CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Books at Berlinale
JAFTA / JAWS
INFO: The Jamaica Film and Television Association (JAFTA) and Jamaican Writers Society (JaWS) are encouraging Jamaican novelists and rights holders to apply to the Books at Berlinale international Open Call for the chance to have the novel paired with an international film producer and adapted into a film. This is a drive to diversify, to create more awareness of great Jamaican stories and to get those stories to the screen.
DEADLINE: December 3, 2020
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qTpxooT-GIgaxQryZBa6GAPLPg30B934/view
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THE 2020 MUSLIM LIST
The Black List / Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) / Pillars Fund
INFO: The Black List has partnered with the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) and Pillars Fund to create The Muslim List, highlighting the very best unproduced scripts written by at least one Muslim writer.
Filmmakers and content creators are invited to submit a script for consideration by uploading it to The Black List website during fall 2020. Submissions will be accepted until December 4, 2020. Feature film, one-hour, and half-hour original pilot submissions will be considered for this opportunity (no webseries, please.) Scripts from any genre are eligible for this partnership.
Writers selected for the Muslim List will be notified of their placement in January-February 2021, with a public announcement to follow.
DEADLINE: December 4, 2020
https://blcklst.com/partnerships/opportunities/87
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2020 FICTION PODCAST CONTEST
Shore Scripts
INFO: Podcasts are kind of a big deal! Over 100 million people in USA listen to at least one Podcast a month and that rate is increasing by 20 million year on year. Fiction podcasts are taking a century’s worth of entertainment in radio plays and pushing the boundaries to tell stories in fresh and innovative ways, quickly becoming the fastest-growing sub-section of this booming industry. Many writers, including our Judges, have forged successful careers for themselves through Podcasts. Hollywood’s taking notice too! More and more of these shows are being adapted for Televsion: Homecoming, Limetown, Carrier, Left Right Game & LORE to name but a few.
The beauty of the fiction Podcast format is that it allows you as a w
riter to be completely free to tell the story you wish to tell, without having to factor in the budgetary constraints of filmmaking. Our Podcast Contest offers more in funding and prize money than any other.
In collaboration with our winning writers, Shore Scripts will produce both episodes, making use of our industry connections to find talented cast and crew. We will look to attach a named actor/actress to each episode to further elevate the show and draw in a larger audience. Once both episodes are live, we will contact commissioners in an attempt to greenlight the series. The writers have final say on all potential commissioning offers.
This is a great opportunity to get your work commissioned and voice heard in this ever-growing industry. You don’t even need to write an episode from scratch. Perhaps you have a screenplay, novel or stageplay that could be adapted to fit this medium. Read our How to Adapt my Screenplay into a Podcast for some pointers.
We accept screenplay, radio and stageplay format. Check out our Rules and FAQ’s for all the info.
AWARD:
Two winners will be chosen to have their pilot scripts produce, each with a budget of $5,000
Plus, each winner will also receive $1000 Cash!
DEADLINES:
Regular - December 18, 2020
Final - January 21, 2021
https://filmfreeway.com/ShoreScriptsFictionPodcastContest
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Open Call
ITVS
INFO: Open Call is looking for exceptional storytelling that’s in line with our mission: stories that take risks, tackle important issues, address the needs of underserved audiences, and are seldom seen in public media. We know how hard you’ve worked on your project, and we’ll partner with you to help you finish it, then distribute it on public television.
Open Call gives independent producers up to $350,000 to complete production for a standalone broadcast length documentary to air on public television. The documentary can be on any subject, viewpoint or style as long as it is in active production already, as evidenced via a ten to fifteen minute work in progress sample. For pre-production nonfiction projects, see Diversity Development Fund or Short-Form Open Call.
Open Call is not a grant. You will receive funding in the form of a co-production agreement that assigns ITVS certain rights over your project during the term of the contract.
