CAPE NEW WRITERS FELLOWSHIP
Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE)
DEADLINE: November 7, 2022
APPLICATION FEE: $65
INFO: The CAPE New Writers Fellowship (CNWF) discovers and nurtures emerging Asian and Pacific Islanders writers launching their careers in television. Founded and co-chaired by Emmy Award-winning Writer, Creator and Showrunner Leo Chu and veteran film and TV executive Steve Tao, the CAPE New Writers Fellowship is one of few writing programs in Hollywood created by a creative and an executive. This immersive Fellowship arms each writer with the practical and business knowledge they need to succeed as a professional writer in the entertainment industry.
Over the course of several weeks, CAPE brings in top television and film writers, producers, agents, managers, and executives for a series of intimate panels, workshops, and discussions. The Fellowship also features a Writing Lab where each Fellow is matched with a high-level industry mentor to help them revise their original script into professional level writing samples to get them noticed and land that all-important first staff job.
The Fellowship typically runs each year in early spring. Sessions take place on weekday evenings PT for approximately 3 hours, twice a week.
Each application consists of:
Complete, original episodic pilot script with all identifying information removed
General Release Form
Rules & Conditions Form
Resume
$65 non-refundable application processing fee paid via PayPal
ELIGIBILITY TERMS + REQUIREMENTS:
You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
You or your script should be consistent with CAPE’s mission to champion diversity by educating, empowering, and connecting Asian American and Pacific Islander artists and leaders in entertainment.
You must have the ability to accept paid work in the United States. CAPE does not sponsor or assist with visas.
You must be available to attend every virtual session via Zoom. Sessions will be held on March-April 2023 on Monday and Wednesday weekday evenings Pacific Time.
There will be a potential in-person event in late April in the Los Angeles area. All guests must be fully vaccinated by the date of the event - with proof of vaccination required. Transportation and lodging costs will not be covered.
We accept half-hour or hour long pilots only. All genres accepted.
Your script must be in English. Additional languages are accepted with subtitles.
You must not have been employed as a staff writer (or higher level).
You must not have had a film/script over $1 million budget produced.
Your script must be in PDF format and in industry format.
Your script must not contain any identifying information (name, email, rep information) on any pages. You may include WGA or copyright registration numbers if you wish, but it is not necessary.
Your script must be original and you must own all rights to the script free and clear.
Your script must not be under an option and you must have sole authority over changes to the script.
We accept writing teams of up to 2 writers. You must be committed to pursuing a career as a writing team. Both members of any writing team must meet all requirements.
You must workshop and edit the script you submitted to the Fellowship, if accepted.
We do not accept revised or replacement scripts - no exceptions.
You may submit more than one entry, but they must be submitted separately with their own application and fee.
All entries are non-refundable.
Any applicant or writing team failing to meet the above requirements will be disqualified.
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EMERGING VOICES PARTNERSHIP
The Hallmark Mahogany / The Black List
DEADLINE: November 8, 2022
INFO: The Hallmark Mahogany x The Black List Emerging Voices Partnership is a new collaboration that will offer a WGA-minimum open script deal to one writer who has an aptitude and passion for telling authentic stories that reflect the Black experience in the spirit of such classic movies like LOVE & BASKETBALL, JUMPING THE BROOM, and LOVE JONES.
The selected writer will develop an original Mahogany teleplay that embraces the initiative and Mahogany card brand’s core pillars of community, love, sisterhood, faith, and purpose.
In addition to the open script deal, Crown Media will provide 50 writers with coupons for one free month of hosting and two evaluations on blcklst.com.
This opportunity is open to all writers who can organically and authentically capture the Black experience. Interested writers may submit a feature or pilot script, play, or musical to blcklst.com.
blcklst.com/partnerships/opportunities/125
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THE MINORITY REPORT 2023: A SCREENWRITING FELLOWSHIP
DIVERSO
DEADLINE: Extended to November 10, 2022
ENTRY FEE: $20 (Pilot + Feature)
INFO: The Minority Report is an industry-vetted fellowship program for the top diverse screenwriters enrolled in undergraduate or graduate educational institutions (Class of 2022 Graduates are eligible). Made by students, for students, it's the first-ever initiative of its kind.
The contest is sponsored by DIVERSO, a student-run film nonprofit dedicated to changing the face of entertainment by empowering the underrepresented storytellers of the next generation.
At DIVERSO, we believe that long-term, systemic change in Hollywood starts at the student level: providing underrepresented student groups with exposure, resources, and connections in Hollywood that they may not otherwise have access to.
We offer an extensive professional platform to break into entertainment by connecting our Minority Report Fellows with top companies/executives/mentors and providing individualized guidance and stipend for career development.
BENEFITS:
Each year, the Minority Report Fellowship program changes. Below, you'll find the benefits afforded to the Fellows over the last two seasons.
PREVIOUS SEASONS' BENEFITS:
1. Distribution to Agencies: The Minority Report was sent out to over a dozen agents and managers at different companies from Anonymous Content to Paradigm to United Talent Agency.
