Welcome to Craig T. Williams’
No Guru Zone.
where MENTORSHIP is real, practical,
and rooted in respect, not ego.

I’m a MENTOR, and I wear that with pride. I walk the walk, I talk the f*cking talk.
I’ve taught and lectured at film festivals, colleges and universities all over:
Wesleyan University, NYU, New York Film Academy,
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Essence Film Festival, Antioch College, BRIC Media Makers,
Federation of Drama Schools, Writer’s Retreat on Martha’s Vineyard,
Women of Color Unite, The Craft Institute, Filmshop (The Writers Den)
Black Theatre Conference in Ghana.

Month One — The Elements of Writing

Focus:
Who you are, why you write, and how to speak about yourself and your work in a way that makes people want to engage.

The first month is designed to help writers reconnect with their voice and rebuild momentum, without pressure or shame.

What We’ll Work On:

  • Clarifying your voice, taste, and perspective

  • Building and refining your personal pitch

  • Practicing how you talk about your work with confidence

  • Participating in live, collaborative craft discussions and exercises

Weekly Practice Includes:

  • Bringing in a scene (up to four pages) for feedback

  • Practicing your personal pitch in your slot with Craig

  • Identifying what’s working on the page and where to focus next

No one is behind. Everyone is welcome in the room.

Month Two — Pitching Your Project

Focus:
Shaping your idea into a compelling project pitch, not just what happens in the story, but why it matters.

Month two builds on the foundation of month one, shifting from voice to articulation and clarity.

What We’ll Work On:

  • The building blocks of a strong project pitch

  • Clarifying stakes, intention, and point of view

  • Understanding how your story lives in the world

Weekly Practice Includes:

  • Practicing your project pitch in your slot with Craig

  • Continuing to bring pages or scenes for weekly notes

  • Applying craft exercises that strengthen clarity and stakes

This month is about refinement, confidence, and forward motion.

Program Update

The Current Mentorship Is Underway

The next Mentorship Program will begin Summer 2026.

This program runs in small, focused cohorts so each writer receives meaningful feedback and support. Details for the Summer 2026 session will be shared here and via email.

Get First Notice for the Next Program

Praise for the Mentorship Program.

  • It and gave me a huge boost of confidence

    It has truly been a highlight of my writing journey to take part in Craig’s mentorship program. It came at exactly the time I needed it and gave me a huge boost of confidence, not only through the techniques I learned, but also through a powerful shift in my mindset.

    Craig taught us the industry standards while also emphasizing when to throw them out and trust our inner voice. While past mentorships I’ve experienced were typically one-on-one, being mentored by Craig in a small group created a real sense of community. It allowed me to learn from my peers and reminded me that I’m not alone in the many feelings that come and go on the path to becoming a professional writer.

    Because the program was held via Zoom and was mindful of my current financial situation, it felt genuinely accessible and added to my life rather than becoming another obligation in an already busy schedule. What I loved most, though, was that it’s clear Craig truly cares about giving back and breaking down barriers created by industry gatekeepers. That alone made the dream of becoming a professional screenwriter feel far more possible.

    I’m immensely grateful to have been part of this program, especially during such an unpredictable time in the industry, and I’ve already been referring my friends so as not to gatekeep myself! :))

    -Daryl Bright Clay

  • The Game Changer I didn't know I needed...

    I've been screenwriting for some time, but I had felt stuck about how to move forward.  Then I signed up for Craig T. Williams's mentorship program. It was the game-changer I didn't know I needed. Craig is all about lifting you up, helping you to step into your brilliance, and unequivocally reflecting back the value you and your storytelling have in the world. His integrity, wit, devotion, contagious energy, generosity of spirit, and genuine desire for all of his mentees to succeed gave me not only the boost I needed, but also the information necessary to start carving a path forward. I can't speak highly enough about my experience of and gratitude for Craig and his mentorship screenwriting program

    - Elizabeth Aaron

  • This has quite literally changed my life...

    I do want to say THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for your patience and guidance these last couple of months. I am so much further along in finding my voice and I never would've gotten here without your help. I didn't even know what it meant to have a voice before joining this group. This has quite literally changed my life and I am so grateful for your generosity of time and effort into our individual stories. 

    -Tilesha Brown

  • I feel more powerful than I ever have before. 

    Craig is for real-real, meaning he tells us writers and artists the truth AND does it in ways we can relate to, understand, take in and USE! No matter what the challenge or block is - he breaks it down so we can process the issue to get our own collaborative “a-ha” with him. Then he always follows that wowsa moment with an actionable item that is not only doable but inspiring and expansive. Yet, even beyond all this wisdom that he serves up to me as a writer, what I love most about Craig is that he cares with all his heart. He cares about the process, the craft, the industry and through his mentorship, I feel more powerful than I ever have before. 

    -Marc Santa Maria

  • His class got me writing and dreaming again.

    Craig has a great eye and ear and an uncanny ability to get to the heart of your story. After a rut of not writing for a couple years, his class got me writing and dreaming again. Craig’s generosity of spirit and keen eye for story translate into useful notes and questions that have guided the early stages of my writing as well as my subsequent rewrites. His feedback has been invaluable. I’m so thankful for Craig’s mentorship and the community he builds. I highly recommend anything Craig does, because it’s always on point. Sign up!!

    -Monique Hazeur

  • No-BS feedback and sincere guidance

    Not only is Craig an amazing writer, but he’s also an amazing mentor. I joined his mentorship program because I needed guidance. I needed someone to help me turn my ideas into actual words on the page. His tips, tools, and decades of experience did exactly that for me. I’m already planning to join again in 2026.
    If you’re stuck in a writing slump like I was and want straightforward, no-BS feedback and sincere guidance, Craig is absolutely the mentor to go with. 

    -Jeremy Patterson

  • THE most helpful, motivating, and supportive thing that I've done

    I just applied for a short film grant. Part of the application was pitching myself and I am very thankful that this mentorship has included that. Mine still isn't perfect, but I was able to pitch both myself and my project within their given 3-min time limit, so again, thank you for all of your help! 

    This mentorship has been THE most helpful, motivating, and supportive thing that I've done since gaining my MFA! I greatly appreciate you and this program!

    -EJ Baptiste

  • He sees your potential

    Working with Craig isn't about being validated; it's about becoming better. He's direct, unfiltered, and serious about structure and technical excellence. If your feelings get challenged, it's only because he sees your potential and refuses to let you write small.  

    -Missy Johnson

Your Questions, Answered

  • Live on Zoom, with replays available within 48 hours.

  • Every session is recorded and you have private access to all the materials.

  • Writers at any stage who want consistent feedback, accountability, and community.

  • In the mentorship, we focus on smaller sections, up to four pages or one scene at a time so you get clear, targeted feedback you can apply right away. If you’d like a deep dive on your whole script, you’ll also have access to exclusive discounts on private consultations with Craig.

  • You’re welcome to join month-to-month. Stay as long as it’s useful to your writing journey.

  • The feedback and exercises are designed to meet you where you are, whether you’re writing your first short film, finishing your first draft or refining a pilot for submission, I’m making room for YOU.

  • This is a 100% SAFE SPACE. I guarantee you, if you have that question, others do as well. There are no basic questions.

  • Many programs only accept a handful of writers per year. And you have to be really advanced and you have to be really connected. This is designed to be an accessible, consistent space for mentorship, craft, and community without the gatekeeping.

  • This program is intentionally priced to be accessible. For a minimal monthly fee, you get ongoing access to my experience as a working writer and producer, along with practical guidance, accountability, and real industry insight.