Nikhil 'Nik' Jayaram: Writer for Television & Film

Nikhil is very excited about his newest assignment, co-writing a feature film screenplay with the talented Sharat Raju about the Kohinoor Diamond.  It’s been in the works for almost a year, and now it’s official.  Can’t say much more than that, but it’s going to be an entertaining script and a great partnership.

Nikhil’s part of a strong panel tonight for the Breaking Into Hollywood group, with the topic being how new writers begin in the business of television.  He’s looking forward to sharing some of his experiences in the hopes that he can help other writers get their starts.

MYSTERIES OF LAURA fans, be sure to watch #212 (“The Mystery of the Morning Jog”) tonight on NBC.  Co-written with industry vet Dean Lopata, Nik’s sure you’ll find this episode touching, suspenseful, dramatic — all the way ’til the last moments.  Enjoy (and live tweet #mysteriesoflaura)!

Catch THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA #208 (“The Mystery of the Ghost in the Machine”) — Nikhil’s next episode — tonight on NBC.  Co-written with our outstanding showrunner Jeff Rake, this installment is based on an original idea Nik pitched and is very near and dear to him (a character even behaves like his father), as well as timely because of recent events in the world.  Watch tonight, and find us on Twitter during the broadcast!

Nik is pleased to announce that his very first episode of television, THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA #205 (“The Mystery of the Watery Grave”), will air tonight on NBC.  Co-written with the talented Amanda Green, Nikhil’s inaugural television credit will be something he remembers forever — and an entertaining hour.  Tune in, and live tweet with us if you’re so inclined.

It’s with extreme joy that Nik can say he’s officially a Staff Writer.  He’ll be joining NBC’s returning drama (with copious comedy) THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA for its second season.  Nikhil is so very thankful to everyone who helped him reach this point, including MoL’s terrific writers and the folks in NBC’s diversity department.

And of course, watch THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA Wednesdays at 8PM ET/PT on NBC and catch up online!

Nikhil is excited to be on NBC’s new show ALLEGIANCE as the writers’ assistant and script coordinator.  An excellent story and vision combined with accomplished writers make this an environment where Nik will thrive and contribute to a terrific show.

Nikhil’s honored to be among those accepted into the 2014 CAPE New Writers Fellowship.  CAPE is an outstanding organization, and this revamped and in-depth fellowship will provide Nik with knowledge and tools he can use in his journey writing for TV.  He thanks CAPE and everyone who played a part in his acceptance.

Nik is honored to have been offered a coveted spot in the Disney|ABC Writing Program.  Eight people out of 1,500 or so applicants get in.  After much consideration, however, Nikhil opted to decline the Fellowship in order to continue on with NBC’s Writers on the Verge, where eight out of 2,000 applicants were admitted. The chance at staffing with NBC and continuing to work with their outstanding mentors is not one Nikhil could forgo.

He thanks Disney|ABC for their time and consideration, and he wishes their 2014 Fellows an excellent year.

Beyond thrilled — that’s how Nik feels after finding out he’s been accepted into the 2013-2014 NBC Writers on the Verge program.  This “finishing school” for TV writing is an intense training program that has launched the careers of dozens of writers, often leading to staffing on an NBC-Universal show after rigorous coursework and preparation.  The prestige of NBC and WOTV is massive, and Nik is so grateful and excited to be included.  Thanks to everyone over the years who played a part in this achievement and to the outstanding mentors and program leaders at NBC — Nikhil will make you proud!

And once again, Nik thanks CAPE for their kind announcement about his progress.

Nikhil’s pilot RAT SQUAD was announced as a second rounder (top 10%) in the 2013 Austin Film Festival’s pilot competition, which received thousands of entries.  The good news will keep Nik going as he continues to improve and create better material.

Nik is completely thrilled to be working on POWER, a new drama series for Starz, where he’s a researcher and script coordinator.  He’s extraordinarily passionate about the project, the supremely talented creator/showrunner (and one of his mentors) Courtney Kemp Agboh, the writing team, and the network.  Amazing work is on the way.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the drama series from CBS TV Studios and CW Network, is coming back for Season 2, and so is Nik, this time as the showrunner’s assistant. Two weeks ago, he was promoted from writers’ PA to the showrunner’s desk, and he’s very happy with his new position and to be back with the talented and kind BATB team. The best is yet to come!

Nikhil has had an invaluable experience in the CBS Writers Mentoring Program, becoming a far better writer, industry professional, and networker.  He knows fantastic achievements will come as a result of the Program, and he thanks CBS for the opportunity and mentorship.  He’d also like to thank CAPE for the wonderful announcement they sent out about Nik completing the Program.

2013 is off to an auspicious start, as Make Believe Review, an anthology site that publishes short stories from industry writers, including those from JUSTIFIED, HANNIBAL, and PARENTHOOD, is featuring Nik’s story in January. So please feel free to check out Online Dating For The Perfect(ionist): “As revealed through the tribulations of TDH366, for men seeking women, online dating isn’t an art.  It’s a science.”

The CBS Diversity Blog, offering personal stories of all types of diversity from the perspectives of various CBS insiders, is featuring Nik’s post this month.  Titled “Tribulations, Tenacity, and Truth,” it frames his journey in entertainment.  He is grateful to CBS for this opportunity and exposure.

Nik has been accepted into the industry-renowned CBS Writers Mentoring Program, and he is honored and beyond eager to learn from the Program’s knowledgeable mentors, improve as a writer, and advance in the industry.

Numerous accomplished writers have launched their careers via the Program, and Nikhil aims to do the same. Thanks to everyone who played a part in this milestone — he is extremely appreciative!

UPDATED Sep 20 2012: Nikhil is grateful to be a semi-finalist in the prestigious CBS Writers Mentoring Program.  Several successful writers have launched their careers via the Program, and he hopes to join their ranks.  The competition announces its finalists winners in a few weeks days.

Additionally, the renowned Disney | ABC Writing Program requested additional samples from him.  While this does not technically denote advancement in the competition, it does mean Nikhil remains in the running.

He’s excited and is keeping his fingers crossed.

Nikhil is thrilled to be working as the writers’ PA on CW Network’s new drama series, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.  He is excited and proud to be part of the team and thankful for the opportunity.  Watch the show this fall!

For the second year in a row, Nikhil is honored to be among the winners of the CAPE Pitch Lab.  Much gratitude to CAPE (the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) for organizing the event and reading numerous submissions, and thanks to CBS, who graciously hosted the session once again.

Winners pitch the drama development team at CBS Radford, with executives and producers from CBS and other companies judging.