FILM - OCTOBER 2017

October 2, 2017

SCREENWRITING LAB

Film Independent

INFO: Through personalized feedback from experienced industry professionals and other writers in the program, Screenwriting Fellows will gain the tools to revise and refine their scripts for production.

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. Each Screenwriting Fellow will be paired with a Creative Advisor, with whom they’ll work one-on-one and in Lab sessions to further develop their project over the course of the program. A variety of guest speakers may screen and discuss their own films, or offer insights into their career trajectories, and a final retreat offers further opportunity for individualized feedback and discussion with additional established filmmakers and producers.

Film Independent is looking for well-written, compelling, screenplays with an indie spirit and scale, and an original premise or vision. Though applicants must submit a completed draft, the Lab is structured to support writers who are still creatively engaged in the writing process. Those who welcome feedback and discussion will benefit most from the program, as they further develop their work.

Cast and crew attachments aren’t necessary to a project’s eligibility, though the program is geared toward those scripts already on the path to production.

BENEFITS:

A pass to the LA Film Festival
Inclusion in the Film Independent Talent Guide
Year-round support from Film Independent, for all phases of production
Eligibility for the Indie Writers Caucus of the WGAw

APPLICATION FEE:

FREE for Filmmaker Pro Members (limited to one waived fee per Membership year)
$45 for Film Independent Members
$65 for non-Members

THE FINE PRINT

Beyond the application fee, there is no cost or tuition to participate in any of Film Independent’s Artist Development programs.

Film Independent membership is not required when applying to Artist Development Labs; however, all participants accepted into the labs are required to join Film Independent at the standard annual membership rate of $95.

Film Independent Members applying to the Screenwriting Lab will receive written coverage of their submissions, whether or not they’re accepted to the program.

Those applicants who are invited to participate in the program should plan to be in Los Angeles for the four-week duration of the Lab. Film Independent is unable to subsidize any travel, lodging and/or visa expenses for any participants attending from outside of Los Angeles. Participants are expected to attend all sessions in person.

DEADLINE: November 13, 2017 (Film Independent Members)

filmindependent.org/programs/filmmaker-labs/screenwriting-lab/

FILM - SEPTEMBER 2017

August 30, 2017

DIRECTING LAB FELLOWS

Film Independent

INFO: Under the guidance of established industry professionals who serve as Creative Advisors, Directing Lab Fellows receive script feedback, discuss their visions, and select short scenes from their screenplays to workshop. Each director then casts actors and rehearses their scenes in the Lab before undertaking a mini-production: Film Independent provides Fellows with digital camera, lighting and sound packages and small stipends to shoot their scenes, and offers access to experienced casting directors, cinematographers, and editors with whom to collaborate and consult. The process creates an opportunity to see the work through from pre- to post-production, and culminates in a group screening for fellow Lab participants and Advisors.

BENEFITS:

A pass to Directors Close-Up, which runs concurrently with the Lab
A pass to the LA Film Festival
·nclusion in the Film Independent Talent Guide
Year-round support from Film Independent, for all phases of production

WHO CAN APPLY:

The Directing Lab is open to any director who is attached to an unproduced, feature-length narrative film with an eye toward production. Writer-directors are welcome to apply, as are directing teams, who may submit a single application. International applicants are welcome to apply. At this time, documentary, short film and television projects are not eligible to apply.

APPLICATION FEE:

· FREE for Filmmaker Pro Members (limited to one waived fee per Membership year)

· $45 for Film Independent Members

· $65 for non-Members

SELECTION CRITERIA

Film Independent is looking for talented filmmakers attached to feature-length narrative film projects that are compelling, original and demonstrate a unique vision. We are open to first-time directors, as well as those with previous experience directing short films and features. Those without filmmaking experience are encouraged to communicate in the application what artistic vision and experience will inform their directing work, particularly if they will be evaluated without a work sample.

THE FINE PRINT:

Beyond the application fee, there is no cost or tuition to participate in any of Film Independent’s Artist Development programs.

Film Independent membership is not required when applying to Artist Development Labs; however, all participants accepted into the Labs are required to join Film Independent at the standard annual membership rate of $95.

Those applicants who are invited to participate in the program should plan to be in Los Angeles for the eight-week duration of the Lab. Film Independent is unable to subsidize any travel, lodging and/or visa expenses for any participants attending from outside of Los Angeles. Participants are expected to attend all sessions in person.

filmindependent.org/programs/filmmaker-labs/directing-lab/

FILM - AUGUST 2017

July 31, 2017

BRAVE NEW FELLOWS PROGRAM

Brave New Films

INFO: The Brave New Fellows Program offers social justice advocates from communities of color and/or economically marginalized communities a one year, paid opportunity to work with Brave New Films and learn how to create and distribute media that makes a difference. By working alongside experienced staff, fellows build practical skills in digital storytelling, production, post-production, campaign strategies, outreach, and social media.

Fellows spend the majority of the year in one of three areas: outreach, post-production, or social media. In the last two months they rotate through the other two areas. The fellowship equips activists to use film to support activism, and prepares them for jobs in social justice advocacy, media, and filmmaking.

To complement the on-the-job learning, fellows also meet and network with film directors, activists, journalists, politicians and organizers, and they receive training in camera operation, database management, fundraising, and more.

