NBCU Academy and NBC News Studios launch Original Voices program NBCU Academy and NBC News Studios have announced the launch of Original Voices, a new fellowship program given to six diverse documentary filmmakers to support feature-length non-fiction films that shine ... February 2, 2021 NBCU Academy and NBC News Studios have announced the launch of Original Voices, a new fellowship program given to six diverse documentary filmmakers to support feature-length non-fiction films that shine a spotlight on social issues and identities. The grants total US$270,000 with each filmmaker awarded $45,000 to fund original docs across all production stages. The program centers on emerging and established documentarians with a focus on Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander, Black, Indigenous and tribal populations, LGBTQ+, women or people with disabilities. NBC News Studios has identified 50 U.S based filmmakers to apply for the inaugural fellowship. Of these, only six will be awarded the funding.