Mara Brock Akil, the showrunner behind hits like "Black-ish" and "Insecure," is expanding her Writers' Colony with fresh cohorts launching in summer and fall 2026. The three-month intensive screenwriting residency operates from West Adams in Los Angeles, positioned adjacent to her production company story27 Productions.
Brock Akil created the Writers' Colony to nurture emerging screenwriting talent and build a pipeline of diverse voices for television and film. The program mirrors her commitment to mentorship and representation that defined her acclaimed career. She previously served as executive producer and writer on "The Game" and "Living Single," establishing herself as a creator focused on character-driven storytelling that reflects Black culture and experience.
The residency model addresses a documented gap in screenwriting education and professional development. Many aspiring writers lack access to established industry figures and structured pathways into television rooms. Brock Akil's initiative places writers directly in proximity to an active production company, creating potential pathways to real work rather than abstract training.
The summer cohort kicks off June 10, while the fall group begins September 2. Both sessions run for three months, allowing participants extended time to develop scripts, receive feedback from industry veterans, and network with peers. The West Adams location positions the colony within one of Los Angeles' most creatively dynamic neighborhoods, home to numerous independent production companies and creative enterprises.
Details on application requirements, tuition, and specific curriculum remain limited in available announcements. However, Brock Akil's track record suggests the program prioritizes writers from underrepresented communities and those with distinct creative voices. Her production company story27 Productions has consistently developed projects centered on authentic storytelling and cultural specificity, suggesting the colony will emphasize similar values.
This expansion reflects broader industry momentum toward writer development initiatives. Networks and studios increasingly recognize that sustainable