AWARD: $800/week for the duration of the fellowship, medical and dental insurance, and holidays/hiatus pay.

Fellows work full time (M-F, 9:00-6:00) in our Culver City, CA office.

For non US residents, they will assist with visa/immigration processing and can compensate a portion of travel. However, relocation/housing is not provided by Brave New Films.

DEADLINE: August 4, 2017

bravenewfilms.org/fellowships?utm_campaign=fellow_rs_jis&utm_medium=email&utm_source=bravenew

FILM - JULY 2017

July 1, 2017

SCRIPTAPALOOZA FELLOWSHIP

INFO: The fellowship program was developed to honor dedicated writers and to help further their creative process and skills. Writing in itself is a journey and we would like to facilitate the process by giving the fellows the opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded professionals and individuals.

Fellowship recipient will receive:

Fellowship recipient will be sent to a Robert McKee Story Seminar.
Airfare and Hotel to Los Angeles or New York.
6 month mentorship with Scriptapalooza mentor.
Access to over 90 producers thru Scriptapalooza's network.
Attend an Aaron Sorkin MasterClass online class.

5 recipients will receive:

3 month mentorship with Scriptapalooza mentor.
Access to over 90 producers thru Scriptapalooza's network.
Attend an Aaron Sorkin MasterClass online class.
We will offer advice, guidance and direction on your script.

FELLOWSHIP FEES:

Fellowship entry only $45
Fellowship entry with 4-5 pages of feedback $105

IMPORTANT DATES:

Deadline is July 1st.
Applicants get their feedback between July thru September.
We announce the top 6 Fellows on October 9th.
We announce the Fellowship recipient on October 23rd.
Fellowship recipient attends the McKee Story Seminar in 2018.

www.scriptapalooza.com/fellowship/

2017 SLAMDANCE SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

INFO: The Slamdance Screenplay Competition is dedicated to discovering and supporting emerging writing talent. They welcome screenplays in every genre, on any topic, from anywhere in the world. A unique feature of the competition is providing constructive feedback for every entrant. In addition to this, they also offer a more intensive coverage service for a supplementary fee. Now in their 22nd year, they have a history of highlighting talented, independent screenwriters and introducing them to the entertainment industry.

The competition consists of four categories (Short, Original Teleplay, Feature, and Horror). Awards are given to the top three scripts in each category. In addition to that, Slamdance will present the Grand Prize for the best screenplay, regardless of category.

DEADLINE: July 24th, 2017

SUBMISSION FEE: Please visit website for more information

showcase.slamdance.com/Screenplay-Competition

FILM - JUNE 2017

May 31, 2017

URBANWORLD SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

Urban World Film Festival

INFO: Urbanworld Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization that seeks to redefine and advance the presence and impact of the multicultural community in cinema, is seeking feature film length screenplays (90-130 pages) for its five-day festival. The screenwriter must consider himself / herself of African American, Latino, East Asian, or South Asian descent. If the screenwriter is none of the above, the screenplay must feature African American, Africans, Latinos or Asians in prominent roles.

SUBMISSION FEES: Please check the website for fee requirement.

DEADLINE: June 9, 2017

filmfreeway.com/festival/UrbanworldFilmFestival

2017 SLAMDANCE SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

SUBMISSION FEE: Please visit website for more information

showcase.slamdance.com/Screenplay-Competition

BLACK SCREENPLAYS MATTER: SCREENWRITING COMPETITION

Film Freeway

INFO: The aim is to forge a screenwriting competition that will launch the careers of cinema’s next generation of filmmakers. They are passionate about developing artists and want their competition to bridge the gap between up and coming artists and the talent representation that will ultimately put them in front of production executives that make black films in the United States and abroad.

They love all kinds of stories from studio blockbusters to art house fare; from silly Tyler Perry films to outrageous Ice Cube comedies. No two paths are the same and no two stories are either. They accept scripts from people of all shapes and sizes, colors, ethnicities, sexes, and sexual orientations from all over the world, not just African Americans. As long as your script is about the black community or issues affecting the black community, where ever that black community might be, be it in the U.S., Africa, or outer space. They just want to see more stories about our communities.

Their goal is to inspire more black authors to write, more black stories to go into production, and to connect production companies that tell our stories to the exceptionally talented storytellers who are writing them. We want to inspire generations of filmmakers to tell great stories that will inspire future generations to tell great stories.

AWARD: Black Screenplays Matter rewards screenwriters with cash and prizes including distribution of your script to top industry executives at several production companies and talent agencies in both New York and Los Angeles as well as to our database of A list agents, managers, and festival winners on both coasts who are looking for clients and material to produce. Three winners will also receive an InkTip Script Listing of your script on InkTip so that even more producers and reps can find you.

DEADLINE: June 15, 2017

filmfreeway.com/festival/BlackScreenplaysMatter

SCRIPTAPALOOZA FELLOWSHIP

Fellowship recipient will receive:

Fellowship recipient will be sent to a Robert McKee Story Seminar.
Airfare and Hotel to Los Angeles or New York.
6 month mentorship with Scriptapalooza mentor.
Access to over 90 producers thru Scriptapalooza's network.
Attend an Aaron Sorkin MasterClass online class.