Be sure to allow sufficient time (2-4 weeks) to complete the application. ITVS has adopted the Documentary Core standards as a foundation for our funding applications. Much of the Open Call application has been aligned with this model, however, there is additional production detail required to complete the application as ITVS funds documentaries for public television.
WHO WE FUND:
Single, non-fiction projects of standard broadcast length (30, 60, or 90 minutes) that aren’t intended solely for theatrical or SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) release. We do not accept live-action drama or fiction.
Broadcast distribution for feature length programs on public television are very limited. ITVS may require you to deliver a one-hour version of your program.
Works in progress.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Review Process
After you submit your application, you will receive notification of your status within 16-20 weeks. If you are among a small group of finalists who advance through a series of peer reviews, you will be asked to submit additional materials for a feasibility review.
Decisions are final and may not be appealed. However, unsuccessful applicants are welcome to apply again in the future. Reviewer feedback will only be provided to those applicants that make it to panel review or, based on staff capacity, for those applicants from Phase One.
Production and Distribution
ITVS doesn’t just fund your film. We provide you with creative development and feedback, and, depending on the broadcast outlet, with marketing, publicity, and audience engagement services. You own copyright and maintain full editorial, creative, and financial control.
Funded projects will be expected to acknowledge the production support from ITVS in all program and publicity materials; cooperate with ITVS’ publicity protocols; provide timely information to ITVS about project activities, including notification of and request for approval of any major changes to the project; and submit contract deliverables, including final financial reporting at the conclusion of the project. Failure to submit the final financials will preclude applicants from eligibility to apply for future funding.
When your program is at or near completion, we offer it to and work closely with public television programmers across the U.S. to secure a sublicense of public television broadcast rights and ensure the broadcast of your program. ITVS will enter into a license agreement for exclusive domestic television rights.
Most ITVS-funded programs air on PBS series such as Independent Lens, POV, American Masters, and FRONTLINE. Our programs also have success in the festival, educational video, home video, SVOD and foreign broadcast markets.
ELIGIBILITY:
You are eligible to apply if you are:
The owner of the copyright of your production and maintain editorial control of the story.
Not employed as a producer or director by a broadcast entity or film studio.
Someone with previous film or television production experience in a principal role: director, producer or first-time filmmakers with an experienced producer attached to the project.
Graduate theses are eligible as previously completed work. Undergraduate student work will not be reviewed
Applying to only this ITVS funding initiative at this time – we won’t review projects already under consideration for other ITVS funding.
A citizen or legal resident of the U.S. or its external territories age 18 or older.
Individuals can only submit one application per round, as either an applicant or co-applicant. However, an applicant can be a member of the key creative personnel on multiple projects.
Seeking funding for only production activities that support completion and delivery of a program for broadcast.
Submitting a project that is in production or post-production. Projects that are early in production may not be as competitive unless you have demonstrated access, strong storytelling in your treatment and work sample, and an urgency to the story.
You are not eligible to apply if you are:
Currently enrolled student.
Current signatories of any ITVS production contracts who have not yet completed delivery.
Producers representing foreign-based production entities.
Persons regularly employed as producers/directors by a public or commercial broadcast entity, including public access stations.
Organizations including universities, foundations, and nonprofit organizations.
Your project is too advanced (e.g. at fine cut or festival submission cut).
Programs that have been previously broadcast, or distributed publicly (including theatrical, festivals, educational, community screenings or online platforms).
DEADLINE: December 18, 2020, at 11:59pm PST
https://itvs.org/funding/open-call
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BIPOC Writers Fellowship: Adapting Books for the Screen
The Writers Room 5050
INFO: The Writers Room 5050 and Level 4 Press Present: The BIPOC Writers Fellowship, "Adapting Books for the Screen," beginning March 2021. In this 12-week fellowship, fellows will adapt a book into a feature film screenplay, receive mentorship from industry leaders, a stipend for participating, and more.
