Universal Filmed Entertainment Group has opened the application period for its 2019 Writers Program, and they’ve made one big change this year: the program is now open to writers who are developing live-action and animation hybrid scripts, as long as the overall script maintains an emphasis on live-action content.

This change acknowledges the direction in which Hollywood is headed, with so many films nowadays being a hybrid of live action and animation. “We are seeing great momentum with our writer’s program and are thrilled to now be accepting live-action and animation hybrid scripts given our studio’s foothold and strength in family entertainment,” says Universal Pictures’ Janine Jones-Clark, svp, global talent development and inclusion.

Universal’s program, which aims to identify, grow, and support a pipeline of writers internally, is the only one sanctioned by the Writers Guild of America West. It’s open to both up-and-coming and experienced storytellers who organically incorporate diverse and global perspectives into their screenwriting.