TV / FILM — NOVEMBER 2026

SCREENING FELLOWSHIP (WINTER-SPRING 2027)

BlackStar Film Festival

DEADLINE: November 3, 2026

INFO: BlackStar Film Festival is an annual celebration of the visual and storytelling traditions of Black, Brown and Indigenous people from around the world.

Since 2012, the festival has brought together filmmakers, supporters and enthusiasts through screenings, panels, workshops and conversations. This yearly gathering creates space for dialogue and opens the opportunity for greater understanding within and across our communities. The films presented by BlackStar constitute a dynamic and important collection — one that is unlike any other — because they highlight both independent filmmakers and cultural communities.

Through the festival and our other projects, BlackStar is building a liberatory world in which a vast spectrum of Black, Brown and Indigenous experiences are irresistibly celebrated in arts and culture.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: This fellowship is designed to give students and emergent professionals insight into programming for an international film festival. Fellows will assist programmers who are managing five submission categories (Experimental, Short Documentary, Feature Documentary, Short Narrative, and Feature Narrative) by screening submissions and preparing detailed film evaluations. The fellowship offers flexible hours, with approximately 10 hours per week spent viewing films in two assigned categories. Fellows will have access to private films and are required to maintain confidentiality.

The dates of this fellowship are from January 6 to April 16, 2027, with a mandatory one hour virtual orientation on January 6 and a fellowship wrap up call during the week of April 12. There will also be one meeting with a BlackStar programmer or staff member every month, with attendance required for at least two of the meetings for the duration of the fellowship. All work will take place remotely, and fellows are not required to reside in Philadelphia to participate. All meetings will be scheduled during business hours in eastern standard time. Upon successful completion of the fellowship, BlackStar offers either college credit or a modest stipend of $750, plus a 2027 BlackStar Film Festival All Access Pass.

SKILLS + QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong knowledge of and interest in film and media

• Strong analytical skills

• Excellent writing and communication skills

• Excellent organizational skills

• Ability to work independently viewing about 10 hours of film weekly

• Access to Google Suite

• Access to a laptop or desktop computer and strong internet access

• Foreign language reading and listening comprehension desirable

HOW APPLY: Please complete this application form by Tuesday, November 3. You should expect to hear back from us by late-November. For inquiries about this fellowship, please email program@blackstarprojects.org.

blackstarprojects.org/opportunities/screening-fellowship-winter-spring-2027

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Individual Artist Residencies

Trillium Arts |📍Mars Hill, NC

DEADLINE: November 4, 2026 at 11:59pm

APPLICATION FEE: $0

INFO: Trillium Arts residencies offer secluded space for rejuvenation and creating in a beautiful, remote setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We are currently accepting applications for artists to attend in either April or October 2027. Trillium's  location is ideal for an individual artist to complete an existing work, or develop and incubate new material. Facilities in the spring and fall months are best suited to the disciplines of literary arts, photography, and visual arts.

Note that the use of the Red Barn Studio is seasonal and it will not be available to individual artists in 2027. However, there is ample land and outdoor space available for ideation and research. We are currently unable to accommodate groups or collaboratives on the Trillium property. Individual artist residencies are a solo adventure during their time here and your residency will not overlap with other awarded artists. If an artist would like to bring collaborators, there are a variety of AirBnB’s available for rent in the immediate area. A list of recommended AirBnB’s is available upon request.

Who is eligible? Artists of various disciplines (writers, photographers, visual artists, choreographers) at any stage of their careers are invited to apply. Applicants must be at least 21 years old.

2027 Residencies Include:

•  A $700 cash honorarium

• Private accommodations in a one-bedroom, ground floor suite. (Trillium Arts co-founders live upstairs but resident artists have a private entrance). View the accommodations HERE

• Welcome reception with your hosts

• Shared use of the grounds, including firepit, hot tub and waterfall area

• Use of a variety of supplies and onsite creative spaces that include a contemplation gazebo and a 380’ square foot open air, covered workspace. Learn more HERE

• Basic kitchen supplies and all household goods (towels, linens, paper products, etc.)

• Access to high speed fiber optic internet

• Laundry facilities

• Mentorship services (optional for an additional fee)

Residencies take place in the spring and fall of each year and are one week of seven consecutive nights in length.

trilliumartsnc.org/artist-residencies

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WAVE Grant

Wavelength Productions

DEADLINE: November 15, 2026

INFO: The WAVE (Women at the Very Edge) Grant is devoted to supporting emerging filmmakers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to tell their own “great f**king story.” Each year, we select five recipients to receive a $5,000 seed grant for the production of their first short film.

Recipients also receive extensive mentorship from Wavelength’s award-winning team, guiding them through all aspects of development, production, post-production, festival strategy, marketing, and more - an MBA in filmmaking if you will. In addition, we offer in-kind partner services such as crowdfunding mentorship from Seed&Spark and coloring services from Nice Shoes.

AWARD:

• FIVE GRANTEES each receive a $5,000 seed grant for the production of their short film.

• GRANTEES receive robust individual and peer-to-peer mentorship. The Wavelength team and film industry professionals assist with strategies around development, production, post-production, marketing, and distribution. Grantees meet regularly with one another for group mentorship and updates.

• GRANTEES receive in-kind coloring services from our partners at Nice Shoes.

• ALL APPLICANTS receive invites to a free virtual 5-part workshop series from Seed&Spark covering crowdfunding, pitching, budgeting, and distribution. The selected GRANTEES each get 1:1 advice from a Seed&Spark crowdfunding expert on their campaign.

ELIGIBILITY:

• Wavelength’s WAVE Grant is for a short narrative film of approximately 10 minutes. Shorts already in production or post-production will not be considered.

• Production of the short must be completed within 2027. Production cannot begin before April 2027.

• This project must be the applicant’s scripted directorial debut. Student films do not count as prior work. Applicants may have prior experience in the film industry but cannot have directed a scripted short or feature film before.

• Applicants must own the copyright of their production and have budgetary and editorial control.

• Applicants must be based in the United States and will be required to provide proof of residency.

• Student films, feature films, series, and engagement/outreach campaigns will not be considered. Documentary concepts or films in need of finishing funds will not be considered.

  • Student films are defined as films made while the filmmaker is enrolled in a university program.

• Directing duos or teams are not eligible.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Script (10 pages max) – Your script does not have to be final. Works in progress are accepted (and encouraged!).

• Project Information — This information will help us understand your mentoring needs and how far along your project is:

  • Schedule – draft of the film’s schedule through the end of 2027

  • Budget — we know this exercise may be daunting for first-time filmmakers. Do your best and have fun with it! We will use it as a baseline for determining what budgeting mentorship you may need.

  • Collaborators – note any key collaborators attached at this time such as producers, heads of department, talent, etc.

• Brief artist bio (150 words max)

• Resume/CV

• Video pitch – 1-3 minute video introducing yourself and why you think you’d be a good fit for the program. The pitch is an opportunity for the WAVE Grant team to get to know you and we encourage you to show up as your authentic, creative self. Some optional items to touch on in your video are:

  • A bit about yourself and what drives your interest in filmmaking

  • Your vision for the film, including style and tone

  • Your inspiration for the film

  • What you hope to learn from the program

  • What you are most excited for

• Supplemental Materials (optional) – Feel free to include any supplemental materials you’ve created to date. This could be a pitch deck, look book, treatment, or anything else that will give us further insight to your project’s synopsis, style and/or tone

TIMELINE:

• January 30, 2027: All applicants notified of their selection status

• Mid-February 2027: WAVE Grant Program begins

wavelengthproductions.com/wavegrant

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NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship

The Black List

DEADLINE: December 4, 2026 by 11:59pm PST

INFO: Submissions are open for the sixth annual NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship, a partnership between The Black List, NRDC’s (Natural Resources Defense Council) Rewrite the Future program, The Redford Center, NBCUniversal, and CAA Community + Impact. 

The Fellowship will grant $20,000 each to three writers to support revision of a feature screenplay or pilot that engages with climate change in a compelling way through events, actions, character, emotions, plot, and/or setting.

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 

• NRDC’s Rewrite the Future program to advise on effective approaches to climate storytelling that are entertaining and impactful

• As applicable, one or more NRDC experts 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 studios, agencies and/or production companies including Climate Spring, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Hyperobject Industries, NBCUniversal, UTA, WME, and Yellow Dot Studios among others. Writers will retain all rights to their work.

• At the end of the Fellowship, each recipient will provide NRDC with a short reflection of how the fellowship has advanced their work and/or career, a revised version of their script, and an overview of the changes they made during the revision process.

• Climate Spring will offer one dedicated meeting for each Fellow with a Climate Spring development executive to provide development advice and consultation on their script. Climate Spring is dedicated to championing storytelling that transforms how the climate crisis is represented in film, TV, and popular culture by funding, consulting on, and supporting film and TV projects.  

A maximum of 500 qualified scripts will be accepted for consideration for the 2027 Fellowship. All scripts accepted for consideration will receive one free month of hosting and one free evaluation. In order for a script to qualify for consideration, it must engage with climate through events, actions, character, emotions, plot, and/or setting. Writers are required to provide a brief description of how their project qualifies as a climate story when submitting for consideration. If you meet these criteria and the NRDC team confirms your project is qualified for consideration, you will receive a notification confirming your submission is accepted. 

If your project is accepted, it will be automatically opted into consideration for the program and will receive a free month of hosting and a free evaluation. The writer does not need to take further action.

If your project is rejected, it is ineligible for submission. 

Scripts must be submitted for consideration no later than 11:59PM PST on December 4, 2026. All scripts received by the deadline will be reviewed by the NRDC team to determine whether or not they are qualified for consideration.

Writers who are interested in submitting to the 2027 NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship must do so via The Black List - submissions sent via email cannot be accepted. 

Each fellowship recipient will retain complete ownership of their work.

The 2026 Fellowship mentors are Dustin Lance Black (UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN; MILK), Stephen Markley (PARADISE), and J.J. Philbin (ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING; NEW GIRL). Previous mentors have included Pamela Adlon (BABES; BETTER THINGS), Roxane Gay (WORLD OF WAKANDA; BAD FEMINIST), Dorothy Fortenberry (EXTRAPOLATIONS, THE HANDMAID’S TALE),  Brit Marling (ANOTHER EARTH; MURDER AT THE END OF THE WORLD; THE OA), Daniel Scheinert (EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE; SWISS ARMY MAN), Mike Schur (BROOKLYN NINE-NINE; PARKS AND RECREATION; THE GOOD PLACE), Naren Shankar (THE EXPANSE, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION), Sarah Treem (THE AFFAIR, HOUSE OF CARDS), and Scott Z. Burns (AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH; CONTAGION). 

WHAT MAKES A COMPELLING CLIMATE STORY?...

The script can be in any genre, but climate change and solutions must influence action and/or impact characters.

We need it all– comedy, drama, horror, action/adventure, romance; from the apocalyptic to the inspirational. It is the power and privilege of writers to show us how climate change is transforming our world, and to help us find a path to a better future. Our hope with the fellowship is that it inspires writers to consider a variety of genres and characters as they explore environmental themes. 

We are looking for stories that:

• highlight the ways that climate change affects characters, influences choices, and/or drives action

• acknowledge that we already live in a climate-altered world and are grappling with the impacts to our homes, health, communities, and jobs 

• highlight communities most impacted by the climate crisis and/or stories that feature characters and communities working toward solutions.  

The story and genre options are limitless because climate can touch every aspect of life, from food, health, and relationships to justice, jobs, and national security.

Many climate stories in mainstream entertainment depict apocalypse, societal breakdown, and disaster. That dark vision is understandable, and it can be entertaining, but if all the climate stories we see show characters stuck in despair, or in dystopian futures, it reinforces the view that there’s no way out. It also overlooks the enormous potential for original content that illuminates the more complex and nuanced human reality of the climate crisis, including stories about people fighting for a healthier, more equitable and sustainable future.

We encourage you to highlight your script’s climate connection in your submission materials, as only qualifying scripts will receive a script waiver. 

• 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. 

• Note: To submit an updated version of your script, please upload it to the Black List directly BEFORE December 4, 2026 at 11:59pm PST. RTF is not able to accept scripts via email and only scripts submitted via the Black List will be considered.

THE SELECTION PROCESS:

Writers will be able to submit their scripts for consideration for the Fellowship via the Black List website until 11:59PM PST on December 4, 2026.  A maximum of 500 scripts submitted before the deadline and approved by the NRDC as eligible for consideration will receive one free month of hosting and one free script evaluation for their script. 

Based on the strength of their scripts as determined by the Black List’s script evaluations, a short list will be invited to submit a one-page personal statement and professional resume during the selection period (December-April). Semifinalists may be asked to conduct a short interview and three fellowship recipients will be selected no later than April 30, 2027.

IS MY SCRIPT ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION? 

ELIGIBLE: 

• Pilots for episodic series or feature scripts

• Scripts of any genre (as long as they include climate!)

• Scripts are new to The Black List or have been previously reviewed by The Black List 

• Scripts by writers who are with or without representation 

• Scripts were submitted for previous cycles of the NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship

• Adapted work, although we recommend securing an option or permission for the original material

• Scripts from writers in any country (scripts must be submitted in English)

NOT ELIGIBLE: 

• Content created as part of a commercial campaign 

• Incomplete scripts—please upload a completed draft of an original feature film script or pilot teleplay

• Stage plays or musical scripts, Novels, Podcasts, Games or VR/AR Experiences 

• Scripts already in development 

WRITER’S RESOURCES:

• Rewrite the Future: Learn more about Rewrite the Future, NRDC’s initiative to help Hollywood take on the climate crisis, and find tips and resources to guide your writing.

  • You Are the Sun: How Grey’s Anatomy Has Shed Light on Climate Through the Generations (Hollywood Climate Summit 2025) highlighted cast and creatives from Grey’s Anatomy as they discussed how the show has tackled climate change and public health. NRDC’s Meredith Milton also joined the second half of the panel to discuss RTF’s work consulting on the series.

  • The Last Laugh: Comedy in the Age of Climate Change (Sundance 2024) brought together creative professionals to discuss supporting climate stories that speak to the range of emotions and experiences caused by the climate crisis. 

  • “The Big Picture: Representing Our Climate-Altered World On-Screen” (Sundance 2023) brought together a panel of Hollywood professionals to discuss creative strategies for representing climate in film and on TV.

  • “More Than a Feeling: Climate Emotions in Film & TV” (Sundance 2022) brought together mental health experts and Hollywood storytellers to discuss how to represent climate emotions in entertainment to better reflect our lived responses to the crisis. 

  • Beyond Apocalypse: Alternative Climate Futures in Film and TV (Sundance 2021) gathered filmmakers and climate leaders to discuss how entertainment stories can help us see, feel, and build the climate future we want.

• Climateonscreen.org offers tools and resources to help you tell a great climate story. The Sustainable Entertainment Alliance is a consortium of the world’s leading film, television and streaming stakeholders dedicated to advancing sustainability initiatives through advocacy, education, and innovation while reducing the entertainment industry’s overall environmental impact.

• Visit the Redford Center’s Climate Storytelling resource page to find projects, events, and resources that change the conversation, influence industry trends, and grow the movement for impactful climate storytelling. 

• Sustainability Onscreen Tipsheet: This tipsheet offers a wide array of options for creators and producers interested in representing climate and sustainability onscreen.

• Green Production Guide Creative Resources: The PGA and Sustainable Production Alliance have a variety of creative tools available on the Green Production Guide site. 

• ALBERT Editorial Toolkit: The team at BAFTA’s albert program has put together a comprehensive creative guide on how to incorporate climate and environmental stories into content.

NEW TO THE BLACK LIST?

If you are new to the Black List, register for a FREE account by clicking the REGISTER button below. Once you are logged in, you will be able to submit for consideration to the 2027 Fellowship from your dashboard (under My Programs). You do not have to pay for hosting or evaluations in order to submit for consideration! If your script is accepted for consideration for the Fellowship, you will receive one month of hosting and one free evaluation. If you have any questions, please check out our FAQ or email us at support@blcklst.com.

To stay apprised of upcoming events and opportunities offered by Rewrite the Future, please reach out to RewriteTheFuture@nrdc.org.

blcklst.com/programs/2027-nrdc-climate-storytelling-fellowship

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PBS Accelerator Fellowship

PBS

APPLICATION PERIOD: Mid-November - December 8, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT

INFO: The PBS Accelerator Fellowship is designed for mid-career creative media professionals with 5 - 8 years of experience as a producer, editor or journalist. Fellowships are full-time one-year positions on PBS series or specials. The Fellowship supports each fellow’s professional growth and brings new voices into key editorial roles in the production process.

The Fellow is hired by a PBS production partner to work within its team with an opportunity to make substantial contributions to programming, observe leadership in action, learn practical skills, and build a network across the public media system. The Fellow earns a production credit and is a full-time contract employee of the production company where they are placed, with a competitive salary and benefits. Candidates selected for interviews will receive more information about the production company.

To complement their job experience, Fellows become members of the PBS fellowship cohort, which offers monthly sessions, one-on-one mentorship with prominent leaders in public media, access to industry events, and networking opportunities with PBS senior leadership and partners. 

ELIGIBILITY:

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have five (5) to eight (8) years of professional experience as a producer, journalist, editor, or media executive. Freelance and contract work counts toward this total.

• Have experienced barriers to entering the media industry and can share how the barriers encountered have affected their access to professional opportunities or career development, as well as steps taken to navigate or overcome them.

• Be available for the full one-year length of the Fellowship.

ACCELERATOR FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM OFFERINGS:

• Mentoring: Fellows meet one-on-one with their mentor every month. The matching is deliberate: PBS uses detailed profiles from both sides to pair each fellow with an accomplished public media professional whose background and skills line up with what that fellow is building. Mentors bring years of practice and answer the questions that are hard to ask elsewhere. Over the course of the fellowship, those conversations become a steady place to think out loud, get specific guidance on fellowship assignments, and map what comes next.

• Networking: PBS provides meaningful opportunities for fellows to connect with senior leaders and executives across public media through both virtual and in-person gatherings. These conversations are designed to be approachable and candid, offering participants a chance to learn from lived experience, ask questions, and build genuine relationships that can open doors and support their next steps.

• Cohort Support: Fellows take part in twice-monthly, virtual, facilitated cohort meetings designed to foster connection, shared learning, and collective growth. These gatherings create space for peer exchange, reflection, and encouragement, allowing participants to learn from one another’s experiences while building a supportive professional community that extends beyond the fellowship.

• In-Person Gathering:  The Accelerator Fellowship convenes at the PBS Annual Meeting, alongside more than 1000 public media professional. In additional to general sessions, the fellows, participate in receive closed meetings with PBS leadership and staff, an itinerary built for the cohort, and networking mixer. Roundtrip travel and accommodation are provided by PBS. The year-long fellowship wraps up with a Closing Assembly at PBS headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, where fellows take part in workshops, additional networking opportunities, and share about their fellowship experience.

TIMELINE:

• Apply: Applications open mid-November 2026

• Deadline: December 8, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time

• Notification Date: Late March 2027

• Fellowship Dates: May 2027 - April 2028 (one year)

pbs.org/about/producing-pbs/accelerator-fellowship/

TV / FILM — OCTOBER 2026

MESA REFUGE 2027 RESIDENY

Mesa Refuge |📍Point Reyes Station, CA

DEADLINE: October 4, 2026 at 11:59pm PST

APPLICATION FEE: $35

INFO: Mesa Refuge brings transformative stories, ideas, and knowledge to the world by supporting a diverse community of writers and activists through residencies at our coastal California retreat. We welcome a diverse group of writers—both emerging and established—who define and/or offer solutions to the pressing issues of our time. Particularly, it is our priority to support writers and activists whose ideas are “on the edge”, taking on issues including (but not limited to): nature, environment and climate crisis; economic, racial and gender equity; social justice, incarceration and restorative justice; immigration; health care access; housing; democracy and more. 

We accept all genres, however, we prioritize nonfiction books, long-form journalism, documentary film and podcasts. The potential impact and distribution of your project is also important.

We aim to support a diverse community of writers and welcome applicants that represent a broad spectrum of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, immigration status, religion or physical ability. We prioritize applications of first time residents. If you are a Mesa Refuge alum, please inquire about Alum Weeks.

APPLICATION: We are a small nonprofit and our application fee of $35 helps underwrite the cost of application review. As an organization committed to equity, however, we do not want the application fee to be a barrier to apply. To request a fee waiver, please email nkansky@mesarefuge.org 

The questions on our application are mostly short-answer. We require one writing sample (no longer than 2,000 words or 10 pages), a current resume, headshot photo (horizontally oriented), brief bio and two references (we do not require letters of recommendation). Applicants will be contacted in early 2027.

Please consult our FAQ page to learn more about applications and our facility.

LOGISTICS: Mesa Refuge is located in Point Reyes Station, CA (about 1.5 hours north of San Francisco). Our residencies are two-weeks long and there is no residency fee. Three writers are in residence at a time, living together in a house that has both private and shared spaces. You will need to provide your own transportation to and from the residency and most meals. Additional residency expenses like travel, transportation and food, are your responsibility.

mesarefuge.submittable.com/submit

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2027 FELLOWSHIP

Amplify Arts |📍Omaha, NE

DEADLINE: October 4, 2026

INFO: Amplify’s Fellowship program champions artists working outside conventional art spaces to investigate the layered civic histories, cultural traditions, and living ecologies that shape our region. Designed to support site-responsive installations, book and publishing projects, films, performances, and other publicly engaged project-based work, the Fellowship provides $10,000 in project support, individualized project mentorship, and feedback in a small cohort-based learning environment. 

For the 2027 Fellowship, preference will be given to projects that engage with the theme of Migration by exploring how movement shapes our communities, environments, and collective futures. We welcome project-based work that examines migration not only as the movement of people, but also as the circulation of ideas, languages, labor, waterways, seeds, species, capital, and culture. 

We especially encourage projects that invite public participation or engagement. This may take the form of site-responsive installations, performances, workshops, or other shared experiences, as well as the circulation of books, printed matter, films, digital media, archives, or other forms of knowledge. We value projects that create opportunities for people to encounter, contribute to, or engage with ideas in ways that foster dialogue, learning, and reflection outside conventional art spaces.

FELLOWSHIP: The Fellowship is one year beginning in January of 2027 and ending in January of 2028. Fellows are expected to actively participate in all regularly scheduled cohort meetings and contribute to a culture of generosity, curiosity, and shared learning. Prospective applicants should approach this program willing to expand their practice with curiosity and critical feedback from other Fellows and mentors. 

Fellows will be paired with mentors from outside the Omaha area early in the program in a matchmaking process that responds to each artist’s questions, methods, and ambitions. Mentors will be selected from a pool of curators, artists, and arts professionals with substantial experience in developing project-based work.  

ELIGIBILITY: Any artist, artist collective, or collaborative group maintaining a residence within the Omaha/Council Bluffs Metro Area, including Washington, Douglas, Cass, Sarpy, and Saunders counties in Nebraska, and Pottawattamie, Mills, and Harrison counties in Iowa, is eligible to apply.

Applicants must be at least 19 years old and submit a complete application, including an Artist Statement, Project Description, Project Budget, Work Sample, and Works Cited page to be considered. A formal education is not required to apply.

Collectives and collaborative groups with a significant history of working together are also eligible. 

TIMELINE:

• September 8, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Virtual Application Information Session 

• September 15, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Virtual Application Office Hours

• September 17, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Virtual Application Office Hours

• October 4, 11:59 pm: Application Closes

• October 5 - October 18: Application Review

• October 19 - October 23: Applicant Interviews 

• October 30: Application Status Updates Delivered

amplifyarts.org/events-blog/2027-fellowship

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SESAME WORKSHOP WRITERS’ ROOM

Sesame Workshop

DEADLINE: October 5, 2026

INFO: Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room is a writing fellowship from the creators of Sesame Street. And we’re looking for YOU!

Emerging storytellers who are selected to join the Writers’ Room will receive hands-on writing experience guided by Sesame Street veterans and other children’s entertainment and 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! 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

• Up to 6 writers will be selected 

• Sessions are expected to take place virtually from February 2027 to June 2027.

• Learn from industry writers, producers, agents and executives 

• Learn and complete all steps of creating an original pilot episode script

• Learn and complete all steps of creating a 3-5 minute speculative script based on Sesame Street

• Includes 8 three-hour instructive sessions with an accomplished industry professional, 3 one-hour mentoring sessions with Sesame Street writer, and 15 one-hour office hours sessions on creating original children’s content.

• Up to two writers will have the exciting opportunity to see their script brought to life in a live table read featuring Sesame Street performers

APPLICATION CHECK LIST:

• Application form: Application must be submitted by October 5th, 2026 12PM EST. Applications for the 2027 Fellowship Program will open on Monday, September 7th, 2026.

• Original script sample: 12-page maximum; should NOT contain Sesame Street elements, characters, or intellectual property;  can be an excerpt from a larger piece  wholly written by the applicant; must model a 3 act story structure; and 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! Please submit only one script with your initial application. If you advance to the second round, you may receive an email with instructions on submitting a second script sample at that time.

• Resumes: 2-page maximum. Anything longer will be disqualified.

• More info on your script: what’s the bigger picture/idea of your script sample? (up to 100 words)

• Personal statement: tell us about yourself, for example, why you want to write for children’s educational media, and how your lived experiences influence the stories you want to tell in children’s media, etc. (up to 250 words)

ELIGIBILITY CHECK LIST:

• Participants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

• No extensive media writing experience, such as having written more than six episodes for a produced network or streaming scripted/narrative series

• Participants must be 21+ years old

• Participants must be able to attend and complete writing assignments for all 11 sessions, and attend the 15 office hours sessions, which will be held virtually from February 2027 to June 2027. The final session and showcase will be held in-person in New York City.

sesameworkshop.org/our-work/fellowships/writers-room

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GREAVES SEMINAR CALL FOR PROPOSALS

BlackStar Projects

DEADLINE: October 5, 2026

INFO: Curators, film programmers, filmmakers, film workers, and film scholars are invited to submit a proposal to present at the seventh BlackStar Greaves Seminar, an annual program for Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists working in cinematic realms, hosted by BlackStar Projects.

Selected proposals will become sessions presented at Stanford University during the 2027 BlackStar Greaves Seminar, scheduled for March 5-7. Travel, accommodation, and a small stipend will be provided, as well as additional program funding as approved for your session.

Please note that if selected, you should be available for the duration of the seminar, March 5-7, 2027.

PROPOSALS: BlackStar Projects welcomes proposals from filmmakers, scholars, critics, and cultural workers interested in holding a workshop, presentation, or performance that explores the technical and creative aspects of media-making. We’ve previously spotlighted artists working in a variety of disciplines related to filmmaking including, but not limited to directing, writing, composing, production design, sound design, animation, editing, accessibility, and more. We also welcome proposals offering a theoretical analysis of film as it relates to craft. Proposals with interactive and/or multimedia components are encouraged.

Examples of past programming can be found here.

SELECTION PROCESS: The BlackStar Programs team will contact shortlisted applicants for an interview and may follow up with additional questions to better understand the scope of the proposal. Applicants will be notified about acceptance by early December 2026.

BlackStar Projects is committed to the principles of equal opportunity at every level without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity characteristics or expression, age, disability, or political affiliation.

For any questions, please contact seminar@blackstarprojects.org.

blackstarprojects.org/seminar/greaves-seminar-call-for-proposals

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Asian+American Storytelling Initiative

The Asian American Foundation

DEADLINE: October 7, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT

INFO: The Asian+American Storytelling Initiative builds on TAAF’s “The United States of Asian+America” by turning the series into a community-powered movement.

We’re looking for filmmakers, journalists, artists, podcasters, animators, and digital creators who want to bring overlooked AAPI figures, moments, and histories to light in an original, short-form digital video project.

Show us your original concepts that challenge the narrative, uncover new perspectives, and cultivate a deep sense of belonging for the 26 million AAPIs who call this country home.

THE PROMPT: How would you tell the story of an overlooked Asian American or Pacific Islander (AAPI) figure, community, or moment that has shaped the American experience?

WHAT WILL YOU RECEIVE? If your proposal is selected, you’ll be equipped with resources to bring your project to life.

FUNDING: You’ll receive a grant to help cover production costs ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.

MENTORSHIP: You’ll have a one-on-one virtual mentorship session with a member of our esteemed selection committee, which includes industry-leading filmmakers, broadcast journalists, and content creators.

PLATFORM: When your project is ready to debut, you’ll receive the full support of TAAF’s social media channels and receive distribution to our national network of partners, reaching leaders and luminaries across the AAPI community.

THE SELECTION PROCESS:

‍We believe in impact-driven storytelling, meaning polished production experience is not a requirement to apply. Our evaluation focuses on three core pillars:

1. The Story
   ‍The originality, importance, and depth of your proposed topic

2. ‍The Execution
   ‍Your vision and plan for bringing the project to life

3. ‍The Passion
   ‍Your enthusiasm for telling your proposed story and preserving a piece of history for generations to come

taaf.org/our-work/asian-plus-american-storytelling-initiative

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2027 RESIDENCY SEASON

Djerassi Resident Artist Program

DEADLINE: October 9, 2026

INFO: The Djerassi Resident Artist Program has awarded over 2700+ writers, visual/media artists, composers, choreographers, filmmakers and scientists for the past 43-years the gift of time and space with a one-month residency on our 583-acre ranch in Northern California's Santa Cruz Mountains. All at no cost to the artists.

Applications for Djerassi’s 2027 Residency Season are now open. We anticipate being able to accommodate around 40-45 new artists for the 2027 application period.

Our 4—5 week residency dates are as follows:

• Cohort 1: February 16-March 16, 2027

• Cohort 2: March 30-April 27, 2027

• Cohort 3 // Leonardo@Djerassi: June 22-July 27, 2027

• Cohort 4: August 17-September 14, 2027

• Cohort 5: October 19-November 16, 2027.