5 recipients will receive:

3 month mentorship with Scriptapalooza mentor.
Access to over 90 producers thru Scriptapalooza's network.
Attend an Aaron Sorkin MasterClass online class.
We will offer advice, guidance and direction on your script.

FELLOWSHIP FEES:

Fellowship entry only $45
Fellowship entry with 4-5 pages of feedback $105

IMPORTANT DATES:

Deadline is July 1st.
Applicants get their feedback between July thru September.
We announce the top 6 Fellows on October 9th.
We announce the Fellowship recipient on October 23rd.
Fellowship recipient attends the McKee Story Seminar in 2018.

www.scriptapalooza.com/fellowship/

FILM - MAY 2017

April 30, 2017

ACADEMY NICHOLL FELLOWSHIP IN SCREENWRITING

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

INFO: Each year, the Academy Nicholl screenwriting competition awards up to five fellowships to amateur screenwriters. Fellowship winners are invited to participate in awards week ceremonies and seminars in November and expected to complete at least one original feature film screenplay during the Fellowship year.

AWARD: $35,000 Fellowship

DEADLINE & SUBMISSION FEES:

Late Submission – May 1, 2017 by 11:59pm PST ($85 entry fee)

oscars.org/nicholl/about

ASIAN AMERICAN FEATURE FILM FELLOWSHIP

Sundance Institute

INFO: The Asian American Fellowship aims to further the presence of Asian American voices in independent film by supporting a writer or writer/director on the development of their feature screenplay through participation in a Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab, Screenwriters Intensive, or Creative Producing Summit.

Writers or writer/directors developing their first or second narrative feature film and of Asian-American descent or with significant themes and/or characters relating to the Asian American experience in their screenplay are eligible to apply.

Please visit the website for more information, including lab dates and locations.

DEADLINE: May 2, 2017 (6:00pm PST)

sundance.org/programs/feature-film#AsianAmerican-Application

URBANWORLD SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

Urban World Film Festival

SUBMISSION FEES: Please check the website for fee requirement.

DEADLINES:

Late – May 26, 2017
Extended – June 9, 2017

filmfreeway.com/festival/UrbanworldFilmFestival

FILM - APRIL 2017

April 1, 2017

ACADEMY NICHOLL FELLOWSHIP IN SCREENWRITING

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

AWARD: $35,000 Fellowship

DEADLINE & SUBMISSION FEES:

Regular Submission – April 10, 2017 ($60 entry fee)
Late Submission – May 1, 2017 by 11:59pm PST ($85 entry fee)

oscars.org/nicholl/about

DIVERSE VOICES SCREENPLAY CONTEST

WeScreenplay

INFO: WeScreenplay’s contest is focused on promoting and encouraging diverse voices and stories. The contest encourages stories that are told from perspectives – through the author and/or characters (ethnic minorities, women, women over 40, LGBTQ members, senior citizens, faith-driven characters, etc.) – that are often underrepresented in Hollywood today. The contest accepts Features, TV Pilots, Web Series, and Shorts.

PRIZES:

Grand Prize - $1,654 ($1,000 in cash, $654 in prizes) + Script Distribution to Managers, Producers, and Agents
Honorable Mention by Category - $654 in prizes each
Finalists (Top 20) - $69 in prizes each

DEADLINE AND FEES: April 15th, 2017 ($49 entry fee)

wescreenplay.com/contests/diverse-voices

URBANWORLD SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

Urban World Film Festival

SUBMISSION FEES: Please check the website for fee requirement.

DEADLINES:

Regular – April 28, 2017
Late – May 26, 2017
Extended – June 9, 2017

filmfreeway.com/festival/UrbanworldFilmFestival

ASIAN AMERICAN FEATURE FILM FELLOWSHIP

Sundance Institute

Please visit the website for more information, including lab dates and locations.

DEADLINE: May 2, 2017 (6:00pm PST)

sundance.org/programs/feature-film#AsianAmerican-Application

FILM - MARCH 2017

February 28, 2017

ACADEMY NICHOLL FELLOWSHIP IN SCREENWRITING

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

AWARD: $35,000 Fellowship

DEADLINE & SUBMISSION FEES:

Early Submission – March 7, 2017 ($45 entry fee)
Regular Submission – April 10, 2017 ($60 entry fee)
Late Submission – May 1, 2017 by 11:59pm PST ($85 entry fee)

oscars.org/nicholl/about

FILM - FEBRUARY 2017

January 31, 2017

There are no opportunities at this time.

FILM - JANUARY 2017

January 1, 2017

CALL FOR SUBMISSION: “CONVERSATIONS IN AMERICA: UNDER THE GUN”

Women in the Arts and Media Coalition

INFO: The Women In the Arts and Media Coalition is sending out a call for submissions for our new series: Conversations In America. This first artistic conversation is called "Under the Gun."

The series will be a creative evening of works that attempt to reach beyond emotions and find ways to discuss critical issues in America. This first conversation is about the gun violence problem in the United States. Yelling and screaming have not changed a thing, so what might?

They are asking their members, to write, paint, sculpt, photograph, film, make music, and/or dance to a better understanding of this volatile subject where entrenched and automatic responses have become knee jerk reactions on both sides of the conversation.