The fellowship will focus on adapting a book into a screenplay, the release of fictional feature films for theatrical, streaming, and television movies-of-the-week (MOWs). In the process, BIPOC writers will learn the highest industry standards for developing, writing, financing and producing an adapted feature film project. Each fellow will adapt one Level 4 Press book into a feature film screenplay.
The Writers Room 5050 and Level 4 Press are currently working with top executives, writers, representatives and guest speakers to provide mentorship, feedback, and firsthand industry knowledge.
The BIPOC Writers Fellowship includes but is not limited to:
A 12-week lab taking you from book-to-screenplay
Mentorship on creating and crafting your script
A $750 Writer Stipend to all participants and accepted writers
Expert development notes and assessments by industry professionals
A 'table read' with professional actors
Script Sales and Career Strategy instruction
Pitch deck and high-end marketing collateral created for the project
Live Industry Event to pitch your new script and meet high-end industry decision-makers
For those scripts optioned, setup or sold, there will be financial participation
REQUIREMENTS:
BIPOC Writer: Applicants must be of BIPOC heritage/ethnicity (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color)
Script Submission: Writers must submit a completed screenplay (90 to 120 pages) for consideration
Application Fee: An Early, Regular or Late application processing fee will apply.
Announcements:
Semi-Finalists: January 22, 2021
Finalists: February 5, 2021
Fellows Announced: February 19, 2021
Fellows Begins: Week of March 8, 2021
Fellowship Schedule:
Dates: Wednesdays, March 10th to May 26th, 2021
Time: 6pm to 9pm PST - (1 class per week, 3 hours per class)
Venue: Zoom
DEADLINES / SUBMISSION FEES:
Regular: December 18, 2020 / $50
Late: January 8, 2021 / $60
Payment Methods: PayPal, Venmo, Zelle
PayPal: send fee to username: Evette Vargas | email: evette@digital-reign.net | send as “Trusted”
Venmo: send fee to username: @Evette-Vargas | email: evette@digital-reign.net
Zelle: send fee to email: evette@writersroom5050.com
https://www.writersroom5050.com/fellowship-details
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WRITERS DISCOVERY FELLOWSHIP
Circle of Confusion
INFO: Circle of Confusion — a premiere management and production destination for exceptional actors, writers, directors, content creators, publishers and journalists — will establish an ongoing fellowship program to nurture and assist in accelerating the diversity of voices in our industry. Circle of Confusion’s core mission has always been discovery, and we have been fortunate enough to have identified and promoted many talented writers, directors, actors and creators from all walks of life. It is based on this tradition and fundamental strength of the company that Circle of Confusion is launching the program. The excitement of film and television has always been the joy that great storytelling brings to audiences around the globe. By promoting voices that have been historically excluded, the Fellowship will enrich both the professional lives of the Fellows and the dynamic quality of the entertainment industry.
THE FELLOWSHIP: Circle of Confusion will provide an immersive introductory experience to the world of professional screen and television writing to a diverse group of aspiring writers who have not yet been employed or represented by the industry. The Fellows will each be given a $10,000 stipend by way of a first look deal with Circle of Confusion Television Studios. Twice per year, the program will select six to eight writers for a six-month fellowship which closely replicates the writer-manager dynamic. Each Fellow will be assigned a mentor who will educate and guide them by way of script development, career advice, and support. While the Fellowship cannot guarantee the sale of the pilot or specific employment, by the end of each Fellowship session, each Fellow will have developed a submission-ready television pilot, been afforded multiple opportunities for industry networking, and generally equipped with the essential tools for their success as writers in the entertainment industry.
The Fellowship is open to applicants of all ethnicities, races, cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and ages.
