pipeline Programs

See some of the programs we've created to identify, develop, and empower the brightest talents of tomorrow.

NBCU LAUNCH

NBCU LAUNCH is the umbrella brand that houses the comprehensive inclusion efforts across NBCUniversal’s entertainment television portfolio, in support of the company’s goal to produce authentic and compelling content. These efforts span across writers, directors, unscripted producers, casting, and below-the-line crew members who work in scripted, unscripted and late-night programming. 

NBCU Launch Below-the-Line Traineeship 

The NBCU LAUNCH Below-the-Line Traineeship is a first-of-its-kind initiative that aims to create a pathway for high potential, entry-level crew members who are new to film and television.

The traineeship provides paid hands-on experience and mentorship across various departments, including production office, grip and electric, costume, VFX and props, with the goal of supporting participants’ entry into production employment.  NBCU works with local industry partners to identify qualified candidates who are currently pursuing vocational education and training in their desired craft in preparation for a career in television behind the camera. Partners include Hollywood Cinema Production Resources (Hollywood CPR), Georgia Film Academy, CineCares Workforce Training Program in Chicago and Toronto, and New Orleans Video Access Center (NOVAC) in partnership with various IATSE Locals.

Unscripted Producers Initiative 

The Unscripted Producers Initiative aims to give access and opportunity to experienced unscripted producers. Positions range from Segment Producer, Talent Producer, Field Producer, Supervising Producer, and Co-EP. 

Unscripted Pitch Accelerator

The NBCU Launch Unscripted Pitch Accelerator provides access for independent producers and content creators to get their projects in front of our unscripted teams for potential development across our various platforms.

Production Assistant Initiative

Working with industry partners, the Production Assistant Initiative aims to provide access and opportunity to experienced PA talent.

NBC TV Writers Program

The NBC TV Writers Program is our program for emerging episodic television writers with the goal of creating the next generation of showrunners and content creators.

TV Directors Program

The NBCU LAUNCH TV Directors Program is NBCU’s scripted directing program created with the goal to increase authentic storytelling by providing opportunities for experienced directors who have distinct points of view that inform their creative vision.

NBCU Academy

NBCU Academy reflects Comcast NBCUniversal’s and NBCU News Group’s commitment to creating a sustainable pipeline of talent. Through our multi-platform initiative — video tutorials, best practices articles, virtual summits and in-person panels — NBCU Academy provides tools and resources for journalists, content creators, media innovators, filmmakers and students. This includes partnerships with 45 academic institutions across the country. NBCU Academy is part of Project UP, Comcast NBCUniversal’s comprehensive initiative to expand internet access, deliver digital skills training, and drive economic mobility. 

Programs within NBCU Academy include, but are not limited to:

Next Level Summit

A transformative all-day learning experience offered at no cost bi-annually, the Next Level Summit provides an opportunity for students to engage with key Comcast NBCUniversal and NBCU News Group leadership and anchors. Participants can attend keynote presentations, breakout panels, and career exposition sessions. The event aims to break through financial and geographical barriers by offering free online training and digital content. 

The Storytellers

Launching in 2024, the Storytellers Program features an inaugural cohort of three associate reporters who will cover people of impact across the U.S. throughout the year, bringing fresh perspectives and untold stories to the forefront. This program, specifically for early-career journalists with 2-3 years of post-graduate experience, serves as an opportunity for young professionals to enter the media industry. 

NBCU Academy and Adobe’s The Edit

The Edit is NBCU Academy and Adobe’s initiative to develop creativity and inspire the next generation of talent in film and TV. Your middle or high school students will build key media and digital literacy skills as they create their own 90-second video news reports about Physical, Mental, or Financial Wellbeing using Adobe Express and a complete package of ready-made tutorials and guides.

NBCU Academy Live On-Location Experienceships

NBCU Academy’s Live On-Location Experienceships give students hands-on experience and direct access to the fast-paced world of media production. Open to students in journalism, media, technology, and related fields, these opportunities place participants alongside professional production teams working on major properties including Today, Dateline,  NBC Local, Telemundo,  and NBC Sports. Through collaborations with our external partners such as the NFL, Big Ten, FIFA World Cup, NBA, and USGA, students gain real-world experience in storytelling, live event coverage, and technical production.

NBCU Academy and Big Ten

Deepening NBC's broadcast relationship with the Big Ten Conference, NBCU Academy and NBC Sports are partnering with the Big Ten Conference with the ultimate goal of establishing professional development opportunities on Big Ten campuses both in the classroom and on gameday.

In 2024, this goal is coming to life with NBCU Academy student content creators providing B1G coverage through their reporting and social media content throughout the year. Building upon seven B1G coverage engagements from 2023, efforts will expand to include Men’s and Women's Basketball and non-revenue sports in 2024. Students will engage with executive leaders and gameday production teams to develop professional leadership and technical production skills.

Universal Talent Development

Universal Talent Development (UTD) brings together talent strategies for Universal Entertainment’s internal workforce, as well as the Film Group’s production crews, designed to elevate the skills and exposure of our people, while fostering an inclusive work environment for all.

Universal Below-the-Line Traineeship

Launched in 2021, the Traineeship is focused on creating pathways for locally-sourced individuals in the U.S. and globally to begin a career working in below-the-line departments. Below-the-Line positions cover key areas such as the Art Department, Production Office, Camera, Electrical and Costume, to name a few. Trainees gain essential skills while working alongside industry professionals on a Universal production. Universal Talent Development is also supporting a steady pipeline of highly qualified professionals into the production workforce through the Universal Production Accounting Apprenticeship, expanding industry-ready talent. In partnership with the California Film Commission, the Apprenticeship offers opportunities to gain hands-on studio work experience, mentorship and join a talent pool of accounting clerks ready to work on Universal productions. The Studio has also led the way on the Hair & Make-Up Accelerator, which provided individuals with versatile skills in the hair and make-up craft and the training experience.

Universal Composers Initiative

The Universal Composers Initiative (UCI) seeks to find artists from both traditional and non-conventional professional backgrounds whose creative viewpoints translate into distinctive musical expressions. By embracing both formally trained musicians and those who have gained skills and experience through alternative paths, we can foster a more innovative and dynamic composing community. This two-year initiative delivered by Universal Talent Development, in partnership with Universal Film Music and the participation of DreamWorks Animation and TV Music, provides participants with unparalleled access to the studio process, while increasing awareness of this new generation of talent not only within NBCUniversal’s vast network of executives, producers and directors, but also across the wider entertainment industry. Participants will be provided with creative and professional development opportunities. Participants may also have the opportunity to pitch for NBCUniversal scoring projects.

This initiative includes NO LIMITS, NO ESCAPE and NO DRAMA.