2008 Woodie Awards
Procter and Gamble Productions Announces Annual Writing Contest
Courtney Roy
Issue date: 9/22/04 Section: News
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Everyone has their own dirty little secret, and for many, it is an obsession with the often scoffed at form of television known as the soap opera. While this genre is typically followed most closely by the middle aged housewife set, many of us here in the Manhattan College community can't help the daily urge to see what trouble has been brewing. If these storylines have left something lacking, however, fear not! Procter and Gamble Productions, the company behind Guiding Light and As the World Turns, is sponsoring its third annual writing contest just for college students, the PGP Writing Challenge. The winner of the contest will be able to meet with the writers, producers, and program executives of CBS's classic soaps, As the World Turns and Guiding Light. Winning this contest could also lead to a career in writing, as the ultimate goal of this contest is to find the storytellers of the next generation. In fact, Kimberly Hamilton, a past winner, is now part of the Guiding Light writing team. The Executive-in-Charge of Production, Mary Alice Dwyer-Dobbin says, "This contest is a unique and creative way for aspiring writers to demonstrate their interest and skills in writing for daytime drama." Television is always looking for fresh voices and ideas, and the PGP Writing Challenge could open many doors. While new writers are typically hired to write dialogue, this contest offers entrants the chance to show the producers just how creative their writing can be.
All undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a writing course as of September 2004 are eligible to enter, and submissions may be made on an individual or team basis. Also, remember that soap operas are usually romantic, with the focus placed on a female protagonist who must overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, while still pursuing her dreams. Of course, a soap opera simply would not be a soap opera without all of the usual plot twists. It is also important to remember that the storylines of a soap opera are carried out over a long period of time, and that the writers for these shows use the long-term story as a guide to write the day-to-day episodes. All submissions must feature current characters on any of the Procter and Gamble Productions shows.
If you would like to submit an entry, either individually or as a team, contest material must be requested by October 1, 2004, and returned to PGP by October 14, 2004. Entries are to be turned in by November 17, 2004. To receive your informational packet, or if you have any questions, please contact Amy Milterberger at PGP, 825 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10019, or by e-mail at pgpcollegewritingchallenge@televest.com, with your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address, or contact by phone at 1-866-789-9186. Surely there is enough creativity here at Manhattan College to create a great storyline for any of PGP's soap operas, so gather a group of your fellow soap lovers and get started!
All undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a writing course as of September 2004 are eligible to enter, and submissions may be made on an individual or team basis. Also, remember that soap operas are usually romantic, with the focus placed on a female protagonist who must overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, while still pursuing her dreams. Of course, a soap opera simply would not be a soap opera without all of the usual plot twists. It is also important to remember that the storylines of a soap opera are carried out over a long period of time, and that the writers for these shows use the long-term story as a guide to write the day-to-day episodes. All submissions must feature current characters on any of the Procter and Gamble Productions shows.
If you would like to submit an entry, either individually or as a team, contest material must be requested by October 1, 2004, and returned to PGP by October 14, 2004. Entries are to be turned in by November 17, 2004. To receive your informational packet, or if you have any questions, please contact Amy Milterberger at PGP, 825 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10019, or by e-mail at pgpcollegewritingchallenge@televest.com, with your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address, or contact by phone at 1-866-789-9186. Surely there is enough creativity here at Manhattan College to create a great storyline for any of PGP's soap operas, so gather a group of your fellow soap lovers and get started!