They will host a gala evening to display, discuss, enlighten and begin to mutually develop a way to dialogue the many sides of this issue that affects all of us daily. They are seeking to construct an understanding and develop movement on this issue through our art. How can we talk away the fear - on both sides of the discussion - and find a place of understanding that supports all of our rights? We all acknowledge that this is an uncomfortable talk to have. How do we start the conversation without shutting each other down?

They are looking for: Short plays and Monologues, Short Films, Music, Poetry, Dance Pieces, Paintings, Photographs, Performance Art, and written and performed pieces with a running time of 10 minutes or less. A female-identified member of one of our their or affiliate member organizations must submit and be the primary engine of the project submitted, but it may have any additional collaborators, female or male, members and non-members.

DEADLINE: January 22, 2017 at 11:59pm

campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1101390916306&ca=6e48eb9f-2200-4408-8f93-2bec8163d5c6

FILM - DECEMBER 2016

November 30, 2016

LATINO SCREENWRITING PROJECT

INFO: The mission of the Latino Screenwriting Project is to support emerging Latino screenwriters and to elevate the presence, representation and quality of stories that narrate the U.S. Latino experience.

Organized with consulting support from the Sundance Institute, and now in its fifth year of operation, the Latino Screenwriting Project is an annual 3-day workshop designed to support U.S. based Latino writers and filmmakers working on independent feature narrative screenplays.

Four screenwriters will be selected to participate in an intensive workshop that will include panels, screenings and one-on-one feedback sessions under the mentorship of Sundance Lab Advisors all taking place during the San Antonio CineFestival, the nation's longest running Latino film festival. All housing, travel, and a CineFest

DEADLINE: EXTENDED to December 2, 2016

filmfreeway.com/festival/LatinoScreenwritingProject

DIVERSE VOICES IN DOCS

Kartemquin Films

INFO: Diverse Voices in Docs (#DVID) is a professional development and mentorship program for documentary makers of color, organized by Kartemquin Films and the Community Film Workshop of Chicago.

At the core of the fellowship are six engaging three-hour workshops at the Community Film Workshop, with creative advice provided by Kartemquin Films’ world-class staff and associates. Each session will provide practical skill-enrichment designed to help incubate your next documentary project, as well as time to network and share experience with your cohort of participants.

Applicants should be filmmakers who have played a principal role in a completed production (producer, writer, director, editor, etc.) and have experience or work history that demonstrated their commitment to social issue documentary.

APPLICATION FEE: $0

DEADLINE: December 19, 2016

kartemquin.com/diversevoices

FILM - NOVEMBER 2016

October 31, 2016

LATINO SCREENWRITING PROJECT

DEADLINE: November 25, 2016

filmfreeway.com/festival/LatinoScreenwritingProject

FILM - OCTOBER 2016

September 30, 2016

MADE IN NY WRITERS ROOM

Writers Guild of America East

INFO: The Made in NY Writers Room initiative will establish a fellowship program to support professional writers of diverse backgrounds in New York City. Eligible writers must meet all application criteria and guidelines including a nomination for submission from a recommending organization or membership in the Writers Guild of America, East, along with a completed application form and properly formatted comedy or drama pilot. Click here for further information on the program.

The program aims to identify emerging writers whose work offers new and diverse points of view. We know that when writers rooms reflect the diversity of New York City, audiences are treated to stories that are more exciting, creative and reflective of their experiences.

ELIGIBILITY: Individual applicants and/or at least one member of each writing team (teams may consist of no more than two people) must be a member of and/or recommended by one of the organizations below:

Be a member of the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) or be recommended by a member of the WGAE Diversity Coalition
Be an alumnus(a) of the Ghetto Film School, Tribeca All-Access Program, NALIP (National Association of Latino Independent Producers) programs/incubators
Be recommended by New York Women in Film and Television
Be recommended by the Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts
Be recommended by a Blackhouse Foundation Board Member
Be recommended by the Black Filmmakers Foundation
Be recommended by the Black List
Be recommended by Asain CineVision
Be recommended by a member of the Interguild Diversity Coalition

KEY DATES:

October 20, 2016 – Application Deadline
December 2016 – Semi-finalists selected
January 2017 – Finalists selected
January-March 2017 – Finalist interviews
April 2017 – Fellows selected
June-December 2017* – Fellowship Program

SUBMISSION FEE: There is no cost to apply for the fellowship. Writers may register their pilot scripts free-of-charge as part of the application process.

STIPEND: During the 6-month fellowship, fellows will be compensated for all time spent working on Fellowship activities at the rate of fifteen dollars an hour, up to $15,600.

PRIZES:

Five finalists with the highest scoring comedy scripts will be nominated to the Screenwriters Colony Episodic Comedy in partnership with the Nantucket Film Festival.
Two finalists with the highest scoring comedy and drama scripts will be performed at a professionally cast and directed live reading at Lincoln Center.
Up to twelve applicants, either individuals or writing teams will be selected to participate in the six-month fellowship program. Fellows will receive a stipend, participate in educational and professional development programs offered by the WGAE, be matched with a showrunner based on their career interests and produce a table read of their script by union actors.

wgaeast.org/writersroom/

ACTION & THRILLER SCREENPLAY CONTEST

Screencraft

INFO: The winner receives $1500 and a phone consultation with a top action screenwriter.

