The John Furia Visiting Writers Program

Anthony Sparks with students at California State University, Northridge.

Andrew Rhymer and Jeff Chan sharing a presentation at Cal State University, Fullerton.

Matt Ross with students via Skype at Fitchburg State University.

Allan Heinberg with students via Google Hangout at Utah Valley University.

Meg LeFauve with students from California State University, Fullerton

Phil Johnston speaks to students at Cal State University, Fullerton.

Designed to create a link between students and the Hollywood writing community, our Visiting Writers Program schedules film and television writers to appear at colleges and universities locally and around the world.

The mission of the program is to give students firsthand insights into the craft, careers, and practices of the working writer in Hollywood. Each one-hour Visiting Writers Program session takes the form of a Q&A interview, with the instructor or class asking relevant questions of the writer.

The Writers Guild Foundation can arrange a virtual or in-person visit depending on the school’s location and the speaker’s availability.

The program was established by, and named in honor of, Professor John Furia, Jr.

How To Get Involved

For Schools & Universities

If you are an instructor or professor and would like to make use of the Visiting Writers Program, email Kira VandenBrande with details about your class to discuss further.

If you are a student, please consult with an instructor at your school or university and encourage them to reach out to WGF staff to schedule a visit.

For WGA Members

If you are a WGA member and would like to offer your expertise to students, email Kira VandenBrande to sign up as a speaker or click here to fill out our volunteer sign-up form.

Testimonials

Rich Fortinberry
Professor, Brooks Institute

“The Visiting Writers Program has greatly enhanced the writing curriculum at Brooks by giving students direct access to working writers. Students gain invaluable knowledge of the craft of screenwriting and personal insight into career building. The level of excitement and inspiration is palpable when one of the visiting writers visits the campus.”

Hrachuhi Utmazyan
Head of First Channel Media Academy in Armenia

The collaboration with the Visiting Writers Program has been a game-changer for our First Channel Media Academy. We were privileged to host two remarkable screenwriters who delivered fantastic online sessions for our screenwriting students. Their insights and experiences have profoundly enriched our curriculum, inspiring our students to pursue their creative aspirations with renewed enthusiasm and confidence. This program is a wonderful resource for fostering talent and creativity worldwide. Thank you!