THE KEROUAC PROJECT
INFO: The Kerouac Project provides four residencies a year to writers of any stripe or age, living anywhere in the world. In the past we have accepted writers with no formal writing education alongside those with MFA’s and impressive résumés. You will be judged on the quality of the writing sample you submit. Each residency consists of approximately a three month stay in the cottage where Jack Kerouac wrote his novel Dharma Bums. Utilities and a food stipend of $1,000 are included. As writer-in-residence, all you are required to do is live in the Kerouac House during your residency, work on your writing project, and participate in two events—a Welcome Potluck dinner for you, and a Final Reading of your work at the Kerouac House at the end of your residency. Should you desire them, the Kerouac Project can also offer opportunities for you to participate in other readings, lead workshops, and interact in other ways with the vibrant Central Florida literary community.
Residency Slots
Fall 2019: September 1 through November 21, 2019
Winter 2019–2020: December 1, 2019, through February 20, 2020
Spring 2020: March 1 through May 22, 2020
Summer 2020: June 1 through August 21, 2020
At the time you submit your application you will be asked which residency time slot(s) you prefer or are available for. Or you can just indicate ‘any’ if you have no specific time slot preference.
The Application Process:
You will be required to select a category into which your submission fits. The categories are: Poetry, Play, Screenplay, Fiction/Short Story, and Nonfiction. Your writing sample must match the category. So, for example, if you are applying in the fiction category, your writing sample must only be a fiction sample. You cannot include some fiction and some poems you may have written. You are allowed one submission per category. This means you can submit to more than one category if you wish to do so. However, each submission is separate and you must complete the whole application process again for each submission.
We require a standard format for all prose submissions, fiction and nonfiction. The format is:
10 pages in length.
1-inch page margins.
1.5 line spacing.
Text must be in a 12-point serif font, (preferably Times New Roman as its compact structure allows you the maximum number of words per page).
Those submitting poetry, a play, or screenplay, may continue to follow the genre conventions in their submissions, though your writing sample must also be limited to 10-pages in length.
APPLICATION FEE: $35
DEADLINE: March 10, 2019
kerouacproject.org/submissions/
2019 EPISODIC LAB
· What are the dates of the Episodic Lab?
o The 2019 Episodic Lab will take place October 10 - 15, 2019 at the Sundance Resort in Utah.
· Who is eligible for the Lab?
o Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at time of application.
o The project must be the applicant’s original creation or adapted from optioned source material.
o The project must be written in the English language.
o The project must be new: not previously submitted to Sundance, not already produced, not already sold to a third party, and not distributed online or otherwise.
o Applicants cannot have sold an episodic project (pilot or pitch) to a studio or network in the past that has been shot.
o The project shall not infringe the copyright or any other proprietary right of another individual or entity. The creator/applicant is responsible for all rights pertaining to the project.
· What is the submission period for Round 1 of the application process?
o February 13 - March 13, 2019
· What do I need to submit in Round 1 of the application process?
o Contact information for writer(s) (we allow for up to 2 writers per project, however, you must choose one person to be the primary applicant/creator and your designated point of contact)
o Bio(s) of the writer(s) (no more than 250 words per person)
o Series logline: a one-sentence description of your series (no more than 50 words) that conveys what your project is about.
o Pilot synopsis (no more than 500 words): a summary of your pilot episode
o Series overview (no more than 500 words): this is a one-page description of your series that gives the reader a feel for its main characters, the basic plot and themes, as well as the tone and format. Imagine you’re describing your series to a friend in a way that conveys your excitement, clearly explains what your series is about and gives them a reason to want to watch it.
o Personal Statement (no more than 250 words): A brief written response to the following questions:
§ Why are you interested in telling this story?
§ What is your personal connection to the material?
§ Why are you the best person to tell this story?
§ Why tell this story now?
o Thematic Statement (no more than 250 words): a brief written response to the following questions:
§ What is the theme of you series? That is, what is the central idea or big question you are exploring? (e.g. “In the wake of the ultimate betrayal, how does one continue to trust others?”, OR “Are criminals born or are they made?” OR “Can a modern family still function like a traditional family?”)
§ How is this "thematic question" explored on an episode-to-episode basis in your series? (e.g. “Each episode, the betrayal is seen through the eyes of a different character as its ripple effect permeates more and more lives” OR “Each episode, we focus on a different criminal and the path that led to their crimes” OR “Each episode, an unconventional family struggles to overcome conventional problems)
§ How does this theme inform each of your characters and their journeys over the course of the series? How does the theme connect emotionally to what your characters are going through?
o Video samples of previous work (OPTIONAL) – Provide 1-3 URL links to samples of your previous work (not to exceed 10 minutes total in length). Samples may include short films, web series episodes or other relevant video content. Please be sure to include passwords as needed.
o The first 5 pages of your pilot script
o Demographics – To be filled out by the designated primary applicant/creator.
o Application Terms – To be signed by the designated primary applicant/creator.
o A $40 non-refundable processing fee payable by credit card via the online application
· When will I be notified if I have advanced to Round 2?
o Applicants will receive email notification about whether or not they have been selected for the Round 2 of our online application process by April 10, 2019.