Residencies are awarded competitively, at no cost, to national and international artists and scientists in the disciplines of choreography, literature, film, music composition, visual arts, media arts, and science and technology. Those selected are offered living and studio space for one of the five sessions from mid-February through mid-November.

We welcome applications from emerging, mid-career, and established national and international artists.

Choreography
Film
Literature [all disciplines of writing]
Media Arts
Music Composition
Science & Technology
Visual Arts

djerassi.org/apply/2027residency/

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BIPOC Sci-Fi Screenwriting Lab

Justice for My Sister

DEADLINE: October 12, 2026 at 11:59pm PST

INFO: Justice for My Sister is offering a virtual workshop series for individuals who are Black, Indigenous, and/or POC and interested in telling stories that center our community members as leaders, so that we can imagine ourselves into the future in powerful ways.

The BIPOC Sci-Fi and Speculative Fiction Screenwriting Lab welcomes writers who are interested in developing their first TV pilot. If you are interested in themes such as: Afrofuturism, Indigenous-futurism, recovering ancestral ways, intersectional and interdimensional feminism/womxnism, life beyond gender, land stewardship, people of color saving our planet, and non-dystopian narratives about the next 7 generations, we need your voice and vision. Join our BIPOC Sci-Fi and Speculative Fiction Lab and get the tools you need to craft your TV pilot.

Get training in character development, story structure, writing a pilot, media literacy, world building and writing to expose and diminish the white supremacist, capitalist, heteronormative-patriarchy.

Use the application essays to tell us why YOU are the person to tell the story you’re proposing!

TUITION: Tuition for this 10-week lecture series is $555. We have a limited amount of partial scholarships available. 

Those who complete this portion of the fellowship are eligible for continued one-on-one mentorship to polish your script, at no additional cost. Completion of your script will grant you a free two-month listing of your script on The Blklst.

If you have any questions regarding this application, please email us at: outreach@justiceformysister.org

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Applications Close: Monday, October 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST

• Notifications By: Wednesday, October 21, 2026

• Welcome + Orientation: Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 6 PM - 7:00 PM PST

• Workshop Schedule: Wednesdays 6 - 9 PM PST

  • November 4, 2026

  • November 11, 2026

  • November 18, 2026

  • December 2, 2026

  • December 9, 2026  

  • December 16, 2026

  • January 6, 2027

  • January 13, 2027

  • January 20, 2027 (pitches week 1)

  • January 27, 2027 (pitches week 2)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Location: Online - Via Zoom

Fees: Our registration fee is $555, and we have a limited number of partial scholarships and full scholarships. We will determine the distribution of the scholarships during the review panel deliberation. 

Questions? Have any questions about our program? Check out our FAQs here, or email us at info@justiceformysister.org

justiceformysister.org/bipocscifiapp2026-1

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2027 Center Fellowship

Center for Art and Advocacy

DEADLINE: October 25, 2026 at 11:59 pm

APPLICATION FEE: $0

INFO: The Center for Art and Advocacy will accept applications from creatives working in visual art, film, music, creative writing, performance, design, and multidisciplinary practices for the 2027 Center Fellowship (formerly Right of Return) from September 15 through October 26, 2025.

The Center's Fellowship, formerly known as Right of Return, is open to directly impacted creatives from every discipline. For the 8th annual cohort, a panel of external reviewers will select six new 2026 Right of Return Fellows from our open-call applicant pool to receive a $20,000 grant, mentorship, and community building opportunities. For the first time ever, one of the six fellowships will be designated to an artist between 18-24 years of age.

ELIGIBILITY: Through our Fellowship, the Center for Art and Advocacy seeks to support directly impacted artists with a demonstrated capacity to advance social change and a clear vision for utilizing their creative practice to end mass incarceration.

More specifically:

Directly impacted artists of all creative disciplines, ages 18 or older at the time of the application. We do not fund organizations or non-profits, only individual artists.

We define the word “artist” in broad terms to include creatives who work in visual art, film, music, creative writing, performance, and multidisciplinary practices.

In the context of this Fellowship, “directly impacted” includes those who have themselves been incarcerated in U.S. prisons, jails, or detention centers. Those who were detained in migrant detention centers must have since attained U.S. citizenship by the time of this application’s opening.

Artists must collaborate with an advocacy organization during the development and/or execution of their proposed project (collaborating organizations do not need to be secured at the time of application and the Center for Art and Advocacy can help connect fellows to advocates).

Artists may be at any stage of their career, with or without formal training.

Projects and applicants must be U.S. based. This includes all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

The Center for Art and Advocacy seeks a diverse cohort of fellows with regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and experience.

TIMELINE:

• Applications close: Sunday, October 25, 2026 11:59 PM

• Public announcement of cohort - Tuesday, January 12, 2027

centerforartandadvocacy.submittable.com/submit

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SHORE SCRIPTS SHORT FILM FUND

Shore Scripts

DEADLINES: October 30, 2026

INFO: The 2026 Fall Season of the Shore Scripts Short Film Fund will award a $15,000 cash production grant to one short script and $4,000 cash in finishing funds to one short film in post-production.

The Short Film Fund offers an opportunity for emerging screenwriters and filmmakers to receive much-needed financial support to get their work produced and distributed. Our partnerships with ARRI Rental, Oscar-nominated producer Maria Gracia Turgeon, and Tribeca short film programmer Kimberley Browning elevate the films that come through our Fund with free camera equipment, mentorship, and film festival strategy.

Many of our 28 previously funded short films have screened at some of the top film festivals in the world, including Sundance, Tribeca, BFI London, Austin, Cannes, Encounters, and Palm Springs. One even won a BAFTA! Several of those writers and writer/directors have gone on to gain representation, sell screenplays, get staffed on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, & BBC shows, and develop their shorts into features and TV shows.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

• The Grand Prize Winner will receive a cash production grant of $15,000, free camera equipment rental from ARRI Rental for the duration of production, and support from Shore Scripts from development to distribution.

• The Finishing Funds Winner will receive a cash grant of $4,000 in finishing funds for a short film currently in post-production, and support from Shore Scripts through post-production and distribution.

• Both Winners will connect with two-time Oscar-nominated producer MARIA GRACIA TURGEON for project and career guidance, receive a film festival strategy package from Tribeca programmer KIMBERLEY BROWNING, and have the opportunity to have their completed films circulated to select members of our Industry Roster.

• Top 5 Finalists (production grant) will receive feedback on their script from one of our esteemed Judges.

• Top 15 Finalists (production grant) will have the opportunity to have their scripts circulated to select members of our Directors Roster.

• Finalists (finishing funds) will receive feedback on the rough cut of their film from one of our esteemed Judges.

shorescripts.com/shortfilmfund/

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2026 Moondancer Fellowship for Environmental and Nature Writers

Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow |📍Eureka Springs, AR

DEADLINE: October 31, 2026 at 11:59 pm CST

INFO: The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow is pleased to announce the official opening of applications for the 2026 Moondancer Fellowship. Designed for authors who express their passion for the natural world and address vital environmental issues through their work, this fellowship supports poets, fiction writers, playwrights, screenwriters, essayists, memoirists, and columnists alike. Prior publication is not required. Applicants will be evaluated on insight, honesty, literary merit, and the potential for future publication or production.

The Moondancer Fellowship is made possible through the generous sponsorship of the late Elise Roenigk, a longtime WCDH board member, given in loving memory of her husband, Marty Roenigk. WCDH is honored to carry their legacy forward through the writers this fellowship supports.

The selected fellow will receive a complimentary two-week stay at The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, allowing uninterrupted focus on their writing project. Travel to and from Eureka Springs is the responsibility of the fellow. Each private suite provides a peaceful atmosphere complete with a bedroom, private bathroom, separate writing space, and high-speed wireless internet. Fellows enjoy a supportive creative environment with dinners prepared six nights a week, access to a fully stocked community kitchen, and the opportunity to connect with a community of fellow professional writers.

APPLICATION DETAILS + TIMELINE:

• Applications close: October 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST

• Application requirements: A writing sample proposing one distinct project, plus a non-refundable $35 application fee. Writers submitting multiple projects must complete a separate application for each proposal.

• Judging period: November – December 2026

• Winner announced: December 2026

• Residency must be completed within one year of the award announcement.

writerscolony.org/scholarships-fellowships/fellowships-current-past/

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Screenwriters of Color Retreat Scholarship

Roadmap Writers

DEADLINE: October 31, 2026

INFO: Roadmap Writers is committed to expanding career opportunities for writers from underrepresented communities. As part of our ongoing effort to champion industry advancement for creatives within the BIPOC* community, Roadmap Writers is proud to announce the Screenwriters of Color Retreat Scholarship for our International Spring 2027 Retreat in Barbados. 

We will award ONE FULL SCHOLARSHIP (valued at $4,999.00) and ONE PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIP (valued at $2,499.50) for one of the weeks during our Spring 2027 Barbados Retreat from May 10-16 . Spend 7 days & 6 nights dedicated to your craft at the breathtaking Caribbean destination Mullins Grove! Scholarships include lodging and a majority of the meals as well as accommodations in a shared room with two single beds and same-sex roommates wherever possible. 

Applicants should have at least two market-ready projects, including the one they plan to continue developing while at the retreat. During the week, you will be mentored by incredible industry professionals, strengthen your writing craft through curated sessions, participate in marketing meetings with the RoadCrew, and experience a transformative creative journey.

Screenwriters will enjoy deep, focused writing time under the Barbadian sun with fellow creatives. Less than a 5 minute walk from the iconic Mullins Beach, this vibrant location offers the perfect blend of inspiration and escape. After settling into your modern condo, you'll join our industry exec(s), the RoadCrew, and fellow writers for a Welcome Cocktail Party - kicking off a truly career-changing experience!

Each day will feature quiet writing blocks, valuable breakout sessions, table reads, and a fulfilling week of creative growth. Beyond networking, these retreats foster meaningful community and lasting professional relationships. 

Our retreats frequently sell out, making this an extraordinary opportunity to elevate your craft, travel, and build lifelong connections! 

*BIPOC includes but is not limited to African, Indigenous, Native, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Arab, and Multiracial heritage. 

*Please note that scholarships do not include airfare to or from Italy or any additional transportation. 

*Mentors are subject to change.

***

BARBADOS RETREAT (May 10-16)

Do you dream of focused writing time surrounded by fellow dedicated writers, the RoadCrew, and industry pros in a beautiful and adventurous setting? 

 Join the RoadCrew and Exec Mentors at our at our exclusive luxury condos in the beautiful Caribbean island of Barbados!!!

 All options include 7 days / 6 nights:

• accommodations at our private luxury hotel complex

• opening & closing cocktail parties 

• daily continental breakfast & lunch 

• full day excursion with tour and shopping

• one-on-one meeting with your industry exec mentor 

• group general meeting(s) with our other resident industry execs

• one-on-one logline clinic with Dorian 

• one-on-one marketing meeting with Joey 

• live table read of your first 10 pages

Not included: beverages, spa services, recreational activities, ground transportation, or airfare.

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WOMEN DIRECTING MENTORSHIP

SeriesFest x Shondaland

DEADLINES / FEES: November 1, 2026

INFO: SeriesFest and Shondaland are honored to partner on our eighth cycle of the Women Directing Mentorship: A competition designed to discover aspiring female directors with unique voices and provide a launchpad for their careers. Founded in 2019, The Women Directing Mentorship is anchored by the prestigious opportunity to shadow a director on an episode of a Shondaland original series.

The 2027 winner will be announced at the thirteenth annual SeriesFest in Denver, Colorado! Creatives and the Television Industry will gather from around the world at SeriesFest: Season 13 to celebrate the impact of the Women’s Directing Mentorship Program during the annual festival.

ELIGIBILITY: 

• To qualify, you must have 3 years of professional experience (in any professional role, not just Director). This can include having experience directing independent shorts, series, and films.

• Applicants who have previously directed a network series are ineligible.

• Must be 21+ years of age.

• Applicants should to be based in the United States or the United Kingdom.

• No directing teams will be considered. We encourage you to apply individually.

ENTRY MATERIALS:

• Work Sample

• A short film or a feature

• Personal Introduction Video

• 3–5 minute video introducing yourself, your unique voice and style, and why you think you’re the right fit for the Women Directing Mentorship. Be creative! (see examples below)

• Reel

• Reel under 15 minutes or a short film showcasing your directing work. This reel can include student work.

• CV/Resume

• Entry Fee

PRIZE: The director selected for the Grand Prize will shadow a director for an episode of a Shondaland production. The cycle 8 winner and semi-finalists will receive an all-access badge to SeriesFest: Season 13 in 2027.

SeriesFest and Shondaland are committed to amplifying the finalists and recipient through editorial features, social media, and national press opportunities. Explore examples of media coverage on Variety, Forbes, Indiewire and more here and on SeriesFest.com and Shondaland.com.

If your work is selected, you must fulfill the following requirements by the date(s) designated by SeriesFest:

(1) You must execute a release agreement wherein you:

Indemnify and hold harmless SeriesFest, LLC, its parent company, its affiliates, and subsidiaries and any of their respective directors, officers, employees, and representatives against any claim arising out of exhibition of your film at SeriesFest.

(2) Agree to participate in a reasonable number of customary promotional and publicity activities [including press junkets, telephone interviews, sending press packages, and public appearances to promote the SeriesFest]

(3) You own the project IP and have the rights to any affiliated source material

seriesfest.com/women-directing-mentorship/

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Roots & Resilience Artist Grant (WINTER 2026)

The Doan Foundation

DEADLINE: November 1, 2026

INFO: The Doan Foundation is launching the third round of the Roots & Resilience Artist Grant.

This grant is designed to support artists, photographers, filmmakers, graphic designers, dancers, and other creatives from Southern California whose work explores themes of cultural heritage, community strength, and resilience. Selected recipients will receive $1,000 to bring their projects to life.

This is a project-based grant. Proposals must outline a clear project, its purpose, and its intended impact. This program is not for school tuition, general career funding, or unrelated personal expenses.

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxBT27-Y9Fs_Fa5IRFNtehpxmdUqICEqIb3Z_O7uX8fIsljA/viewform

TV / FILM — SEPTEMBER 2026

Ouray Film Sabbatical

Ouray International Film Festival |📍Ouray, CO

DEADLINE: September 5, 2026

INFO: At the Ouray Film Sabbatical, we offer creative support, rest, and community for filmmakers (in any role), film writers (critics, academics, journalists), and film programmers (festivals, theaters, and filmmaker education) – all through a fully funded residential experience in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. 

While many film programs are built around the development of a specific project, the Sabbatical is built around the person behind the work. Participants may arrive with a film, essay, program, or idea in progress, and the experience offers time and space to engage with that work. But project advancement is not the primary measure of the Sabbatical. Instead, participants are invited to step away from deadlines, deliverables, and professional momentum in order to reconnect with their creative lives and the questions that continue to draw them toward cinema. Ultimately, the Ouray Film Sabbatical is a casual and intentional space for rest, connection, and renewal.

How did the Sabbatical come to be?

This sabbatical was born out of the Ouray International Film Festival (OIFF), now entering its eighth year. After s iterations of our film festival, we have learned how much these remote mountains and the people who live here can transform artists. Now, we’re looking to extend that same connection to a sabbatical that can nourish the film community in one of the most beautiful corners of the Rockies. 

Where is this located?

The Sabbatical is located in the stunning mountain town of Ouray, Colorado, known as the “Switzerland of America.” Located at an elevation of almost 8,000 feet, Ouray is a unique place that leaves creatives feeling refilled and ready for whatever is next in their journeys. With this sabbatical, we hope to share this experience of place and community that has come to define our festival. We cover airfare, lodging, and meals for all participants.

ourayfilmfestival.com/ouray-film-sabbatical

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Micro-Series Challenge

Sundance Collab x TikTok

DEADLINE: September 9, 2026 at 11:59pm PT

INFO: Ready to turn your series into the next must-watch micro-series? Sundance Collab is teaming up with TikTok to launch a global community challenge dedicated to the art of the micro-series. We are looking for bold, innovative creators ready to redefine short-form storytelling. 

An industry jury will select five standout finalists to receive $5,000 each, a Sundance Collab course package, and a spot in an exclusive online workshop to sharpen their presentation with a Sundance Collab advisor. The finalists will then pitch their visions live, online, directly to the TikTok team. 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES":

To enter, applicants must submit a micro-series concept package that includes:

• Title

• Genre

• Logline (a single sentence capturing the core conflict and hook)

• Character Bios (two to four main characters; name, age, personality, core motivation - no more than 500 words)

• Synopsis (full series plot arc - up to 500 words)

• Script - First 30 episodes (up to 45 pages in standard screenplay format)

• Series Bible (1-3 pages)

KEY DETAILS:

• All submitted materials must be created by the submitter.

• Applications and supporting materials must be in English.

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at time of submission.

• One entry per person. Multiple entries will result in disqualification.

• Co-writers/co-creators may submit as a team (up to two) via one submission. If a team is accepted, each team will share the $5,000 unrestricted grant, and each team member will receive a Sundance Collab course package.

• Applicants may not use generative AI to create, develop, or revise their submissions.

• Submitted entries cannot be edited or updated after submission.

• By entering this challenge, all applicants grant TikTok a "first-look" opportunity at their series idea. TikTok will have 21 days from the date you are notified of your application status to determine if they want to extend an offer.

TIMELINE:

• Deadline to submit: 11:59 p.m. PT on September 9, 2026

• Finalists notified: October 30, 2026

• Online Pitch Workshop: November 3, 2026

• Finalists Pitch Event: November 6, 2026

PREPARATION: To learn more about the micro-series format, explore our online event, Behind the Screen: Inside the Making of the Hit TikTok Series, SCREEN TIME.

collab.sundance.org/catalog/Micro-Series-Challenge

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SPRING SUMMER 2027 RESIDENCIES

MacDowell |📍Peterborough, NH

DEADLINE: September 10, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST

INFO: About 300 artists in seven disciplines are awarded MacDowell Fellowships each year and the sole criterion for acceptance is artistic excellence. MacDowell offers residencies at no cost to artists and provides need-based stipends to help cover expenses incurred during the residency, including rent, utilities, childcare, and lost income. Travel reimbursements are also available.

MacDowell encourages applications from artists of all backgrounds and all countries in the following disciplines: architecture, film/video, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theatre, and visual arts. Any applicant whose proposed project does not fall clearly within one of these artistic disciplines should contact the admissions department for guidance. We aim to be inclusive, not exclusive in our admissions process.

QUESTIONS? Please contact admissions@macdowell.org.

macdowell.org/apply/apply-for-fellowship

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Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program

The Writers Guild Foundation

DEADLINE: September 13, 2026 at 11:59pm PT

INFO: The mission of the Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program is to provide writers who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled writers, and writers over the age of 50 with the tools and education to become a writers’ assistant and script coordinator, resulting in meaningful employment opportunities.

These positions have historically been an invaluable way to learn the writing process first-hand, with the ultimate goal of getting a writing job. Graduates of the program are added to an ongoing list of trained writers’ assistants and script coordinators (WA/SCs) that is made available to studios, networks, and showrunners, in order to increase the pool of eligible hires.

By offering this opportunity to writers who are typically excluded from the writers’ room, we hope to increase representation among television writers, and capture stories from all corners of the human experience.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Founded in partnership with TV writers and producers Tanya Saracho (Vida), Mike Royce (One Day at a Time), and Liz Hsiao Lan Alper (Day of the Dead), the Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program is a first-of-its-kind initiative to support the full inclusion and employment of underrepresented groups in the television industry.

Each 14-week course incorporates a variety of lessons tailored to the positions of a writers' assistant or script coordinator. Instructors have developed a comprehensive syllabus to cover the ins and outs of these positions.

By the end of the semester, participants will have working knowledge to integrate into a writers' room and crucial connections to access these opportunities.

ELIGIBILITY: This program is designed to support the inclusion and employment of underrepresented groups in the television industry. Writers who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled writers, and writers over the age of 50 are encouraged to apply.

To qualify for this program, applicants must be:

• At least 18 years of age. 

• Authorized to work in the U.S. 

• Able to demonstrate meaningful ongoing efforts to break in as a TV writer.  

• Interested in pursuing employment in a support staff role. 

• Able to participate in all program meetings and fulfill all program requirements. 

• Open to constructive criticism and respectful to all other participants and mentors. 

No professional writing experience is required. However, we do expect that all applicants are well-versed in the fundamentals of writing for the screen prior to their participation in the program. This program is not a writing fellowship; it is a professional training program that focuses specifically on support staff roles.

Applicants who have previously worked as a writers’ assistant or script coordinator are not eligible to apply. Former writers’ PAs and showrunner’s assistants are exempt from this rule.

FAQs:

When and where does the program take place?

Typically, the course takes place between January and May of each year. Classes are currently hosted online via Zoom – Thursday evenings from 7-10pm PT. Optional in-person meetups and networking events are held exclusively in Los Angeles.

Do I need to live in Los Angeles?

No, applicants do not need to live in Los Angeles.

That said, candidates who reside in the Los Angeles area will receive priority during the admissions process. A maximum of 10% of the overall class will be reserved for participants who live outside the LA area.

wgfoundation.org/programs/writers-access-support-staff-training-program

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fall 2026 guest residency

Woodward Residency |📍Ridgewood, Queen, NY

DEADLINE: September 13, 2026

INFO: Applications are now open for the Fall ’26 Guest Residency in Ridgewood, Queens.

Established and emerging creatives working in literary arts, design, film, and multidisciplinary arts are encouraged to apply for this free four-month workspace residency. We also have a silent player piano in the space for musicians and composers.

RESIDENCY DATES: October 5, 2026 — Jan 26, 2027

ELIGIBILITY: Established/emerging artists and creative professionals in the fields of literary arts, design, music, and multi-disciplinary arts are encouraged to apply.

Please note that art forms that generate fumes (such as oil painting) cannot be accommodated. Also, with the exception of our piano residents who can use headphones, our space is best suited to less cacophonous artistic pursuits.

AWARD BENEFITS:

• Access to the building from 9AM-5 PM, Monday through Friday for the duration of your Guest Residency.

• Guest Residents will work in the communal Great Room, with library etiquette.

• Open invite to weekly tea and cake gatherings, and occasional work shares and evening parties.

• A supportive and engaged community of working creatives.

woodwardresidency.co/guestresidency

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SCREENWRITING LAB

Film Independent

DEADLINE / APPLICATION FEE:

• September 14, 2026 / $45 for Film Independent Members

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

INFO: The Screenwriting Lab is a two-week workshop held in the first quarter of the year, designed to provide individualized story and career development for emerging screenwriters with a fiction feature screenplay.

Each Screenwriting Fellow will be paired with a Creative Advisor, with whom they’ll work one-on-one and in group sessions to further develop their project over the course of the program. 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. A variety of guest speakers may screen and discuss their own films and offer career insights, and a final pitch event offers further opportunity for individualized feedback and discussion with industry executives.

WHO CAN APPLY?

The Screenwriting Lab is open to any writer applying with a completed draft of a feature-length project they wish to workshop during the program, with an eye toward production. More details available in the FAQ section below.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants must submit the following materials for consideration:

• A cover letter detailing what drew you to apply to the Screenwriting Lab and why this is the right time for you to participate in the program (500 words max)

• One complete, feature-length screenplay

• An artist statement explaining the genesis of the story, your creative vision and intentions for the film (750 words max)

• A look book (optional)

• A logline (25 words) and synopsis for the film

• Bios of attached key cast and crew, if any – Attachments are not required for consideration

• Project status and history, including any relevant development history, awards received or labs and/or markets attended with the project

• A narrative directing sample, if you plan on directing the film with which you are applying

FAQs:

• Screenwriting Lab is for writers only; other collaborators are not invited to participate.

• Writing partners/teams are welcome to apply and need only submit one application.

• We are open to filmmakers at any level of experience.

• International applicants are eligible; the script must be translated into English for consideration.

• Adaptations are eligible; the applicant must retain rights to the underlying material.

• At this time, documentary, short film and television projects are not eligible to apply.

• We will reconsider projects that have previously been submitted, provided the writer(s) can demonstrate progress on the project and/or professional development.

• Filmmakers may apply to multiple Film Independent Artist Development programs and there is no requirement to have participated in any one program before another.

Please note: Each applicant must be the author of the script they submit.

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 General Membership rate of $105.

Applicants will be notified three to four weeks prior to the start of the program.

Applicants who are invited to participate in the program should plan to be in Los Angeles for the 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.

For more information, please email: artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org.

To learn more about Film Independent Fellows and their projects, visit our Talent Guide.

filmindependent.org/programs/artist-development/screenwriting-lab/

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Guggenheim Fellowship

DEADLINE: September 15, 2026 at 11:59 EST.

INFO: The Guggenheim Fellowship is a mid-career award supporting the work of individuals who have made notable contributions to more than fifty fields across the arts, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and interdisciplinary areas.

Each year, roughly 200 Fellows are selected through a rigorous competition that assesses both past accomplishments and future plans. Recent success rates have averaged around 5%. 

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants must:

• Be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or Canada

• Be mid-career professionals who have made notable contributions to their field 

• Propose a significant project and demonstrate that they are prepared to complete it at the highest level of excellence

• Apply as individuals or in pairs (i.e., two individuals working on the same project)

The following are not eligible to apply:

• Individuals who have already received a Guggenheim Fellowship 

• Students currently enrolled in secondary, undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate programs 

• Organizations, institutions, or other established groups 

To learn more about the individuals we support, we recommend consulting the list of recent Guggenheim Fellows here.

gf.org/program/how-to-apply

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winter 2027 residency

Monson Arts |📍Monson, ME

DEADLINE: September 15, 2026

INFO: Monson Arts’ residency program supports emerging and established artists and writers by providing them time and space to devote to their creative practices. During each of our 2-week and 4-week programs throughout the year, a cohort of 5 artists and 5 writers are invited to immerse themselves in small town life at the edge of Maine’s North Woods and focus intensely on their work within a creative and inspiring environment. They receive a private studio, private bedroom in shared housing, all meals, and $500 stipend ($250 for 2-week programs). The Abbott Watts Residency for Photography offers access to the photography studio and darkroom of Todd Watts in nearby Blanchard, adjacent to the former home of Berenice Abbott. Click here to read more about this unique opportunity specifically for photographers.

Applications for a residency at Monson Arts are open to anyone at any stage of their career, working in visual arts, writing, and related fields (i.e. audio, video, photography, woodworking, movement, screen and playwrights). Open calls for residency applications currently take place 3 times throughout the year with deadlines on January 15, May 15, and September 15. Each application period corresponds to specific residency offerings 3-6 months out.

Residents’ studios are located in newly renovated Main Street buildings that have been designed specifically for visual artists and writers. All of our studio spaces are outfitted to be as flexible as possible so that we can accommodate a variety of creative practices. Our visual arts studios are spacious and light-filled with large work tables and sinks. Shelving and portable storage carts are available as needed. Access is available to woodshop and metal shop facilities in nearby buildings for any fabrication needs. Our writing studios are comfortably furnished with work tables, office chairs, bookshelves, and reading chairs. For those working in time and sound based media: apply to the Writing category if quiet contemplation would be best for your project or the Visual Arts category if you need room and the opportunity to make and play sounds out loud.

Residents live in newly renovated historic homes throughout town, within walking distance to studios and everything that downtown Monson has to offer. These are mostly 3 bedroom structures that are fully furnished and comfortable all four seasons of the year. Houses all have shared kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas with laundry machines, telephone, and other amenities as well. Wifi is available in all of our buildings through high speed fiberoptic service.

WINTER RESIDENCY SCHEDULE:

• 1/11 – 1/21 – 2 Week Residency

• 1/25 – 2/18 – Residency (With Abbott Watts Resident)

• 2/22 – 3/18 – Residency

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Up to 5 images / 5 minutes of media OR 5 pages of writing examples

• A letter of intent for your time at the residency (3000 Characters)

• C.V. or Resume (limited to 6000 characters)

• Two reference names

monsonarts.org/residencies/overview/

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STARZ #TAKETHELEAD WRITERS’ INTENSIVE

National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) x NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) x STARZ

DEADLINE: September 15, 2026 at 11:00am PT

INFO: NALIP and NFMLA are excited to collaborate once again with STARZ for the fifth season of the STARZ #TakeTheLead Writers’ Intensive—an empowering program aimed at nurturing new voices in television. This initiative provides emerging writers the opportunity to refine their skills and develop original spec scripts with hands-on guidance from top-tier mentors, executives, and experienced writers.

In 2026, four writers will be selected to participate in both phases of the program. In Phase 1, participants will connect with 15 industry professionals from a wide array of TV backgrounds while crafting a spec episode treatment. In Phase 2, each writer will write a full spec episode script based on an existing STARZ series and receive support from an industry mentor.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

Selected participants must be available for the duration of the following dates

Phase One

• October 12th, 2026 - October 16th, 2026

• 1 Week, 32 hours total (Mon - Fri)

• A one-week intensive featuring meetings & sessions with industry creatives and professionals

• Participants receive feedback & support to develop an episode treatment

• The program culminates with a STARZ jury reading treatments

Phase Two

• October 19th, 2026 - November 20th, 2026

• 4 Weeks, 4 Hours/Week

• Meetings with STARZ executives to hone spec script

• Feedback from STARZ mentors to refine spec script

• Final review and final set of notes for spec script

BENEFITS:

• A $5,000 USD grant will be awarded to writers selected for the program

• An opportunity to connect with industry professionals and creatives.