MENTORSHIP: Our mentors will include Circle of Confusion literary managers and other senior industry professionals, offering general business advice and script development within the duration of the Fellowship. In the first four months, each Fellow will develop an original pilot script with their dedicated mentor. The pilot scripts will be reviewed by the Fellowship’s Advisory Board (composed of established members of the film and television community with an expertise in content evaluation) and then submitted to relevant industry professionals, with the explicit goal of using the last two months of the Fellowship to arrange general one-on-one Zoom meetings with producers and executives. Throughout the entire Fellowship session, the mentor will be available to guide the Fellow through each step, assisting the Fellow in their development of writing and storytelling skills, pitching skills and navigating the meeting process.
PROGRAMMING: The Fellowship program will begin in March of 2021 and include informational panels, speakers and workshops with industry professionals. Additionally, Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in several practice/mock-general meetings in preparation for their final professional meetings.
Applicant Qualifications:
Have never worked or held representation in the entertainment industry as a writer
Must have two storytelling samples, with at least one being a pilot script draft to further develop alongside a mentor during the Fellowship
Application Materials:
Fellowship application
Personal statement
Brief questionnaire
Two samples of narrative storytelling (The development sample must be a pilot script. Other writing samples may include but are not limited to pilot scripts, feature screenplays, short stories, personal essays, produced short form content, slam poetry, plays, audio-drama scripts, etc.)
DEADLINE: January 5, 2020
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2021 Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room
INFO: Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room is a writing fellowship from the creators of Sesame Street. And we’re looking for YOU! Fresh new writing talent from underrepresented racial backgrounds. Emerging storytellers who are selected to join the Writers’ Room will receive hands-on writing experience guided by Sesame Street veterans and other media industry leaders. Each participant will develop and write a pilot script for their own original kids concept. Past fellows have gone on to develop their own original content with Sesame Workshop, as well as write for Sesame Street and various programs at Nickelodeon, Disney, DreamWorks, and more!
Up to 8 writers from underrepresented racial backgrounds will be selected
Sessions will take place from May through July 2021
Includes eight, three-hour sessions on creating original children's content
Learn from industry writers, producers, agents and executives
Learn and complete all steps of creating an original pilot episode script
Up to two participants will have the opportunity to receive creative development deals and further mentorship
Application Check List:
Application form
Resume: this can feature your overall work experience, NOT only writing experience
Personal statement: tell us about yourself, for example, why you want to write for children's educational media, how your experiences influence the stories you tell, why you value diversity/representation in children's media, etc. (up to 250 words)
Original script sample: 11-page maximum, it should NOT contain Sesame Street elements, it can be an excerpt from a larger piece you've written, it must be kid-friendly content for viewers up to age 12...we're looking for great characters and stories that inspire kids to be smarter, stronger and kinder!
More info on your script: what's the bigger picture/idea of your script sample? (up to 100 words)
DEADLINE: January 8, 2021 at 5pm EST
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2020-2021 BLACK LIST & GOOGLE ASSISTANT STORYTELLING FELLOWSHIP
The Black List / Google Assistant
INFO: Up to five writers will receive $20,000 each for the purpose of supporting those writers for six months as they work to draft their new feature screenplays and/or teleplays. During the course of those six months, the Black List and Google Assistant will also pair each fellowship recipient with a screenwriting mentor.
Pitches should be contemporary in nature and avoid violence and/or illegal activity as the premise of the story. Completed scripts can include the natural helpfulness of technology in everyday life, but shouldn’t be focused around technology or from a dystopian view. At the end of the Fellowship, each recipient would provide Google with a copy of their new draft along with a report addressing how the grant has been used to advance their work.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
Opt-ins will be open until midnight on Friday, January 15, 2021. On Monday, January 18, 2021, up to 15 writers will be invited, based on the strength of their scripts as determined by the Black List, to submit a one-page personal statement and professional resume. Those materials will be due on Friday, January 22, 2020. From those submissions, up to five (5) writers will be selected by the Black List and Google Assistant to receive the 2020-2021 Storytelling Fellowship. Fellowship recipients will be notified in February 2021.
DEADLINE: January 15, 2021