· What do I need to submit in Round 2 of the application process?
o After they receiving email notification, applicants who are selected to advance to Round 2 are required to upload the full pilot script for their original series through our online application system by April 24, 2019, in order to be considered for the Lab.
· Is there an application fee to apply for the Episodic Lab?
o Yes, for the Round 1 ONLY, there is a $40 Non-Refundable Processing Fee, payable by credit card via the online application.
· How complete should the pilot script be?
o You must have a full, completed original pilot script in order to be considered.
· Will you consider writing teams?
o Yes, we will consider writing teams of up to 2 people.
· Will you consider animated series this year?
o Yes, however, the candidate must notify us of this intention when applying as we may request supplemental materials.
· Will you consider nonfiction series this year?
o Yes, however, the candidate must notify us of this intention when applying as we may request supplemental materials.
· Will you consider international series?
o Yes, however, the project must be in English and we are not able to provide for international travel at this time. We will cover the cost of the domestic portion of international airfare.
· Will you consider adaptations of other material (novels, magazine articles, films, etc.)?
o Yes, we will consider adaptations so long as the writer/s has secured the rights to the original source material and can disclose the legal rights for Sundance to review.
· Do participants pay for travel and accommodation?
o No, Sundance Institute will pay for domestic airfare and provide accommodations for all participants. At this time, we are not able to provide for international travel. We will cover the cost of the domestic portion of international airfare.
· What does the program cost?
o Aside from an application fee of $40, participation in the Episodic Lab, including travel, food and accommodations, is completely free.
· Does Sundance own my pilot?
o No. The Sundance Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not have an ownership stake in any projects that are submitted to, or selected for the Lab, nor are we attached in any producorial capacity. All Lab Fellows must own or have approval from the project owner to participate.
· When does the application open?
o The application for the 2019 Episodic Lab opens on February 13, 2019 at 12:00pm PT.
· What is the application deadline?
o The deadline for project submission is March 13, 2019 at 6:00pm PT.
· Is it possible to get an extension? What’s the final final deadline?
o No, it’s not possible to get an extension. You must turn in your application by March 13, 2019 at 6:00pm PT.
· When will final decisions be made?
o Applicants will receive email notification about whether or not they have been selected for the Lab by August 14, 2019.
· If you are interested in learning more about writing for the episodic space, please find a list of helpful websites and books that provide additional resources for writers below:
o Websites:
§ “On Story presented by the Austin Film Festival” – onstory.tv
§ “FAQ & Writing Resources” from the Writers Guild Foundation Library – wgfoundation.org
§ John August’s Blog, “A Ton of Useful Information about Screenwriting from Screenwriter John August” – johnaugust.com
o Books:
§ Writing the TV Pilot by William Rabkin
§ The TV Showrunner’s Roadmap: 21 Navigational Tips for Screenwriters to Create and Sustain a Hit TV Series by Neil Landau
§ The TV Writer’s Workbook: A Creative Approach to Television Scripts by Ellen Sandler
§ Writing the TV Drama Series: How to Succeed as a Professional Writer in TV by Pamela Douglas
§ Writing the Screenplay, TV and Film by Alan Armer
§ The Hero Succeeds by Kam Miller
apply.sundance.org/prog/2019_episodic_lab/
THE WRITERS LAB RETREAT
INFO: The Writers Lab is a four-day script development workshop that gives women screenwriters over 40 the opportunity to work intensively on their feature film scripts with the support of established writers, directors, and producers. The retreat takes place near NYC, but in the countryside: beautiful and private locations that minimize distractions and promote creativity and confidence. Through one-on-one meetings, panel discussions, guest speakers, and group meals, Mentors and Writers engage in a rigorous process that provides support in both the craft and commerce of screenwriting.
DEADLINE: March 14, 2019
Celluloids of Desire Film Submission
CINEDIASPORA
INFO: CineDiaspora is a new diasporic film festival premiering in 2019 in partnership with South Asian Diaspora Artists Collective (SADAC)! CineDiaspora will be an immersive platform to promote a redefinition of South Asian cinema while drawing linkages with cinematic expressions from all communities of color. The festival will seek to champion storytelling in all its forms, particularly from emerging and thoroughly underrepresented voices who are existent within the murky terrains of the 'diaspora.'
We are calling for entries for Celluloids of Desire, which will screen seasonally over two nights in NYC at a public venue: one in mid-April 2019 and the other mid-July. The theme of the night will be desire: submissions should speak to the longing to break down barriers standing in the way of human connection and community. Films from all artists of color are open to consideration.
Short video works (max. 13 minutes)
All genres welcome (music videos, experimental, fiction, documentary, animation, etc.)
Excerpts from longer works welcome, but submissions should work as stand-alone pieces
COMPENSATION: An equal portion of the admissions to the screenings will be provided equally amongst the filmmakers whose works are selected.
DEADLINE: March 15, 2019
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfb5J5voEE_2KFcxrqETK7KQ8Rpvmu9yZJle42XM-4oIVvmig/viewform