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Partnering up with Starz and NFMLA exemplifies our dedication to fostering a groundbreaking program.
We couldnt be more excited for the array of opportunities that are in store for our cohort.
Phase one of the program launches will run through February 16.
(Clockwise Top L-R) Caroline Guo, Christopher Au, Lyn Alicia Henderson, Diego Lanao, Eunice Levis, Ora Yashar, Tyler M. Mercer, Vee Saieh, Wesley Rodriguez & Xavier BurginCourtesy of #TakeTheLead
Learn more about the 10 finalists below.
Xavier Burgin
Xavier Burgin is an Emmy-nominated writer/director from USC Cinema.
He wrote on Starzs wrestling drama, Heels.
Hes written for the WWE, CryptTV, Amazon Studios, The Discovery Channel, and Paramount.
He directed AMC Networks Horror Noire, Adult Swims Juneteenth Holiday Special, and the BET series, Giants.
Xavier is the dubbing director for Netflixs sumo sports drama, Sanctuary.
Xavier grew up down south in Mississippi.
Grandmas TV would switch between SEC football, wrestling, movies, anime, and Playstation games.
Xaviers love for storytelling grew from his fascination with religious myths.
He loves the intersection between gods, angels, demons, and mortals.
As a child, he wondered if these fantastical stories could exist.
Now, he chooses to be the hand that writes them.
Xavier developed Sankova, a sci-fi comedy, with Justin Simiens Culture Machine at Paramount.
He wrote a horror feature for CryptTV and the WWE.
He directed the English Dub of Sanctuary, a Netflix sports drama about a young sumo wrestler.
The documentary premiered on horror streamer, Shudder.
Xavier earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for his directorial work on the BET show, Giants.
He directed Juneteenth With Open Mike Eagle, an Adult Swim Special about the national holidays history.
Xaviers shadowed on the TV seriesAmerican Horror Story, The Ms. Pat Show, andSacrifice.
Xaviers collaborations also include D.C. Comics, Lenovo, LOL web connection, and Stage 3 Productions.
Its now distributed on Asias 1st and largest LGBTQ+ platform GagaOOLala.
She first demonstrated her writing chops as a comic and then with Her award-winning play Girls Night Out.
Her voice is edgy and bizarrely wholesome at the same time.
Its a contradictory style that is difficult to achieve, yet she does that in her storytelling.
Her stories are alive with personalities that are authentic, funny, irreverent, and smart.
Lyn Alicia is also a versatile character actor.
She has guest-starred on numerous television shows and has recurred on many others.
He earned a B.A.
in Biology with a Joint Minor in Computer Science and Mathematics from NYU.
Tyler Miguel Mercer
Tyler Miguel Mercer is a director and writer.
He has also made commercials and content for brands like Bumble, Grindr, Netflix, and Logo.
He holds a BFA from NYU Tisch and is represented by UTA & Range Media Partners.
He earned an M.F.A.
from the USC School of Cinematic Arts and holds a B.S.
in Media Production from the University of Florida.
Shes also been nominated for a Best of NewFilmmakers LA Award.
Vee has an MFA in Screenwriting from USC.
She is repped by Bellevue.
She earned her MFA in Directing at Chapman University and is repped at MetaMorphic Entertainment.
Eunice Levis
Writer and director, Eunice Levis is a first-generation Dominican American from the Bronx, New York.