PRIZES:

Grand Prize: $1,500
Second Place: $500

DEADLINE: October 20, 2016

screencraft.org/action/

CASSIAN ELWES INDEPENDENT SCREENWRITING FELLOWSHIP

The Black List

INFO: The Cassian Elwes Independent Screenwriting Fellowship is an annual program designed to encourage and identify new talent in the field of independent cinema by awarding one screenwriter each year with an all-expenses paid trip to the Sundance Film Festival and an opportunity to meet with Producer Cassian Elwes (Lee Daniels' The Butler, Ain't Them Bodies Saints).

Each year, The Black List will choose ten screenplays imbued with an independent spirit by unrepresented screenwriters, which will be sent on to Mr. Elwes for his consideration. The short list will be determined in early December and the Fellowship recipient will be selected by Mr. Elwes by calendar year's end.

DEADLINE: October 29, 2016

blcklst.com/cassian-elwes

FILM - SEPTEMBER 2016

August 31, 2016

SCRIPTAPALOOZA FELLOWSHIP

Fellows will receive:

The 2016 Scriptapalooza Fellowship recipient will receive a Writer’s Retreat in Costa Rica for 5 days (all expenses paid), and 6 month mentorship.
5 additional writers will receive a 3 month mentorship and an online writing course.
Everyone that applies to the Fellowship gets feedback on their screenplay. (4-5 pages of notes)

FELLOWSHIP FEE: $105

IMPORTANT DATES:

Fellowship applications accepted through September 30
Applicants get their feedback between September - November
They announce the top 6 Fellows on January 15.
They announce the Fellowship winner on February 15.
Fellowship winner attends Costa Rica Writing Retreat in June.

scriptapalooza.com/fellowship/

AMERICAN ZOETROPE SCREENPLAY CONTEST

INFO: American Zoetrope, Francis Ford Coppola’s production company, has announced a call for entries for their annual screenplay contest. The mission of the contest is to find and promote new and innovative voices in cinema. Every script is read closely by a select handful of professional readers, and Coppola will select a grand prize–winner from among the top ten finalists.

PRIZE: The grand prize–winner receives $5,000, and the scripts of all top ten finalists are sent by Zoetrope to leading production companies and talent agencies for consideration.

DEADLINE / ENTRY FEES: September 15 / $50

zoetrope.com/contests/screenplays-2016/

MADE IN NY WRITERS ROOM

Writers Guild of America East

Be a member of the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) or be recommended by a member of the WGAE Diversity Coalition
Be an alumnus(a) of the Ghetto Film School, Tribeca All-Access Program, NALIP (National Association of Latino Independent Producers) programs/incubators
Be recommended by New York Women in Film and Television
Be recommended by the Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts
Be recommended by a Blackhouse Foundation Board Member
Be recommended by the Black Filmmakers Foundation
Be recommended by the Black List
Be recommended by Asain CineVision
Be recommended by a member of the Interguild Diversity Coalition

KEY DATES:

September 15, 2016 – Application Opens
October 20, 2016 – Application Closes
December 2016 – Semi-finalists selected
January 2017 – Finalists selected
January-March 2017 – Finalist interviews
April 2017 – Fellows selected
June-December 2017* – Fellowship Program

SUBMISSION FEE: There is no cost to apply for the fellowship. Writers may register their pilot scripts free-of-charge as part of the application process.

STIPEND: During the 6-month fellowship, fellows will be compensated for all time spent working on Fellowship activities at the rate of fifteen dollars an hour, up to $15,600.

PRIZES:

Five finalists with the highest scoring comedy scripts will be nominated to the Screenwriters Colony Episodic Comedy in partnership with the Nantucket Film Festival.
Two finalists with the highest scoring comedy and drama scripts will be performed at a professionally cast and directed live reading at Lincoln Center.
Up to twelve applicants, either individuals or writing teams will be selected to participate in the six-month fellowship program. Fellows will receive a stipend, participate in educational and professional development programs offered by the WGAE, be matched with a showrunner based on their career interests and produce a table read of their script by union actors.

SUBMISSION PERIOD: Opens September 15, 2016

wgaeast.org/writersroom/

RADCLIFFE INSTITUTE FELLOWSHIPS

Harvard University

INFO: The Radcliffe Institute Fellowship Program is a scholarly community where individuals pursue advanced work across a wide range of academic disciplines, professions, and creative arts (including Playwriting / Screenwriting).

Applicants in Playwriting / Screenwriting must have a significant body of independent work in the form. This will include, most typically, a play or screenplay produced or under option.

STIPEND: Up to $75,000 for one year with additional funds for project expenses. Some support for relocation expenses is provided where relevant. They work with fellows with families who have particular issues connected to relocating to smooth the transition. If so directed, Radcliffe will pay the stipend to the fellow’s home institution. Please note that they can only pay stipends to home institutions if they are US based. Fellows receive office or studio space and access to libraries and other resources of Harvard University during the fellowship year, which extends from early September 2017 through May 31, 2018.

Fellows are expected to be free of their regular commitments so they may devote themselves full time to the work outlined in their proposal. Since this is a residential fellowship, they expect fellows to reside in the Boston area during that period and to have their primary office at the Institute so that they can participate fully in the life of the community.

Applicants will be notified by e-mail in March of the results.

