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ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Your chance to change the conversation.

ViacomCBS is home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms in over 160 countries and territories.

The ViacomCBS ViewFinder Emerging Directors Program is a company-wide initiative which seeks to provide directors with underrepresented voices an opportunity to enhance their skill set and grow their network. Selected applicants participate in a two-year curriculum focused on honing their craft and professional development. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with network and creative executives with an eye towards shadowing established TV directors on scripted and non-scripted programming across ViacomCBS’s Domestic Media Networks. In addition to craft development and networking opportunities, ViewFinder participants will each be provided with monetary support by ViacomCBS to assist the participant in producing a project to further develop their portfolios.

NEXT GEN STORYTELLERS

Who we're looking for

Each one of our Brand Partners has a specific voice that reaches out to the world and connects with a core audience.

Our mission is to find talented and emerging visual storytellers, connect them with our Brand Partners, and help bring their unique voices and experiences into the world of television.

How it works.

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Tell us your story.

Show us why your voice is one that needs to be heard.

Program Details

PROGRAM DETAILS

The ViacomCBS ViewFinder Emerging Directors Program is a two-year program that focuses on director’s craft development and executive networking, with the potential opportunity to shadow on a show. Based on their areas of interest, participants will learn about the business of television, directing single cam vs multi cam shows, how to seek talent representation, and much more. In addition to craft development and networking opportunities, ViewFinder participants will each be provided with monetary support by ViacomCBS to assist the participant in producing a project to further develop their portfolios.

Participants will be required to attend weekly virtual briefings to provide guidance on goals and expectations. Other virtual meetings include, but are not limited to, social mixers, masterclasses, and meet and greets with ViacomCBS network and creative executives.

For consideration, application and submission materials must be submitted online between Nov 2 – Dec 14, 2020 by 11:59PM (EST). Please review the Submission Guidelines for additional requirements and information.

The ViewFinder Program, ViacomCBS and Paramount TV Studios have partnered together to help bring your voice to the world of television. Click on any of the logos below for more brand-specific information.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Applicants must be 21 years or older as of Dec 14, 2020 to apply.

Applicants do not need to be DGA members.

Complete the online application:

  • General Information
  • Short Bio (150 words or less in PDF format)
  • One-Page Resume (PDF format)
  • Total of 3 samples of completed narrative content
  • Letter of Interest (250 words or less in PDF format)
  • Total of 2 Letters of Recommendation (PDF format)

Please read the submission material requirements below.

Three (3) samples of completed narrative content directed in the last two years:

  • Applicants are encouraged to submit work that best shows their skill.
  • Accepted content includes shorts, feature films, web series episodes, and commercials that demonstrates cinematic directing and effective storytelling skills.
  • Compilations and sizzle reels are NOT accepted and will NOT be reviewed.

Letter of Interest:

  • Your letter should be address to the ViacomCBS ViewFinder Emerging Directors Program, and will be used to evaluate your personal qualifications for participation in the program
  • No more than 250 words
  • Prompt questions to answer:
    • What inspired you to become a director and what are your goals?
    • What types of shows speak to your sensibility and why?
    • How does inclusion influence the content you direct?
  • Two (2) Letters of Recommendation:
    • Submit total of 2 letters of recommendation from industry professionals. No more than 2 will be submitted.
      • Letters accepted from agent, manager, tv/film director, producer, writer or professor

Submissions that do not meet these requirements will NOT be reviewed or considered.

File Types Supported:

  • AVI (preferred)
  • MPEG (.mpg, .mpeg, .mp4)
  • Windows Media (.wmv)
  • Flash Video (.flv, .f4v)
  • QuickTime (.mov)

Please DO NOT mail in any applications and/or physical materials.

You must possess and present evidence of identity and United States employment eligibility (valid for the duration of the Program).

Participation in the Program does not provide sponsorship for a VISA.

APPLICATION GUIDE

Beginning June 17, 2019, you can start your application for Viacom’s ViewFinder: Emerging Directors Program.

Submission materials and application must be uploaded and submitted by Friday July 12, 2019 11:59PM (PST).

All submission materials should be completed and uploaded to the ViewFinder online submission portal. Once inside the portal, you will need to create a login and password to set-up your own user account.

We advise that you give yourself at least two weeks prior to the July 12, 2019 deadline to complete your application. Extensions will NOT be provided for late applications. Don’t wait until the last minute!

Thank you for applying to Viacom’s ViewFinder: Emerging Directors Program.

Good luck!

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ViacomCBS ViewFinder: Emerging Directors Program.

To contact the ViewFinder Program directly, please email:
info.viewfinder@viacom.com.

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