NICKELODEON WRITING PROGRAM
DEADLINE: August 1, 2021 at 11:59 pm PT
INFO: Founded in the year 2000, the Nickelodeon Writing Program is a full-time, paid, yearlong development Program for television comedy writers with unique voices and from underrepresented communities. Join us at the studio in Burbank for classes and workshops to sharpen your skills, executive mentorship and networking to build your professional relationships, and the opportunity to work in the iconic live-action and animation writers’ rooms at Nick.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dedicate yourself to the craft of writing and build your career from the ground up. The Nick Writing Program is not a writing contest – It’s a launching pad for diverse and emerging creatives. If you bring the unique voice and innovative ideas for kids’ and family content, we’ll help you launch a career with all the tools you’ll need to succeed in the industry for years to come.
HOW TO APPLY: Our submission period runs July 1st to August 1st. All submissions must be completed by 11:59pm PST on August 1st. No late submissions will be considered. You must be 18 years or older, and eligible to work in the United States to participate. To apply, follow the link under the “Apply Online” section, fill out the application through our submission portal, and submit two scripts: One spec from our Accepted Shows List which gets updated every year (watch our social media channels for announcements), and one half-hour original comedy pilot. If you have previously applied to the Program and were not selected, you are welcome and encouraged to apply again with a new spec script for each submission period.
Step 1: Pick a Focus
When you pick a focus, it helps us curate your experience in the Program to better help you reach your goals as a television writer. Picking a focus does not mean your time in the Program will be spent exclusively working on content for this audience, but simply helps us gauge your interests and set you on a course for success. Your spec and pilot submissions do not need to adhere to these audience age groups in any way.
Kids’ Content (Audience Age 6-11): This age group is Nickelodeon’s bread and butter. Most of Nickelodeon’s most iconic live-action and animated shows are developed for this demographic including SpongeBob SquarePants, Danger Force, and The Loud House.
Preschool Content (Audience Age 2-6): The Preschool age group (including “bridge” content for tots moving into early elementary school age) loves to laugh and play along with their content. They’re smart, engaged, and always ready for new shows to watch like Paw Patrol, Ryan’s Mystery Playdate, and Baby Shark’s Big Show.
Preteen/Young Adult (Audience Age 11-17): Nickelodeon shares its home in the ViacomCBS Kids & Family Group with our partners at Awesomeness who cater to a tween and teen audience. We’ll partner with ATV and the creators of Nick’s shows for a slightly older audience like Side Hustle, Drama Club, and iCarly to make this experience the right one for you.
Step 2: Script Preparation
All applicants must submit a SPEC SCRIPT and ORIGINAL COMEDY PILOT that adhere to the following guidelines:
Must be based on a television series from the Accepted Shows List (spec only).
Typed in standard Final Draft (or equivalent) script format.
In black type, 12pt courier style font.
Do not upload a cover page with your script.
The following information should be included in the header/footer of your spec script on the first or all pages:
Name of the show (center of the header).
Title of the episode (center of the footer).
File name should include only the name of your show and episode (Do not include your name or your submission will not be considered).
Do not put your name anywhere on the script, file, or file name.
THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED: Feature-length screenplays, reality-based comedies or dramas, treatments, outlines, plays, short stories, books, graphics, magazine/newspaper articles, poems, headshots, audio/video tapes, or other digital media. If it's not on the Accepted Shows list or your comedy pilot, please do not submit it!
Please note: Submissions that do not adhere to these guidelines will not be considered.
Step 3: Accepted Shows
A.P. Bio
Atlanta
Awkwafina is Nora from Queens
Baby-Sitters Club (2020)
Big Mouth
Black-ish
Bob <3 Abishola
Bob's Burgers
Breeders
Central Park
Dickinson
Dollface
Family Reunion
Gentefied
Grown-ish
Harley Quinn
Letterkenny
Mixed-ish
Mr. Iglesias
Mr. Mayor
Mythic Quest
Never Have I Ever
PEN15
Raven's Home
Rick and Morty
Saved by the Bell (2020)
South Park
Tacoma FD
Ted Lasso
The Conners
The Goldbergs
The Great North
The Last O.G.