DEADLINE: September 15, 2016

radcliffe.harvard.edu/fellowship-program/how-apply

FILM - AUGUST 2016

July 31, 2016

SCRIPTAPALOOZA FELLOWSHIP

Fellows will receive:

The 2016 Scriptapalooza Fellowship recipient will receive a Writer’s Retreat in Costa Rica for 5 days (all expenses paid), and 6 month mentorship.
5 additional writers will receive a 3 month mentorship and an online writing course.
Everyone that applies to the Fellowship gets feedback on their screenplay. (4-5 pages of notes)

FELLOWSHIP FEE: $105

IMPORTANT DATES:

Fellowship applications accepted from August 1 - September 30
Applicants get their feedback between September - November
They announce the top 6 Fellows on January 15.
They announce the Fellowship winner on February 15.
Fellowship winner attends Costa Rica Writing Retreat in June.

scriptapalooza.com/fellowship/

BRAVE NEW FELLOWS PROGRAM

Brave New Films

AWARD: $772/week for the duration of the fellowship, medical and dental insurance, and holidays/hiatus pay.

Fellows work full time (M-F, 9:00-6:00) in our Culver City, CA office.

For non US residents, they will assist with visa/immigration processing and can compensate a portion of travel. However, relocation/housing is not provided by Brave New Films.

DEADLINE: August 5, 2016

bravenewfilms.org/fellowships?utm_campaign=fellow_rs_jis&utm_medium=email&utm_source=bravenew

AMERICAN ZOETROPE SCREENPLAY CONTEST

PRIZE: The grand prize–winner receives $5,000, and the scripts of all top ten finalists are sent by Zoetrope to leading production companies and talent agencies for consideration.

DEADLINES / ENTRY FEES:

Early: August 15 / $35
Final: September 15 / $50

zoetrope.com/contests/screenplays-2016/

FILM - JULY 2016

July 1, 2016

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: SCREENWRITING

Mud Hole

INFO: Mud City is an online literary journal promoting the ideals and vision of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) Low Residency MFA Program. While the journal is rooted in an Indigenous centered program, they look to publish writers from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, styles, and aesthetics.

They are seeking submissions of a short script or an excerpt from a larger script, up to 800 lines total.

DEADLINE: July 23, 2016

mudcity.submittable.com/submit

2016 SLAMDANCE SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

INFO: The Slamdance Screenplay Competition is dedicated to discovering and supporting emerging writing talent. They welcome screenplays in every genre, on any topic, from anywhere in the world. A unique feature of the competition is providing constructive feedback for every entrant. In addition to this, they also offer a more intensive coverage service for a supplementary fee. Now in their 21st year, they have a history of highlighting talented, independent screenwriters and introducing them to the entertainment industry.

SUBMISSION FEE: Please visit website for more information

showcase.slamdance.com/Screenplay-Competition

SCRIPTAPALOOZA FELLOWSHIP

Fellows will receive:

The 2016 Scriptapalooza Fellowship recipient will receive a Writer’s Retreat in Costa Rica for 5 days (all expenses paid), and 6 month mentorship.
5 additional writers will receive a 3 month mentorship and an online writing course.
Everyone that applies to the Fellowship gets feedback on their screenplay. (4-5 pages of notes)

FELLOWSHIP FEE: $105

IMPORTANT DATES:

Fellowship applications accepted from August 1 - September 30
Applicants get their feedback between September - November
They announce the top 6 Fellows on January 15.
They announce the Fellowship winner on February 15.
Fellowship winner attends Costa Rica Writing Retreat in June.

scriptapalooza.com/fellowship/

FILM - JUNE 2016

May 31, 2016

URBANWORLD SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

Urban World Film Festival

SUBMISSION FEES: Please check the website for fee requirement.

DEADLINE: June 10, 2016

filmfreeway.com/festival/UrbanworldFilmFestival

2016 SLAMDANCE SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

INFO: The Slamdance Screenplay Competition is dedicated to discovering and supporting emerging writing talent. They welcome screenplays in every genre, on any topic, from anywhere in the world. A unique feature of the competition is providing constructive feedback for every entrant. In addition to this, they also offer a more intensive coverage service for a supplementary fee. Now in their 21st year, they have a history of highlighting talented, independent screenwriters and introducing them to the entertainment industry.

SUBMISSION FEE: Please visit website for more information

showcase.slamdance.com/Screenplay-Competition

2016-2017 PROJECT INVOLVE / FHMA FILM FELLOWSHIP

Fox / HBCU Media Alliance

INFO: The Fox / HBCU Media Alliance, in partnership with Film Independent, announcesthe call for FHMA member applications to the 2016-2017 Project Involve / FHMA Film Fellowship. Project Involve and the FHMA partnership aim to augment the creative pipeline of filmmakers from the vast Historically Black Colleges and University community and ensure that more films by diverse filmmakers are produced and distributed.

PRIZE: The Project Involve/FHMA Fellowship will provide a $15K grant to one (1) accepted FHMA member to underwrite the cost of participation in the 2016-2017 Project Involve class. Project Involve is Film Independent’s signature filmmaker mentorship program, which fosters the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry.

The program, which runs from October through June, selects talented and highly motivated filmmakers who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision.

