Screenwriting Lab
Film Independent
INFO: The Screenwriting Lab is a week-long workshop beginning in February, designed to provide individualized story and career development for emerging screenwriters with a fiction feature screenplay.
Each Screenwriting Fellow will be paired with a Creative Advisor, with whom they’ll work one-on-one and in group sessions to further develop their project over the course of the program. The Screenwriting Lab also helps to further the careers of its Fellows by introducing them to film industry veterans who can offer guidance on both the craft and business of screenwriting. A variety of guest speakers may screen and discuss their own films and offer career insights, and a final pitch event offers further opportunity for individualized feedback and discussion with industry executives.
The Screenwriting Lab is open to any writer applying with a completed draft of a feature-length project they wish to workshop during the program, with an eye toward production. More details available in the FAQ section below.
Applicants must submit the following materials for consideration:
A cover letter detailing what drew you to apply to the Screenwriting Lab and why this is the right time for you to participate in the program (500 words max)
One complete, feature-length screenplay
An artist statement explaining the genesis of the story, your creative vision and intentions for the film (750 words max)
A look book (optional)
A logline (35 words) and synopsis for the film
Bios of attached key cast and crew, if any – Attachments are not required for consideration
Project status and history, including any relevant development history, awards received or labs and/or markets attended with the project
A narrative directing sample, if you plan on directing the film with which you are applying
FAQ:
Screenwriting Lab is for writers only; other collaborators are not invited to participate.
Writing partners/teams are welcome to apply and need only submit one application.
We are open to filmmakers at any level of experience.
International applicants are eligible; the script must be translated into English for consideration.
Adaptations are eligible; the applicant must retain rights to the underlying material.
At this time, documentary, short film and television projects are not eligible to apply.
We will reconsider projects that have previously been submitted, provided the writer(s) can demonstrate progress on the project and/or professional development.
Filmmakers may apply to multiple Film Independent Artist Development programs and there is no requirement to have participated in any one program before another.
APPLICATION FEE:
FREE for Filmmaker Pro Members (limited to one waived fee per Membership year)
$45 for Film Independent Members
$65 for non-Members
Please note: Each applicant must be the author of the script he/she submits.
DEADLINE: September 2, 2020
https://www.filmindependent.org/programs/artist-development/screenwriting-lab/
Docu Work-In-Progress Shorts Lab
DCTV
INFO: DCTV’s Docu Work-In-Progress Shorts Lab supports select filmmakers with their independent documentary short film currently in post-production, providing dedicated feedback and crit-building germane to the editing process.
This year’s Lab will be held online due to the pandemic. The Lab is scheduled and designed with an iterative structure in mind. Docu WIP Lab filmmakers share and workshop each others' initial rough cuts during screening/discussion sessions, providing crucial insight for each other under the guidance of an industry professional. Outside of these sessions, participants edit two new iterations of their rough cut based on the discussions. Participants present a refined cut at the final session, which is a showcase for closing feedback with a special guest.
Past participants include Lisa D’Appolito (Love, Gilda), Yi Chen (First Vote), Katy Scoggin (Flood), and G. Anthony Svatek (.TV). Past facilitators and guests for final crit include Charlotte Cook (Field of Vision), Yance Ford (Strong Island), Kathleen Lingo (The New York Times' Op-Docs), Maya Mumma (O.J.: Made in America), David Osit (Thank You For Playing), Sierra Pettengill (The Reagan Show), Bernardo Ruiz (Harvest Season), and Lana Wilson (Miss Americana).
2020 PROGRAM DATES:
10/28, 10/29, 11/12, 11/18, 11/19, 6:30 - 9:30pm ET +
Final Crit: 12/2, 11-2pm and 12/3, 11-2pm ET
Facilitator: Chloe Gbai
Guest for Final Crit: TBA
Participants: 4-6 accepted filmmakers
DEADLINE: September 9, 2020 at 11:59pm ET
https://dctvny.submittable.com/submit/171440/dctv-docu-work-in-progress-shorts-lab-2020
Short Screenplay Challenge
NYCMidnight
INFO: The Short Screenplay Challenge is a competition that challenges writers around the world to create short screenplays (5 pages max.) based on genre, location, and object assignments in 48 hours. Each writer will participate in at least 2 writing challenges and as many as 4 depending on how well they place in each challenge. When the competition begins, writers are placed in groups where they will be judged against other writers within their same group. Each group receives its own unique genre, location, and object assignments (see past examples here).
After 2 challenges, the top 5 writers that score the highest advance to the next challenge. In Challenge #3, writers are placed in new groups and given a new genre, location, and object assignment. The top 5 writers from each of the groups in Challenge #3 advance to the fourth and final challenge of the competition where they are given the final genre, location, and object assignment and compete for thousands in cash and prizes. Sound like fun? Join the competition below or click here for a more detailed description of how the competition works. Good luck writers!
DEADLINE: September 24, 2020
http://www.nycmidnight.com/Competitions/ShSC/Challenge.htm
SHORT FILM FUND 2
Shore Script
INFO: The Shore Scripts Short Film Fund offers an opportunity for emerging screenwriters and filmmakers to have their short film financed and produced. The Fund welcomes submissions from screenwriters and filmmakers from around the world. The fund is open to new and previous entrants.
We accept short scripts, animations, and proof of concept shorts for TV pilots and features.
Our writers have gone onto gain representation, sold screenplays, and been staffed on TV shows as a direct result of entering the fund.
Our 8 funded short films have played at some of the top film festivals in the world. During these difficult times, we are excited to commission two more stand out short scripts for production.
DEADLINES / FEES:
Regular - September 30, 2020 ($45)
Late - October 31, 2020 ($50)
https://www.shorescripts.com/shortfilmfund/
Reel Work Filmmaking Initiative
BIPOC TV & FILM / Vinay Virmani
INFO: In partnership with BIPOC TV & FILM, actor, writer, and producer Vinay Virmani announces Reel Work Filmmaking Initiative, a $25,000 fund for two short films to be awarded to BIPOC creatives.
PROGRAM GUIDELINES: We are in search of two short films from BIPOC-identifying creatives that can be springboards for a future feature film or TV series. These short films will act as their creators’ calling card.
We are also paying close attention to the feasibility of the films. For example, the closer to camera a project is, the better. We are aware that physical distancing measures related to COVID-19 have complicated productions. As such, we are in search of projects that propose effective and attainable measures to maintain the safety of their cast and crew members.
Eligibility
Primary applicants must be:
BIPOC identifying
18 years old or older
Canadian citizens or permanent residents only
The writer, director, and/or producer of the submitted project. Primary applicants can hold more than one title on the project (e.g. writer & director)
Creative Team Requirements:
Canadian citizens or permanent residents only
2 out of the 3 of the key above-the-line creative positions (i.e. writer, director, producer) must be filled by BIPOC-identifying folks
At least 2 of the 3 key above-the-line creative positions (i.e. writer, director, producer) must be filled at the time of submission, one of which must be a producer.
Must have full ownership of underlying rights
DEADLINE: October 1, 2020
https://www.bipoctvandfilm.com/reel-work-filmmaking-initiative