Rideback Rise Circle 2026

The end of 2025 ended with a banger. I got into the Ridgeback Rise Circle program. I ended up applying again because of the encouragement of my friends. I will say, when they had an event for all those who got into the program I was anxious. So much so that I cried. Yes, I cried. The speech given by Diana, the CEO, blew me away. It was hopefully yet affirmative that I was in the right place at the right time. The only catch, I have to be in Los Angeles. Currently I’m in Chicago - so I’m definitely bi-coastal now.

I didn’t get into the main fellowship but I hope to apply again, and get in. What do you get when accepted? Along with the stipend ($25,000), RISE Fellows are eligible to access a development fund for the purpose of optioning IP, perfecting pitch decks, and/or shooting proof-of-concepts or short films to get their project market-ready.

The RISE Fellowship identifies an annual cohort of Fellows who are supported financially and creatively to make commercial film and television projects across all genres. Fellows are experienced and established writers, filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs from throughout the industry. From approximately five Fellows and 10 Residents in Year 1, the program will scale in cohort size each year.

RISE also fosters the next generation of creative talent through the RISE Circle, a network of hundreds of mid-career writers and filmmakers who take part in and directly benefit from RISE programming including masterclasses taught by top industry icons, professional writing/development courses, and networking events.

Their philosophy, “We empower POC creators via economic support and creative + business excellence. RISE is a rigorous cohort aimed at commercial success across all film/tv genres. We’re buyer agnostic and committed to each project finding its best home + positive outcomes for all. The goal is to build a strong, lasting community of POC storytellers.”