DEADLINE: June 20, 2016

http://www.foxaudiencestrategy.com/initiatives/film-fellowship-opportunity

FILM - MAY 2016

May 1, 2016

ACADEMY NICHOLL FELLOWSHIP IN SCREENWRITING

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

AWARD: $35,000 Fellowship

DEADLINE & SUBMISSION FEES:

Late Submission – May 2, 2016 by 11:59pm PST ($85 entry fee)

oscars.org/nicholl/about

SCREENWRITING LAB

Film Independent

INFO: The Film Independent Screenwriting Lab is an intensive four-week workshop that meets two to three evenings a week in Los Angeles every September and designed to facilitate each writer’s unique voice through the development of a single feature project. Through personalized feedback from experienced industry professionals and other writers in the program, Screenwriting Fellows will gain the tools to revise and refine their scripts for production.

SUBMISSION FEE: $45 for Film Independent Members; $65 for non-Member

DEADLINE: May 2, 2016 (Members-only)

filmindependent.org/labs-and-programs/screenwriters-labS

ASIAN AMERICAN FEATURE FILM FELLOWSHIP

Sundance Institute

Please visit the website for more information, including lab dates and locations.

DEADLINE: May 3, 2016 (6:00pm PST)

sundance.org/programs/feature-film#AsianAmerican-Application

2017 JANUARY SCREENWRITERS LAB

Sundance Institute

INFO: The Screenwriters Lab is a five-day writer's workshop that gives independent screenwriters the opportunity to work intensively on their feature film scripts with the support of established writers in an environment that encourages innovation and creative risk-taking. Through one-on-one story sessions with Creative Advisors, Fellows engage in an artistically rigorous process that offers them indispensable lessons in craft, as well as the means to do the deep exploration needed to fully realize their material.

The 2017 January Screenwriters Lab will take place January 15-20, 2017 at the Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah. 12 projects are chosen every year.

DEADLINE: May 3, 2016

ALICE JUDSON HAYES WRITING FELLOWSHIP

Ragdale Foundation

INFO: The Alice Judson Hayes Writing Fellowship is an annual award in memory of Alice Hayes, who created the Ragdale Foundation in what had been her family home. An 18- or 25-day residency, free of charge, and a $500 stipend will be given to a writer who is working on a project designed to bring awareness to a contemporary issue having to do with peace, social justice, education, or the environment.

Projects can be nonfiction or fiction (including journalism, essays, memoir, script-writing, creative nonfiction). No academic writing.

DEADLINE: May 15, 2016

ragdale.org/residency/fellowship/

SCREENPLAY AND TELEPLAY COMPETITION

Austin Film Festival

INFO: The competition is open to amateurs and pros. Screenplays/teleplays must not have been optioned or sold prior to October 31, 2016. Screenplays/teleplays must be the original work of the applicants.

PRIZES: Cash awards range from $5,000 – $1,000 depending on entry category. All winners receive reimbursement of roundtrip airfare; hotel reimbursement at the Film Festival; the AFF bronze typewriter award; one complimentary producers badge to attend the festival and conference. Finalists in all categories receive one complimentary producers badge to attend the festival and conference. All semifinalists may purchase a producer’s badge at a discounted price. See competition link for more info.

DEADLINES & FEES:

Feature Screenplay Late Deadline: May 20 ($50)
Short Screenplay Late Deadline: May 20 ($40)
Teleplay Late Deadline: May 20 ($40)

austinfilmfestival.com/submit/screenplay-and-teleplay-submissions/

URBANWORLD SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

Urban World Film Festival

SUBMISSION FEES: Please check the website for fee requirement.

DEADLINES:

Late – May 27, 2016
Extended – June 10, 2016

filmfreeway.com/festival/UrbanworldFilmFestival

OUT OF THE BINDERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Bindercon

INFO: Bindercon, a conference and community for women and gender non‑conforming writers, seeks to increase diversity by offering free admission to up to 25 promising writers who might not otherwise be able to attend due to financial hardship. Diversity includes but is not limited to: age; racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds; sexual orientation; gender identity; marital and parental status; disability.

The scholarships include free attendance to all the events on Saturday, October 29, and Sunday, October 30, networking opportunities to meet agents and editors, and a ticket to the VIP party, but do not include airfare and/or accommodations, or food (Some meals may be provided as part of the conference programming.). Additionally, they are thrilled to offer stipends to select applicants: parents who require financial assistance with childcare and out of town attendees in need of travel assistance. Please indicate if you would like to be considered for any of these stipends.

All your answers are confidential and will only be seen by Out of the Binders scholarship committee members. Anonymous demographic information may be shared with funders for future conferences.

DEADLINE: May 31, 2016

nyc.bindercon.com/apply-scholarship/

2016 SLAMDANCE SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

INFO: The Slamdance Screenplay Competition is dedicated to discovering and supporting emerging writing talent. They welcome screenplays in every genre, on any topic, from anywhere in the world. A unique feature of the competition is providing constructive feedback for every entrant. In addition to this, they also offer a more intensive coverage service for a supplementary fee. Now in their 21st year, they have a history of highlighting talented, independent screenwriters and introducing them to the entertainment industry.

SUBMISSION FEE: Please visit website for more information

showcase.slamdance.com/Screenplay-Competition

FILM - APRIL 2016

April 9, 2016

EMERGING WRITER IN RESIDENCE

Penn State Altoona

INFO: The Penn State Altoona English Program is accepting applications for a one-semester teaching residency in both poetry and playwriting/screenwriting. Candidates should have credentials in both genres – publications in poetry and staged readings/performances (and/or publications) in playwriting or screenwriting.