APPLICATION/APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be the credited sole writer with at least one fully completed short or feature narrative film, which has been accepted into a film festival, OR have a story department-related credit (e.g., writer's assistant, staff writer, showrunner's assistant, script coordinator) on an episodic project

• Must be or become a member of NALIP and/or NFMLA

• Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application and legally authorized work, and participate in the Intensive in the United States

• Must accept and agree to program rules, terms & conditions, and sign the program release

• Must be available for all program dates outlined above

APPLICATION/APPLICANT MATERIALS:

• All submission materials must be in English. If the project is in another language, please include a written English translation

• The first ten pages of an original episodic ½-hour or 1-hour script

• A treatment of the original episodic ½-hour or 1-hour script submitted

• A resume (no more than one page)

• A writer's statement (no more than one page) detailing what inspired you to apply to this program and your professional goals

• A bio of the writer, including any relevant projects, awards, accolades, festival recognitions, etc

tvwritersintensive.com

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WOMEN DIRECTING MENTORSHIP

SeriesFest x Shondaland

DEADLINES / FEES: 

• Regular -- September 15, 2026

• Final - November 1, 2026

INFO: SeriesFest and Shondaland are honored to partner on our eighth cycle of the Women Directing Mentorship: A competition designed to discover aspiring female directors with unique voices and provide a launchpad for their careers. Founded in 2019, The Women Directing Mentorship is anchored by the prestigious opportunity to shadow a director on an episode of a Shondaland original series.

The 2027 winner will be announced at the thirteenth annual SeriesFest in Denver, Colorado! Creatives and the Television Industry will gather from around the world at SeriesFest: Season 13 to celebrate the impact of the Women’s Directing Mentorship Program during the annual festival.

ELIGIBILITY: 

• To qualify, you must have 3 years of professional experience (in any professional role, not just Director). This can include having experience directing independent shorts, series, and films.

• Applicants who have previously directed a network series are ineligible.

• Must be 21+ years of age.

• Applicants should to be based in the United States or the United Kingdom.

• No directing teams will be considered. We encourage you to apply individually.

ENTRY MATERIALS:

• Work Sample

• A short film or a feature

• Personal Introduction Video

• 3–5 minute video introducing yourself, your unique voice and style, and why you think you’re the right fit for the Women Directing Mentorship. Be creative! (see examples below)

• Reel

• Reel under 15 minutes or a short film showcasing your directing work. This reel can include student work.

• CV/Resume

• Entry Fee

PRIZE:

The director selected for the Grand Prize will shadow a director for an episode of a Shondaland production. The cycle 8 winner and semi-finalists will receive an all-access badge to SeriesFest: Season 13 in 2027.

SeriesFest and Shondaland are committed to amplifying the finalists and recipient through editorial features, social media, and national press opportunities. Explore examples of media coverage on Variety, Forbes, Indiewire and more here and on SeriesFest.com and Shondaland.com.

If your work is selected, you must fulfill the following requirements by the date(s) designated by SeriesFest:

(1) You must execute a release agreement wherein you:

Indemnify and hold harmless SeriesFest, LLC, its parent company, its affiliates, and subsidiaries and any of their respective directors, officers, employees, and representatives against any claim arising out of exhibition of your film at SeriesFest.

(2) Agree to participate in a reasonable number of customary promotional and publicity activities [including press junkets, telephone interviews, sending press packages, and public appearances to promote the SeriesFest]

(3) You own the project IP and have the rights to any affiliated source material

seriesfest.com/women-directing-mentorship/

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BLACK BOY WRITES & BLACK GIRL WRITES MENTORSHIP INITIATIVE

DEADLINE / FEE: September 30, 2026 / $75

INFO: The Black Boy Writes & Black Girl Writes Mentorship Initiative, which launched at the start of 2021, is dedicated to supplying industry access and resources to preWGA Black screenwriters.

The program is international and you don’t have to live in Los Angeles to be considered. Most of the programming is virtual, but out-of-town and international mentees will be flown in at the beginning of the year for the class kick-off and again for the end-of-year class retreat.

The goal of the program is to position and equip Black writers with the resources and knowledge to acquire representation, a staffed writing position, and/or optioned content.

PRIZES:

• Monthly Writer Roundtables with established writers/industry leaders. Past participants include D’Lo Louis (Proximity Media), Deneise Davis (One of Them Days), Ahmadou Seck (VP Scripted, MACRO), Golden Globe Winning Writer Kemp Powers (Soul, One Night in Miami), Kay Oyegun (This is Us), Oscar Winner Peter Ramsey (Co-Director, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse).

• Writing workshops to fine-tune their scripts and prepare them for fellowships, generals, and staffing opportunities.

• General meetings with Networks and Production Companies. Past participants include Hartbeat, Gilga, FX, Netflix, Hooray Media, Nick Jr., Mattel, Plan B, Macro, and MarVista.

• Each mentee will receive the latest in Final Draft software.

• Mentees will have access to program mentors/industry professionals: Jackie Penn (4400, The Catch, Turner & Hooch), Andre Ferguson (Power Book II: Ghost), Chris Sanford (Reasonable Doubt), Kira Talise (Wonder Man), Past guest mentors include Steven Canals (Creator, Pose), and Sara Finney Johnson (Creator, Moesha and The Parkers).

• At the end of the program, each mentee will have the opportunity to be read by Mike Gauyo’s agents at Culture Creative and Lit Managers at M88, for representation consideration.

• Community with the Black Boy & Black Girl Writes Mentorship Alumni Network.

RULES & GUIDELINES:

1. All applicants must be pre-WGA to qualify. Meaning you must not be a member of the Writers Guild of America.

2. The first round of the application process will require a bio, one TV half-hour script or one TV one-hour script (of any genre), and a short essay. Multi-cams are accepted.

3. Half-hour scripts can't be more than 35 pages. One-hour scripts can't be more than 65 pages.

4. Applicants who reach the third round will interview with Mike Gauyo and his Chief of Programming, Heather Daughtry, before the new cohort is selected.

5. Mentees accepted into the program must be able to attend all programming events. Exceptions will be made for individuals that have emergency conflicts.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Do I have to live in Los Angeles?

The program is international and you don’t have to live in Los Angeles to be considered.

What are the program committments?

This mentorship program is a year-long initiative that provides a pathway to eliminating barriers to entry. Most of the programming is virtual, however, mentees are required to attend two in-person events: the commencement weekend for the class kick-off, and the end-of-year retreat to close out the program.

Is there an age requirement?

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Can I submit my feature film?

No. Please submit either a TV half-hour script or one TV one-hour script, of any genre.

Half-hour scripts can't be more than 35 pages. One-hour scripts can't be more than 65 pages. 

scrybe.to/competitions/black-boy-writes-black-girl-writes-mentorship-initiative

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JANUARY - MARCH 2027 RESIDENCIES

Elf School of the Arts |📍Hayesville, NC

DEADLINE: September 30, 2026 at 11:59pm ET

APPLICATION FEE: $10

INFO: Applications for January-March residencies at Elf School of the Arts are open September 1-30!

Accepted mediums are book arts, drawing, forging, jewelry/casting/lapidary, mixed media, music, painting, papermaking, photography, printmaking, textiles, weaving, welding, woodworking, and writing.

Residencies range from 1-12 weeks, hosting 4 artists at a time, at no charge. Each resident receives a private bedroom and studio, with a shared kitchen and living space - creating an intimate, focused environment for deep creative work and meaningful exchange.

pci.jotform.com/form/262368100253146

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SHORE SCRIPTS SHORT FILM FUND

Shore Scripts

DEADLINES:

• Regular - September 30, 2026

• Final - October 30, 2026

INFO: The 2026 Fall Season of the Shore Scripts Short Film Fund will award a $15,000 cash production grant to one short script and $4,000 cash in finishing funds to one short film in post-production.

The Short Film Fund offers an opportunity for emerging screenwriters and filmmakers to receive much-needed financial support to get their work produced and distributed. Our partnerships with ARRI Rental, Oscar-nominated producer Maria Gracia Turgeon, and Tribeca short film programmer Kimberley Browning elevate the films that come through our Fund with free camera equipment, mentorship, and film festival strategy.

Many of our 28 previously funded short films have screened at some of the top film festivals in the world, including Sundance, Tribeca, BFI London, Austin, Cannes, Encounters, and Palm Springs. One even won a BAFTA! Several of those writers and writer/directors have gone on to gain representation, sell screenplays, get staffed on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, & BBC shows, and develop their shorts into features and TV shows.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

• The Grand Prize Winner will receive a cash production grant of $15,000, free camera equipment rental from ARRI Rental for the duration of production, and support from Shore Scripts from development to distribution.

• The Finishing Funds Winner will receive a cash grant of $4,000 in finishing funds for a short film currently in post-production, and support from Shore Scripts through post-production and distribution.

• Both Winners will connect with two-time Oscar-nominated producer MARIA GRACIA TURGEON for project and career guidance, receive a film festival strategy package from Tribeca programmer KIMBERLEY BROWNING, and have the opportunity to have their completed films circulated to select members of our Industry Roster.

• Top 5 Finalists (production grant) will receive feedback on their script from one of our esteemed Judges.

• Top 15 Finalists (production grant) will have the opportunity to have their scripts circulated to select members of our Directors Roster.

• Finalists (finishing funds) will receive feedback on the rough cut of their film from one of our esteemed Judges.

shorescripts.com/shortfilmfund/

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Minnesota & New York City Film Grants

Jerome Foundation

DEADLINE: October 1, 2026

INFO: Applications are now open for three Jerome Foundation programs supporting early career film directors in New York City and Minnesota.

GRANTS:

• New York City and Minnesota Film Production - This grant supports eligible New York City and Minnesota-based early career film directors whose work takes creative risks in expanding, questioning, experimenting with, or re-imagining filmmaking with production grants of up to $30,000.

The Foundation seeks to fund filmmakers who take creative risks, seek innovative approaches, have a clarity of purpose and vision for imaginative storytelling, are engaged directly with those involved in their filmmaking, and work to build relationships with and impact their creative community and the field.

• Minnesota Filmmaker Mentorship grants support early career filmmakers with up to $10,000 for self-designed mentorships with experienced directors or other film professionals, strengthening their directing craft and professional skills in connection with a specific film project.

jeromefdn.org/all-grant-opportunities

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Pandora Short Film Grant

DEADLINE: October 1, 2026

INFO: The Pandora Short Film Grant is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that awards an annual $12,000 Grant to an early-career US filmmaker for the production of their short, narrative film. In addition, the Grant winner and three Finalists receive camera rental hookups from our sponsor, Panavision (worth thousands of dollars), hookups from our sponsor, Kodak, mentorship from award-winning filmmakers, and as much support as we can give to help the selected films get made. We accept projects that are at script stage as well as projects that have already filmed and are looking for finishing funds.

WHY? Narrative short films are notoriously hard to raise money for—the minimal financial returns make it rare for investors to fund a short. And yet, short films are a vital part of our cinematic landscape and an important medium for emerging filmmakers. We aim to give a big boost to early-career US filmmakers with bold visions.

WHO CAN APPLY? Our Grant is open to all US early-career filmmakers. We kindly ask you to not apply if you’ve directed a feature film with a budget over $250K or directed or produced television. This allows us to give a shot to someone who hasn’t been heard from yet. We put more weight on artistic vision than long film-industry resumes. The winner and finalists are chosen blindly based on script and pitch materials with no consideration of age, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. 

PRIZES: 

The winner receives:

• $12,000 Grant

• Camera package from Panavision (worth $15,000).

• Optional $1,000 Kodak Film Grant to go towards the purchase of film stock and lab expenses if you choose to shoot on film.

• Mentorship from an award-winning filmmaker (see our 2026 Mentors below). Mentors are paired with a Winner or Finalist based on creative or stylistic similarities

• Fiscal sponsorship—making others who donate to the film able to count their donation as a tax write-off.

3 finalists will receive: 

• Special consideration given to enter Panavision’s New Filmmaker Program wherein you’d receive a camera package at little or no cost.

• $500 off production insurance through Athos.

• Mentorship from an award-winning filmmaker (see our 2026 Mentors below). Mentors are paired with a Winner or Finalist based on creative or stylistic similarities.

• Fiscal sponsorship—making others who donate to the film able to count their donation as a tax write-off.

pandora.org/#about

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2026 open call for documentary filmmakers

Black Public Media

DEADLINE: October 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PST

INFO: Black Public Media has opened its submissions portal to its 2026 Open Call. Independent filmmakers are invited to submit feature-length nonfiction projects in a range of formats, styles, subject matter and genres for the opportunity next spring to participate in the 10th PitchBLACK Forum & Awards - the nation’s largest pitch competition for independent filmmakers who create Black content.

Those selected to participate will receive $20,000 to support their project. The winning project will receive an additional $150,000 production award. BPM is particularly interested in stories that explore critical issues, promote cultural understanding and engage national audiences and/or local communities. All projects — which may be in pre-production, production or early post-production — must be suitable for public media distribution.

ELIGIBILITY: The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, the project’s producer or director and have a minimum of three years professional producing and/or directing experience, or have a senior producer attached to the project. Additionally, the applicant must hold artistic, budgetary and editorial control, and must own the copyright of the proposed project.

APPLICATION DETAILS:

Please give yourself plenty of time to complete the application. Don’t wait until the deadline to submit.  You will be asked to provide the following information:

• PROJECT DESCRIPTION (synopsis, creative approach, production schedule, potential impact) 

• PRODUCTION TEAM (resumes/bios for key creatives)

• FINANCIALS (project budget and fundraising strategy)

• VISUALS (work sample)

Please read the prompts carefully. The explanations and additional questions will guide you through each of the questions. Make sure your submission, as a whole, addresses the following:

• STORY — Is the story compelling? Is the creative approach innovative and purposeful?

• PROJECT IDEA — Has the filmmaker demonstrated access to and understanding of the subject or story? Does the project have the potential to engage audiences?

• FEASIBILITY — Given the team’s experience, budget, and timeline, is the project achievable? Is the funding plan realistic?

• QUALITY PRESENTATION — Does the work sample support the treatment and other proposal elements? Does the submission overall demonstrate high‑quality work?

• PROJECT READINESS — Do all elements of your proposal clearly demonstrate your ability to receive the funding and use it to its fullest potential?

blackpublicmedia.org/for-media-makers/bpm-open-call/

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2027 Fellowship

Lighthouse Works |📍Fishers Island, NY

DEADLINE: October 1, 2026

APPLICATION FEE: $25

INFO: Lighthouse Works is seeking applications for our 2027 fellowship season.

Our Fellowship Program supports cultural practitioners working at the vanguard of their creative fields. We welcome applications from artists working across a wide range of disciplines and are best equipped to accommodate visual artists, writers, choreographers, and composers.

Fellowships are six weeks in length and take place on Fishers Island, New York. Fellows receive room and board, private studio space, and a $1,750 stipend. Artistic excellence is the primary criterion for selection.

Fellows live together in our residence, where each has a private bedroom and shares the kitchen, bathrooms, and common spaces. The house is kept stocked with food, with dietary needs accommodated, and on most evenings, our team prepares dinner for the Fellows and joins them at the table.

Our studios sit beside Silver Eel Cove, where the ferry arrives and departs Fishers Island. Each Fellow has a private studio with abundant natural light and views of the water.

While in residence, Fellows’ primary responsibility is the pursuit of their work. We ask only that each Fellow participate in an Artist Talk during the opening weekend of the fellowship and an Open Studio at the session’s conclusion.

HOW TO APPLY:

Artists at any stage of their careers are encouraged to apply through our online application system.

Applicants are asked to complete an application form, submit work samples, and provide a CV and work sample statement.

Lighthouse Works staff reviews applications for completeness before they are evaluated by independent juries of artists, writers, and other experts in the relevant fields. The juries identify a group of finalists, who are invited to interview before final selections are made. All applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision by the notification date listed for the application period.

Artistic excellence is the primary criterion for acceptance into the Fellowship Program.

lighthouseworks.us/fellowship

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MESA REFUGE 2027 RESIDENY

Mesa Refuge |📍Point Reyes Station, CA

DEADLINE: October 4, 2026 at 11:59pm PST

APPLICATION FEE: $35

INFO: Mesa Refuge brings transformative stories, ideas, and knowledge to the world by supporting a diverse community of writers and activists through residencies at our coastal California retreat. We welcome a diverse group of writers—both emerging and established—who define and/or offer solutions to the pressing issues of our time. Particularly, it is our priority to support writers and activists whose ideas are “on the edge”, taking on issues including (but not limited to): nature, environment and climate crisis; economic, racial and gender equity; social justice, incarceration and restorative justice; immigration; health care access; housing; democracy and more. 

We accept all genres, however, we prioritize nonfiction books, long-form journalism, documentary film and podcasts. The potential impact and distribution of your project is also important.

We aim to support a diverse community of writers and welcome applicants that represent a broad spectrum of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, immigration status, religion or physical ability. We prioritize applications of first time residents. If you are a Mesa Refuge alum, please inquire about Alum Weeks.

APPLICATION: We are a small nonprofit and our application fee of $35 helps underwrite the cost of application review. As an organization committed to equity, however, we do not want the application fee to be a barrier to apply. To request a fee waiver, please email nkansky@mesarefuge.org 

The questions on our application are mostly short-answer. We require one writing sample (no longer than 2,000 words or 10 pages), a current resume, headshot photo (horizontally oriented), brief bio and two references (we do not require letters of recommendation). Applicants will be contacted in early 2027.

Please consult our FAQ page to learn more about applications and our facility.

LOGISTICS: Mesa Refuge is located in Point Reyes Station, CA (about 1.5 hours north of San Francisco). Our residencies are two-weeks long and there is no residency fee. Three writers are in residence at a time, living together in a house that has both private and shared spaces. You will need to provide your own transportation to and from the residency and most meals. Additional residency expenses like travel, transportation and food, are your responsibility.

mesarefuge.submittable.com/submit

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2027 fellowship

Amplify Arts |📍Omaha, NE

DEADLINE: October 4, 2026

INFO: Amplify’s Fellowship program champions artists working outside conventional art spaces to investigate the layered civic histories, cultural traditions, and living ecologies that shape our region. Designed to support site-responsive installations, book and publishing projects, films, performances, and other publicly engaged project-based work, the Fellowship provides $10,000 in project support, individualized project mentorship, and feedback in a small cohort-based learning environment. 

For the 2027 Fellowship, preference will be given to projects that engage with the theme of Migration by exploring how movement shapes our communities, environments, and collective futures. We welcome project-based work that examines migration not only as the movement of people, but also as the circulation of ideas, languages, labor, waterways, seeds, species, capital, and culture. 

We especially encourage projects that invite public participation or engagement. This may take the form of site-responsive installations, performances, workshops, or other shared experiences, as well as the circulation of books, printed matter, films, digital media, archives, or other forms of knowledge. We value projects that create opportunities for people to encounter, contribute to, or engage with ideas in ways that foster dialogue, learning, and reflection outside conventional art spaces.

FELLOWSHIP: The Fellowship is one year beginning in January of 2027 and ending in January of 2028. Fellows are expected to actively participate in all regularly scheduled cohort meetings and contribute to a culture of generosity, curiosity, and shared learning. Prospective applicants should approach this program willing to expand their practice with curiosity and critical feedback from other Fellows and mentors. 

Fellows will be paired with mentors from outside the Omaha area early in the program in a matchmaking process that responds to each artist’s questions, methods, and ambitions. Mentors will be selected from a pool of curators, artists, and arts professionals with substantial experience in developing project-based work.  

ELIGIBILITY: Any artist, artist collective, or collaborative group maintaining a residence within the Omaha/Council Bluffs Metro Area, including Washington, Douglas, Cass, Sarpy, and Saunders counties in Nebraska, and Pottawattamie, Mills, and Harrison counties in Iowa, is eligible to apply.

Applicants must be at least 19 years old and submit a complete application, including an Artist Statement, Project Description, Project Budget, Work Sample, and Works Cited page to be considered. A formal education is not required to apply.

Collectives and collaborative groups with a significant history of working together are also eligible. 

TIMELINE:

• September 8, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Virtual Application Information Session 

• September 15, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Virtual Application Office Hours

• September 17, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Virtual Application Office Hours

• October 4, 11:59 pm: Application Closes

• October 5 - October 18: Application Review

• October 19 - October 23: Applicant Interviews 

• October 30: Application Status Updates Delivered

amplifyarts.org/events-blog/2027-fellowship

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Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room

Sesame Workshop

APPLICATION PERIOD: September 7 - October 5, 2026

INFO: Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room is a writing fellowship from the creators of Sesame Street. And we’re looking for YOU!

Emerging storytellers who are selected to join the Writers’ Room will receive hands-on writing experience guided by Sesame Street veterans and other children’s entertainment and 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! 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

• Up to 6 writers will be selected 

• Sessions are expected to take place virtually from February 2027 to June 2027.

• Learn from industry writers, producers, agents and executives 

• Learn and complete all steps of creating an original pilot episode script

• Learn and complete all steps of creating a 3-5 minute speculative script based on Sesame Street

• Includes 8 three-hour instructive sessions with an accomplished industry professional, 3 one-hour mentoring sessions with Sesame Street writer, and 15 one-hour office hours sessions on creating original children’s content.

• Up to two writers will have the exciting opportunity to see their script brought to life in a live table read featuring Sesame Street performers

APPLICATION CHECK LIST:

• Application form: Application must be submitted by October 5th, 2026 12PM EST. Applications for the 2027 Fellowship Program will open on Monday, September 7th, 2026.

• Original script sample: 12-page maximum; should NOT contain Sesame Street elements, characters, or intellectual property;  can be an excerpt from a larger piece  wholly written by the applicant; must model a 3 act story structure; and 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! Please submit only one script with your initial application. If you advance to the second round, you may receive an email with instructions on submitting a second script sample at that time.

• Resumes: 2-page maximum. Anything longer will be disqualified.

• More info on your script: what’s the bigger picture/idea of your script sample? (up to 100 words)

• Personal statement: tell us about yourself, for example, why you want to write for children’s educational media, and how your lived experiences influence the stories you want to tell in children’s media, etc. (up to 250 words)

ELIGIBILITY CHECK LIST:

• Participants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

• No extensive media writing experience, such as having written more than six episodes for a produced network or streaming scripted/narrative series

• Participants must be 21+ years old

• Participants must be able to attend and complete writing assignments for all 11 sessions, and attend the 15 office hours sessions, which will be held virtually from February 2027 to June 2027. The final session and showcase will be held in-person in New York City.

sesameworkshop.org/our-work/fellowships/writers-room

TV / FILM — AUGUST 2026

call for films: SAWCC Short Film Night

South Asian Womxn’s Creative Collective (SAWCC)

DEADLINE: August 2, 2026

INFO: Ever wanted to see some movies, but wish they were… short? Introducing SAWCC Short Film Night!

SAWCC is looking for South Asian women and gender-expansive artists to share their stories. They want to curate a mix of films and media from animated shorts to documentaries to scripted films – you name it, they’re interested!

Directors will be asked to speak on a (short) Q&A after the screening and we will give preference to those who can attend the event.

EVENT DETAILS:

Friday September 18 from 7-9pm at Stuart Cinema
37-18 Northern Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFQWJC9hlHaobJmlrL0DuVlvLKioUiFIdBVEIBzB2QkpY1TA/viewform

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Black Boy Writes & Black Girl Writes Mentorship Initiative

DEADLINE / FEES:

• Early Bird - August 15, 2026 / $25

• Regular - August 31, 2026 / $50

• Final - September 30, 2026 / $75

INFO: The Black Boy Writes & Black Girl Writes Mentorship Initiative, which launched at the start of 2021, is dedicated to supplying industry access and resources to preWGA Black screenwriters.

The program is international and you don’t have to live in Los Angeles to be considered. Most of the programming is virtual, but out-of-town and international mentees will be flown in at the beginning of the year for the class kick-off and again for the end-of-year class retreat.

The goal of the program is to position and equip Black writers with the resources and knowledge to acquire representation, a staffed writing position, and/or optioned content.

PRIZES:

• Monthly Writer Roundtables with established writers/industry leaders. Past participants include D’Lo Louis (Proximity Media), Deneise Davis (One of Them Days), Ahmadou Seck (VP Scripted, MACRO), Golden Globe Winning Writer Kemp Powers (Soul, One Night in Miami), Kay Oyegun (This is Us), Oscar Winner Peter Ramsey (Co-Director, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse).

• Writing workshops to fine-tune their scripts and prepare them for fellowships, generals, and staffing opportunities.

• General meetings with Networks and Production Companies. Past participants include Hartbeat, Gilga, FX, Netflix, Hooray Media, Nick Jr., Mattel, Plan B, Macro, and MarVista.

• Each mentee will receive the latest in Final Draft software.

• Mentees will have access to program mentors/industry professionals: Jackie Penn (4400, The Catch, Turner & Hooch), Andre Ferguson (Power Book II: Ghost), Chris Sanford (Reasonable Doubt), Kira Talise (Wonder Man), Past guest mentors include Steven Canals (Creator, Pose), and Sara Finney Johnson (Creator, Moesha and The Parkers).

• At the end of the program, each mentee will have the opportunity to be read by Mike Gauyo’s agents at Culture Creative and Lit Managers at M88, for representation consideration.

• Community with the Black Boy & Black Girl Writes Mentorship Alumni Network.

RULES & GUIDELINES:

1. All applicants must be pre-WGA to qualify. Meaning you must not be a member of the Writers Guild of America.

2. The first round of the application process will require a bio, one TV half-hour script or one TV one-hour script (of any genre), and a short essay. Multi-cams are accepted.

3. Half-hour scripts can't be more than 35 pages. One-hour scripts can't be more than 65 pages.

4. Applicants who reach the third round will interview with Mike Gauyo and his Chief of Programming, Heather Daughtry, before the new cohort is selected.

5. Mentees accepted into the program must be able to attend all programming events. Exceptions will be made for individuals that have emergency conflicts.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Do I have to live in Los Angeles?

The program is international and you don’t have to live in Los Angeles to be considered.

What are the program committments?

This mentorship program is a year-long initiative that provides a pathway to eliminating barriers to entry. Most of the programming is virtual, however, mentees are required to attend two in-person events: the commencement weekend for the class kick-off, and the end-of-year retreat to close out the program.

Is there an age requirement?

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Can I submit my feature film?

No. Please submit either a TV half-hour script or one TV one-hour script, of any genre.

Half-hour scripts can't be more than 35 pages. One-hour scripts can't be more than 65 pages. 

scrybe.to/competitions/black-boy-writes-black-girl-writes-mentorship-initiative

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NEWNARRATIVES

New Filmmakers LA

DEADLINE: August 18, 2026 at 3:00pm PT

INFO: Originally launched in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery 150 in 2021, NewNarratives, presented by NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA), enters its sixth year in 2026 as an initiative dedicated to discovering the next generation of independent storytellers. The program identifies exceptional emerging creative voices and provides the funding, mentorship, industry access, and visibility needed to transform ambitious ideas into impactful films and series. By investing in artists whose stories transcend borders, challenge convention, and expand the cultural conversation, NewNarratives helps cultivate the future of global independent storytelling.

Thanks to the continued support of the Rhulen Family Foundation, honoring acclaimed independent producer Anthony Rhulen (The Butterfly Effect), NewNarratives will award $35,000 USD in cash grants during the 2026 cycle across three distinct funding opportunities designed to support projects at various stages of development and production.

NEWNARRATIVES GRANTS:

The main NewNarratives Grant category will award four (4) grants of $5,000 USD each to support emerging filmmakers developing short films, feature films, or episodic series (fiction, documentary, live-action, animation, or experimental) at any stage of the creative process. Eligible projects may be in concept development, early development, pre-production, production, post-production, or audience strategy and distribution planning.

NEWNARRATIVES ENVIRONMENTAL STORYTELLING GRANT:

Supported by Athens Services, this category will award one (1) grant of $5,000 USD to a short film (fiction, documentary, live-action, animation, or experimental) currently in post-production that meaningfully explores themes of climate, environmental sustainability, conservation, or humanity's relationship with the natural world. This grant celebrates filmmakers using the power of storytelling to inspire greater awareness, dialogue, and action around the environmental challenges shaping our communities and our future.

NEWNARRATIVES ABSURD AI STORYTELLING GRANT:

Supported by Absurd, this category will award one (1) $10,000 USD grant to an emerging filmmaker developing a short or feature film, across fiction, live action, animation, or experimental work, at any stage of production. The grant will be accompanied by a three-month fellowship supporting the awarded artist as they explore using Absurd’s AI storytelling tools as a way to reimagine what independent filmmaking can look like with AI. Absurd will begin onboarding beta users on August 3, 2026.

AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT: September 8th, 2026 at 11:00am PT

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicant must have written, directed or produced at least one project that has been accepted into a film festival or industry recognized development competition (such as a screenplay contest)

• NewNarratives grant applicants’ projects must be a live-action narrative, experimental, animated and/or documentary short or feature or episodic series, in any stage of production. For the NewNarratives Environmental Storytelling Grant and the NewNarratives Absurd AI Storytelling Grant, the project must adhere to the guidelines outlined in those grant categories

• Applicant may only submit one project in total, including projects on which you share a credit. Content must be written or created by the applicant. The proposed project must be original and unreleased

• Application’s material must be written in English

• Applicant must be able and willing to complete the project if funding is awarded

• Applicant must be willing to sign project submission release

• Applicant must be or become a Rising Creator or Champion level member of NewFilmmakers Los Angeles

REQUIRED SUBMISSION ITEMS:

• Work sample of previously completed narrative, experimental or documentary feature, short or episodic project or a script that has been selected for an industry recognized development competition (such as a screenplay contest)

• Video work samples must include English subtitles for any content not in English language

• All submitted project materials must be in English

• Treatment (no longer than 2 pages)

• Concept deck (no longer than 12 pages)

• Project synopsis of project (no longer than one paragraph)

• Working title

• Submitter biography

• Submitter statement

• All items must adhere to applicable character count limits

• If applying for the environmental awareness grant, you must submit a link to your short film that qualifies per the guidelines and is in its post-production phase

newfilmmakersla.com/NewNarratives/

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Merrell Brand-Supported Storytelling Program

Sundance Collab x Merrell

DEADLINE: August 18, 2026 11:59 pm PT

INFO: In collaboration with Sundance Collab, Merrell is launching a global storytelling program built to bring its brand platform, It Starts Outside, to life through emotionally grounded, culturally resonant films.

This program explores the simple power of being outside through stories about people, perspective, and transformation. Moving beyond traditional advertising, the focus is on social-first storytelling rooted in real moments, real communities, and human truth.

Through a series of original social-first short films, selected filmmakers will explore how stepping outside can spark connection, renewal, and personal change.

THE CHALLENGE: We are seeking five filmmakers from around the world to each create their own original, 60-90 second film designed specifically for vertical social platforms. Your mission is to explore Merrell’s core belief, It Starts Outside, for a world that is increasingly lived indoors. From our homes to our screens, we are more disconnected than ever. The outside is the antidote. It is where we find reset and reconnection to culture, community, perspective, and even ourselves. It is Merrell’s purpose as a brand to share the simple power of the outside with everyone. We are seeking filmmakers who share that belief and mission and want to inspire the world to do the same.

Selected filmmakers will enter an intensive online program over three days in September designed to learn about collaborating with a brand. The filmmakers will then receive $20K to make and deliver their greenlit concepts, cutdowns (:06, :15, :30), and stills between October and December, with designated program check-ins.

THE CREATIVE BRIEF: IT STARTS OUTSIDE:

• Submission Requirement: How would you approach this brief? (Up to 500 words)

• Objective: Create a concept or “take” for a 60-90 second, vertical film that captures a complete, emotionally resonant story rooted in the "simple power of being outside". We are not looking for a "commercial;" it is a human story where the outside acts as a catalyst for change.

• Foundation: Merrell believes transformation begins the moment we step outside. The outside is not defined by terrain, performance, or distance. It is defined by what it unlocks in people. 

Your story should reflect:

• Transformation: A moment of reset, reconnection, or personal shift.

• Connection: A sense of belonging, community, or renewed relationship.

• Human truth: An observed, emotionally grounded moment that feels real.

Built from Merrell’s 2026 repositioning and “It Starts Outside” brand platform, the core creative territory is not 'outdoor adventure' in the traditional sense. The strongest stories will show what changed in a person because they went outside, whether it's emotionally, physically, mentally, creatively, spiritually, psychologically, or other. This does not necessarily equate to a final achievement.

TIMELINE:

• Selected artists notified by Wednesday, September 16, 2026

• Merrell Brand-Supported Storytelling Program (periodic online sessions): September - December 2026

• Merrell Brand-Supported Storytelling Intensive (online): September 30- October 2, 2026

• Production: October 2026

• Post-Production: November 2026

• Delivery: December 14, 2026

To learn more about the brief and how to apply, join our upcoming Insider Session with Merrell’s Creative Director, Alex Ho and Sundance Collab Director, Patty West on August 11.

collab.sundance.org/catalog/Merrell-Brand-Supported-Storytelling-Program

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Shore Scripts Short Film Fund

Shore Scripts

DEADLINE:

• Early – August 20, 2026

• Regular — September 30, 2026

• Final — October 30, 2026

INFO: The 2026 Fall Season of the Shore Scripts Short Film Fund will award a $15,000 cash production grant to one short script and $4,000 cash in finishing funds to one short film in post-production.

The Short Film Fund offers an opportunity for emerging screenwriters and filmmakers to receive much-needed financial support to get their work produced and distributed. Our partnerships with ARRI Rental, Oscar-nominated producer Maria Gracia Turgeon, and Tribeca short film programmer Kimberley Browning elevate the films that come through our Fund with free camera equipment, mentorship, and film festival strategy.

Many of our 28 previously funded short films have screened at some of the top film festivals in the world, including Sundance, Tribeca, BFI London, Austin, Cannes, Encounters, and Palm Springs. One even won a BAFTA! Several of those writers and writer/directors have gone on to gain representation, sell screenplays, get staffed on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, & BBC shows, and develop their shorts into features and TV shows.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

• The Grand Prize Winner will receive a cash production grant of $15,000, free camera equipment rental from ARRI Rental for the duration of production, and support from Shore Scripts from development to distribution.

• The Finishing Funds Winner will receive a cash grant of $4,000 in finishing funds for a short film currently in post-production, and support from Shore Scripts through post-production and distribution.

• Both Winners will connect with two-time Oscar-nominated producer MARIA GRACIA TURGEON for project and career guidance, receive a film festival strategy package from Tribeca programmer KIMBERLEY BROWNING, and have the opportunity to have their completed films circulated to select members of our Industry Roster.

• Top 5 Finalists (production grant) will receive feedback on their script from one of our esteemed Judges.

• Top 15 Finalists (production grant) will have the opportunity to have their scripts circulated to select members of our Directors Roster.

• Finalists (finishing funds) will receive feedback on the rough cut of their film from one of our esteemed Judges.

shorescripts.com/shortfilmfund/

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Sundance Episodic Program 2027

Sundance Institute

DEADLINE: August 25, 2026

INFO: The Sundance Institute Episodic Program is an entry point for emerging to mid-career writers and creators across all scripted series platforms. Through a rigorous lab experience and customized support, the program provides artists with the knowledge and industry access to move their projects and careers forward.

The Episodic Lab 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.

AWARDS + PRIZES: From these submissions, one project will be selected and awarded a separate monetary grant provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation that spotlights a series with an illuminating emphasis on any subject of science, including but not limited to medicine, energy, technology, and invention.

RULES + TERMS: The official rules (“Rules”) govern the submission of materials to the Sundance Institute (“Institute”) 2027 Episodic Program (the “Program”). The submission window opens on July 13, 2026 at 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time (“PT”) and ends on August 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. PT (“Application Period”).

Each applicant (as defined below) has the opportunity to create and submit an original television script (“Script”) and other pertinent information (together, the “Application”) to Institute to be considered for acceptance into the Program. Institute may select up to ten (10) Applicants to receive the opportunity to further develop their Script either through 1) virtual workshops leading up to the in-person episodic lab (or through an online platform, if necessary, as determined by Institute) (“Lab”), or 2) a virtual intensive which will take place entirely online (“Intensive”), as set forth more fully below.

By agreeing to the Terms And Conditions found on the Program submission form located at https://filmfreeway.com/SundanceEpisodicLab2027, the person or people submitting the Script (each an “Applicant”, who may also be referred to herein as "you" or "your") acknowledges and agrees that they have obtained consent from any and all co-writers or other individuals with rights in and to the Script (hereafter called the “Script Owners”). By submitting the application, Applicant agrees that they have read, understood, and will comply with the Rules set forth below:

ELIGIBILITY:

The Program is open to international and U.S. participants, subject to international travel guidelines and restrictions. By submitting an application, each Applicant agrees 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 Program. The Program 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 Script must be the Applicant’s original creation or adapted from optioned source material. The Script must be written in the English language.

• The Script draft must be revised or new, not already produced; not already sold to a third party; and not distributed online or otherwise.

• Applicants cannot have already had an episodic project (pilot or pitch) that has been produced by a studio or network in the past.

• The Script 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 (including the Script).

filmfreeway.com/SundanceEpisodicLab2027

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MediaMaker Fellowship

BAVC Media

DEADLINE: August 30, 2026 at 11:59pm PT

INFO: The MediaMaker Fellowship is devoted to supporting documentary filmmakers using bold cinematic language and innovative impact strategies to grapple with critical issues of our time.

Our cohort is a collaborative, community-driven space that places diversity, representation, and ethical relationships with storytelling at the forefront of our practice. We aim to build a safe space for filmmakers to workshop their films, establish critical bonds and relationships, and gain valuable insights as they go on to build their careers in the field. We seek candidates who have the potential to impact our understanding of how documentaries can transform the world, as well as expanding the quality of the art of nonfiction.

OFFERINGS + STRUCTURE:

This ten-month-long program supports the development of documentary projects that are nearing post-production, and includes:

• $10,000 distributed to each Fellow over the course of the Fellowship (plus additional travel per diems)

• Professional mentorship and strategy sessions focused on documentary storytelling, career sustainability, fundraising, distribution, and more.

• Two San Francisco convenings (travel paid) comprised of immersive tailored workshops, intimate feedback sessions, and presentations by leading filmmakers and industry figures.

• All-access pass, round trip flight, accommodations, and a customized itinerary for two film festivals or industry conferences assuming travel is safe and advisable. All plans are subject to change according to pandemic restrictions and best practices, as well as the availability of festival programs.

• Consistent workshops and check-ins, 1-3 hours in length, scheduled in advance, throughout the year.
  A built-in support network.

• Opportunities for continued mentorship and support in the future as a MediaMaker alum.

• All Fellowship applicants and Fellowship alumni are eligible for five hours of one-on-one mentorship through the BAVC MediaMaker Connect Mentorship Program.

ELIGIBILITY:

• The MediaMaker Fellowship program is particularly interested in supporting a diverse cross-section of media creators from across the U.S. who are in the process of directing their first or second feature-length documentary. Candidates who have directed a feature previously should take care to clearly demonstrate in their application that this project represents a significant creative leap compared with any previous work and make a strong case for why they need a collaborative fellowship experience at this stage of their career. Above all, ideal candidates should demonstrate a strong capacity for artistic growth and willingness to participate in peer mentorship and collaborative learning experiences with a diverse cohort of other filmmakers.

• The applicant should be the Director and the creative lead of their project – applying as an individual. They must be the only person on their filmmaking team who is applying this year. If they are part of a Co-Directing team they should discuss this program with their partner and together determine which person would most benefit from and have the capacity to participate in a fellowship of this nature at this juncture. This Fellowship required significant time and energy over the course of nine months and applicants should be prepared for the commitment to their cohort if selected. Full time students are not eligible for the fellowship.

• The project you are applying with should be a feature length film (shorts, series, and podcasts are not eligible), non-commercial (meaning the film is not being created for a market audience with the intent of generating income through the promotion of products, services, or organizations), primarily documentary or non-fiction in nature (this includes hybrid docs which are encouraged to apply), and should have the potential for social impact (social impact can be defined in many ways and is in no way restricted to policy outcomes).

• Eligible films will have at least begun production and may have started post-production. A project would be considered too far along to benefit from the Fellowship if a fine cut is expected before the end of the program year. Projects should be in a place to benefit from workshopping (scenes, story, structure, edit, etc.) with the cohort and seasoned guest filmmakers. This is not a fellowship for filmmakers who are still in early development on their project.

• Though there is no citizenship requirement for the Fellowship, at this time the program cannot support Fellows who are primarily based outside of the U.S. Applicants must primarily reside in the United States and not expect to reside outside of the U.S. for a major part of the year.

bavc.org/programs/mediamaker/

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Screenwriting Lab

Film Independent

DEADLINE / APPLICATION FEE:

• August 31, 2026 / $65 for non-Members

• September 14, 2026 / $45 for Film Independent Members

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

INFO: The Screenwriting Lab is a two-week workshop held in the first quarter of the year, designed to provide individualized story and career development for emerging screenwriters with a fiction feature screenplay.

Each Screenwriting Fellow will be paired with a Creative Advisor, with whom they’ll work one-on-one and in group sessions to further develop their project over the course of the program. 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. A variety of guest speakers may screen and discuss their own films and offer career insights, and a final pitch event offers further opportunity for individualized feedback and discussion with industry executives.

WHO CAN APPLY?

The Screenwriting Lab is open to any writer applying with a completed draft of a feature-length project they wish to workshop during the program, with an eye toward production. More details available in the FAQ section below.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants must submit the following materials for consideration:

• A cover letter detailing what drew you to apply to the Screenwriting Lab and why this is the right time for you to participate in the program (500 words max)

• One complete, feature-length screenplay

• An artist statement explaining the genesis of the story, your creative vision and intentions for the film (750 words max)

• A look book (optional)

• A logline (25 words) and synopsis for the film

• Bios of attached key cast and crew, if any – Attachments are not required for consideration

• Project status and history, including any relevant development history, awards received or labs and/or markets attended with the project

• A narrative directing sample, if you plan on directing the film with which you are applying

FAQs:

• Screenwriting Lab is for writers only; other collaborators are not invited to participate.

• Writing partners/teams are welcome to apply and need only submit one application.

• We are open to filmmakers at any level of experience.

• International applicants are eligible; the script must be translated into English for consideration.

• Adaptations are eligible; the applicant must retain rights to the underlying material.

• At this time, documentary, short film and television projects are not eligible to apply.

• We will reconsider projects that have previously been submitted, provided the writer(s) can demonstrate progress on the project and/or professional development.

• Filmmakers may apply to multiple Film Independent Artist Development programs and there is no requirement to have participated in any one program before another.

Please note: Each applicant must be the author of the script they submit.

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 General Membership rate of $105.

Applicants will be notified three to four weeks prior to the start of the program.

Applicants who are invited to participate in the program should plan to be in Los Angeles for the 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.

For more information, please email: artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org.

To learn more about Film Independent Fellows and their projects, visit our Talent Guide.

filmindependent.org/programs/artist-development/screenwriting-lab/

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storyknife writers retreat

Storyknife |📍Homer, AK

DEADLINE: August 31, 2026

APPLICATION FEE: $45.00

INFO: Women’s stories are vital and important. Currently, those stories whether expressed in poems, plays, novels, essays, or memoirs are not published, reviewed, or promoted as often as the work of men. Storyknife provides women with the time and space to explore their craft without distraction. Every aspect of a residency at Storyknife is steeped in a profound generosity of spirit so that each writer knows she and her work are valuable. Storyknife residents carry away both this affirmation and a living community of women writers to assist their valuable work wherever they go.

Residencies at Storyknife in Homer, Alaska, are either for two or four weeks. Resident’s food and lodging is covered during the period of their residency, but travel to and from Homer, Alaska, is the responsibility of the resident. Residents stay in individual cabins & dine at the main house. An on-staff chef is responsible for food preparation.

Four week residencies begin on the 1st of each month and end on the 28th, April through October. Two week residencies are held in April, June, and August and begin on the 1st of each month and end on the 14th OR begin on the 15th and end on the 28th.

Please make sure that you subscribe to our newsletter below or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants must:

• Be woman-identified

• Be 21 years of age or older

• Apply as an individual artist, not a collaborative group or team

• Writers who have been in residency for a minimum of two-weeks at Storyknife must wait five years before they can re-apply for another residency.

Please note that for the 2027 residency season, the Board of Directors of Storyknife strongly suggests that all residents must be vaccinated and appropriately boosted against COVID-19.

You will provide a work sample and answer four questions (each answer 300 words or fewer).

• How have you sought to educate yourself as a writer? (Formal education not a prerequisite, but evidence of curiosity and learning in your applicable genre is.)

• What is your experience with publishing your work? (Publishing is not a prerequisite but is considered a goal for writers who attend Storyknife.)

• What project will you pursue while in residency? (Please note that you will be free to work on whatever writing you wish during residency. We simply are interested in what you think you’ll be pursuing.)

• Why would a writing residency benefit you at this time especially?

WRITING SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS:

• Writing samples should reflect work completed within the last two years. All writing samples must be uploaded through Submittable. Written work samples will be uploaded directly within the application.

• Applicants can submit published or unpublished writing samples. 

• All writing samples must be combined into one PDF file.

• A writing sample not to exceed 10 pages (prose: double-spaced 12 point font, poetry: single-spaced 12 point font acceptable). Prose includes screenplays and stage plays which also must conform to the 10 page limit.

• This is an anonymous jurying process. Any writing samples with identifying material will be disqualified (including in the file name). Do not include your last name, address, or publication credits in your writing sample (including the file name). This only refers to the writing sample, not the answers to the questions.

TRAVEL FUNDS: In 2027, there will be multiple opportunities for travel cost stipends. Those that want to be considered for travel funds will indicate so on their applications.

QUESTIONS? If you have questions regarding your eligibility or preparing your application, contact executive director, Erin Hollowell, at ehollowell@storyknife.org.

storyknife.org/how-to-apply

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2026 BLACK LIST PARENTHOOD WRITERS FELLOWSHIP

The Black List

DEADLINE: September 1, 2026 by 11:59pm PT

INFO: The Black List is thrilled to announce that it has partnered with the Van Leer Foundation, Equimundo, The Human Safety Net, and the American Institute for Boys and Men to launch the 2026 Black List Parenthood Writers Fellowship. 

The Parenthood Fellowship will support four writers in developing compelling, evidence-informed film or television scripts about parenthood as a transformative human experience. Scripts must focus on the beginning of life, stories about pregnancy and becoming a parent and how the transition into motherhood and fatherhood reshapes who we are - especially during the rollercoaster of the first 5 years. Each writer will receive a $15,000 grant, creative mentorship, and expert input, with the goal of shifting cultural narratives and inspiring broader recognition of parenthood’s human and societal value.

During the Fellowship, each recipient will be paired with an experienced creative mentor to support their rewrite, with whom they will meet three times. The writers will also be connected with a panel of experts who will provide the latest science and evidence on parenthood cutting across neuroscience, biology, psychology, anthropology and more to counter misconceptions and outdated tropes on parents and parenting. A cohort mentor will convene the writers monthly as a group for additional feedback and programming. 

Fellows will have six (6) months to complete a revision of their script. The latter half of the Fellowship will focus on pitch development and industry education. At the end of the Fellowship, each recipient will provide a revised version of their script and will be invited to attend the 2027 Lights! Camera! Impact! Storyteller Gathering during the Venice Film Festival with their pitches. Lights! Camera! Impact! is an annual forum celebrating the power of storytelling hosted by The Human Safety Net in the heart of San Marco Piazza in Venice.

To be considered for the fellowship, writers must submit a completed feature-length screenplay or television pilot with strong parenthood themes. The script must be submitted in English; if the script is a translation, please indicate the original language it was written in and/or what language it will be produced in.

In order to submit, the writer’s project must be hosted on www.blcklst.com and have at least one Black List reader evaluation attached to their project. Writers can use existing reader evaluations and/or purchase a new evaluation. During the submission process, writers will also be asked to briefly explain why parenthood is an important theme in their work and how it resonates in their script. 

Fifty (50) fee waivers are available for eligible projects. Writers can apply for a waiver on the program submission page. Receiving a waiver will allow a writer to submit a project for consideration at no cost to themselves. Waiver distribution will be prioritized by both demonstration of financial need and the underrepresented subject matter of the project. Writers will be asked to provide a brief explanation for why they need a waiver upon application. Waivers are only available for new projects that have not yet been hosted on the Black List website. Waivers will be approved at the partners and the Black List’s discretion. 

Each fellowship recipient will retain complete ownership of their work.

WHAT MAKES A COMPELLING PARENTHOOD STORY?

The Fellowship is looking for projects with writers that are passionate about themes of early parenthood, becoming a parent, and/or caregiving. Scripts will be considered both for craft excellence and concept originality. Most of us are told our first story by our parents. Yet the story of becoming a parent: the fear, the transformation, the hilarious absurdity, the quiet heroism is rarely told. One of the most defining chapters of our lives often goes unseen. We are looking for projects that feel surprising, urgent, capture curiosity and reframes our understanding of why parenthood matters. 

In order to ensure representation of diverse parenthood experiences, we will be selecting at least two projects that focus on fatherhood and/or male caregiving. These are stories that show that men are wired to care too. Stories that challenge the common sit-com trope of the incompetent dad. Stories that amplify the idea that caring men is not something that we need to create but rather something that we've always had all around us. We can all tell stories about a man who showed up for us, who cared for us. How do they look, how do they exercise their care muscles? How do they choose to lean into our superhuman power for interdependence? 

We also want to ensure that we are selecting projects that reflect the international landscape of parenthood. We will select at least one project that is set in Europe, in one of the countries where The Human Safety Net is active, and that project will focus on families who are at risk of social exclusion with children aged 0 to 6.

RESOURCES:

• “Tip Sheets for Content Creators: Writing with care about men and boys, family and caregiving” (Equimundo)

• “This is Us? How TV Does and Doesn’t Get Men’s Caregiving” (Equimundo, Geena Davis Institute)

• “What is Nurturing Care? Basic briefings on the concepts of early childhood and the core framework guiding all work” (Nurturing Care for Early Childhood Development)

• “Brain Architecture: An ongoing process that begins before birth” (Harvard's Center on the Developing Child)

• “The Best Start in Life: Early Childhood Development for Sustainable Development” (SDG Academy)

• "Why Dads Matter" (University of Maryland, College of Education)

THE SELECTION PROCESS:

Writers who meet the submission requirements will be able to opt into consideration via the Black List website until midnight PST on September 1, 2026. 

Based on the strength of their scripts as determined by the Black List’s script evaluations, a long list of up to forty (40) projects will be invited to submit a one-page personal statement, a professional resume, and a short essay on how their project engages with themes of parenthood. From those projects, up to ten (10) projects will be named to the short list. All short list writers will be interviewed by the Parenthood Fellowship committee. 

Following those interviews, four fellowship recipients will be selected no later than October 30, 2026. The Fellowship will commence in November 2026.

NEW TO THE BLACK LIST?

If you are new to the Black List, register for a free account by clicking the “sign up” button in the upper right hand corner of your screen. Once you are logged in, you will be able to upload your script, purchase the mandatory minimum of one evaluation, and submit your script for Fellowship consideration. If you have any questions, please check out our FAQ or email us at support@blcklst.com.

REQUIREMENTS:

• You must post an original screenplay or pilot teleplay (one hour or one half hour) on www.blcklst.com, with at least one (1) evaluation, and opt-in to the Program during the Submission Period. The materials should tell stories about parenthood as a transformative human experience. Scripts must focus on the beginning of life, stories about pregnancy and becoming a parent and how the transition into motherhood and fatherhood reshapes who we are - especially during the rollercoaster of the first 5 years.

• You must agree to: (1) these Submission Requirements; (2) all terms relating to the Program posted on Black List’s website, which you should review and read in full; and (3) the Submission Agreement, which governs the submission of your material to Sponsors and Black List. The Submission Agreement includes important, legally binding terms and conditions, including arbitration of any disputes, which you must read in full before accepting.

• If requested, you must submit (by a date determined by Sponsors and Black List) the following materials, which are also governed by the Submission Agreement:

  • Contact and other personal information; 

  • Personal statements and any requested additional information; and

  • Executed originals of the Submission Agreement.

• If selected for the Program, as a condition of your participation, you must agree to Sponsors and Black List’s terms of participation.   

• You must be at least 18 years of age and not a minor in the state or country of your residence at time of submission.

• If the submitted materials are written by a team consisting of one or more writers: (i) each member of that writing team must comply with these Submission Requirements, including agreeing to the Submission Agreement described above; and (ii) all members of the writing team must opt-out of the Program if any other member becomes ineligible (including as a result of failing to timely agree to the Submission Agreement or failing to timely provide the materials listed above).

• The submitted materials must be wholly original to you and you must be the sole owner of all rights. The submitted materials must not in any way infringe upon the copyright of any person or entity or, to the best of your knowledge in the exercise of reasonable prudence, constitute libel, defamation or invasion of privacy or any other rights of any third party. You understand and agree that Black List will share any information that you provide in connection with the Program with Sponsors.

blcklst.com/programs/2026-black-list-parenthood-fellowship

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The Renegades Launch Fund

Picture Story Studios

DEADLINE: September 1, 2026

INFO: Founded by indie production company Picture Story Studios, The Renegades Launch Fund provides emerging filmmakers with funding, practical education, production tools & templates, peer mentorship and community. We are building the kind of ecosystem many filmmakers need but struggle to find outside traditional institutions.
The system we ourselves wish existed.

Strong scripts stall every day because filmmakers lack access to budgets, schedules, collaborators, named talent, honest feedback, and a realistic next step. The Launch Fund was created to help close that gap and make sure your script doesn’t die on your hard drive.

Look, our mission is simple: connect storytellers to each other, demystify the industry, share resources, make great films that exist & more importantly, THRIVE outside of the mainstream system. This is our direct personal investment in those stories.

In our inaugural year, we received 112 submissions from 12 countries. Several of our selected projects went on to receive larger grants, awards, and industry recognition - and we take pride in amplifying those projects and providing that springboard.

Our readers and mentors are working filmmakers whose credits include A24, HBO, Netflix, Amazon, and more. Our feedback is personal, useful AND above all, affordable.

We work hustle jobs ourselves, we get it and we believe no artist should choose between advancing their career and paying rent that month.

Our fees are intentionally kept low and that’s the way we like it.

We are genre-agnostic. We care about voice, originality, emotional impact, production viability, and a filmmaker’s ability to articulate why this project needs to exist.

If the work is bold and unapologetic, we want to meet you.

Formerly The Renegades Micro Production Grant

AWARDS + PRIZES:

Grand Prize Winners: Two

*Package Worth: $2,095

One feature screenplay and one short screenplay will each receive:

• $600 USD

• A customized professional production schedule (by an industry AD who works on some of your favorite shows!)

• A two-hour production and strategy consultation with Picture Story Studios

• Six months of membership in The Renegades Filmmaker Community

• Promotion through The Renegades newsletter, website, social media, and partner network

• Tailored written feedback from a working director, writer or producer

• Free submission to the next Launch Fund cycle

• Consideration for a scholarship place at the inaugural 2027 Catskills Writers Retreat, subject to program availability and final terms

Runners-Up: Two

*Package Worth: $1,395

One feature screenplay and one short screenplay will each receive:

• A customized professional production schedule

• A one-hour production consultation with Renegades founder Natasha Rivera

• Tailored written feedback

• Six months of membership in The Renegades Filmmaker Community

• Promotion through our newsletter, website, social media, and partner network

• Free submission to the next Launch Fund cycle

Every Applicant Receives:

• Brief written feedback from a human reader who thoughtfully engaged with the project

• 3 months of membership in The Renegades Filmmaker Community for access to writers groups, free seminars, networking events, and future funding opportunities

We take pride in our reviews and you'll never see a copy&paste communication from us.

Feedback is returned within three months of the notification date and is offered as guidance, not gospel. You know your story best. Take what serves the work and leave the rest.

filmfreeway.com/TheRenegadesProductionGrant

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WOMEN DIRECTING MENTORSHIP

SeriesFest x Shondaland

DEADLINES / FEES: 

• Regular -- September 15, 2026

• Final - November 1, 2026

INFO: SeriesFest and Shondaland are honored to partner on our eighth cycle of the Women Directing Mentorship: A competition designed to discover aspiring female directors with unique voices and provide a launchpad for their careers. Founded in 2019, The Women Directing Mentorship is anchored by the prestigious opportunity to shadow a director on an episode of a Shondaland original series.

The 2027 winner will be announced at the thirteenth annual SeriesFest in Denver, Colorado! Creatives and the Television Industry will gather from around the world at SeriesFest: Season 13 to celebrate the impact of the Women’s Directing Mentorship Program during the annual festival.

ELIGIBILITY: 

• To qualify, you must have 3 years of professional experience (in any professional role, not just Director). This can include having experience directing independent shorts, series, and films.

• Applicants who have previously directed a network series are ineligible.

• Must be 21+ years of age.

• Applicants should to be based in the United States or the United Kingdom.

• No directing teams will be considered. We encourage you to apply individually.

ENTRY MATERIALS:

• Work Sample

• A short film or a feature

• Personal Introduction Video

• 3–5 minute video introducing yourself, your unique voice and style, and why you think you’re the right fit for the Women Directing Mentorship. Be creative! (see examples below)

• Reel

• Reel under 15 minutes or a short film showcasing your directing work. This reel can include student work.

• CV/Resume

• Entry Fee

PRIZE:

The director selected for the Grand Prize will shadow a director for an episode of a Shondaland production. The cycle 8 winner and semi-finalists will receive an all-access badge to SeriesFest: Season 13 in 2027.

SeriesFest and Shondaland are committed to amplifying the finalists and recipient through editorial features, social media, and national press opportunities. Explore examples of media coverage on Variety, Forbes, Indiewire and more here and on SeriesFest.com and Shondaland.com.

If your work is selected, you must fulfill the following requirements by the date(s) designated by SeriesFest:

(1) You must execute a release agreement wherein you:

Indemnify and hold harmless SeriesFest, LLC, its parent company, its affiliates, and subsidiaries and any of their respective directors, officers, employees, and representatives against any claim arising out of exhibition of your film at SeriesFest.

(2) Agree to participate in a reasonable number of customary promotional and publicity activities [including press junkets, telephone interviews, sending press packages, and public appearances to promote the SeriesFest]

(3) You own the project IP and have the rights to any affiliated source material

seriesfest.com/women-directing-mentorship/

TV / FILM — JULY 2026

2027 WBD Access Writers Program

Warner Bros Discovery

DEADLINE: July 12, 2026 at 11:59pm PT

INFO: The 2027 Warner Bros. Discovery Access Writers Program provides a pathway for writers seeking to enhance their skills in the episodic television writing space, learn about the business of television from executives and industry guests, and attend a master class on storytelling and collaborative creative writing.

Applicants are eligible to apply if they've staffed on one or zero seasons of US network or streaming television shows.

All applicants must submit 2 original samples. These two samples must be in the same genre (e.g. two drama scripts, two comedy scripts). The program is open to all those who are 18 years or older, live in the United States and have the right to work in the United States. Finalists will interview in Fall 2026. All applicants will receive a status update by the end of December 2026.

Selected participants will need to be available to come to Los Angeles for in-person bootcamp weeks in January 2027 (plus addition TBD weeks in Q1 and Q2 2027) as well as attend virtual curriculum throughout the program, which will run throughout the winter/spring of 2027. Dates are subject to change and travel costs for those located outside of Los Angeles will be covered by the program. Please note: this program is primarily virtual, but those who get staffed on television shows may need to relocate to undergo these WGA jobs in person.

Please note: all submitted samples must be live action, original scripts, not spec scripts and not animation scripts.

wbdaccess.submittable.com/submit

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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: TV WRITING LAB

SeriesFest x Next50

DEADLINE: July 14, 2026

INFO: SeriesFest is thrilled to announce this year’s TV Writing Lab in partnership with Next50 Foundation! We’re looking for emerging episodic writers to join us for an exclusive Writers Retreat in the fall of 2026 in Colorado. 

The TV Writing Lab in partnership with the Next50 Foundation seeks unproduced 20-45 minute pilots that challenge the perception of aging and scripts must be void of stereotypes traditionally associated with aging.

Seeking series that move beyond outdated or one-dimensional portrayals. Instead of familiar tropes, we’re excited to see nuanced, authentic, and surprising representations of older adults.

Intergenerational stories are not only welcome—they’re encouraged!

AWARDS & PRIZES:

Three Series Projects will be selected to take part in a 3-day intensive in the fall of 2026 led by Call to Adventure Media where their pilot scripts will be workshopped by industry mentors and experts. Activities include one-on-one meetings, small group workshops, mini writers’ rooms, and networking opportunities.

What is included: Accommodations and Ground Transportation in Colorado
What is not included: Airfare and Meals

IMPORTANT DATES: 

• Oct 3 Notification Date

• Nov 3–5 TV Writing Lab

SUBMISSION MATERIALS:

Pilot script (all genres are welcome) Between 18 – 40 pages

• Seeking stories that thoughtfully challenge and expand perceptions of aging—think along the lines of Grace and Frankie, Hacks, or Shrinking. Show us dynamic, complex characters and fresh perspectives that reflect the richness of life at every stage.

• Scripts must not include stereotypical portrayals of aging

• The ‘frail’ and helpless older adult or sickly elder in need of constant care

• Grumpy curmudgeon

• Sweet grandparent with no character or lines

Series Format Deck

• The Series Format Deck is a 2-15 page document that includes a logline, series regular and recurring character descriptions, and Season One story arch or future episode descriptions.

Writer’s Bio & Resume

ELIGIBILITY:

To be eligible for the contest, entrants must be aged 21 years or older. Limit one entry per person. Each entry must include only one (1) script. Entries must be written in English. Scripts must not be encumbered by any obligation to, or option held by a third party.

seriesfest.com/next50-lab/

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Loghaven Artist Residency

Loghaven |📍

DEADLINE: July 15, 2026 by 11:59pm EST

APPLICATION FEE: $25 (If this presents a financial barrier for you, please email us by noon on July 15) at info@loghaven.org.

INFO: Loghaven Artist Residency’s mission is to serve artists by providing them with a transformative residency experience and continued post-residency support. The residency is located on ninety acres of woodland in Knoxville, Tennessee. Artists live in five historic log cabins that have been both rehabilitated and modernized to create an ideal setting for reflection and work, and they have access to new, purpose-built studio space. All Loghaven Fellows are awarded stipends to support the creation of new work during the residency.

ELIGIBILITY: Practicing artists of all backgrounds and at any stage of their career are eligible to apply for a Loghaven residency. International artists and artists currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program are not eligible. Due to the living stipend and other support Loghaven provides, artists applying for a residency must already have the ability to work in the United States and receive income from Loghaven Artist Residency and the Aslan Foundation, per US tax law. Artists must be at least twenty-one years old and live more than 120 miles away from Knoxville.

This distance requirement is designed to ensure that artists are able to be fully immersed in their residency experience and can take advantage of the retreat-style environment. Please note that all eligibility requirements must be met at the time of application.

We invite applicants in the creation stage of their specified project or work cycle to apply in the following disciplines:

• Writing (poetry, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, and journalism)

• Visual Arts

• Dance

• Theater

• Music Composition

• Architecture

• Interdisciplinary Work

DIVERSITY STATEMENT: Loghaven actively seeks to assemble diverse cohorts. Loghaven does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, religion, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, veteran status, medical conditions including HIV, or sensory, physical, or mental disability.

RESIDENCY SESSIONS:

• Monday, February 1 – Friday, February 26, 2027 (4 weeks)

• Monday, April 12 – Friday, May 21, 2027 (6 weeks)

• Monday, June 14 – Monday, June 28, 2027 (2 weeks for Loghaven Fellows)

• Monday, July 12 – Monday, July 26, 2027 (2 weeks for teaching and faculty artists at the university level)

• Monday, September 13 – Monday, September 27, 2027 (2 weeks)

• Monday, October 18 – Friday, November 12, 2027 (4 weeks)

APPLICATIONS:

The application panel will meet in August and September, and applicants will be contacted by November 1.

A national selection committee composed of artist peers and other arts professionals selects artists. Applicants are judged by the same criteria across disciplines. Panelists are looking for artistic excellence, defined by a depth of conceptual content, sustained impact, and boldness of vision. The panel seeks those with sophisticated technical knowledge, whether the applicant displays a high level of traditional skill or, conversely, subverts that knowledge in new or challenging ways. The panel values potential in emerging artists and evidence of commitment and evolution in more established or mid-career applicants.

REFERENCES:

All applicants are required to submit two professional references. Please provide the name, contact information, and a very brief description of the nature of your professional relationship for each reference. Loghaven contacts references only if the application advances. References would be contacted in the fall by either email or phone and would not submit a formal letter.

WORK SAMPLES:

Determine which discipline best fits your work and follow the instructions below to upload the required work samples.

There are three fillable fields for each work sample upload. Required fields are marked with an asterisk. Include the title of the work in the “Title” field. In the next field, indicate if the submitted work sample is more than four years old by answering Yes or No. In the final field, you may include an optional, short description of the work sample.

Provide all submissions in English or accompanied by a translation.

If the attached work sample is longer than the limits for your discipline, please indicate the section you would like the panel to review. If you do not indicate a section, the panelist will review it from the start until the time limit is reached.

• VISUAL ART - Submit eight JPEG images that best represent your work. They can be no more than three MB per image. Each image should contain only one artwork. Two additional optional submissions: Installation documentation (either images or video) or detail shots. If your work is based in video, please submit up to two or three works totaling no more than fifteen minutes of video. Video can be submitted in MP4 or MOV format or by Vimeo or YouTube link.

• MUSIC COMPOSITION - Submit two or three audio samples of representative work. Each should be no more than 30MB each and should be in MP3 format or in MP4 or MOV format or by Vimeo or YouTube link. The work samples should total no more than fifteen minutes of video or audio. If available, please include a score submitted as a PDF.

• DANCE - Submit two or three works totaling no more than fifteen minutes of video. Each work sample should be submitted in MP4 or MOV format or by Vimeo or YouTube link.

• THEATER - Submit either two or three videos or PDFs. If you submit via video, they should total no more than fifteen minutes together in MP4 or MOV format or by Vimeo or YouTube link. If you submit via PDF, they should total no more than 250MB or two or three PDFs of scripts or librettos, totaling no more than twenty pages.

• POETRY - Submit eight to ten short poems or excerpts of poems. The total should not exceed 15 pages and should be submitted as a single PDF.

• FICTION, NONFICTION, & SCREENWRITING - Submit two or three work samples. The total should not exceed 20 pages, and should be double-spaced and in PDF format. Though not required, we recommend that at least one work sample be in the genre that you wish to work in during your residency.

• ARCHITECTURE - Submit two to three examples of previous design-based architecture projects in the form of PDFs, video, or a combination of the two. The applicant may submit work samples including but not limited to models, drawings, and images of completed work. The applicant may submit multiple pages for each project, but the total number of pages submitted should not exceed ten and should be in PDF format. If submitting video, work samples can be in MP4 or MOV format or by Vimeo or YouTube link. The total length should not exceed ten minutes. The applicant should include a brief, 250-word description of each project with the other submitted materials. In this description, please include whether this project was ever constructed. Please review the FAQs before applying in the discipline of Architecture for additional application guidelines.

• INTERDISCIPLINARY WORK - If you are submitting only images, you may submit up to eight JPEGs that best represent your work. They can be no more than three MB per image. Each image should contain only one artwork. If you are submitting other types of media or a mix of media, please submit no more than five work samples. The work samples can include images (jpegs should be no more than three MB each), PDFs, video (MP4/MOV should be no more than 250 MB), Vimeo link, YouTube link, or audio (MP3 should be no more 30MB each).

COLLABORATIVE GROUPS: Loghaven invites collaborative teams of up to and including nine people to apply. Each collaborative team will submit one application to be considered for a residency at Loghaven. Teams will apply together by selecting the “Loghaven Artist Residency Collaborative Team Application“ within the Loghaven Slideroom portal. Please note that all team members intending to take part in the residency and receive a stipend must fill out a team member informational form within the larger team application. Collaborative groups share working space and may be expected to share living space.

QUESTIONS: Please review the FAQs on the Loghaven website for answers to many common questions. If you have a question that is not answered there, please email info@loghaven.org, and a staff member will get back to you as soon as possible.

loghaven.org/residencies/apply/

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THE KYOTO RETREAT

DEADLINE: July 17, 2026 |📍 Kyoto, Japan

APPLICATION FEE: $95

INFO: For writers, Kyoto's tranquil gardens and winding cobblestone streets evoke narratives waiting to be penned. The changing hues of autumn during October and November paint the city in vibrant reds and golds, providing a stunning backdrop for contemplation and storytelling. Walking through the bamboo groves of Arashiyama or along the philosopher's path can stir reflections on nature, philosophy, and the human experience.

Although there will be several scheduled events during your stay, the primary purpose of the retreat is to give you an opportunity to immerse yourself in various aspects of Japanese culture and to meet other creatives. You are not required to make new work during the retreat. We want you to have ample time to explore Japan and get inspired in a calm, nurturing environment.

OUR SELECTION PROCESS: We select artists, curators, and writers at all career stages, working in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, film, video, new media, installation, fiction and nonfiction writing, poetry, interdisciplinary, and social practice. Individuals must be over 21 years old to apply. Our application requires you to submit a CV or resume, a brief statement about your creative interests and a description of how you anticipate using the time if selected for The Kyoto Retreat. You can also provide up to 10 work samples.

FLIGHTS & ACCOMMODATIONS: If you are selected for the retreat, you will receive a roundtrip flight to Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport, ITM). You will have a private bedroom in a shared, private house for four weeks (November 1 - 30, 2026). You will also receive $800 USD to supplement your meals and local transportation. Please visit our FAQs for more information.

kyotoretreat.com/about

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2026 Series Scriptwriters Program

National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC)

DEADLINE: July 27, 2026 at 11:59 pm PST

INFO: After 20+ years of the program and over 200+ graduates, NHMC is proud to announce that our application window has opened for the 2026 Series Scriptwriters Program. 

Our program is one of the oldest and longest-running POC writers programs in the industry. Aspiring Latine writers with a strong desire to write for streaming & television are encouraged to apply! The virtual program will run from Monday September 22nd through Saturday, November 14th. 

Program participants will receive the tools and guidance from industry mentors, simulate a writers room, build a community, and make industry executive connections, all while developing their script idea by the end of the program. Alumni of the program have gone on to work on series produced by Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, AppleTV, Hulu, HBOMax, NBCUniversal, Paramount, and more.

ELIGIBILITY:

• You must be 18 years or older

• You must have access to reliable internet connection to participate in daily video conferencing

• Entertainment industry experience is not required

• Writing teams cannot apply

The Series Scriptwriters Program is fully virtual, running Monday - Friday evenings, and Saturday mornings during Pacific Standard Time over 8 weeks. With the estimated hours being Monday - Friday: 6-8pm PST / 9-11pm EST & Saturday: 11-3pm PST / 2-6pm EST.

REQUIRED APPLICATION CRITERIA:

Resume (maximum 1 page)

Please submit a current professional resume. Make sure to include any relevant writing experience. However, this is not exclusively a writing resume, do include any experience that you feel enhances what you bring to the table as a writer even if it’s not directly writing-related.

Bio (maximum 200 words)

Think of your Bio and Statement of Purpose as non-fiction writing samples. These are equally as important as your script in giving us a sense of your unique voice. With your bio, think of it as part of what you might say in your elevator pitch about yourself. Tell us a story about who you are beyond what you have included on your resume.

Statement of Purpose (maximum 500 words)

Use this section to answer the following questions: Why do you write? What motivates you to tell those stories? What is your personal connection to your material? Why is writing for the small screen your passion?

List of Writing Samples

Please provide a list of your completed writing samples - title and logline (1-2 sentences max) only. On this list please include reference to any pilots, specs, features, shorts, short stories, published articles, etc, which you’ve written. If any of the work was with a writing partner or team, make note of which items were written as a collaboration. Note: All samples you list should be work you feel is polished enough to be read by execs, showrunners, etc.

Writing Sample

Please submit a properly formatted pilot or spec script. We will accept the following:

• 1-hour (max 59 pages)

• Half-hour (max 35 pages)

Your sample can be any genre including, but not limited to:

• Drama

• Dramedy

• Comedy

• Horror

• Animation

Writing Samples NOT Accepted:

• Features

• Short Film script

• Novels

• Plays

• Poems

• Any other alternative samples

Logline (1-2 sentences)

This is a brief summary of your script that establishes the main character, what obstacles they have to overcome in pursuit of what they want, and gives us a sense of the hook of your story.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: Do I have to be Latino to apply?

A: No, the program is open to people of all races and ethnicities.

Q: Is the NHMC Series Scriptwriters Program open to all ages?

A: No, you must be at least 18 years of age to participate in the program.

Q: How much does it cost to apply?

A: Thanks to our sponsors, the NHMC Series Scriptwriter's Program is a completely free program from the application to the program itself.

Q: Do you have to be a U.S. Citizen to apply to the program?

A: No.

Q: What kind of writing sample should be submitted? Is there a length restriction? Can I submit more than one?

A: Please submit a properly formatted pilot or spec script. We will accept the following:

- 1 hour (max 59 pages)
- Half-hour (max 35 pages)

Your sample can be any genre including, but not limited to:

- Drama
- Dramedy
- Comedy
- Animation

Only ONE writing sample can be submitted.

Q: Will the judges provide feedback on the work that I submit for my application?

A: Due to the amount of applications received, judges are unable to provide feedback on submitted work.

Q: Will you return my application materials that were submitted if I am not accepted?

A: No, any materials submitted will not be returned to the owner.

nhmc.org/writers/

_____

the cohort

Writers Guilld of Canada 🇨🇦

DEADLINE: July 27, 2026 at 5:00 pm

INFO: The Cohort is an annual Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) initiative for six (6) emerging to mid-level WGC members from diverse backgrounds.

Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit a script to apply for the program. Each participant will be paired with an experienced WGC member for a mentorship focused on re-writing/polishing the script. In addition to script mentorship with a seasoned screenwriter who will be matched based on each writer’s project, the WGC IDEA Committee will organize workshops and group sessions with showrunners, screenwriters, and other industry professionals, designed to provide career mentorship to participants.

At the end of the program, the Cohort will have the opportunity to participate in a stakeholder-centered event(s) to promote themselves and their scripts.

The WGC defines diverse writers as belonging to any of the following groups: Indigenous peoples, Black, people of colour, LGBTQ2S, and people with disabilities.

THE GOALS OF THE COHORT PROGRAM ARE:

1. To provide mentorship to writers from diverse backgrounds.

2. To support writers from underrepresented communities in their immediate and long-term career goals.

3. To connect experienced Canadian media professionals with diverse screenwriting talent.

ACCESSIBILITY INFO:

The Cohort program will require writers to participate in Zoom meetings. In-person gatherings may be arranged.

We encourage writers to share their access needs at the time of application to ensure we are able to make the necessary arrangements. Accessibility requests will only be used by the WGC staff to plan accordingly and will not be disclosed to the IDEA Committee in the selection process. For questions about accessibility, please contact WGC Director of Membership and Research, Natalia Escobar Bohorquez (n.escobarb@wgc.ca).

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

Eligible applicants must meet all the requirements below:

• Be a WGC member in good standing.

• Own all underlying rights to their original script.

• Be a resident of Canada and hold valid legal status to work in Canada for the entire six-month duration of the program. Eligible statuses include Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, Protected Persons, or temporary residents holding a valid open work permit.

• Have no more than 420 produced minutes of written work (excluding credits for webisodes and ineligible formats).

• Have had a contract under the WGC’s jurisdiction on or after 2015. Alternatively, members that joined the WGC with non-signatory contracts on or after 2015 but have not attained a contract under the WGC’s jurisdiction since, will also be deemed eligible to apply.

• Identify as diverse, according to the Guild’s definition in the “APPLICATION FORM”. Members must be identified as such with the WGC. To self-identify as diverse with the Guild, please e-mail Natalia Escobar Bohorquez (n.escobarb@wgc.ca) prior to submitting your application.

Please refer to the “FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS” section for additional information, including examples to further illustrate eligibility requirements. If you have additional questions regarding the eligibility criteria, contact WGC Director of Membership and Research, Natalia Escobar Bohorquez (n.escobarb@wgc.ca).

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

FILLABLE FORMS:

• Application Form, Submission Release, and Declaration of Ownership. See the explanation in the “TO APPLY” section.

SUPPORT MATERIAL:

• Script: Screenwriters must apply to the program with an original, English-language script based on an original concept. Specs of existing shows or bibles will not be considered.

Drama, comedy, and children’s and youth programming scripts are eligible. Projects may be feature films, half-hour series, one-hour series, miniseries, or movies of the week. They may be live action or animation.

While the program welcomes and encourages stories that include diverse perspectives, themes, and characters, this is not a requirement.

The following are ineligible: Talk shows, game shows, reality-based series, documentary series, news, stand-up, and sketch comedies.

• Letter of Intent: Applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent (no longer than one single-space page).

  We ask that you self-identify in your letter and tell us about your particular background, your path, and the career goals you hope to advance through the program (e.g., getting an agent, having a stronger sample, learning how to promote your script).

  The program was specifically developed to lift the voices of our underrepresented diverse screenwriters. This letter is our way to better understand the experiences, challenges, and best ways the WGC can support writer who identify as Indigenous, Black, people of colour, LGBTQ2S, and people with disabilities.

The content of your letter will be confidential within the WGC IDEA Committee. If your script is selected, we may extend an invitation to share your experience as a diverse writer with our membership.

wgc.ca/sites/default/files/2026-06/2026_06_17%20The%20Cohort%20guidelines_Forms.pdf

TV / FILM — JUNE 2026

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: TV WRITING LAB

SeriesFest x Next50

DEADLINE: 

• Regular - June 3, 2026

• Late - July 14, 2026

INFO: SeriesFest is thrilled to announce this year’s TV Writing Lab in partnership with Next50 Foundation! We’re looking for emerging episodic writers to join us for an exclusive Writers Retreat in the fall of 2026 in Colorado. 

The TV Writing Lab in partnership with the Next50 Foundation seeks unproduced 20-45 minute pilots that challenge the perception of aging and scripts must be void of stereotypes traditionally associated with aging.

Seeking series that move beyond outdated or one-dimensional portrayals. Instead of familiar tropes, we’re excited to see nuanced, authentic, and surprising representations of older adults.

Intergenerational stories are not only welcome—they’re encouraged!

AWARDS & PRIZES:

Three Series Projects will be selected to take part in a 3-day intensive in the fall of 2026 led by Call to Adventure Media where their pilot scripts will be workshopped by industry mentors and experts. Activities include one-on-one meetings, small group workshops, mini writers’ rooms, and networking opportunities.

What is included: Accommodations and Ground Transportation in Colorado
What is not included: Airfare and Meals

IMPORTANT DATES: 

• Oct 3 Notification Date

• Nov 3–5 TV Writing Lab

SUBMISSION MATERIALS:

Pilot script (all genres are welcome) Between 18 – 40 pages

• Seeking stories that thoughtfully challenge and expand perceptions of aging—think along the lines of Grace and Frankie, Hacks, or Shrinking. Show us dynamic, complex characters and fresh perspectives that reflect the richness of life at every stage.

• Scripts must not include stereotypical portrayals of aging

• The ‘frail’ and helpless older adult or sickly elder in need of constant care

• Grumpy curmudgeon

• Sweet grandparent with no character or lines

Series Format Deck

• The Series Format Deck is a 2-15 page document that includes a logline, series regular and recurring character descriptions, and Season One story arch or future episode descriptions.

Writer’s Bio & Resume

ELIGIBILITY:

To be eligible for the contest, entrants must be aged 21 years or older. Limit one entry per person. Each entry must include only one (1) script. Entries must be written in English. Scripts must not be encumbered by any obligation to, or option held by a third party.

seriesfest.com/next50-lab/

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The Disruptors TV WRITERS ROOMS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

The Disruptors

DEADLINE: June 5, 2026 by 11:59 pm PST

INFO: Our program aims to disrupt the status quo in Hollywood and to uplift and normalize narratives that have historically been underrepresented on television. This work is part of Cultural Power’s broader effort to advance values-based narratives that influence how people understand identity, power, and possibility.

For Disruptors 2026, we've restructured our program. From a writers' room experience, to free monthly public TV writing workshops, and the return of our Disrupting The Algorithm podcast, we hope that Disruptors 2026 continues to be a place for up-and-coming writers to continue to hone their creative skills.

MENTORSHIP SUPPORT:

For our mentorship program, 9 selected fellows will participate in a mock TV writers' room! Led by experienced TV writers, these mock writers' rooms are designed to help fellows gain real-world experience while working on their own pitching package for their original idea. From August 11th to October 1st, selected fellows will meet twice a week in their designated TV writers’ room led by a mentor/showrunner. You will be assigned deadlines and learn the ins and outs of the TV writers' room experience. Simultaneously, fellows will be able to work on their own pitching packages. At the end of the mock writers' rooms, fellows will be able to participate in a Disruptors Pitch Fest.

Selected fellows will receive a $3,000 stipend. You must live in Los Angeles, CA, or be able to get yourself to the area for in-person gatherings. Unfortunately, we will not be able to cover any travel to potential in-person gatherings.

The application to the TV WRITERS ROOMS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM will go live on May 4, 2026.

TIMELINE FOR THE DISRUPTORS TV WRITERS ROOMS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

• May 4: Application goes live 

• June 5: Application closes

• Mid-July: Selected fellows will be alerted

• August 10: Mentorship program kicks off

• Aug. 11-Oct. 1: 8-week-long mock TV writers' rooms

• October: Fellows work on their pitching packets

• November: Disruptors Pitch Fest

ELIGIBILITY:

1. Live in the Los Angeles area and be available to attend potential in-person gatherings (COVID-19 conditions permitting). If you do not live in the Los Angeles area, you can still apply but we will not be able to provide transportation or lodging to in-person events.

2. Must submit 2 script samples in script form. Can be a movie, television, web series, or play scripts. No poems, long-form essays, or articles. At least one of your samples should be the TV series script you plan to workshop during the program (in-progress work is only acceptable for the TV sample you plan to workshop).

3. Never been staffed in a professional TV writer’s room.

4. Be able to fill out a W9 for payment (SSN and LLC's accepted).

Disruptors Fellowships are open to candidates of all backgrounds, without preference or restriction based on any protected characteristic.

HOW TO APPLY:

1. Complete all sections of this DISRUPTORS TV WRITERS ROOMS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM online application before the June 5, 2026 (11:59 PM PST) deadline.

2. Submit a 2-3 minute YouTube video or a one-pager telling us why you want to be part of the DISRUPTORS TV WRITERS ROOMS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. What makes you an Artist Disruptor? What TV genres/formats interest you the most? How will you help promote voices and perspectives that are currently underrepresented on TV? What would you like to gain from this fellowship? 

3. Submit a short bio (no more than 250 words).

4. Send two 10-page (minimum) samples of your work (20 pages total from two separate projects) in any of the following formats below. At least one of your samples should be the TV series script you plan to workshop during the program (in progress work is only acceptable for the TV sample you plan to workshop).

   • Original scripted ½ hour comedy or dramedy pilot

   • Original scripted 1 hour drama pilot

   • Full length stage play excerpts

   • Web series episodes

   • A feature film screenplay

   • Any other writing formats will automatically get you disqualified. 

5. List 3 references of artists or community members you've collaborated with.

artistdisruptors.org

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LGBTQ+ Pitch Fellowship

Roadmap Writers

DEADLINE: June 10, 2026 by 11:59pm PT

APPLICATION FEE: $3

INFO: Roadmap Writers is proud to launch a new LGBTQ+ Pitch Fellowship dedicated to elevating queer voices in film and television. The initiative will give LGBTQ+ creatives the opportunity to submit a three-minute recorded pitch, a one-page personal essay, and the first 25 pages of their script to be considered for exclusive virtual pitch roundtables with queer executives during the final week of June. The goal of the program is to create meaningful access for queer storytellers while connecting them directly with queer industry professionals.

At a time when audiences are craving more authentic representation, queer creatives continue to bring some of the most vital, emotionally honest, and culturally important perspectives to the entertainment industry. There is still a strong need for stories that move beyond stereotypes and reflect the complexity, joy, challenges, and humanity of LGBTQ+ experiences. By pairing writers with queer executives who understand the importance of authentic representation, Roadmap Writers hopes to foster stronger creative partnerships and help bring more inclusive storytelling to the screen.

This initiative reflects Roadmap Writers' ongoing commitment to supporting diverse voices and helping emerging talent break into the industry. The LGBTQ+ Pitch Fellowship is not just about one week of pitches; it's about creating opportunities, building community, and helping queer creatives gain visibility in an industry where representation behind the scenes matters just as much as representation onscreen. Through programs like this, Roadmap Writers aims to champion the next generation of LGBTQ+ storytellers and help shape a more inclusive future for film and television.

During the week of June 22nd, our Five Winners will pitch to queer execs from Amazon, ABC, Gersh, These Pictures, Circle Management, Buchwald Agency, and more! Winners will also have the opportunity to pitch to working queer writers.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

You must submit the following:

3-Minute Recorded Pitch

A 3-minute elevator pitch is a concise, persuasive summary of your script designed to hook the listener.

Your pitch should consist of three distinct, high-impact components: 

• The Hook & Setup: Introduce the core premise, the primary protagonist, and the inciting incident. Establish the world, the tone, and the central conflict.

• The Journey & Stakes: Outline the main obstacles your protagonist faces, the allies they meet, and the escalating tension. Clearly define what they have to lose if they fail.

• The Climax & Resolution: Tease the ultimate climax and the emotional or thematic payoff. Conclude with a strong statement on why this movie must be made right now.

Personal Statement

Submit a Personal Statement (500 words max) that communicates your brand as a writer!

Your statement should:

• Describe how your diverse background shapes and informs your storytelling

• Highlight your strength as a storyteller

• Share who you are as a writer and the types of stories you create

And yes – please remember, the statement must be no more than 500 words!

Writing Sample

Your Writing Sample should be the first 25 pages of an original feature or TV pilot. A strong writing sample should be market-ready, which means:

• A well-polished draft

• Properly formatted with minimal typos

• Clearly showcases your unique voice

Market-ready does not mean commercial – feel free to submit the script that best reflects who you are as a writer.

roadmapwriters.com/pages/roadmap-writers-lgbtq-pitch-fellowship-2026

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PROOF OF CONCEPT SHORT FILM GRANT

Black Film Space x cliveRd.

DEADLINE: Extended to June 12, 2026

INFO: Black Film Space is collaborating again with cliveRd. to support and fund projects made by independent Black filmmakers.

Our Proof of Concept Short Film Grant is seeking one short film script under 20 minutes/pages that aims to serve as a teaser/preview for a feature film with narratives that feature nature.

In order to be a competitive applicant your film must include a nature element.

• This can include, but is not limited to:

• Nature as a setting

• Nature as a character

• Nature as a supporter and/or obstacle for the characters in your project

• Nature as a theme

The grant total will be $8,000, in addition, the winner will have the option to shoot at a private estate in Jamaica—an exclusive, complimentary location provided by cliveRd. The location can be used to tell the stories of multiple peoples not just of Jamaica. Some examples of how the location could be be used include:

• Characters getting lost in a wooded area

• A battle fought in the mountains

• A project about characters on a beach

• A project about characters on a farm

The project will be selected based on the filmmaker’s ability to present a strong script that shows great promise as a proof of concept for a feature film. We will also consider other factors such as the merit of previous work, and financial need.

Before applying, we strongly recommend reviewing this page in full and attending—or watching the orientation replay—to ensure you submit a competitive application.

APPLICANT GUIDELINES:

Applicants must have the following:

• At least one visual sample that showcases previous work

• Present a completed script for their short film

• Present a completed treatment for their feature film

• Present a detailed plan on how they plan to execute their film with details on production, casting, their team, postproduction, their festival strategy, etc.

• Must be able to receive grant funds through a United States based bank account

• Must be in pursuit of their feature film within AT LEAST a year of receiving the grant. There is a possibility that cliveRd will show continued interest depending on the quality of the feature film script and readiness of the filmmaker to complete their feature

• Must submit a narrative, scripted film. Documentary films/non fiction works will not be considered 

GRANT WINNER REQUIREMENTS:

• The production timeline for the completed short must be within six months of receiving the grant 

• Applicants must function in one of the following three roles: writer, director and/or executive producer

• The filmmaker must be willing to exhibit their proof of concept short at Black Film Space’s Awards ceremony the following year in September 2027

• cliveRd and Black Film Space must be credited as producers on the short film 

• Filmmakers must be available for follow up discussions with cliveRd. on their progress of their short and their feature film  

blackfilmspace.com/cliverd

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Project Involve 2026

Film Independent

DEADLINE: June 14, 2026

INFO: For 30 years and counting, Project Involve has been Film Independent's most vital and impactful program. We're proud to be a leader in the ongoing mission to build a more inclusive and equitable industry by supporting emerging filmmakers from communities underrepresented in film and entertainment.

This robust program provides invaluable hands-on filmmaking experience from project inception to completion. Participants are paired with mentors at the top of their respective fields, and receive personalized guidance to help move their projects and careers forward.

Each year, 30 filmmakers from diverse backgrounds are given the opportunity to hone skills, form creative partnerships, create short films and gain industry access needed to succeed as working artists.

THE PROGRAM:

Running January through October, Project Involve offers career-changing opportunities and experiences.

• Mentorship — Working industry professionals share knowledge and give guidance on craft and career.

• Conversations — 10+ master workshops offer insight on the art and business of filmmaking.

• Short Films — Fellows are given resources to produce short films that debut at a special First Look Screening event.

• Events — Fellows attend Film Independent's signature education programs, screenings, networking events and more.

• Fellowships — Fellows may be selected to receive cash grants from industry sponsors.

SHORT FILM PRODUCTION:

Project Involve Fellows develop and produce six original short films, from pitch through First Look Screening.

• January–March: Treatment selections, story development, teams formed, projects pitched

• April-May: Pre-production

• June: Principal photography

• July–October: Post-production

Real, valuable filmmaking experience is at the heart of our program. Film Independent provides script consultation, individualized mentorship, equipment, casting and post-production services to facilitate the development of Fellows' shorts.

In addition to a cash production grant, filmmakers are provided with resources for raising additional funds that will help bring their projects to fruition.

Past shorts produced in the program include Dear Mama... (2023 NAACP Image Award Winner); Blackout (2022 NAACCP Image Award Nominee); Black Boy Joy (2020 NAACP Image Award Winner, currently airing on HBO); Lonely Blue Night (2020 AFI Fest Short Film Audience Award, currently airing on HBO); Liberty (2019 SXSW Narrative Short Film Jury Award, 2019 Special Prize of the Generation 14plus International Jury for the Best Short Film at the Berlin International Film Festival, 2019 AFI Special Jury Prize – Live Action) and Emergency (2018 Sundance Special Jury Award, 2018 SXSW Narrative Short Film Jury Award).

LAIKA ANIMATION TRACK:

Six Fellows. Two years. One incredible animated short film.

We also offer a two-year Project Involve LAIKA Animation Track, which includes six distinct tracks.

Four tracks run through both years of the program: director/lead animator, supporting animator, producer and editor. The writer and cinematographer tracks run during the first and second year of the program, respectively. Ideal candidates are emerging filmmakers from diverse backgrounds and/or communities traditionally underrepresented in film and television. Strong consideration will be given to those who have demonstrated talent and collaborative effort in animation.

In year one, Fellows build relationships with their cohort and mentors, develop their short film project together and participate in program activities, while year two of the program will focus on the production, shooting and editing of the filmmakers' short.

LAIKA Animation Fellows participate in Project Involve and are provided with a production grant to create a 3-minute, stop-motion animated film during the two-year program. In addition, each of the five Fellows will receive a cash stipend in recognition of their two year commitment to the program.

Film Independent Membership is required to participate, and Fellows must reside in the Los Angeles area for the duration of the program. If you're a filmmaker who is passionate about animation, this program is for you.

ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATIONS:

Each year we support a new, inclusive group of filmmakers with unique visions and diverse perspectives.

Project Involve accepts filmmakers into specific tracks that, together, form short film production teams. When applying to Project Involve, you apply to one specific track: writing, directing, writing/directing, producing, cinematography, editing, programming, animation or an executive track.

Strong consideration is given to those whose work samples and statements of interest demonstrate talent, responsibility and collaborative effort. Film Independent Membership is required to participate, and Fellows must reside in Los Angeles for the duration of the program.

To view deadlines and apply, visit our applications page, or check out our FAQ page to learn more. To view sample application material and/or essay criteria for the various Project Involve tracks, click here.

filmindependent.org/programs/project-involve/

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2027 Marble House Family Residency

Marble House Project |📍Dorset, VT

DEADLINE: June 14, 2026, by 11:59pm ET

INFO: Marble House Project is a multidisciplinary artist residency program that fosters collaboration and the exchange of ideas, by providing an environment for artists across disciplines to live and work together. The residency is dedicated to ecological principles and integrates sustainable practices, including small-scale organic food production and waste conservation. Residents sustain their growth by engaging with the grounds while working on their artistic practice. Marble House Project is founded on the belief that the act of creating, whether in the studio or in nature, is how human potential expands and community thrives.

Marble House Project accepts approximately 50 residents and is open to artists living in the United States and abroad. You must be at least 21 years old.   Each session accommodates eight artists and is specifically curated to bring together a diverse group of creative workers, to maximize potential for collaboration and dialogue while in residence and beyond.

Artists will be notified by email by the end of September.

RESIDENCY DATES FOR 2027

• July 19th - August 2nd.  Family Friendly Residency. 

ABOUT MHP:

All residents live together in the historic, eight-bedroom Manley-Lefevre house, a communal space organized around responsibilities-sharing systems which highlight sustainability and community. The residency is an opportunity to develop and carry out practices of mutual support, group conversation, and to cultivate adaptive relationships with the environment. This can take the form of discussions with guest multidisciplinary artists, thinkers, and activists and other individual and group activities that benefit our community of residents.

Residents will be paired and asked to cook for shared dinners at least three times over the course of their residency, Monday-Friday. . Each session culminates with a short video interview and artists are invited to publicly share their work with our community and each other. Marble House Project provides private bedrooms, food, private studio space, and artist support. We are not able to cover costs related to travel or materials. There is no fee to attend the residency.

Applications are accepted in all creative fields including but not limited to writing, dance and choreography, performance, music composition and sound, film and video, visual arts, and culinary arts. Applications are reviewed by a jury of alumni and artists are selected based on quality of work, commitment to practice, and project description. Please choose the application that best describes your work. Two artists may apply together as a collaborative, and should complete one application with information about both artists  Within each application you will be asked to select the session dates best for you. 

If you are applying to the ecology residency you must have a project that aligns with this theme.  You may also apply to the other residency sessions as well.

If you are applying to the family friendly residency, you must have a child with you between the ages of 4 to 14.  You may also apply to other residencies as well but will be unable to bring your child.

Marble House Project does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. For exact dates, more information or questions about the residency, visit our FAQ page. If you still have questions you may   contact info@marblehouseproject.org. 

Personal information is not shared with our jury and will remain confidential. This includes email, home address, phone number and any information regarding your family, anything else you would need to tell us and how you heard about Marble House Project.  All of our outreach questions also remain confidential and blind to our jury.  

For more information on the ecology or family friendly residency please visit marblehouseproject.org/residency-details

marblehouseproject.submittable.com/submit

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The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award

New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA)

DEADLINE: June 16, 2026, 5:00 pm ET

INFO: The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award is an $8,000 cash grant to be awarded to one (1) New York State-based playwright or screenwriter who self-identifies as LGBTQ+.

The Award honors the life and work of Ryan Hudak. Ryan was a gay playwright, theater maker, filmmaker, and a valued member of NYFA’s staff who served on the executive and development teams. Tragically, Ryan passed away in May 2022 after a long battle with Leukemia at the age of 32. The Award is open to playwrights and screenwriters who live in New York State, including those who live within the five boroughs of New York City.

ELIGIBILITY: The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award is open to New York State playwrights and screenwriters, including those who live within the five boroughs of New York City.

Applicants must:

• Be a working playwright or screenwriter. Acceptable forms of playwriting or screenwriting include stageplays, screenplays, teleplays, libretti, radioplays, audiodramas, puppet plays, and experimental web series. While librettists may apply, audiotapes are not eligible.

• Self-identify as LGBTQ+.

• Be a current full-time resident of New York State for a minimum of 12 months at the time the application closes.

• Be the originators of the work, i.e. screenwriters or playwrights, not interpretive artists such as actors. Collaborations are not eligible.

• Be at least 25 years of age at the time the application closes.

• Not be enrolled in a degree-seeking program of any kind.

• Not have received The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award previously. Past recipients of other NYFA grant programs are eligible to apply.

• Not be a NYFA employee, members of the NYFA Board of Trustees or Artists’ Advisory Committee, and/or an immediate family member of any of the above.

nyfa.org/awards-grants/the-ryan-hudak-lgbtq-dramatic-writing-award/

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Accelerate Fellowship

Inevitable Foundation

DEADLINE: June 17, 2026

INFO: The Accelerate Fellowship is a four-month rewriting sprint that gives disabled film and television writers $30,000 in funding and bespoke mentorship to develop a spec script to market.

Through writers groups, one-on-one mentorship, guidance from the Inevitable Foundation staff, and access to leading film and television writers, the program offers disabled writers everything they need to get their script ready to take to market. This year’s program will also encourage nuanced disability representation in the projects themselves.

BENEFITS:

• Unrestricted Funding - A $30,000 unrestricted grant to cover living expenses so Fellows can focus full-time on writing.

• Conversations & Workshops - Frequent conversations with leading writers and showrunners help Fellows get bespoke advice and build new connections.

• Bespoke mentorship - Ongoing writing workshops, check-ins with the Inevitable team and pairing with mentors allow Fellows to sharpen their writing and pitching skills.

• Community of Peers - Connecting with other disabled screenwriters both inside and outside of the Fellowship program will build a supportive community tha

ELIGIBILITY:

What are your eligibility requirements? 

General eligibility requirements: 

• Self-identifies as disabled. 

• 18 years of age or older.

• Currently pursuing a career in writing for film or television.

• Not enrolled in an accredited degree program. 

• Currently or previously has worked in the entertainment industry.

Applicants must also meet at least one (1) 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

• Has placed in a prominent screenwriting competition

• Has participated in or been selected for any screenwriting or filmmaking lab, program, or residency

APPLICATION:

How do I apply for the Accelerate Fellowship?

If you are interested in the program, please fill out our Program Eligibility Questionnaire. If you meet the program eligibility requirements, we will email you if you are eligible.

What’s included in the application process for the Accelerate Fellowship?

The application process has been condensed to a single round and will be open from May 28, 2026 through June 17, 2026. After confirming your eligibility, you will be invited to:

• Provide information about yourself and your writing career

• Submit a writing sample, with a title and logline

• Tell us more about the project you intend to work on through the fellowship

• Answer a few short answer questions about your goals for the program 

Semi-final applicants will then be invited to interview in early-to-mid August.

Do I need to be disabled to receive an Accelerate Fellowship?

Yes. The Fellowship is for individuals that self-identify as disabled. This includes physical, intellectual, developmental, visible or invisible disabilities, and mental health conditions.

Do you accept Accelerate Fellows from outside the United States?

Yes, however, Fellows must be available for meetings within the working day of US Pacific Time. Please note that interested parties from outside the United States are subject to additional review in order to comply with U.S. Treasury Department regulations.

Do you select writing teams as Accelerate Fellows?

Yes, however, if only one member of the writing team is disabled, only that person can receive the unrestricted funding associated with an Accelerate Fellowship. Your writing partner will still be invited to participate in mentorship, writers rooms and other program benefits. If both members of a writing team for the project you are applying with are disabled, you must apply as a team and split the unrestricted grant. Applicants that do not disclose the writers on the project in their application will be disqualified. 

Does my script need to be finished to apply?

No, however, we will take the stage of a project and your goals for the program into account when making selections to ensure that you can make sizeable progress with your project during the program.

Do the projects need to be in specific genres?

You are free to submit a project from any genre, although we are currently seeing the most interest from the market in comedy, horror, thriller, rom-com, and young adult projects. You are welcome to submit traditional dramas but they are harder to get made in the market currently.

How commercial does the project need to be?  

We are interested in projects that have a commercial sensibility, which we define as having a sizable audience that can be marketed to. While your project doesn’t need to be a blockbuster, it should have a clear and identifiable audience that is enthusiastic and large enough to support its success. 

THE PROGRAM:

What does a normal week look like for an Accelerate Fellow? 

As an Accelerate Fellow, every week can look different depending on what your specific project needs are. 

• Writers Rooms: We will have a biweekly hold for a writer’s workshop where you are able to submit materials a week in advance to receive feedback from your cohort in the room. If no one submits materials, we will release that hold for the week, but if another fellow submits work, we expect you to read and come prepared with thoughtful feedback. 

• Check-Ins: You'll have a recurring check-in with program staff every three weeks. The time is yours to use however feels most useful. Fellows have used it to discuss project notes, follow up on mentor requests, get career advice, or just vent about the industry.

• Mentorship: Towards the beginning of the program, Inevitable Foundation staff will send out requests to potential mentors who you will help curate. If a mentor accepts, they are committing to two conversations with you, ideally centered around pushing your fellowship project forward. 

• Writer’s Therapy: You will be invited to join informal chats with some of the industry’s leading screenwriters and showrunners. These are off-the-record Q&A sessions where you are able to get unfiltered insights into the career journeys of some of the greats. 

• Community Building: Semi-regular informal & formal meetups—both digital and in-person—with current Accelerate Fellows and program alumni. 

Can I complete the Accelerate Fellowship while employed?

Yes, with some caveats. The goal of the Accelerate Fellowship is to help you get more professional work as a writer (both development and staffing), so we’ll never ask you to turn down opportunities. However, to ensure the impact of the program, we do ask applicants to make sure they have enough time to commit fully to all the Fellowship entails, which we will assess in the application.

Can I complete the Accelerate Fellowship while in another fellowship or award program?

You can, but because of the workload associated with the Accelerate Fellowship and other industry fellowship programs, we don’t recommend trying to complete both at the same time.

Can I be chosen as an Accelerate Fellow if I’ve already benefited from another Inevitable Foundation program?

Yes. All our programs are designed to be complementary, and applying for/receiving benefits from one program does not exclude you from any others. Former Accelerate Fellows are not eligible to apply. 

Does Inevitable Foundation own any of the material written by Fellows?

No, Fellows retain all of the rights to their work, including anything created or workshopped during the Fellowship.

Does the project need to incorporate disability into the script? 

While incorporating disability into your fellowship project is not required, we encourage projects that have nuanced disability representation and a commercial sensibility.

SELECTION:

• Who makes selections for the Fellowship? 

  Inevitable Foundation’s staff, who work at the intersection of entertainment and disability, are in charge of evaluating applicants and selecting the Fellows.

• When are new cohorts of Fellows selected?

  The next cohort of Accelerate fellows will be selected Summer 2026. 

• How long is a Fellowship?

  Each Accelerate Fellowship includes 4 months of funding and programming, and you are not required to participate in programming or submit any materials after that time. However, alumni are welcome at some community and industry-focused programming and are always encouraged to reach out to Inevitable staff as a resource.

• Are scripts with attached actors, producers, or companies more likely to be selected?

  No. In fact, the fewer attachments a project has, the better. The goal of the program is to either complete a first draft or do a major rewrite on the project, and the fewer cooks in the kitchen, the easier that will be. Once your script is the best it can be, you’ll be better positioned to find the best attachments for the project.

REPORTING + MORE:

• What are the reporting requirements for the Accelerate Fellowship? 

  Fellows will be asked to complete an exit interview and experience survey at the end of the Fellowship to provide feedback on their experience.

• What are the Accelerate Fellowship Terms and Conditions?

  Read the Accelerate Fellowship Terms and Conditions

• Have another question?

  Email us at programs@inevitable.foundation

inevitable.foundation/accelerate

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CAPE​ Showrunners Incubator

Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE)

DEADLINE: June 18, 2026 at 11:59pm PT

INFO: The CAPE​ Showrunners Incubator, powered by​ ​S​TARZ #TakeTheLead and The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), provides ​upper-level writers with ​the opportunity to receive exclusive mentorship and real-world training and education to become successful showrunners for series television.

When CAPE first started tracking the number of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) showrunners almost a decade ago, we counted around 20 API showrunners. At the most recent 2023 API Showrunners Brunch co-hosted by the Asian American Writers Brunch (led by Melinda Hsu and Jennifer Lee) and CAPE, we invited over 70 API showrunners. The numbers are improving, but we can do better.

The CAPE Showrunners Incubator completed its inaugural year in June 2024 and gave 8 TV writers on the brink of showrunning the opportunity to receive exclusive mentorship and real-world training and education.

ELIGIBILITY TERMS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicants should be consistent with CAPE’s work to empower Asian and Pacific Islander voices in entertainment by championing people, stories, and culture.

• Applicants must be 21 years or older.

• Upper-level TV writers will be prioritized, but other writers with imminent shows in development will be considered.

• All finalists must agree to participate in all sessions and meetings, which will be conducted in July-August 2026, both in-person and virtually, on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons:

  • Session 1: Wednesday, July 15

  • Session 2: Saturday, July 18

  • Session 3: Wednesday, July 22

  • Session 4: Saturday, July 25

  • Session 5: Wednesday, July 29

  • Session 6: Saturday, August 1

  • Session 7: Wednesday, August 5

  • Session 8: Saturday, August 8

• Applicants must not have participated in the WGA Showrunner Training Program. 

EACH ONLINE APPLICATION WILL CONSIST OF:

1. Resume

2. Letter of Recommendation from an individual who has meaningfully collaborated with you on a recent project. Examples include showrunners, executives, or creative partners.
   PDF format only OR sent by email to programs@capeusa.org. All emailed letters must be received by the deadline.

3. IMDb Link

4. $30 Non-Refundable Application Processing Fee

5. Personal Statement (1000 words maximum) addressing the following questions:

   • What obstacles or barriers have you faced in your career advancement, and how did you address them?

   • How can your position help advance Asian and Pacific Islander representation in the entertainment industry?

   • In regards to your career development, where do you hope to be in 5 years? In 10 years? How can the CAPE Showrunners Incubator help you reach these goals?

TIMELINE:

• Monday, June 1, 2026: Applications Open

• Thursday, June 18, 2026: Applications Close

• Mid-June: Selection Period

  • All applicants notified by Tuesday, June 30

• Wednesday, July 15: Program Start

• Saturday, August 8: Program End

capeusa.org/showrunners

_____

NBC TV WRITERS PROGRAM

NBC Universal Launch

DEADLINE: June 21, 2026 by 11:59 pm PT

INFO: The NBC TV Writers Program is our premier program for emerging episodic television writers with the goal of creating the next generation of showrunners and content creators.

The program develops writers whose distinct points of view and lived experiences provide unique perspectives to the writers’ room.

During the program, writers develop an original pilot to which they retain all rights.  They are paired with NBCUniversal development and current programming executives 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.

ELIGIBILITY 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 January 1, 2027.

• Entertainment industry experience is not required.

• In-person weekly workshops take place during the first 12 weeks from the program’s start date.  During this time, program participants must reside in the Los Angeles area. The workshops take place during the evening.  

• Writers who have received a staff writer credit on more than one streaming, cable, or broadcast television scripted series are ineligible and cannot apply.

• The program does not accept writing teams.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Those applying must submit a complete application package, which includes the following items:

1.  APPLICATION must be completed in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

2.  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) For comedy pilots, follow a four-act structure or Cold Open + three-act structure; for drama pilots, follow a six-act structure or Cold Open + 5 act structure;

   (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.

   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.  

3.  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.

4.  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.

5.  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. 

You acknowledge that the Submitted Material may be similar or identical to, in whole or in part, existing or future ideas, concepts, or proposals, or other material of any kind submitted to or independently developed by television networks or platforms of NBCUniversal Media, LLC or its related and/or affiliated entities (“NBCU”), and you agree that NBCU’s use of such similar or identical material does not entitle you or any third party to any rights, compensation or negotiation if NBCU determines it has an independent legal right to use such material. 

nbcuniversallaunch.com/tv-writers-program

_____

Academy Nicholl Fellowships

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences x The Writers Guild Foundation

DEADLINE: July 20, 2026 at 5 pm PT (or when 2,000 scripts have been submitted)

SUBMISSION FEE: $100 for the first 750 submissions, $120 thereafter

INFO: Each year, the Academy Nicholl screenwriting competition awards up to five $35,000 fellowships to amateur screenwriters. To enter, submit a feature-length screenplay and entry fee via the online submission when the competition is open for submissions. Fellowship winners are invited to participate in awards week ceremonies and seminars, receive individualized Academy member mentorship and are expected to complete at least one original feature film screenplay during their Fellowship year.

GUIDELINES: This opportunity is for emerging screenwriters submitting an original feature screenplay. You may be eligible if: 

• You meet the Academy’s rules for non-professional screenwriters.  

• Your script is an original feature screenplay.  

• Your script is 80–125 pages.  

• Your script is written in English.  

• Your script is in standard industry format.  

• You are not submitting the same script through another Nicholl public submission partner.  

• This is only a quick overview. Please read the full eligibility rules before submitting. 

BEFORE YOU SUBMIT: Before starting the submission process, make sure you have:

• A PDF of your feature screenplay with your name removed from the script (this ensures a blind read)  

• The correct writer name or writing team information.  

• Confirmation that you own or control the rights to submit the script.  

• Time to review the full eligibility rules.  

• Payment ready for the submission fee.  ($100 for the first 750 submissions, $120 thereafter)

• Submission fees are non-refundable.

FEE + PRICING TRANSPARENCY:

The submission fee helps WGF run a thoughtful, responsible review process for up to 2,000 scripts. The submission fee is $100 for the first 750 submissions. After the first 750 submission spots are filled, the submission fee will increase to $120 for the remaining submission spots until WGF reaches the 2,000-submission cap or the submissions portal closes on July 20, whichever comes first.

Most of the fee goes directly toward paying the writers who read and evaluate submissions.

Approximate use of submission fees:

• Reader stipends: 71%  

• Reader training and support: 15%  

• Technology and transaction fees: 9%  

• Admin and legal: 5%  

• Submission fees are non-refundable.   

wgfoundation.org/nicholl

_____

Sofia Coppola Short Film Award

Decentralized Pictures

DEADLINE: June 30, 2026

INFO: We’re thrilled to announce a new short film award in collaboration with Sofia Coppola to recognize an emerging filmmaker that projects a unique artistic perspective.  

Sofia Coppola is one of the most influential filmmakers of her generation. From The Virgin Suicides to Priscilla, her distinctive style has been celebrated for creating dreamlike atmospheres, intentional pacing, and precision with mood and setting that continues to influence cinema.

This award draws from that legacy: like Sofia’s unique voice, we’re aiming to identify and celebrate a filmmaker with a distinct creative point of view, confident visual sensibility, and an instinct for storytelling that feels personal and unmistakably their own.

AWARD PACKAGE:

• $20,000 to produce a short film 

• Mentoring support

• P&A support (budget to be determined by DCP)

• Distribution of completed film on DCP+ 

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

• Submission Fee: See Minimum Entry Fee on Awards detail page (Includes Moderation Fee + Peer review fee)

• A compelling short video sample that reflects the filmmaker’s unique perspective and storytelling style—whether a previously produced scene, visual excerpt, or proof of concept. Anything that showcases your production abilities.

• Project Description/Lookbook

  • One page document describing film the applicant wishes to produce with the award funding (synopsis, visual references)

ELIGIBILITY: 

• Open globally to all filmmakers

• All demographics, identities, and backgrounds

• All genres accepted

• All submissions must be in either English or have English language translation for all materials.

• All films must adhere to the General Rules & Instructions found in the DCP Terms of Service.

SELECTION PROCESS:

• Community will shortlist finalists using DCP’s transparent voting platform evaluating unique voice, visual quality, and originality

• Final recipient will be selected by Sofia and the DCP Board 

IMPORTANT: All films must reasonably be produced for the allocated $20K budget. 

DATES:

• Submission End: June 30, 2026 (Minimum of 100 submissions required. Submission end date will be extended if minimum submissions not met)

• Community Review End:  14 days after Submission End

• Final Recipients Announced (target):   14 days after Community Review has ended

• Finished Film (target): TBD 

Optional but encouraged: Submit a pitch video in either voiceover or selfie style that may include: 

• Who you are as a filmmaker

• What inspired you to submit your project to this award?

• Who are your influences as a filmmaker? 

By entering, each entrant warrants and represents the following with respect to their Submission: (a) entrant is the sole and exclusive owner of the Submission; (b) the Submission will not infringe on any rights (including, without limitation any intellectual property rights) of any third parties; (c) any third parties appearing in the Submission have given entrant appropriate consent and used as permitted herein; and (d) all information the entrant provided herein is true and accurate. 

Rules subject to change at any time without warnin

app.decentralized.pictures/awards/

_____

Zhao-Chen Family AAPI Voices Fund

Kartemquin Films

DEADLINE: June 30, 2026 by 11:59pm CST

INFO: Kartemquin Films is a collaborative community that empowers documentary makers who create stories that foster a more engaged and just society.

Applications for Round TWO of the Zhao-Chen Family AAPI Voices Fund at Kartemquin Films are officially open.

Funding will be competitive and project applicants must:

• Must highlight stories centering Asian/Asian American/Pacific Islander stories;

• Be working on a high-impact story that reflects the varied experiences of AAPI communities based in the US;

• Be working on a short documentary project (no features or series will be accepted at this time); and

• Be prepared to enter into a co-production agreement with KTQ;

For this Fund, we are looking to support:

• Projects by filmmakers who have meaningful connections to the communities on which their project focuses; and

• Stories that are struggling to secure funding or may not be clearly “commercially viable”

KEY DATES & FUNDING DECISIONS TIMELINE - ROUND 2, 2026

The timeline will be as follows (subject to change, please check back for updates):

• Applications Review Period: Summer 2026

• Notification of Decisions: mid to late September 2026

• The Accelerator begins in October and runs for 12 months

Questions? You can find a list of FAQs here. Email us at aapivoicesfund@kartemquin.org.

kartemquinfilms.submittable.com/submit

_____

TUBI X BLACK LIST HORROR INITIATIVE

The Black List x Tubi

DEADLINE: June 30, 2026

INFO: Tubi and the Black List are looking for the next great horror film!

The Black List and Tubi have expanded their partnership with a new initiative to provide both emerging and established writers with the opportunity to submit feature scripts within the horror genre with the intention for Tubi to produce and distribute the selected script. Writers can submit their entries beginning March 1, 2026 and the submission period will run through June 30, 2026.

The selected script will first be purchased by Tubi taking into account the intended film budget but for no less than the WGA upset price; from there, Tubi will determine what additional writing steps may be necessary. The Black List will also be an executive producer on the film. 

100 fee waivers are available for this program! In order to qualify for a fee waiver, you must have a completed horror feature script. Please be patient as it might take some time before we can respond to your request. Fee waivers will be distributed at the discretion of the Black List and Tubi.

This opportunity is open to writers at every level, WGA and otherwise, and we encourage all voices to submit their feature script for consideration. 

SELECTION PROCESS:

On August 1st, a short list of at least ten scripts will be selected and the writers of those scripts will be invited to submit a resume and a personal statement. The Black List and Tubi will review those projects. The Black List and Tubi will then identify a top tier of scripts from the short list and will interview those writers before confirming selection of the final script.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• March 1, 2026 - Submissions Open

• June 30, 2026 - Submissions Close

• August 1, 2026 - Short List Notifications

• October 2026 - Final Selection Notification

FAQ:

Who is eligible to apply?

This program is open to writers at every level of their career - WGA writers are welcome to apply along with emerging new voices. You must be 18 years old and your script must be in English.

What kind of script should I submit for the Horror Initiative?

We are only accepting horror features for this program.

How do I apply for a fee waiver?

100 fee waivers are available the Horror Initiative - you may apply for a program-specific fee waiver via the program submission page. In order to apply for a fee waiver, you must have a completed feature-length horror script and have a writer profile on blcklst.com. 

Please note that scripts go through an eligibility evaluation process before a decision on your fee waiver submission is made, which may take up to one week. Should your script be approved for a fee waiver, your script will automatically receive one free month of hosting and one evaluation, and your script will be automatically opted into consideration for this program. If your fee waiver request is denied, you are still welcome to submit your feature script to this program via the traditional opt-in process on blcklst.com.

Fee waivers will be distributed at the discretion of the Black List and Tubi. 

How many scripts will be selected for the Horror Initiative?

The Black List and Tubi have partnered to discover one feature script for Tubi to purchase and develop, with the intent of greenlighting that script for production and distribution. 

What is the script selection process for the Horror Initiative?

On August 1st, a short list of at least ten horror feature scripts will be selected and the writers of those scripts will be invited to submit a resume and a personal statement. The Black List and Tubi will review those projects. The Black List and Tubi will then identify a top tier of scripts from the short list and will interview those writers before confirming selection of the final scripts.

Can I submit more than one script?

Yes - you are welcome to submit more than one script to this program. 

Can I submit a pilot or a play?

No - this program is only for completed feature scripts. 

Can I submit a script as a writing team?

Yes - this program is open to writing teams.

Is this program open to writers based outside of the United States?

Yes - this program is open to writers everywhere as long as the script is written in the English language.

Do I have to host my script for the whole partnership period for Horror Initiative?

No - as long as your script is hosted on blcklst.com and it is online when you submit it for consideration to the Horror Initiative during the submission window (3/1/2026 - 6/30/2026), you’re all set! Please note that you will need to have at least one evaluation of your script in order to submit it for further consideration in the Horror Initiative.

blcklst.com/programs/tubi-black-list-horror-initiative

TV / FILM — MAY 2026

FRED ROGERS PRODUCTIONS WRITERS' NEIGHBORHOOD

DEADLINE: May 2, 2026 at 12:00am PT

INFO: The Fred Rogers Productions Writers' Neighborhood for emerging writers focuses on how to build and sustain a career as a freelance writer in children's media. Program participants will learn from the current writers, story editors, head writers, and producers working on the children's series FRP currently produces for PBS KIDS, including Donkey Hodie, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, and Alma's Way, as well as other top industry creatives.

We look forward to bringing in a diverse group of talent because building one's career is not just about "who you know," but also "who knows you."

FRP values the enrichment that results from working with partners having diverse experiences and backgrounds. Accordingly, BIPOC writers and writers who are members of other traditionally underrepresented communities in the children’s media industry are encouraged to apply.

PROGRAM GOALS FOR FRP WRITERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD:

Help to bring new voices and perspectives to children’s media by seeking out and providing training and support to new and emerging writers as they build freelance careers.

• The nine-week intensive program will focus on expanding the fellows' professional development:

1. Help writers understand the landscape of children’s media in the U.S.

2. Fellows will begin to structure or polish their brand as a freelance writer (in terms of presentingtheir portfolio in person and via social media)

   • Resumé polishing assistance

   • Templates for emails for introducing themselves, pitching for a job, and follow-up from an in-person meeting at an event

3. Master the art of networking

4. Gain a better understanding of the overall production process

5. Understand the creative structure of a show —what head writers and producers look for when seeking new writers through case studies of FRP’s series

6. Improve pitching skills (coaching for introducing themselves virtually or in person)

7. Learn the voice of a new show and writing for different genres (e.g., animation, live-action, puppets)

8. Gain insights from other leading industry creatives including head writers, producers, and executives

• In addition, writers who complete the program will receive:

1. Group meet-ups with FRP staff and guest experts for six months (virtually)

2. Mentorship from an expert in children's media (three, 45-minute sessions)

3. An invitation to pitch to write for an FRP show (within one year of completing the program)

4. A membership to an industry association

• FRP will also:

1. Offer participants an honorarium and pay for travel and accommodations to Pittsburgh, PA

2. Publicize writers to our network through social media, direct email, in-person social events, etc.

3. Host a virtual panel with participants after the program is completed

SUBMISSION MATERIALS*

• The candidate's basic information (including their name and age), up-to-date contact information (including an email address, address, and phone numbers)

• A copy of the candidate's resumé; NO PHOTOS PLEASE

• A reply of 400 words or less for two prompts

• An original writing sample

*See FAQs for more details about the submission materials.

writersneighborhood.fredrogers.org

_____

DOCUMENTARY LAB OPEN CALL

Firelight Media

DEADLINE: May 4, 2026

INFO: The Documentary Lab is Firelight Media’s longest-running artist program. This 12-month fellowship is designed to nurture filmmakers of color working on their first or second non-fiction feature film. The Documentary Lab provides holistic support for fellows’ projects and careers through professional development, customized mentorship, and a $25,000 project grant. Throughout the fellowship, filmmakers build a network within the documentary ecosystem, connecting with Firelight alumni and forging industry relationships across the field.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW: The Firelight Media Documentary Lab is a 12-month fellowship program that supports filmmakers of color in the United States in directing their first or second feature-length documentary film. The Documentary Lab provides filmmakers with a $25,000 grant toward their projects as well as customized mentorship from prominent leaders in the documentary industry, professional development, and networking opportunities.

In 2026, the Documentary Lab will only accept projects in post-production. In an effort to be responsive to the changing landscape in the documentary field, all the projects in the fellowship will be aligned at a similar stage, allowing the 12-month program to focus on story development and project feedback to help move films significantly closer to completion.

Filmmakers should be prepared to have intentional conversations about how to reach their ideal audiences and be strategic about moving their films out into the world. Competitive applicants will be making artful and innovative documentary films that focus on stories about communities of color, offering new narratives about the most pressing issues of our time. All types of long-form documentary projects – historical, investigative, personal, vérité, hybrid, and experimental – are eligible for the Documentary Lab program.

Over the last decade, the Documentary Lab has grown from a mentorship program into a robust talent incubator that has supported approximately 150 emerging filmmakers of color and granted over $2.3 million toward productions. The fellowship brings together a cohesive cohort and connects them to an extraordinary community of Firelight Media alumni, while also building relationships across the independent documentary field.

The timeline and eligibility guidelines for the upcoming Fellowship are below.

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES:

• Only the director of the film is eligible to apply and participate in the program. Co-directors may participate if they meet all eligibility requirements. If you’re applying with your co-director, please indicate that in your application. We cannot accept more than 2 directors per project.

• This program is intended for filmmakers of color based in the United States or U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. Samoa, Guam/Northern Mariana Islands).

• The project must be a long-form/feature-length documentary; the fellowship does not accept short documentaries, series, or fiction projects.

• Applicants must be emerging documentary filmmakers directing their first or second feature-length documentary.

• New for 2026: We are only accepting films that are in POST-PRODUCTION. The film must be a work in progress. Completed films, or films in development, production, or pre-production, are not eligible. Be sure to review FAQs if you have further questions regarding your eligibility.

FILMMAKERS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE SUPPORT THROUGH ANY OF FIRELIGHT MEDIA’S ARTIST PROGRAMS IF:

• The filmmaker is applying with a project that is a student film or related to ongoing coursework.

• The filmmaker is re-applying to a program they previously received support from.

• The filmmaker is contracted with another Firelight Media artist program and has not completed the final deliverables by the time they are selected for this program.

• The filmmaker is employed by Firelight Media, Firelight Films, or is a member of the board of directors.

• The filmmaker does not hold the majority of the intellectual property of the film.

APPLICATION TIMELINE:

• Monday, May 4, 2026 - Application Open Call Ends (The Submittable application will automatically close at 11:59 PM ET on Monday, May 4, 2026. No late submissions accepted.)

• May-July 2026 - Two Rounds of Application Review & Advisory Board Panel Meeting

• August 2026 - Finalist Interviews & Final Notifications

• September 2026 - Cohort Orientation

• September 2027 - End of program

firelightmedia.tv/documentary-lab

_____

2026 DET Writing Program

Disney Entertainment Television

SUBMISSION PERIOD: May 4 - June 1, 2026

INFO: The Disney Entertainment Television (DET) Writing Program is a highly selective, annual TV staffing program. The goal is to staff emerging and diverse television writers on DET scripted series. Program Writers are contract employees of Disney for one year (or until they staff on a show), and receive mentorship, professional development, and unprecedented access to the company and its creative executives, producers, showrunners, and program alumni. In 2020, the Eunetta T. Boone Comedy Writers Scholarship was created to provide a dedicated writer within the program with special staffing consideration on a Disney Branded Television series. In 2024, the FX John Singleton Scholarship was created, providing one writer special staffing consideration on an FX Networks series. 

Established in 1990, the one-year writing program is widely recognized as one of the entertainment industry’s most successful of its type. It has kickstarted the careers of many established and award-winning writers, producers and showrunners, including Saladin Patterson, Raamla Mohammed, Peter Saji, Zahir McGhee, Dailyn Rodriguez, Luvh Rakhe, Sierra Ornelas, and Claudia Forestieri, among many others. 

The Program has had a nearly 100% staffing rate each year. It also has a long history of being the only staffing/writing initiative in the entertainment industry to employ its writers contractually as full-time employees prior to staffing. 

sites.disney.com/ctdi/writingprogram/

_____

TULSA ARTIST FELLOWSHIP

📍Tulsa, OK

DEADLINE: May 7, 2026 at 6:00 pm CT

INFO: Tulsa Artist Fellowship supports artists as vital contributors to Tulsa’s cultural life.

We invest in long-term creative practice, offering artists the time, resources, and community to develop ambitious work rooted in Tulsa.

Our approach is artist-centered and flexible, grounded in the understanding that meaningful creative work takes time—and that artists thrive when trusted to define their own paths.

Tulsa Artist Fellowship is a place-based, durational award supporting visionary artists and arts workers across disciplines.

Open to artists and arts workers with at least five years of field experience, the Fellowship selects up to ten awardees, who will be announced live on November 6 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Each awardee is provided a comprehensive support package that includes a $150,000 stipend, housing support, fully subsidized studio space, and access to shared art-making facilities.

Awardees commit to developing ambitious, community-engaged work that contributes to Tulsa’s cultural life and advances the Fellowship’s mission to support independent arts practitioners.

Program details may evolve to best support participating artists and the Fellowship’s mission.

Competitive applications will demonstrate:

• A rigorous and innovative arts practice

• A meaningful connection to making work in Tulsa

• A forward-thinking, achievable project with strong community engagement and impact

AWARD STRUCTURE:

Each Fellow is supported through a comprehensive three-year award package designed to strengthen artistic development, stability, and well-being.

Financial Support

• $150,000 project development and artistic practice stipend (over 3 years)

• $36,000 housing support (over 3 years)

• $1,500 studio move-in stipend

• $3,600 studio assistant support (over 3 years)

• $3,600 health and wellness support (over 3 years)

Community & Connection

• Cohort gatherings and shared meals

• Open studio events and public programs

• Opportunties to engage with visiting arts professionals

Studio Workspace

• Access to a fully subsidized private studio (337–583 sq ft)

• Shared facilities include a ceramics studio with kilns, a woodshop, metal equipment, a media lab, an archival printer, a roof terrace, a performance rehearsal space, a podcast recording studio, and meeting rooms with video and audio capabilities
  (Estimated value: $36,000 over 3 years)

Wellness & Care

• YMCA membership for household

• Caregiver reimbursements for key Fellowship activities

APPLICATION MATERIALS:

All applications are completed online and free to submit. Detailed instructions are provided in the application portal.

• Basic information, including contact details, residence, citizenship, identity, and household information

• Artistic background, including resume/CV, website, social media platforms, biography (up to 250 words), and collaborator information
  (Collaborators must submit individual applications)

• Artistic Practice Statement (up to 500 words) and Fellowship Statement (up to 500 words)

• Three-year project proposal, including project title, description (up to 500 words), role statement (up to 200 words), and optional visual or media support materials

• Proposed use of the fellowship stipend, estimated budget for the $150,000 award, including living expenses, artistic production, and project-related costs.

• Three professional references from the arts field

tulsaartistfellowship.org/award

_____

ARTIST AS CATALYST LA

The Peace Studio |📍Los Angeles, CA

DEADLINES:

• Priority - May 8, 2026

• Last call - May 15, 2026

INFO: Artist as Catalyst (AAC) is a three-day immersive experience designed to equip young storytellers, artists, and cultural catalysts (ages 18–30) with the tools, opportunity, and community to use their craft in the service of peace-building.

Throughout this multi-day intensive, participants engage in a dynamic blend of workshops, keynotes, collaborative labs, and community events—all within a diverse and generative environment. AAC brings together some of LA’s most influential artists, cultural leaders, activists, and peace builders, featuring world-class talent and thinkers who are at the forefront of their fields.

This program balances artistic excellence with restorative practices, providing catalysts from various disciplines the opportunity to network, make lasting connections, and collaborate on a group-based “Peace Project.” Participants also have the chance to apply for micro-grants to further develop their ideas in partnership with their cohort.

By centering story as a tool for connection and impact, AAC nurtures a new generation of artists prepared to shift culture and catalyze meaningful change.

PROGRAM DATES: June 12 - 14, 2026

LOCATION: Santa Monica, CA

TUITION: This program is fully funded for all accepted participants.

PARTICIPANT PROFILE: Los Angeles-based artists & cultural leaders, ages 18-30

We welcome creative people of all disciplines to apply. This program is right for you if you agree with the three statements below:

• I am creative.

• I believe I am capable of making positive change in the world through the stories I tell.

• I believe there is strength and power in community.

2026 THEME: The Power is In The People

"This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal." - Toni Morrison

The power to shift culture is in the hands of the people, our stories, and our connection to one another. No matter where we are on our artistic journey you hold the power within you to think critically, craft, and create. There is power in making tangible art, of telling true stories, and it will be what sustains us through any era of societal unrest and uncertainty. Our collective work,  collaborative economics, along with our innovation and tenacity will outlive any artificial intelligence threatening our cultural landscape and wellness. Our humanity cannot be reproduced or replicated. Our uniqueness is what makes us whole and irrefutable. Sharing our offerings, skills, assets, and abilities with one another makes our collective power undeniable. We are the original technology. However we contribute our ability to tell stories, no matter the industry, is our way to disrupt oppressive systems that agitate our peace. As an artist, it is our duty to answer the call on our life by sharing our gifts. Who are you and what can you offer? We are constantly evolving, elevating, learning and changing. When we bring our full selves to the collective, there is nothing we cannot do. The Power is in the People. 

The Peace Studio is committed to offering equitable opportunity to all. For accommodation requests or  any questions, please contact aacla@thepeacestudio.org.

thepeacestudio.org/what-we-do/leadership-development/artist-as-catalyst

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2027 Development Track

Sundance Institute

DEADLINE: May 12, 2026 at 4:59 pm PT

APPLICATION FEE: $45 (you should not pay the submission fee until you have completed all other application tasks and are ready to submit your application).

INFO: Feature fiction filmmakers in the early stages of a screenplay, apply now for the 2027 Development Track to be considered for multiple programs, fellowships, and grants.

We accept all application materials electronically ONLY. You will have a chance to save a work-in-progress version of your application before officially submitting.

You must sign in or create an account to access the electronic application. When creating your account, please enter the name of the primary applicant (screenwriter) as the account owner. Additionally, please name your application with your Project Title.

The Development Track has one open application that allows your fiction feature work-in-progress screenplay to be considered for the following programs, fellowships, and grants: 

• Screenwriters Lab (held annually in January)

• Screenwriters Intensive (held annually online in March)

• Sundance Institute Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship (includes participation in either the Screenwriters Lab or Intensive) and Commissioning Grant

Our application includes questions to determine your eligibility for each program and fellowship, and you will automatically be considered for all programs and fellowships for which you are eligible. (There is no open application for the Directors Lab, which is typically populated by projects that have been supported through a previous development program.) For more information about each program and fellowship, please visit our website. 

CONTACT INFO for the primary applicant, co-applicant if applicable (writers and directors only), and one additional member of the creative team if applicable. (Please note that only the writer(s) and director(s) will attend the Screenwriters Lab.)

ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS — A series of questions about you and your project that will determine your eligibility for all of the Development Track programs and fellowships.

SLOAN FELLOWSHIP AND GRANT QUESTIONS (Sloan applicants only) — If your project is eligible for the Sloan Fellowship and/or Commissioning Grant, you must complete follow-up questions regarding the scientific or technological content of the material. If your project does not contain scientific or technological content, please do not answer these questions — they are optional.

BIOS (150 words max each) for the primary applicant, co-applicant if applicable, and additional creative team member if applicable.

INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT (250 words max) — Briefly introduce yourself and your project. Let us know where you are in the creative process and why you think this is the right timing for a lab.

SHORT ESSAY QUESTIONS (150 words max each):

• What are the key themes you’re exploring in your script?

• How do you describe the intended tone, feel, and visual style of your script? We encourage you to include examples of other work as references or inspirations.

• What do you most want to work on in your script? What needs the most attention creatively?

• Why are you passionate about telling this story now? What gives it urgency?

• Whom do you see as the core audience for this film, and what do you want them to take away from it?

• What is your personal connection to the material?

• What steps are you taking to ensure that the characters and world of your film are authentically represented?

• If this is a resubmission of material we’ve previously considered, how has the material changed since we last read it? (optional)

USE OF GENERAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE — If you have used generative AI in the process of completing this application or in any submission materials, or if you plan to use generative AI to realize any part of the film’s story or artistic vision, describe how and to what extent.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY/RIGHTS — Please give us any insight into the current rights status of the project. This is only required if your project is based on true events or characters. 

LOGLINE (75 words max) — A one- to two-sentence description of your story.

SYNOPSIS (750 words max) — A brief summary of the plot of your script. Please include all major characters and story points, including the ending.

FIRST FIVE PAGES OF YOUR SCREENPLAY OR TREATMENT — ONLY applicants who wish to be considered exclusively for the Sloan Commissioning Grant are eligible to submit treatments. If a treatment is submitted and it is not eligible for the Sloan Commissioning Grant, the project will not be considered for any other Development Track programs or fellowships. If you wish to be considered for opportunities besides the Sloan Commissioning Grant, you must submit the first five pages of the screenplay, not a treatment. Whether you are submitting a screenplay or a treatment, do not upload more than the first five pages.

NEXT STEPS:

Applicants will be notified on a rolling basis as to whether their application has progressed to the next stage of the selection process. Please be prepared to submit the following materials should you advance to the second round. You will be given approximately 10 days to two weeks from the date of notification to submit these materials and will be notified sometime in August 2026.

• UPDATED SYNOPSIS — Since screenplays are often revised between the first and second rounds of our application, we request you submit an updated synopsis with the complete draft of your screenplay.

• PROJECT UPDATES (optional) — Please provide any relevant significant updates to your project since your first-round application that you would like us to be aware of (e.g., additions or changes to the creative team, meaningful changes to timeline, etc.). 

• FULL SCREENPLAY OR TREATMENT — Upload a PDF file of the most current draft of your screenplay or treatment. You may submit a treatment for the Sloan Commissioning Grant ONLY. If a treatment is submitted and it is not eligible for the Sloan Commissioning Grant, the project will not be considered for any other Development Track programs or fellowships. If you wish to be considered for opportunities besides the Sloan Commissioning Grant, you must submit the screenplay, not a treatment.

• DIRECTING SAMPLE (optional) — If you are a writer-director or if a director is attached to the project, you will have an opportunity to submit a link to a directing sample or samples. Please include the title and run time for any sample submitted.

• VISUAL MATERIAL (optional) — If you have visual materials, such as a lookbook or project deck, you may upload a PDF of no more than 40 MB.

All applicants will be notified about their status via email no later than August 31, 2026. Due to the high volume of submissions, we are unfortunately unable to provide feedback about individual projects. If you have additional questions, please visit the Development Track FAQ.

If you have further questions, please email featurefilmprogram@sundance.org.

Development Track Selection Process Timeline

• April 14, 2026              Application Available Online

• May 12, 2026               Application Closes (4:59 p.m. PT)

• August 31, 2026          Second-Round Notifications Complete

• December 15, 2026    Final Selection Notifications Complete

Giving Back:

Should you be selected to participate in the January Screenwriters Lab, Screenwriters Intensive, or other Development Track labs and fellowships, you will be asked to continue the spirit of giving back. We request that lab alumni whose projects are produced contribute to the Institute’s work to support new generations of emerging filmmakers.

For all supported projects, Sundance Institute will receive a screen credit in the end titles of the project in the form of “This film was supported by the Sundance Institute Feature Film Program,” together with the Institute’s logo.

For all projects supported at the January Screenwriters Lab, the following financial contribution provisions apply:

1. If the project is produced for a gross budget that is equal to or less than one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000), no contribution is due to the Institute. 

2. If the project is produced for a gross budget between one million five hundred thousand one dollars ($1,500,001) and three million dollars ($3,000,000), the owner will make a contribution to the Institute in the amount of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), which will be paid to the Institute no later than ten (10) business days following the commencement of principal photography of the project.

3. If the project is produced for a gross budget between three million one dollars ($3,000,001) and five million dollars ($5,000,000), the owner will make a contribution to the Institute in the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000), which will be paid to the Institute no later than ten (10) business days following the commencement of principal photography of the project.

4. If the project is produced for a gross budget that is equal to or exceeds five million one dollars ($5,000,001), the owner will make a contribution to the Institute in the amount of seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500), which will be paid to the Institute no later than ten (10) business days following the commencement of principal photography of the project.

For all projects supported at the Directors Lab or both the Screenwriters Lab and the Directors Lab, the following financial contribution provisions apply in lieu of the provisions set forth above:

1. If the project is produced for a gross budget equal to or less than one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000), no contribution is due to the Institute.

2. If the project is produced for a gross budget between one million five hundred thousand one dollars ($1,500,001) and three million dollars ($3,000,000), the owner will make a contribution to the Institute in an amount of four thousand five hundred dollars ($4,500), which will be paid to the Institute no later than ten (10) business days following the commencement of principal photography of the project.

3. If the project is produced for a gross budget between three million one dollars ($3,000,001) and five million dollars ($5,000,000), the owner will make a contribution to the Institute in an amount of seven thousand dollars ($7,000), which will be paid to the Institute no later than ten (10) business days following the commencement of principal photography of the project.

4. If the project is produced for a gross budget that is equal to or exceeds five million one dollars ($5,000,001), the owner will make a contribution to the Institute in an amount of nine thousand five hundred dollars ($9,500), which will be paid to the Institute no later than ten (10) business days following the commencement of principal photography of the project.

apply.sundance.org/prog/2027_development_track/

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Creative Residency Program

Martin House |📍Buffalo, NY

Deadline: May 13, 2026

INFO: The Martin House Creative Residency Program is a project-based residency that provides creative individuals a designated time and space to develop new works of the imagination inspired by one of the great examples of 20th century architecture.

The primary goals of the program are to:

• Nurture creativity by offering individuals from multiple disciplines a thought-provoking environment in which to produce works and present them to our community.

• Expand interpretation of our site through active solicitation of diverse perspectives and voices.

• Provide audiences an opportunity to discover and engage more fully with the Martin House and the creative arts.

• Strengthen the Martin House and the region as a center for architecture, art, design, and culture.

The residency is a competitive program that is open to applicants who seek the resources to support ongoing projects or the creation of new work. Creative makers who are selected to participate will generally spend 2-4 weeks onsite either consecutively or incrementally within the specified residency term. Length of stay is project-based and determined by the needs of the applicant and in alignment with the Martin House schedule.

Residents are also expected to deliver a free public program, performance, exhibition, or other creative presentation in order to share their Martin House-inspired work with the larger public.

Residency proposal must relate directly to the Martin House. End-products may revolve around any of the themes central to the site. Subjects of inquiry may relate to architecture, art, art history, landscape, building and design, social history, state and local history, issues of gender, race and class, modernism, urbanism, housing and gentrification, business and industry, the history of technology, cultural studies, engineering and applied sciences, for example.

The Martin House Creative Residency Program is made possible through the Herer Family Charitable Fund.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications are accepted in two distinct categories:

• Artists: The residency program supports the development and presentation of creative works representing a wide range of artistic styles and practices.

• Researchers: The program also provides opportunities for writers, researchers, scholars, critics, and cultural theorists to publish texts or produce projects in various fields, specifically as they relate to Frank Lloyd Wright and the Martin House.

Individuals in all stages of their creative practice may submit proposals to the residency program from the following arts and humanities disciplines, including but not limited to: architecture, design, historic preservation, literature, music, dance, theater, film, and related areas of exploration. Creative makers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives are especially encouraged to apply.

Acceptance is competitive and based on the review of applications by a selection committee. The panel is composed of external jurors and a selection of Martin House staff. Applications will be rated on the following evaluation criteria:

• Artistic and intellectual merit of the proposal as covered in the project description, work samples, resume, and previous creative experiences.

• Feasibility of the completion of the project as proposed and within the time and resources offered.

• Relevance of the project to the Martin House and the stated goals of the Martin House Creative Residency Program.

• Quality of the proposed public engagement program, performance, exhibition, or presentation inspired by the Martin House.

BENEFITS OF THE RESIDENCY PROGRAM:

Residents will have wide-ranging access to our architectural campus composed of three Wright-designed homes set within a historic landscape, as well as an award-winning contemporary glass structure conceived by architect Toshiko Mori as an exhibition and visitor space.

Residents will receive a stipend of $5,000. 50% of the stipend will be provided upon arrival to Buffalo; the other 50% will be offered upon completion of the project. Travel expenses of up to $1,000will also be provided to residents who are from outside the Buffalo-Niagara region. Additional funding for materials will not be provided.

Individuals selected to participate will room on campus at the Gardener’s Cottage as part of their residency.

Residents will have heightened access to Martin House collections and collections information. Other locally-accessible research resources are available through:

• University at Buffalo Archives Darwin D. Martin + Frank Lloyd Wright Collections

• Buffalo + Erie County Public Library Special Collections

• Buffalo History Museum Research + Artifact Collections

The Creative Residency Program is an opportunity for the Martin House to respond to and engage with our community. We anticipate that it will lead to more robust interpretations of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Martin House, and the people who once lived and worked here so as to expand the dialogue as to what great architecture is and why it matters.

martinhouse.org/events/residency/

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MOONSHOT PILOT ACCELERATOR

Moonshot Initiative

DEADLINES / FEES:

• Late: May 13, 2026 ($69)

• Final: May 27, 2026 ($79)

INFO: In this highly competitive virtual accelerator program for TV writers, 6-8 fellows will receive three weeks of industry training before having the opportunity to pitch to major studios, production companies, representatives, and producers. The entire accelerator, including training and pitching, will occur online.

The goal of this program is to launch the careers of our fellows. Already, our past fellows have:

• sold a project to a production company met through the accelerator

• gotten staffed on TV series — in one instance, been hired by another alum

• received representation from an accelerator meeting

• had projects in development with producers they met during the accelerator

• had a project optioned by a production company

• secured follow-up meetings with executives

• gotten hired as writing support staff on an existing series

• and made many valuable industry contacts.​

This program aims to increase the representation of women and gender-expansive people on screen and in writers rooms.

moonshotinitiative.org/pilot-accelerator

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2027 Residencies

Ragdale |📍Lake Forrest, IL

DEADLINE: May 14, 2026 at 11:59pm CST

APPLICATION FEE: $35

INFO: 18-day residency session for individuals. Based on personal financial considerations, artists determine their own residency fee and may opt to pay according to our suggested sliding scale.  No financial aid application is required. Admitted residents are responsible for their own travel to and from Ragdale.  

Ragdale awards a limited number of fellowships each year. All qualified applicants may apply for fellowships through this application. A fellowship award includes an 18-day fee-waived residency for individuals and a stipend of at least $1000. All applicants who apply for fellowships will be considered. Please note that applicants may be awarded a residency without a fellowship award. Fellowship awards are disclosed upon acceptance. 

ELIGIBILITY:

Ragdale encourages applications from artists representing the widest possible range of perspectives and demographics, and to that end, emerging as well as established artists are invited to apply. While there are no publication, exhibition, or performance requirements for application, applicants should be working at the professional level in their fields.   

Ragdale encourages artists of all backgrounds to apply and does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of age, disability, gender, origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

GUIDELINES:

All applicants submit electronic materials through the Submittable application portal. Do not email or mail any application materials. Please note the following requirements to complete your application. A completed online application form includes:

• An artist statement explaining your work, vison, or story (one page or less)

• A brief work plan that outlines your studio needs (one page or less)

• A one to two-page CV or resume

• A works list outlining work samples

• Work samples that show work from the past 2-3 years. All media is acceptable. Most electronic file types and sizes are accepted

• If you would like to be considered for a fellowship, we require an eligibility statement of 500 words or less for each fellowship you would like to be considered for. An eligibility statement explains how you qualify for the selected fellowship and how a fellowship would support your work at this time

• Letters of recommendation are not required or accepted

WORK SAMPLES:

Work sample requirements

• Written work: 20 pages of written work (in up to eight files).

• Visual work: 8 images (in up to eight files), plus an image list that includes the following information: title, year, media, dimensions, and an optional short description of each work.

• Time-based work: Up to 10 minutes of audio or video per application (in up to eight files or links*), plus a works list that includes the following information: title, year, media, and an optional short description of each work. *A pdf with hyperlinks is an acceptable alternative to file uploads. Please include a password if applicable.

• Please note: For proposals with more than one type of media: please be fair to reviewers and to fellow applicants; use your best judgement as to what is equivalent. For example, if you plan to submit written work and photos, you may submit 10 pages of written work and 4 photos.

EVALUATION:

Applications are reviewed by Ragdale’s Curatorial Council jury and staff. Evaluations of work are based on the following criteria:

• Work samples: Documented works are original, inventive, and exciting.

• Work samples indicate relevance in their contemporary field.

• Work sample presentation: Work samples are high-quality and technically proficient in execution, and are professionally presented and documented.

• Artist’s experience: Artist statement and CV/Resume reflects continued development of ideas, serious inquiry into subject matter, and exceptional aesthetic investigation in the chosen medium.

• Work plan: Artist demonstrates they will maximize the benefits of a residency at Ragdale. What is the reason for seeking time and space in this particular residency program and is there a sense of urgency reflected in the goals described?

NOTIFICATION:

Notifications are sent to applicants via email by September. Final packets, including scheduled session dates, are sent by October.

COLLABORATIONS:

Artists collaborating on a project must submit individual application forms and appropriate work samples, along with a joint description of the work they intend to do at Ragdale. Clearly specify your work and living space needs, i.e., how many private studios and/or sleeping quarters are needed. You may also submit an example of a previous collaborative work (either completed or in progress). Any specific questions about collaborations can be directed to the Residency Manager before applying. Collaborators must be accepted to the residency separately in order to attend as a group.

TIMELINE

• May 14: 2026 Residency Application Submission Deadline

• September: Notifications of residency or fellowship award sent. 

• October: Accepted residents' final welcome packets with session dates sent 

QUESTIONS?

All inquiries should be directed to admissions@ragdale.org.

ragdale.submittable.com/submit

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FULLY-FUNDED FELLOWSHIPS

Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA)

DEADLINE: May 15, 2026

INFO: Residencies can be transformative to an artist’s process and the effect on an artist’s career profound. A residency at VCCA gives artists the time and space to explore and go deeper into their work. Away from the constraints of “the real world” and in an accepting environment of talented peers, one can dream and create with the feeling that anything is possible.

VCCA’s Mt. San Angelo location in Amherst, Virginia, typically hosts 360 artists each year in residencies of varying lengths (no minimum; up to six weeks) with flexible scheduling. A residency at Mt. San Angelo includes a private bedroom with private en-suite bath, a private individual studio, three prepared meals a day, and access to a community of more than 20 other artists in residence.

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, VCCA is surrounded by natural wonders and hiking trails. Many local sites and additional inspiration can be found in short drives to Lynchburg (20 minutes), Charlottesville (1 hour), Roanoke (1.5 hours), or Richmond (2 hours).

The following fully-funded fellowships are expected to be available for the Spring 2027 residency period at Mt. San Angelo in Amherst, Virginia.

