2022 TV Series Lab
The Gotham
DEADLINE: March 4, 2022
INFO: The Gotham TV Series Lab annually selects 10 narrative series projects — all in development and written or created by first-time series creators — and provides the creative teams behind these projects with key support through the strategy, marketing, and exposure of their work.
The TV-Series Lab participants will convene two times in the year. First during a week-long virtual lab in the spring (TV-Series Lab), then pitching their project at the Gotham Week Project Market in September.
Gotham Week – September 2022
As part of the participation in the TV-Series Lab, selected projects are pitching in the Project Market at Gotham Week, which takes place in Brooklyn each September. At Gotham Week, Lab Fellows can connect with key industry members — producers and EPs, production companies, management companies, platforms and more — to help move their projects forward.
KEY DATES:
Application opens: February 4, 2022
Application Deadline: March 4, 2022 (11:59pm Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone)
TV-Series Lab: May 9 – 13, 2022
Gotham Week: September 2022
All submissions will be notified of their status by mid-April 2022.
Questions? Please contact Gotham Senior Manager, Gabriele Capolino (gcapolino@thegotham.org)
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
The Gotham is looking for 10 outstanding debut or “breakthrough” series creators working independently on fiction episodic projects in development created for TV and digital platforms. The series project submitted to the Lab is not necessarily the Creator’s first work on a series, but displays a bold and innovative talent whose unique vision suggests significant future accomplishment. Series Creators who have won or been nominated for significant episodic awards (Primetime Emmys, Golden Globe, Gotham Awards, etc.) for other digital and/or television episodic works are ineligible. Series Creators who have created prominent web series will be judged on a case by case basis. Series Creators with prominent experience in the TV Industry looking for Industry connections and exposure of their project are invited to directly apply to Gotham Week.
After participating in the program, past Gotham TV-Series Lab alumni have gone on to, among other successful stories: find partners and executive producers; connect and sign deals with production companies; work in writer’s rooms; find
thegotham.org/apply/labs/screen-forward-lab/
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NBCU LAUNCH: NBC TV WRITERS PROGRAM
NBCUniversal
DEADLINE: March 7, 2022, by 11:59 p.m. PST
INFO: The NBC TV Writers Program is our premier program for emerging diverse episodic television writers with the goal of creating the next generation of showrunners and content creators.
The program, which replaces the long-standing Writers on the Verge, develops diverse writers whose distinct points of view and lived experiences provide unique perspectives to the writers’ room.
During the eight-month program, writers develop an original pilot to which they retain all rights. They are paired with NBCUniversal programming executives from the NBCU Television and Streaming portfolio and Universal Studio Group who mentor them, as they write their original pilot and polish samples for staffing consideration.
Writers also attend weekly evening workshops to enhance their creative and professional skills, including branding, pitching, and interviewing, as well as expand on their knowledge of the ever-changing television landscape. Additionally, they have opportunities to learn from and build relationships with industry professionals, including network and studio executives, showrunners, agents, and managers.
At the conclusion of the program, participating writers will be considered for available staff writer positions on NBCU Television and Streaming as well as Universal Studio Group series.
Applicants are encouraged to review the FAQs carefully as they are designed to guide you in creating a strong submission.
ELIGIBITY REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must be authorized to work legally in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not offered to program participants.
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age as of September 1, 2022.
Entertainment industry experience is not required.
While in the program, applicants must reside in Los Angeles as weekly workshops are in-person.
Writers who have received a staff writer credit on more than one streaming, cable, or broadcast television scripted series are ineligible and cannot apply.
Writing teams can apply. Pilot samples submitted by writing teams must be co-written by both individuals applying to the program.
SUBMIISION REQUIREMENTS:
Those applying must submit a complete application package, which includes the following items:
APPLICATION must be completed in its entirety. Writing teams need to complete only one application, but must provide separate applicant information, essay responses, and release forms (as directed) for each team member. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
2 ORIGINAL PILOTS that capture the writer’s unique tone, style, and point of view. Applicants retain ownership of these 2 pre-existing pilots which will be used solely for review and evaluation purposes, as part of the application process.
Applicants must select and designate one pilot to prioritize for the first round of review and consideration. Should an applicant proceed to the next round, their second submitted pilot will be reviewed.
Submitted pilots should adhere to the following:
(1) Follow a four-act structure (for comedy) or a six-act structure (for drama);
(2) Must be between 25-45 pages in length for 30-minute formats (typically comedy) or between 45-60 pages for 60-minute format (typically drama);
(3) Have a clear beginning, middle and end.
The applicant must be the sole owner of all original material submitted, unless applying as a writing team and in that case, both applicants must be co-writers of the original material. We can only accept material from writing teams if both writers are applying to the program as a two-person writing team.
All script reads are blind so only provide the title on the title page of the pilots. The applicant’s name, email, address, phone number, or any other identifying information should not appear in the filename, on the title page, or any other page of the script.
RELEASE FORMS must be completed, signed, and dated, in order for submissions to be accepted. Incomplete release forms will result in disqualification. Digital signatures are accepted.
RÉSUMÉ outlining chronological paid employment history (may include entertainment and non-entertainment positions) and any writing-related honors/awards. Positions must have been held within the past 15 years (two pages or less). Only list compensated positions with the exception of entertainment industry internships and full-time volunteer work at non-profits. If listing writing projects, only include projects that were produced and/or optioned. The applicant’s résumé will provide us an understanding of their work history and insight into their individual life experiences.
PERSONAL ESSAYS articulate the applicant’s unique perspective and background as it relates to their storytelling. Applicant must answer both (2) essay questions, and each essay must not exceed 400 words.
(OPTIONAL) LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION from entertainment industry professionals who have read the applicant’s material and can comment on the applicant’s writing ability. Letters of recommendation are strongly encouraged, but not required. Acceptable letters must be on business or personal letterhead, dated in the current calendar year and include the author’s title and/or industry affiliation. No more than two letters per application will be accepted. Letters must accompany the submission and may not be submitted separately via email or mail. Any recommendation letters emailed or mailed to the Program separate from the writer’s application will not be accepted. Letter(s) from agents, managers, attorneys, etc. are considered a conflict of interest and will not be considered.
Any candidate who does not meet the aforementioned criteria will be disqualified.
NOTIFICATION: Due to the volume of submissions received, only those applicants who are selected to participate in the program will be notified. Applicants who are not selected will not be notified. Please check our social media pages for updates on the selection process. Selections will be announced a few weeks before the Program commences.
nbcuniversallaunch.com/tv-writers-program
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Sundance Episodic Program
Sundance Institute
DEADLINE: March 9, 2022
INFO: The Sundance Episodic Program is an entry point and sustaining force for emerging episodic writers and creators across all scripted platforms. Through a rigorous Lab experience and customized year-round support, the program provides artists with the tools, training, and industry access to move their projects and careers forward.
The Episodic Lab is an immersive six-day experience at the Sundance Mountain Resort that offers writers an opportunity to workshop an original pilot and develop their writing and pitching skills. Working with accomplished showrunners, producers, and executives, the Fellows participate in one-on-one story meetings, pitching sessions, craft workshops, and writers' rooms, which altogether provide creative and strategic tools to develop their pilots and navigate the industry.
RULES & TERMS: The Lab provides applicants with the opportunity to create and submit a television script (“Script”) to be part of the Institute’s upcoming Episodic Lab. Up to ten (10) projects per Lab will receive the opportunity to further develop their Script through virtual workshops leading up to the Lab at the Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah (or through an online platform, if necessary), as set forth more fully below.
By agreeing to the Terms And Conditions found on the Lab submission form located at https://filmfreeway.com/SundanceEpisodicLab2022, the person submitting the Script (hereafter called the “Applicant”) acknowledges and agrees that he/she/they has obtained consent from any and all co-writers or other individuals with rights in and to the Script (hereafter called the “Script Owners”) and has read and understood the submission rules and regulations set forth below:
ELIGIBILITY: The Lab is open to international and U.S. participants, subject to international travel guidelines. By submitting an application, Applicants agree to be bound by these Rules and the decisions of the Selection Advisory Committee, which are final and binding on all matters relating to this Lab. The Lab is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Additional Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at time of application.
The Project must be the Applicant’s original creation or adapted from optioned source material. The Project must be written in the English language.
The Project must be new: not previously submitted to any Sundance Institute labs, competitions, grants, or programs, not already produced, not already sold to a third party, and not distributed online or otherwise.
Applicants cannot have sold an episodic project (pilot or pitch) that has been shot, to a studio or network in the past.
The Project shall not infringe the copyright or any other proprietary right of another individual or entity. The Applicant is responsible for all rights pertaining to the project.
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BRIClab: Film + TV
BRIC
DEADLINE: March 10, 2022
INFO: BRIClab is a multi-disciplinary residency program created to advance opportunities for visual artists, performers, and media makers and offers emerging and mid-career artists essential resources, mentorships, and opportunities to share their work. The residency aims to build a stronger and more diverse artistic community in Brooklyn, New York by supporting long term growth and fostering relationships across disciplines.
The BRIClab: Film + TV residency track incubates innovative and ambitious documentary filmmakers working on short form, episodic, or feature length non-fiction films. Three residencies will be awarded to create opportunities for emerging and mid-career filmmakers.
RESIDENCY BENEFITS:
A stipend of $2500
Up to $6000 towards production cost (expenses must be pre-approved and
documented via invoices and receipts)Access to courses through BRIC's Media Education program at no fee
Access to BRIC production studios and post-production resources
A mentor with industry experience relevant to your project
A collaborative cohort community with group critiques and access to BRIC networking events
A public presentation of your work upon completion of the program
Access to industry gatekeepers through professional development workshops and collaboration opportunities
WHO SHOULD APPLY
You must be:
A New York City based creative, 18 years of age or older.
A documentary filmmaker with a proven degree of competence in production.
An individual artist and/or a creative team of two.
Either not employed by BRIC full-time, or a non-salaried BRIC staffer who works fewer than 500 hours/year.
We are interested in:
Documentary projects of all lengths (short/feature/series).
Thoroughly-researched, original concepts.
A detailed breakdown of budget and the various ways that the project will
maximize the use of BRIC facilities and resources.A specific production timeline leading up to project completion by spring 2023.
Films can be in any language; if not in English, work must be subtitled.
bricartsmedia.org/briclab-film-tv
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WRITERS IN RESIDENCE
Hedgebrook
DEADLINE: March 14, 2022
INFO: Hedgebrook is on Whidbey Island, about thirty-five miles northwest of Seattle. Situated on 48-acres of forest and meadow facing Puget Sound, with a view of Mount Rainier, the retreat hosts writers from all over the world for fully-funded residencies of two to four weeks (travel is not included and is the responsibility of the writer to arrange and pay for). This residency is open to women-identified writers 18 and older.
Central to what we do, our Writer-in-Residence Program supports fully-funded residencies for selected women-identified writers at the retreat each year. Up to 6 writers can be in residence at a time, each housed in a handcrafted cottage. They spend their days in solitude – writing, reading, taking walks in the woods on the property or on nearby Double Bluff beach. In the evenings, “The Gathering” is a social time for residents to connect and share over their freshly prepared meals.
Hedgebrook’s mission is to support visionary women writers whose stories and ideas shape our culture now and for generations to come. Residents must be willing to adhere to a specific set of health and safety protocols we have implemented to keep writers, staff, and surrounding communities safer. We will be following CDC and local government guidelines and recommendations for travel and in-person gathering restrictions.
Residencies for this application cycle, Cycle 1, will take place February - June 2023.
2023 WiR Genres for Cycle One:
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Playwriting
Poetry
Screenwriting/TV Writing
Songwriting
hedgebrook.org/writers-in-residence
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The Thousand Miles Project
Coverfly
DEADLINE: March 31, 2022
ENTRY FEE: $0
INFO: The Thousand Miles Project is open to writers who are passionate about telling Asian and Pacific Islander stories. They’re accepting Features, TV Pilots, Shorts, Web Series, Short Stories, Book/Manuscripts, Stage Plays, Graphic Novels, and Articles
We at The Thousand Miles Project are committed to h elping emerging writers tell their stories and jumpstart lasting writing careers in the entertainment industry. In partnership with Universal Content Productions (UCP) and writer/producer Soo Hugh (The Terror, Pachinko), the program will provide up to 20 writers/writing teams the opportunity to learn about television writing and the industry through panels and lectures with writers, development execs, managers, and agents in a two-day intensive virtual workshop.
After the workshop, participants will be invited to apply for a 24-week development lab by submitting a series idea for further development. Television project proposals in any genre are welcome. We are interested in narratives told through the lenses of any Asian and Pacific Islander community (all Asian or Pacific Islander countries or cultures). From those proposals, up to 3 writers/writing teams will be selected to join the development lab with Soo Hugh, her team and UCP to write a pilot script and potentially develop their project further with UCP. The lab writers will meet on a bi-weekly basis, with additional monthly meetings with Soo and her team.
BENEFITS:
Workshop Participants - Up to 20 writers/writing teams will be invited to free virtual workshops to learn about television development and career strategies from writers, showrunners, managers, agents, and studio execs.
Virtual Workshop dates will be June 11, 2022 and June 18, 2022.
Development Lab Writers - Workshop participants will be invited to apply for the development lab by submitting additional materials by August 1, 2022, which are currently contemplated to include:
Short answers to a series of questions regarding their series concept
An artistic statement of intent about themselves (750 words or less)
Up to 3 writers/writing teams who participated in the workshops and submitted series development ideas will be selected to participate in a 24-week paid development lab. With guidance from Soo and her team, plus peer-to-peer feedback, writers will write a pilot. Selected writers are expected to fully participate by giving support and feedback to each other in the lab.
Writers/writing teams from the lab may be invited to further develop their project with UCP after the development lab is completed.
If UCP chooses not to further develop a project from the lab, UCP will give the rights to the applicable script back to the writer/writing team (and UCP will no longer continue to own it). Further details, and an agreement, will be provided to writers/writing teams selected to participate in the lab.
ELIGIBILITY:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of their application.
Applicants can be from any country or background.
Applicants must have a strong proficiency in English.
Applicant’s participation in the 2-day workshop (and lab, if applicable) must not violate any other obligations applicant may have at law, pursuant to contract, or otherwise.
To participate in the development lab, applicants must be legally authorized to live, work and participate in the lab in the United States.
Applicants must be available to participate in the 2-day workshop and lab (if applicable): Workshop is currently scheduled for June 11, 2022 and June 18, 2022, for approximately 8 hours each day with hours based on the Pacific Time Zone. Confirmed dates and time will be provided.
If selected for the development lab, applicant must execute a standard writer agreement, and other required documentation, in order to participate.
Writing teams can be no more than 2 writers. Each writer must submit a separate application.