They are seeking early-career writers, preferably without a published book. The program offers substantial time to write and a salary of $10,000 in return for teaching one general education level introduction to creative writing workshop during the Fall 2016 semester (August 22 – December 16).

In addition, the resident will also give a public reading, visit other creative writing courses, and work informally with English majors.

DEADLINE: April 1, 2016

psu.jobs/job/60384

URBANWORLD SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

Urban World Film Festival

SUBMISSION FEES: Please check the website for fee requirement.

DEADLINES:

Earlybird – April 1, 2016
Regular – April 29, 2016
Late – May 27, 2016
Extended – June 10, 2016

filmfreeway.com/festival/UrbanworldFilmFestival

THE WRITERS LAB 2016

New York Women in Film & Television

INFO: The Writers Lab is seeking submissions of full-length narrative screenplays by women all racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural groups over the age of 40 (born before 4/14/76). The Lab will bring 12 women screenwriters (with promising scripts) together with outstanding professional female filmmakers for an intensive four-day screenwriting retreat of one-on-one meetings, panel discussions and other activities designed to inspire the artists; to prompt rigorous creative exploration; and, through revision, to cultivate first-rate cinematic stories.

DEADLINES & FEES: Thursday, April 14, 2016 ($65 entry fee, $30 Member fee)

nywift.org/newsletter.aspx?id=5866

DIVERSE VOICES SCREENPLAY CONTEST

WeScreenplay

PRIZES:

Grand Prize - $1,654 ($1,000 in cash, $654 in prizes) + Script Distribution to Managers, Producers, and Agents
Honorable Mention by Category - $654 in prizes each
Finalists (Top 20) - $69 in prizes each

DEADLINE AND FEES: April 15th, 2016 ($49 entry fee)

wescreenplay.com/contests/diverse-voices

ACADEMY NICHOLL FELLOWSHIP IN SCREENWRITING

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

AWARD: $35,000 Fellowship

DEADLINE & SUBMISSION FEES:

Regular Submission – April 18, 2016 ($60 entry fee)
Late Submission – May 2, 2016 by 11:59pm PST ($85 entry fee)

oscars.org/nicholl/about

SCREENWRITING LAB

Film Independent

SUBMISSION FEE: $45 for Film Independent Members; $65 for non-Member

DEADLINE: April 18, 2016 (non-Members); May 2, 2016 (Members-only)

filmindependent.org/labs-and-programs/screenwriters-labS

ASIAN AMERICAN FEATURE FILM FELLOWSHIP

Sundance Institute

Please visit the website for more information, including lab dates and locations.

DEADLINE: May 3, 2016 (6:00pm PST)

sundance.org/programs/feature-film#AsianAmerican-Application

2017 JANUARY SCREENWRITERS LAB

Sundance Institute

The 2017 January Screenwriters Lab will take place January 15-20, 2017 at the Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah. 12 projects are chosen every year.

DEADLINE: May 3, 2016

applications2.sundance.org/

FILM - MARCH 2016

February 20, 2016

TULSA ARTIST FELLOWSHIP

INFO: The Tulsa Artist Fellowship, which seeks talented and diverse voices to support Tulsa’s expanding arts scene, has expanded its program this year to include writing (creative nonfiction, fiction, graphic novel, young-adult fiction, poetry, and play/screenwriting). Fellowships are merit-based, not project grants, and include a two-year term for writers. The program will begin on January 9, 2017.

AWARD: $20,000 stipend, and in most cases, free housing and studio work space.

DEADLINE: March 4, 2016

tulsaartistfellowship.org/index.html

ACADEMY NICHOLL FELLOWSHIP IN SCREENWRITING

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

AWARD: $35,000 Fellowship

DEADLINE & SUBMISSION FEES:

Early Submission – March 7, 2016 ($45 entry fee)
Regular Submission – April 18, 2016 ($60 entry fee)
Late Submission – May 2, 2016 by 11:59pm PST ($85 entry fee)

oscars.org/nicholl/about

CHAMPION OF CHANGE FOR AAPI ARTS & STORYTELLING

White House Initiative on AAPIs

INFO: As a part of AAPI Heritage Month (May 2016), the White House Initiative on AAPIs is seeking nominations for Champions of Change for AAPI art and storytelling – individuals who have raised the visibility of diverse AAPI experiences and created dialogue around issues the community faces. The Champions of Change program honors individuals doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities

Nominees may include:

Storytellers who have included and continue to include AAPI characters in their films, television shows, and literature to address pressing issues, including immigration, civil rights, economic opportunity, health, diversity and inclusion, and more.
Poets and spoken word artists who highlight AAPI experiences in their work in order to advance pressing issues, including immigration, civil rights, economic opportunity, health, diversity and inclusion, and more;

DEADLINE: March 9, 2016

1.usa.gov/1ROpsTu

DIVERSE VOICES SCREENPLAY CONTEST

WeScreenplay

PRIZES:

Grand Prize - $1,654 ($1,000 in cash, $654 in prizes) + Script Distribution to Managers, Producers, and Agents
Honorable Mention by Category - $654 in prizes each
Finalists (Top 20) - $69 in prizes each

DEADLINE AND FEES: