Showrunner Mara Brock Akil’s Writers’ Colony has unveiled two new cohorts for 2026. Programming began June 10 for the summer session and will begin Sept. 2 for the fall session.
The three-month screenwriting residency is based in the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles, next door to Brock Akil’s story27 Productions company. During the program, each selected writer workshops scripts and has conversations with entertainment professionals to prepare for careers in the industry.
Each cohort consists of four emerging writers. At the Colony, the cohorts will participate in workshops, build career-driven relationships and pitch ideas to fellow writers. Brock Akil at present is shepherding the Netflix series “Forever.” Her long resume in TV and film includes the series “Girlfriends,” “The Game” and “Being Mary Jane.”
The summer cohort includes Nicole Schwegman, former U.S. Navy Commander and White House press official who recently worked as showrunner assistant on “Watson” (CBS); Spencer Jamison, filmmaker and 2026 Film Independent Episodic Lab Fellow; Nagee Brown, writer and producer; and Justin Casselle, award-winning writer-director.
The fall cohort consists of Charlie T. Savage, Navy veteran and filmmaker; Malia Dawkins Jennings, writer who worked on “Iyanu: Child of Wonder” Season 2; Leland Hall, filmmaker and former HBO executive; and Shay Ball, former finance professional.
“Supporting the next generation of storytellers remains at the heart of the Writers’ Colony. When writers are given the space and support to deepen their craft, extraordinary things happen. Watching each cohort grow into their voices and find their place in this industry is what drives everything we do.” said Writers’ Colony founder Mara Brock Akil.
Previous Writers’ Colony cohorts included Duran Jones, Dorado Quick, Shahari Moore and Sunny Dae. The 2026 spring cohort included Jordan Rock, Domonic Diaz-Smith, Porscha Williams and Corinthian Maldonado.