2. Virtual Panels with Top Industry Professionals:
The Daniels, EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE
Shaka King, JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH
Jessica Gao, RICK & MORTY
Amy Aniobi, INSECURE
JD Dillard, STARWARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER
Dennis Liu, RAISING DION
3. General Meetings: Our fellows were set up on 5+ general meetings with executives from studios and production companies such as Plan B, 3Arts, Paramount, Universal, Big Beach, JuVee, Tornante, and more.
4. Mentorship: Fellows were matched with experienced writers in the industry based on their personalized style and experience. Mentors provided both career and script guidance. Last season's mentors included:
Charles Rogers, SEARCH PARTY
Charise Castro Smith, ENCANTO
Ifuoma Ofordire, LOVECRAFT COUNTRY
Industry Jury Members last season included:
Lee Daniels - Academy Award® Nominated Director, THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLLIDAY
Kemp Powers - Academy Award® Nominated Writer, SOUL, ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI
Tze Chun - Showrunner, GREMLINS
Moisés Zamora - Showrunner, SELENA
Alexander Hodge - Actor, INSECURE
Nava Mau - Actor, GENERATION
Sadé Grandberry - Actor, IMMORTAL
Yalda Uhls - Founding Director of the Center for Scholars & Storytellers, UCLA
Jo Jo Lam - Kodak Vision Award for Excellence in Cinematography, CEREMONY
writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/the-minority-report
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THE BLACK LIST AND CBS STUDIOS/NAACP VENTURE WRITERS PROGRAM
CBS Studios / NAACP / The Black List
DEADLINE: November 16, 2022
INFO: CBS/NAACP Production Venture and the Black List have partnered to offer a WGA-minimum open script deal for a new pilot script with a writer whose work authentically explores the Black experience.
The Black List will assist CBS Studios/NAACP Production Venture in identifying a shortlist of talented writers who exemplify authentic storytelling of Black narratives through a submission period on blcklst.com.
The Black List will then use all available data related to script submissions to determine a shortlist to be shared with CBS Studios/NAACP Production Venture. Shortlisted writers may be asked to provide additional materials, such as a professional resume and personal statement, as part of the consideration process.
blcklst.com/partnerships/opportunities/124
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ELEVATE COLLECTIVE
Inevitable Foundation
DEADLINE: Rolling
APPLICATION FEE: $0
INFO: The Elevate Collective empowers mid- and upper-level disabled screenwriters with the mentorship, coaching and connections they need to level-up their careers.
FAQS:
Why did you create Elevate Collective?
Mid- and upper-level disabled screenwriters need targeted support, education, connections and financial resources—small to medium-sized actions that can have an outsized impact, especially in an industry that is mostly focused on supporting emerging talent. Based on the learnings from our Fellowship program, we wanted to support more disabled screenwriters and help them accelerate their careers, with an important emphasis on building community. For mid- and upper-level disabled writers, there are very few places to turn for this industry-specific support, which is why we created Elevate Collective.
What is the difference between the Elevate Collective and an Elevate Collective Award?
Elevate Collective is an ongoing community of disabled writers who can turn to each other for ongoing support, networking and camaraderie. The Collective is made up of Elevate Collective Award recipients, who have received one-time $5,000 grants that can be used for coaching, education, mentorship, work-from-home equipment and/or IP acquisition.
What does an Elevate Collective Award include?
Elevate Collective Members receive a $5,000 professional development grant, which can be used for career coaching, professional development script consultations, equipment and IP acquisition. Elevate Collective Members also have quarterly check-ins with the Inevitable Foundation team and regular events for members to meet their peers and build community with other disabled screenwriters.
Does Inevitable Foundation own the Intellectual Property (IP) that Elevate Collective Members acquire?
No. When Elevate Collective Members use Elevate Collective Awards to purchase IP, the Member is the right’s holder.
How long does an Elevate Collective Award last?
The financial benefits of an Elevate Collective Award must be used within six (6) months. However, Elevate Collective Members will continue to have access to events and community building opportunities indefinitely.
Can I apply for an Elevate Collective Award more than once?
Yes. If you receive an Elevate Collective Award, you are not permitted to apply again for one (1) calendar year, after which you may re-apply. Receiving an Elevate Collective Award once does not guarantee that you will selected in the future.
ELIGIBILITY:
What are your eligibility requirements?
General eligibility requirements:
Self-identifies as disabled.
18 years of age or older.
Currently pursuing a career in screenwriting.
Not enrolled in an accredited degree program.
Currently or previously has worked in the entertainment industry.
Applicants must also meet at least two (2) of the following criteria:
Has an agent or a manager
Member of the WGA, Animation Guild or equivalent union
Has sold a script, TV show, or pitch before
Has staffed on a tv show or received a writing credit on a movie
Has been or currently are in development with a major production company, studio, or network
APPLICATION PROCESS:
What information does the Application ask for?
The Application requires the following information:
Standard Demographic Information including race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.
Writer Questions (max 250 words each)
What have you accomplished in your career over the last two years?
What is the next level you want to achieve in your career
What are the biggest things in the way of you reaching that next level?
Why is disability representation important to you?
What projects are you currently working on?
List title, format, genre(s) and loglines.
Resume or CV