The Neighborhood
The Unicorn
What We Do in the Shadows
Woke
Young Sheldon
Step 4: Apply Online
SUBMISSION MATERIALS TO INCLUDE:
Completed application questions - some of these are long, so start your application early.
One spec script in .pdf format (this applies to both individual writers and writing teams).
One original comedy pilot in .pdf format (this applies to both individual writers and writing teams).
One-page resume in .pdf format.
Completed and digitally signed Submission Release form and Schedule A for each script. These can be downloaded from the link above the document upload section.
COMPLETE YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION
Beginning July 1st, you can start your application for the Nickelodeon Writing Program. Submissions must be uploaded before 11:59pm PT on August 1st.
All submission materials should be completed and uploaded to the Nickelodeon online submission platform Coverfly. All necessary forms can be downloaded via links embedded in the application.
Once in the platform, fill in the form with your "Project Info" about your spec from the Accepted Shows List.
Projects written by writing teams should only be submitted once. On the first page of the checkout form, writers will have the option to add one additional writer by clicking on the plus sign (+) next to the name fields.
Upload a .pdf of your spec script following the provided instructions. Leave off all identifiable information. At this stage, you will be asked to provide a few additional details about the script.
Choose the Program "Package" and "Add to Cart."
Give us some "Additional Info" including your contact details, a signed Schedule A form, and a signed Release form (one for each member in the case of writing teams) for each script you submit (spec and pilot). Both forms can be downloaded from the link above the document upload section.
We'll also need a resume in .pdf format. Please be sure to fill out all required fields and answer all questions or you will not be able to submit your application.
Finally, "Check Out" (at no cost) to complete your submission.
Don't wait until the last minute! We advise that you give yourself at least two weeks prior to the August 1st deadline to complete your submission. No exceptions will be made for late submissions regardless of circumstances.
If you are experiencing problems with the online application, please contact the technical support team at Coverfly by scrolling to the bottom of their site homepage and clicking "Contact."
https://www.nickanimation.com/writing-program
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NRDC CLIMATE STORYTELLING FELLOWSHIP
NRDC / The Black List / The Redford Center
DEADLINE: August 25, 2021
INFO: The Black List is pleased to partner with NRDC’s Rewrite the Future program and The Redford Center to offer financial grants and creative support for scripts telling stories with new perspectives on climate change.
The Black List, NRDC and The Redford Center will award $10,000 to each of three screenwriters to support revision of a feature screenplay or pilot with significant climate crisis and/or climate solution themes.
In addition, NRDC will connect each fellowship recipient with the following professionals for feedback and guidance on their scripts:
A credited professional screenwriter with an interest in climate storytelling (mentors include Sarah Treem, Scott Z. Burns and Naren Shankar)
A climate story consultant from NRDC’s Rewrite the Future program to advise on effective approaches to climate storytelling that are entertaining and impactful
As applicable, an NRDC expert to advise on climate issues highlighted in the script.
After receiving these consultations, Fellows have six (6) months to complete a revision of their script. Revised scripts may be reviewed for development by prominent studios, agencies and/or production companies including Hyperobject Industries, Madica Productions, Participant, UTA and WME.
At the end of the Fellowship, each recipient will provide a designated representative of the NRDC with a revised version of their script along with a short reflection on how the grant has been used to advance their work and/or impacted their career.
The first 50 writers that opt in with a qualified screenplay or pilot that has not been previously evaluated by the Black List will receive one free month of hosting and one free evaluation. If you meet these criteria when you opt in, you will receive a notification.
Each fellowship recipient will retain complete ownership of their work.
In order to apply for the fellowship, the script MUST include climate in the story in a meaningful way that involves major character(s), events and plot or subplot(s). The climate angle should be more than just a backdrop or setting.
WHAT CONSTITUTES CLIMATE STORYTELLING...
The script can be any genre but climate change and solutions must be a main driver of the action and affect important choices made by characters.
The climate crisis intersects with a wide variety of topics so a successful climate script could incorporate impacts and/or solutions in many areas:
Stories that personalize climate issues like environmental racism and climate injustice, climate disruption of food, water, public health, war/national security, natural disasters, corporate malfeasance, immigration, political scandal, conspicuous consumption, deforestation, wildlife and wilderness, pollution, sea-level rise, and other regional effects.
Stories that show the impacts of the climate crisis on people and communities, disproportionate effects on BIPOC frontline communities; personal impacts on relationships, emotions/psychology, romance, family planning, jobs, and career choices; facing the ethical dilemmas of a fossil fuel economy; becoming part of the solution through personal/community/political action, education, politics and journalism, activism, etc.
Stories that feature people discovering and engaging in climate solutions, including “green” innovations in farming and food, public health, law and policy, energy, transportation, science and high-tech, business and finance, building and product design, waste management, circular economy, community-based innovation like greening neighborhoods, food justice, urban farms, etc.
Stories about thought and action leaders meeting the immense challenge of solving the crisis and transitioning to a just, equitable, decarbonized economy.
Stories that show alternative futures, beyond the cliches of climate disaster/dystopia.
Scripts that highlight a new perspective on the human relationship with the planet that:
Engenders hope and illustrates solutions
Addresses human agency
Revises the relationship of “taking from” or carelessly destroying ecosystems to “caretaking”, or sustaining ecosystems
Note: For TV pilot submissions, applicants who make the short list must also provide a long synopsis or treatment describing the primary story arcs and how the climate themes will be developed throughout the show.
THE SELECTION PROCESS: Writers who meet the submission requirements will be able to opt into consideration via the Black List website until August 25, 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. From those submissions, three fellowship recipients will be selected no later than September 21, 2021.
https://blcklst.com/partnerships/opportunities/86
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FELLOWSHIP FOR DISABLED SCREENWRITERS
Inevitable Foundation
DEADLINE: Rolling
INFO: The Screenwriting Fellowship gives disabled screenwriters $25,000 and bespoke mentorship to advance their careers and projects.
We started the Inevitable Foundation Screenwriting Fellowship to substantially increase the number of disabled screenwriters working in film and TV. People with disabilities make up over 20% of the U.S. population but represent only 2% of characters on screen and less than 1% of writers behind the screen. Representation matters and film and TV present a key vehicle to counteract the often negative perceptions that surround disabilities.
How much is the Fellowship for?
Fellows receive $25,000, which is meant to cover 4-6 months of living expenses.
How can I use the Fellowship money?
The money is unrestricted—you can use it to cover living expenses and other project-related fees—which is intended to give you the time and space over 4-6 months to further develop your projects.
Is the Fellowship taxable income?
If you receive a Fellowship, we recommend you speak to an accountant to make a determination on the tax status of the Fellowship money.
Who is eligible for the Fellowship?
The Fellowship is for any screenwriter who meets the following conditions:
Self-identifies as disabled.
18 years of age or older.
Dedicated to or currently pursuing a career in screenwriting.
Currently or previously has worked in the entertainment industry.
Demonstrates that without the Fellowship or similar financial support, you are unable to advance your own full-time career as a screenwriter.
What information does the Application ask for?
The Application requires the following information:
A completed script. Scripts featuring authentic disabled characters are a plus but not required.
Project Logline: Describe the crux of your film (75 words or less).
Project Synopsis: A brief summary of a completed screenplay's core concept, major plot points, and main character arcs (500 words or less).
Personal Statement: In 500 words or less, your personal statement should answer two questions. 1) What stories do you want to tell and why? 2) What does disability representation mean to you?
Biography: Write your bio in third person (150 words or less).
Resume or CV
Summaries of other projects you have completed or are working on. We ask that at least one of these projects (past, current or future) have disabled characters at the forefront.
What type of material do you accept?
We only accept original material (films and TV shows), which may include material you own the rights to and are adapting into a project.
We do not accept spec episodes or any material you do not have the rights to.
What is the application process for the Fellowship?
The application process has three rounds.
ROUND 1
Focuses on selecting Applicants who possess professional screenwriting skills, which is a prerequisite for the Fellowship.
Our reading committee will review all applications on a rolling basis and then invite a select group to the second round.
ROUND 2
Focuses on advancing Applicants who are talent, ambitious, working professionally and have a passion for disability representation.
ROUND 3
Focuses on learning more about the Applicant during an hour-long interview.
ROUND 4
Takes everything into accounts from the first three rounds and our Selection Advisory Committee makes their final recommendations.
A questionnaire will determine if you are eligible to apply for the Screenwriting Fellowship. Complete the questions below and we will notify you about your eligibility via email within 24 hours of completing the application.