Talladega College students Meadow Gillespie and Jacob Williams are sharing their stories after completing Phase I of the Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios Storytellers Lab Initiative. The program is aimed at creating a pipeline of minority content creators within the entertainment industry to satisfy the growing demand of BIPOC audiences. This significant achievement bolsters the rising talent at Talladega College by providing students with hands-on experiences and mentorship from some of the industry’s leading professionals during the highly coveted nine-month internship.
“Together, we are forging a path that transcends traditional boundaries, celebrating diversity, creativity, and the power of storytelling. The innovative narratives, inspiring voices, and groundbreaking ideas that will undoubtedly emerge from this collaboration are highly anticipated,” shared vice president of Operations & Channel Planning for SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks, Ti-Shea Meadows, in her letter of support to college administrators.
The collaboration–an appendage of Paramount’s larger global initiative, Content for Change–launched on Feb 20, 2024. During Phase 1 (Feb.-April), the mass media majors participated in resume workshops, mock interview sessions, and have also been able to attend movie screenings. As participants in the Storytellers Lab, they had the chance to work closely with industry veterans and receive mentorship from seasoned professionals at Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios. This mentorship provides invaluable guidance and insight into the intricacies of the entertainment industry, from developing a compelling narrative to navigating the business aspects of content creation.
From Unseen to Opening Scene: TC Offers Unique Student Experiences
Minnesota native Meadow Gillespie is using the opportunity as a catalyst to refine her media relations networking skills and as a means to reach some of her professional goals.
“The experience has been amazing! All of the people we work alongside are super involved in the entertainment industry and have a lot of wisdom when it comes to that department. My mentor has been creating a plan for me within the next year to help me achieve some of my media goals,” she said.
“I’m most interested in enhancing my networking skills– when you work in media, it’s very important to know and keep in touch with people who can put you in the right places, and I’ve got to say this was a great place to start,” Gillespie continued.
Partnering for Equitable Storytelling
“As President Vincent shares, storytelling, and narrative writing are central to our history. Through this partnership, our students have unprecedented access to entertainment mentoring that any professional would covet on their resumes,” says Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, Ludwig Gaines, who pursued this opportunity for the institution's mass media majors.
In his role Gaines works to strengthen partnerships and drive innovative solutions that create meaningful impact throughout the Talladega College community and beyond. He shares his excitement and echoes the college’s commitment to fostering talent and providing our students with holistic opportunities to make and maintain connections with entertainment industry professionals. “A key component of Talladega College’s mission is to provide our students with a robust educational experience. This includes opportunities for growth and learning in and out of the classroom. I am excited about this opportunity and pursued it because it is a first of its kind of partnership with HBCUs and because of the experience it would provide students,” said Gaines.
The thirteen HBCUs tapped to participate include:
