O’PEN (means to provide ‘open’ opportunities for promising young creators(pen)) is CJ ENM’s exclusive training program to discover and train young screenwriters and songwriters to foster the next generation star creators in Korean entertainment industry. Since 2017, over 160 screenwriters and 58 songwriters have made their debuts through the program.
There are many artists who model their dreams after well-known writers or composers, but few of these artists become widely recognized writers and composers themselves. However, it is not for a lack of talent. Despite having the ability to write or compose a song well, if an aspiring artist doesn’t have access to opportunity, the harsh reality is that they might not gain recognition.
O’PEN is a program that helps these new, talented creators begin their careers. Just as the word itself suggests, O’PEN is a place where everyone is welcome. CJ Newsroom sat down with Kim Seong-mi and Lee Dong-chan from O’PEN’s drama and music divisions, respectively. These leaders strive to guide 35 writers and 21 composers to success each year.
O’PEN Drama: Helping Young Screenwriters Make Their Debut
Q. What are the benefits of being a participant in O’PEN?
Kim Seong-mi: Selected writers receive project development funds, and they can also freely use the amenities in the O’PEN Center. In addition to offering refreshments, the center provides a comfortable collaborative writing environment along with private writing rooms. Since O’PEN writers are required to produce at least two pieces of work annually, various resources are provided to help them fulfill this condition. The educational program offers analyses of current trends and grants writers access to coverage and individual interviews in restricted locations, such as the National Forensic Service and prisons. Moreover, training programs like mentoring and special lectures from writers who are actively working in their fields are also available. O’PEN provides educational programs about what new writers must learn while entering the work field such as presentations on signing contracts. We also engage in various cultural activities like watching musicals.
Q. ‘Drama Stage (renamed as O’PENing in April 2022)’, which has been broadcasted since last March, is also one of the benefits. Can you tell us more about that?
Kim: Here at O’PEN, we broadcast 10 pieces of work, which are selected through a contest on tvN’s anthology series, ‘Drama Stage’. Throughout the episodes Screenwriters can experience making their own works into a TV drama. With the help of experienced field professionals, writers learn the prodcution process of making dramas. This opportunity also allows them to identify what strengths they have, how written scenarios are turned into a series and how to manage decision making process with different stakeholders.
O’PEN Music: Debut Opportunity for Songwriters
Q. The second batch of O’PEN Music is coming to an end. What kind of support has been provided for new composers over the past year?
Lee Dong-chan: At O’PEN Music, we place a focus on growing composers professionally in areas that are somewhat difficult to learn and develop independently. To achieve this goal, we invite famous composers to teach more detailed methods of composition with training programs suited to various music genres such as ballad and K-pop dance music. In addition, educational courses on writing lyrics and copyrights are also provided. After completing the curriculum, new composers at O’PEN receive about 10 leads detailing next steps in the song production process. Based on these leads, they compose music according to preference and field, and go through a training process where they receive feedback on their works.
Q. There have been quite a lot of songs produced by O’PEN Music composers over the past two years.
Lee: Numerous songwriters including HEN from the first batch of O’PEN Music are actively working with various production companies, and even receiving commissions from major production and entertainment agencies. O’PEN Music composers take advantage of their musical talents by participating in various drama soundtrack projects for CJ ENM, JTBC and MBC, and by gradually expanding their participation in the music production of K-pop artists such as IZ*ONE, JO1 and CHUNG HA.
It is tough for new creators to break through barriers and become professionals in their fields. Some eventually achieve their debut after overcoming challenges, but there are also creators experiencing discouragement while pursuing their dreams. O’PEN serves as a great stepping stone for these emerging creators. We hope they will continue to share their stories and music with the world.