• CHRISTINA CHIU LATINX WRITERS FELLOWSHIP

Who: Writers, with preference given to those of Latin American descent
What: Residency of up to two-weeks at Mt. San Angelo
When: Spring 2027 (January – April)

LEARN MORE

• BARBARA CROOKER CAREGIVING FELLOWSHIP

Who: Artists in any discipline who are caregivers to an ill or disabled family member
What: Residency of up to two-weeks at Mt. San Angelo
When: Spring 2027 (January – April)

LEARN MORE

• RICHARD E. CYTOWIC NONFICTION FELLOWSHIP

Who: Writers of long-form nonfiction, with preference given to writers who are gay, residents of Washington D.C., or caregivers to an ill or disabled family member
What: Residency of up to two-weeks at Mt. San Angelo
When: Spring 2027 (January – April)

LEARN MORE

• GOLDFARB FAMILY FELLOWSHIP

Who: Writers of creative nonfiction
What: Two-week residency at Mt. San Angelo
When: Spring 2027 (January – April)

LEARN MORE

• GREATER OPPORTUNITY FELLOWSHIPS

Who: Artists in any discipline who have not previously been in residence at VCCA, with preference given to those who self-identify as people of color
What: Residency of up to two-weeks at Mt. San Angelo
When: Spring 2027 (January – April)

LEARN MORE

• MONTANA FELLOWSHIP

Who: Artists in any discipline who live in Montana
What: One-month residency at Mt. San Angelo
When: Spring 2027 (January – April)

LEARN MORE

• TAHIRA ZAHEER FELLOWSHIP FOR SOUTH ASIAN WRITERS

Who: Writers, with preference given to those who are South Asian 
What: Residency of up to two-weeks at Mt. San Angelo
When: Spring 2027 (January – April)

LEARN MORE

vcca.com/apply/fully-funded-fellowships/

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Anne LaBastille Memorial Writers Residency

Adirondack Center for Writing |📍

DEADLINE: May 18, 2026

APPLICATION FEE: $30

INFO: The Adirondack Center for Writing offers a two-week residency annually in autumn to poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers at a lodge on Twitchell Lake in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Six residents will be chosen: three from the Adirondack region (aka “The North Country”… see FAQ below for specifics) and three from anywhere in the world. Quality of written submissions is the primary consideration when accepting applications.

The residency is generously provided by the estate of Anne LaBastille, who wrote books capturing challenges of the region, including Woodswoman and Beyond Black Bear Lake from her cabin on Twitchell Lake. During the residency, writers will paddle to the site of her property and explore the lake with locals.

The Lodge at Twitchell Lake provides an abundance of physical space, and each resident has their own bedroom and bathroom. There are plenty of writing spaces in and around the property. Internet access is available.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Cover Letter: In the space provided in Submittable (no attachments), include a brief, third-person bio and a work plan detailing your goals for this residency.

2. Writing Sample: Please send up to 10 pages double spaced, or 2,500 words max of your best writing in the genre you will working in at the residency. Prose: 10 pages max. Poetry: 10 poems max. NOTE: Make sure your name does not show up anywhere in your writing sample. Writing samples that include your name will not be considered. Quality of written submissions will be our primary consideration when accepting applications.

3. Application Fee: $30. Your application fee ensures that the residency can remain free to selected residents.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Residency Dates: September 20 – October 4, 202

• Notification: July 2026

Contact info@adirondackcenterforwriting.orgor 518-354-1261 with any questions.

adirondackcenterforwriting.org/residency/

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2026 Film Grant

Islamic Scholarship Fund

DEADLINE: May 29, 2026

INFO: ISF is proud to sponsor the first American Muslim Film Grant supporting Muslim filmmakers to change the narrative and tell their own stories.   

ELIGIBILITY: All Muslim filmmakers are eligible for consideration. We review and  consider the submission of all candidates regardless of experience,  career status, or individual achievements.    

• Project may be a narrative feature length, short film, animation, or documentary. Web series are not accepted. Pilots are accepted. 

• Filmmaker must film at least 50% of the project in the U.S.

• At least one member of the creative team (producer or director) must be Muslim Storyteller

• The content must have American Muslim characters or American Muslim themes

• Filmmaker must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

• Projects must be in production, post production or distribution (except for the social justice category)

• Projects must be consistent with ISF's mission of art changing public policy and public opinion.

• Applicants must own the copyright of the proposed project.

• Applicants must be 18 years of age, and be citizens or legal residents of the United States or its territories.

AWARD BENEFITS:

• Grant amounts ranging between $5,000 and $20,000 are awarded to each category (narrative, special projects, and documentary)    

• Creative support from an industry professional during creative process

• Networking opportunities with industry professionals

• ISF screening after completion of the film

 Please email film@islamicscholarshipfund.org with any questions or concerns.

islamicscholarshipfund.submittable.com/submit/353805/2026-film-grant/eligibility

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PROOF OF CONCEPT SHORT FILM GRANT

Black Film Space x cliveRd.

DEADLINE: May 31, 2026

INFO: Black Film Space is collaborating again with cliveRd. to support and fund projects made by independent Black filmmakers.

Our Proof of Concept Short Film Grant is seeking one short film script under 20 minutes/pages that aims to serve as a teaser/preview for a feature film with narratives that feature nature.

In order to be a competitive applicant your film must include a nature element.

• This can include, but is not limited to:

• Nature as a setting

• Nature as a character

• Nature as a supporter and/or obstacle for the characters in your project

• Nature as a theme

The grant total will be $8,000, in addition, the winner will have the option to shoot at a private estate in Jamaica—an exclusive, complimentary location provided by cliveRd. The location can be used to tell the stories of multiple peoples not just of Jamaica. Some examples of how the location could be be used include:

• Characters getting lost in a wooded area

• A battle fought in the mountains

• A project about characters on a beach

• A project about characters on a farm

The project will be selected based on the filmmaker’s ability to present a strong script that shows great promise as a proof of concept for a feature film. We will also consider other factors such as the merit of previous work, and financial need.

Before applying, we strongly recommend reviewing this page in full and attending—or watching the orientation replay—to ensure you submit a competitive application.

APPLICANT GUIDELINES:

Applicants must have the following:

• At least one visual sample that showcases previous work

• Present a completed script for their short film

• Present a completed treatment for their feature film

• Present a detailed plan on how they plan to execute their film with details on production, casting, their team, postproduction, their festival strategy, etc.

• Must be able to receive grant funds through a United States based bank account

• Must be in pursuit of their feature film within AT LEAST a year of receiving the grant. There is a possibility that cliveRd will show continued interest depending on the quality of the feature film script and readiness of the filmmaker to complete their feature

• Must submit a narrative, scripted film. Documentary films/non fiction works will not be considered 

GRANT WINNER REQUIREMENTS:

• The production timeline for the completed short must be within six months of receiving the grant 

• Applicants must function in one of the following three roles: writer, director and/or executive producer

• The filmmaker must be willing to exhibit their proof of concept short at Black Film Space’s Awards ceremony the following year in September 2027

• cliveRd and Black Film Space must be credited as producers on the short film 

• Filmmakers must be available for follow up discussions with cliveRd. on their progress of their short and their feature film  

blackfilmspace.com/cliverd

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rideback rise fellowship

Rideback RISE

DEADLINE: May 31, 2026

INFO: Based in Los Angeles, Rideback RISE is a prestigious creator and content accelerator that offers visionary, intersectional film and television storytellers (“Fellows”) a substantial economic stipend, as well as access to development funds for the purpose of optioning IP and/or creating visual proof-of-concept materials. The 12-month Fellowship provides expert one-to-one mentoring and programming year-round, as well as resources and benefits to support Fellows as they each develop and refine a specific television or feature film project before it is taken out to market. Fellows are experienced writers but may also be multi-hyphenates who will be supported in their directing work.

Rideback RISE is soliciting applications for the fourth year of the Rideback RISE Fellowship. Based in Los Angeles, Rideback RISE is a prestigious creator and content accelerator that offers visionary, intersectional film and television storytellers (“Fellows”) a substantial economic stipend, as well as access to development funds for the purpose of optioning IP and/or creating visual proof-of-concept materials. The 12-month Fellowship provides expert one-to-one mentoring and programming year-round, as well as resources and benefits to support Fellows as they each develop and refine a specific television or feature film project before it is taken out to market. Fellows are experienced writers but may also be multi-hyphenates who will be supported in their directing work.

In a supportive and collaborative environment, Fellows work closely with the RISE team and receive valuable feedback notable industry luminaries and experts, all while getting to know each other and becoming familiar with each others’ projects. This is an opportunity for exceptional storytellers who desire to tell commercial stories aimed at a wide audience through their own distinct voice, and point of view.

OUR MISSION: Rideback RISE was founded in 2022 by producer Dan Lin (THE LEGO MOVIE, IT, ALADDIN, SHERLOCK HOLMES, WALKER). Rideback RISE is a 501c3 non-profit organization with backing from leading institutional partners such as the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, and Doris Duke Foundation.

Rideback RISE’s core mission is to support and empower mid-career underrepresented artists and creators to create commercial film and television across genres in order to create cultural impact. Rideback RISE believes that entertainment can bridge cultures, unite people, and be a catalyst for social change.

RISE offers financial, creative and strategic support to each of our participating creators customized to their specific discipline. RISE equips Fellows to create commercial content that can enter the cultural zeitgeist and ultimately reshape majority opinions.

THE PROGRAM: The RISE Fellowship runs for 12 months, from January to December, and covers creative, business and personal/leadership elements. Each of the Fellows will be paired with a high-level Creative Mentor (e.g., an experienced showrunner, filmmaker, etc.) as well as a Business Mentor (producer, executive, etc.) with whom they will work for the duration of the Program.

Fellows will be selected based on their storytelling and writing abilities, the authenticity of their voice, the strength and commercial viability of their ideas, their willingness to maximize the impact of the resources provided, and their overall suitability for the program.

Program activities will include, but will not be limited to, the following:

• Creative development on each Fellow’s project, including in-depth work on story and character all the way through to a fully spec'd out script

• The entire pitching process, from logline to full market-ready written and verbal pitch

• Advice on how to attach cast and other talent

• Identifying possible buyers for their projects and facilitating meetings with executives

• Navigating possible financiers/buyers and distribution

• Expert guidance and background on the state of the industry

• In-person lectures and appearances by industry luminaries in a variety of fields, including directing, producing, legal, casting, marketing, etc.

• Help with platforming projects at the end of the Program to a studio, production company or other collaborator who is best positioned to help the Fellow continue to advance it

• Unlocking entrepreneurial resources and strategic career guidance

Fellows will be based at Rideback Ranch, a creative campus in LA’s Historic Filipinotown that provides a dedicated workspace and amenities, and is home to several leading entertainment companies.

There will also be a number of creators who may be invited to join the RISE Circle, an additional part of the annual RISE cohort. RISE Circle members attend much of the creative and practical programming year-round in addition to lighter-touch support on their projects.

As stated above, the Fellowship also provides access to the Rideback RISE IP and Visual Development Fund, which Fellows may tap to option underlying rights (novels, remakes, podcasts, documentaries, newspaper or magazine articles, true stories, short films, video games, graphic novels etc.) or create proof-of-concept materials—e.g., concept art, visual teaser for their project or even a short.

The curriculum will focus on and emphasize collaboration, mentorship, networking, industry access and community. A key feature of RISE is community: Fellows will familiarize themselves and share their feedback on each others’ projects in the form of regular “brain trust” sessions. RISE’s goal is to create market ready content that will attract financing and be produced, and to help Fellows build sustainable careers.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

The Fellowship focuses on self-identified POC storytellers.

1. Applicant must be at least 21 years of age before the start of the Fellowship Program (i.e., before Dec 4, 2026).

2. Applicant must be a writer and may or may not also be a director, actor, performer or producer.

3. Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, or a Permanent Resident with unrestricted authorization to work in the United States of America.

4. Applicant must have representation with a guild-registered talent agency and/or management company.

scrybe.to/applications/rideback-rise-fellowship

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Call for Submissions: “Liberation Poetics: Caribbean Feminisms Against Imperialism, from Cuba to Palestine”

Intersect Antigua-Barbuda

DEADLINE: June 1, 2026

INFO: Imperialism is far-reaching, stretching across borders, and harming people across difference: from martyred people of the soil to stolen oil. This is a crucial period in which Caribbean feminists, emboldened by and spirited with a decolonizing, Queeribbean sensibility, must rise to meet this moment.

With this in mind, we invite you to submit critical essays, fiction, plays, poetry, posters, screenplays, art, and photography that address the urgency of leveraging Caribbean feminisms as a primary antagonism against imperialism and fascism.

We invite participants to submit pieces that address imperialism, from the perspective of gender, race, color, class, nation, and/or sexuality, in any of the following broad topics:

• Queering resistance

• Resisting the masculinization of revolution

• Rootedness in Caribbean identity, poetics of relation, opacité, antillanité, creolité: Moving across the Afro-, Indo-, and Indigenous Caribbean

• Caribbean feminist perspectives and stories on grief, trauma, healing, and joy

• Ancestral insurgencies: lessons from past movement shakers and revolutionaries

We also invite participants to consider the following writing prompts:

• How do the attention economy,  new media, and generative AI technologies depoliticize, distort, and fracture relation?

• How can Caribbean feminist thought be in dialogue and praxis with Sudanese and Congolese feminist thought and movements as they agitate against violent imperial extraction?

• What does a turn to the ‘Queeribbean’ offer as an antagonism against imperialism’s political, religious, and cultural conceits?

• Whose stories, from plant, animal, and human life, are not being told in this moment?

Access the full call for submissions for the complete list of topics and prompts. Read excerpts from Maurice Bishop’s 1980 speech against imperialism here.

intersectantigua.com/blog/call-for-submissions

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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: TV WRITING LAB

SeriesFest x Next50

DEADLINE: 

• Regular - June 3, 2026

• Late - July 14, 2026

INFO: SeriesFest is thrilled to announce this year’s TV Writing Lab in partnership with Next50 Foundation! We’re looking for emerging episodic writers to join us for an exclusive Writers Retreat in the fall of 2026 in Colorado. 

The TV Writing Lab in partnership with the Next50 Foundation seeks unproduced 20-45 minute pilots that challenge the perception of aging and scripts must be void of stereotypes traditionally associated with aging.

Seeking series that move beyond outdated or one-dimensional portrayals. Instead of familiar tropes, we’re excited to see nuanced, authentic, and surprising representations of older adults.

Intergenerational stories are not only welcome—they’re encouraged!

AWARDS & PRIZES:

Three Series Projects will be selected to take part in a 3-day intensive in the fall of 2026 led by Call to Adventure Media where their pilot scripts will be workshopped by industry mentors and experts. Activities include one-on-one meetings, small group workshops, mini writers’ rooms, and networking opportunities.

What is included: Accommodations and Ground Transportation in Colorado
What is not included: Airfare and Meals

IMPORTANT DATES: 

• Oct 3 Notification Date

• Nov 3–5 TV Writing Lab

SUBMISSION MATERIALS:

Pilot script (all genres are welcome) Between 18 – 40 pages

• Seeking stories that thoughtfully challenge and expand perceptions of aging—think along the lines of Grace and Frankie, Hacks, or Shrinking. Show us dynamic, complex characters and fresh perspectives that reflect the richness of life at every stage.

• Scripts must not include stereotypical portrayals of aging

• The ‘frail’ and helpless older adult or sickly elder in need of constant care

• Grumpy curmudgeon

• Sweet grandparent with no character or lines

Series Format Deck

• The Series Format Deck is a 2-15 page document that includes a logline, series regular and recurring character descriptions, and Season One story arch or future episode descriptions.

Writer’s Bio & Resume

ELIGIBILITY:

To be eligible for the contest, entrants must be aged 21 years or older. Limit one entry per person. Each entry must include only one (1) script. Entries must be written in English. Scripts must not be encumbered by any obligation to, or option held by a third party.

seriesfest.com/next50-lab/

TV / FILM — APRIL 2026

2027 OPEN CALL

Creative Capital

DEADLINE: April 2, 2026 at 3:00pm ET

INFO: In celebration of 25 years of national artist support, the 2027 Open Call invites project proposals from individual artists for the Creative Capital Award and the new State of the Art Prize. All grants will be awarded via a national, open call, external review process.

The Creative Capital Award provides individual artists with unrestricted project grants for the creation of innovative, original, and imaginative new artistic works. The Award provides unrestricted project grants from $15,000 up to $50,000, plus professional development support, industry connections, and community-building opportunities.

The State of the Art Prize aims to recognize and support one artist from every U.S. state and inhabited territory, with an unrestricted artist grant of $10,000. Through the 2027 Open Call for the Creative Capital Award, Creative Capital will also select recipients for the new State of the Art Prize.

OVERVIEW:

Celebrating 25 years of national artist support, Creative Capital invites individual artists to apply for grants to create new works in the visual arts, performing arts (dance, theater, music/jazz), film, literature, technology, multidisciplinary, and socially engaged forms across all 50 states and territories. The 2027 Creative Capital Open Call will be the second year Creative Capital continues its goal to grant artists residing in all 50 states. See the complete list of 2026 Creative Capital Awards and 2026 Inaugural State of the Art Prize Artists in all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. in the press release.

Founded in 1999, our mission as a national nonprofit organization is to champion artistic freedom by providing grants and services to individual artists creating new work. The new State of the Art Prize is designed to help support more regional and rural artists, to invest in grassroots creative economies, and to foster a vibrant cultural landscape across the U.S. Both the Creative Capital Award and the State of the Art Prize support artists of all backgrounds at all career stages working across a range of disciplines, themes, and ideas.

Creative Capital Award

For the 2027 grant cycle, Creative Capital invites professional artists to propose experimental, original, bold new works in Visual Arts, Performing Arts (Dance, Theater, Music/Jazz), Film, and Literature. Multidisciplinary, technology, and/or socially engaged projects are welcome in all disciplinary categories. Creative Capital seeks new project proposals for formally and/or conceptually innovative works in all disciplines.

Creative Capital welcomes a full range of artistic approaches and thematic inquiries, including boundary-pushing formal explorations, as well as projects that engage urgent social issues of our time. Creative Capital also seeks new projects or works addressing subjects that Creative Capital has not previously funded.

The Creative Capital Award aims to support approximately 50 new artistic works in the following areas:

• Visual Arts: architecture & design, craft, drawing, ecological art, illustration, installation, painting, printmaking, performance art, photography, public art, sculpture, social practice, sound art, video art, technology, and socially-engaged visual art

• Performing Arts: dance, jazz, multimedia performance, music, music theater, opera, theater, playwriting, technology, and socially-engaged performing arts 

• Film: animation, documentary film, experimental film, and narrative film 

• Literature: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, plays (playwrights please submit under Performing Arts/Theater)

Creative Capital’s transformative giving approach is built on the principle that artists need funding as well as networks and advisory services in order to realize ambitious projects and build thriving careers. Recipients of the Creative Capital Award will receive grant funding, professional development services, and community-building opportunities. Awardees will also have access to the Creative Capital Artist Lab—suite of online professional development courses.

The State of the Art Prize – NEW!

Through the 2027 Open Call process for the Creative Capital Award, Creative Capital will also select recipients of the State of the Art Prize. Now in its second year, this new national initiative aims to recognize one artist residing in each U.S. state and inhabited territory with a $10,000 unrestricted grant per artist. All applicants to the 2027 Open Call will be automatically considered for the Creative Capital Award and the State of the Art Prize. Both grants follow the same application, external review process, and evaluation criteria; there is no separate application process. State of the Art Prize recipients will also have access to the Creative Capital Artist Lab—a suite of online professional development courses.

State of the Art Prize recipients may apply again to future open calls for the Creative Capital Award. However, artists who have already received the Creative Capital Award may not apply for the State of the Art Prize. Both the State of the Art Prize and the Creative Capital Award are one-time awards.

ELIGIBILITY:

• US citizen, permanent resident, Tribal ID holder, or O-1 visa holder at time of application

• At least 25 years old at time of application

• Working artist(s) with at least 5 years of professional artistic practice within their chosen discipline

• Applicant may not be enrolled in a degree-granting program at time of application

• May not apply to the Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant program in the same year

• May not have previously received a Creative Capital Award

• May not be an applicant or collaborator on more than one proposed project per year

• State of the Art Prize recipients must be a resident of the state they are awarded in through February 1, 2027. Prize recipients must verify their state or territory of residence in order to receive the grant.

Projects that are not eligible

• Projects whose main purpose is promotional

• Project is to fund ongoing operations of existing business or nonprofit organization 

• Curation or documentation of existing work

• Journalism projects and podcasts

• Educational projects intended for a student audience

• Children’s and young adult literature, and graphic novels

• Projects that will premiere or be completed before July 1, 2027

creative-capital.org/creative-capital-award/award-application

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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: ‘QUEER MYTHOLOGIES’

Foglifter

DEADLINE: April 15, 2026

INFO: As Foglifter revitalizes our website and digital production, we are interested in creating and holding space for works that may not fit within the constraints of our print edition. We are now accepting submissions for our new Online Exclusive Issue dedicated to showcasing queer voices across a wide spectrum of creative forms. 

As always, we are seeking art that aligns with our mission of promoting queer, transgressive, and original work. The themes will change from issue to issue. For 1.2, our theme is Queer Mythologies: a celebration of spirituality, folklore, and queer cosmologies. This open call seeks dreamlike, symbolic, and otherworldly explorations that reimagine mythology through a queer lens—queering gods and monsters, rewriting origin stories, and uncovering hidden lineages of desire, transformation, and devotion. 

We welcome interpretations of tarot, astrology, ritual, and divination that challenge binaries and expand spiritual narratives beyond the normative, embracing fluidity, mysticism, and personal myth-making. Submissions may be visual, textual, or hybrid, and should evoke a sense of the uncanny, the sacred, and the speculative—worlds where queerness is ancestral, cosmic, and divine.

Pieces must be original, unpublished work in genres including, but not limited to: poetry, fiction, nonfiction, drama, comics, visual art, scripts, and multimedia (video, audio, music, interactive pieces, experimental work, etc.) that align with the current issue’s theme.

This online exclusive issue will be published as a summer issue on our website. We’re especially interested in pieces that experiment with form, push boundaries, and reflect the complexity, joy, rage, beauty, and multiplicity of the queer experience.

WHY ONLINE EXCLUSIVE?

Our print publication has limits—page counts, dimensions, ink. This digital issue is a space without borders. We want to uplift work that can’t—or won’t—fit in print: multimedia projects, audio pieces, visual art, and performance pieces  that demand to be seen and heard in digital space.

General Submission Guidelines:

• We accept only first rights to publication.

• We do accept simultaneous submissions, however please withdraw pieces that have been accepted elsewhere.

• Please include a short bio, description of your work, any past publications, and applicable trigger warnings in your cover letter.

• Visual and [multi]media work must be web-viewable—please include links or uploads through Submittable and include content warnings if applicable

Genre Specific Guidelines

• Please submit up to 5 pieces

• For video and audio submissions, please limit to 5 minutes

• We accept art created via all mediums (except AI — if a submission is suspected or found to be AI generated, it will be declined and we will not consider your work in the future). This includes, but is not limited to, photography, painting, digital, ink, pencil, collage, etc.

• Acceptable file types: .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, .tif, .tiff, .png, .svg, .pdf, .doc, .docx, .txt, .rtf, .odt, .mp3, .m4a, .wav, .mp4, .mov, .avi, .mpg, .3gp, .wmv

• All applicable artworks submitted will be considered for cover art for the online exclusive issue

• We love experimental work, feel free to submit hybrid forms that blend genres

• For grant purposes, we cannot consider submissions that do not include a completed demographic survey with their submission

Foglifter aims to reflect the vibrant diversity of the LGBTQ+ literary community in our award-winning journal. Fill out our anonymized Demographics Survey to be considered for publication—then take a screenshot of the thank-you screen at the end and attach it along with your submission.

 foglifter.submittable.com/submit

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Sun and Zhang Family Distinguished Fellowship for AAPI Social Practice Artists of the American South

Hambidge Center

DEADLINE: April 15, 2026

APPLICATION FEE: $30 (If this represents a barrier to submitting an application, please contact our Office Manager at office@hambidge.org to discuss a waiver. The DEADLINE to request a fee waiver is four days before the application deadline.)

INFO: The Hambidge Center is pleased to announce the new Sun and Zhang Family Distinguished Fellowship for AAPI Social Practice Artists of the American South.

This merit-based award supports an Asian American Pacific Islander social practice artist working in the South or deeply rooted in the region, recognizing work that blends creative practice with meaningful community engagement. The selected Fellow will receive a two-week residency and a $700 stipend during the fall 2026 session.

RESIDENCY DATES: Fall (September - December)

ABOUT THE HAMBIDGE CENTER:

The Hambidge Center is situated on 600 forested acres in the mountains of north Georgia and offers miles of nature trails, meadows, waterfalls, a swimming hole and an abundance of wildflowers.

The oldest residency program in the Southeast, Hambidge provides a self-directed program that honors the creative process and trusts individuals to know what they need to cultivate their talent, whether it’s to work and produce, to think, to experiment or to rejuvenate. Residents’ time is their own; there are no workshops, critiques, nor required activities.

Each resident is given their own private studio which provides work and living space with a bathroom and full kitchen. The studios are designed to protect residents’ time, space and solitude.

Resident groups are intentionally kept small enough (8-10 people) to gather around the dinner table each evening, Tuesday through Friday, for delicious vegetarian meals prepared by our chef. These communal meals are an essential part of the Hambidge residency experience. Serious topics are discussed (and light-hearted ones, too), experiences are shared, and encouragement is given. Many a collaboration and life-long friendship have begun at the Hambidge dinner table.

Members of each resident group come from different walks of life and work in different creative disciplines; from musicians, culinary artisans and scientists, to visual artists, writers, dancers and arts & culture administrators. Each year, residents of all ages come to Hambidge from over 30 states across the U.S., as well as internationally.

Specialized equipment and facilities include the Antinori Pottery Studio, and a beautifully rebuilt turn-of-the-century Steinway grand piano housed in Garden Studio.

ACCESSIBILITY: Hambidge offers two ADA-compliant studios: Brena Studio and Cove Studio. Our dining and common areas can be navigated, but are not yet fully compliant. There are no sidewalks or paved areas; the connecting driveways are gravel and uneven. If you come to Hambidge without a car, the on-campus studios will require a walk to get to Lucinda’s Rock House. On average, the studios are 0.3 miles from the Rock House with a 157-elevation gain, walking on a gravel road with uneven terrain. For more information, please contact our Office Manager at 706-746-7324.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU APPLY:

• The studios are comfortable, but rustic and secluded. They are purposely simple, and most are out of sight of each other and somewhat isolated. 

• We are located in a forested environment. Residents should expect to occasionally encounter wildlife and insects – and sometimes the insects are inside the studios. 

• It is very dark at night. There are no street lights or ambient light, other than the moon and stars.

• Due to our remote location, there is no cell service at Hambidge. Each studio has a phone for emergency, local and incoming calls. 

• To encourage focused creativity, there is no internet in the studios. WiFi is available 24 hours a day in the communal space of Lucinda's Rock House.

Please thoroughly read the Guidelines, Application Instructions, and our FAQs before submitting your application.

ELIGIBILITY: Qualified applicants must feel they have achieved a level of excellence within their discipline. We are looking for applicants whose creative practice is a professional practice and not a hobby. It is not required that your creative career is your only career, or that you make your livelihood doing it. We seek applications from emerging and mid-career creatives, as well as from those who are established with national and/or international reputations.

Applications for residency are judged primarily on the quality of submitted work samples and professional promise. Hambidge accepts approximately 170 artists each year. There are no publication, exhibition, or performance requirements contingent on a Hambidge residency.

The Hambidge Center encourages creative professionals of all backgrounds to apply for admission. We celebrate varied ideas, world views, and personal characteristics, and are committed to being an organization that welcomes and respects everyone regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, race, religion, philosophical or political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, geographic origin, and socioeconomic status.

RETURNING FELLOWS: Returning Fellows must submit a new application with recent work samples in the appropriate category of their discipline. After attending a Hambidge residency, Fellows must wait 2 years before returning. For instance, if you were in residence during the 2022 Summer Session, you may apply to return for the 2024 Summer Session.

RESIDENCY FEE:

• The residency fee is $300 per week.

• Note: the actual cost of a residency is $2250/wk. Every year, the Hambidge Center raises funds to supplement $1950 for every residency week, leaving each resident with only the $300/wk fee.

Funding
Hambidge offers several merit-based Distinguished Fellowships which remove the fees for a two-week residency and provide a $700 stipend. Available Distinguished Fellowships vary from session to session and are listed in each session's application. Unless otherwise noted, they are reserved for first-time residents. The list of previously awarded Distinguished Fellowships can be seen here.

Financial Aid
Hambidge offers limited financial aid scholarships to accepted residents. The average award amount is $250, with a maximum award of $500. In an average year, aid is awarded to 35% of those who requst it; resulting in 8% of all residents receiving some financial aid.

Upon acceptance to the program, applicants requesting financial aid will have five days to complete the required forms and may be asked to submit last year's tax return or other confirmation. International applicants will be asked to complete a questionnaire instead of providing a tax return.

ADMISSION PANELS: Applications in each discipline are reviewed by panels of three esteemed peers within that discipline. Panel membership is rotated frequently.

LENGTH OF STAY: Applicants may request stays between two weeks and eight weeks. Residents arrive on Tuesday and depart on Sunday. Residencies of one week are available to Arts & Culture Administrator applicants and Culinary applicants ONLY. Eight-week residencies will only be scheduled in the Fall and Spring Sessions. The maximum length of residencies awarded in Summer Session is four weeks. Because of differing lengths of individual stays, residents will arrive and depart on varying schedules.

CREATIVE DISCILPLINES:

Hambidge accepts applications in the following disciplines:

• ARTS & CULTURE ADMINISTRATION - including proposals for professional projects and/or personal creative projects by administrators working for arts, culture or environmental organizations, or independently (a freelance curator, for example). It is not a requirement that the organization be a non-profit, however it must be an organization that works with or assists other people or produces public projects.

• CERAMICS - including functional and sculptural

• CULINARY ARTS - including recipe development, cookbook writing, food writing, food styling, food photography, and food preservation

• DANCE - including choreography, performance, and theory

• MUSIC - including composition, performance, vocal, and theory, in all genres of music

• SCIENCE - this residency offers scientists in any branch of science a place to write and/or organize research

• VISUAL ARTS - including book arts, conceptual art, design, drawing, environmental art, fiber arts, film & video, installation arts, metalworking, mixed media, multimedia art, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and woodworking

• Note: We do not have darkroom, sculpture/woodworking, or printmaking facilities, but provide exploration space for artists working in those disciplines. Those working in wood or metal must bring their own tools and machinery.

• WRITING - including academic scholarship, criticism, fiction, history, poetry, journalism, nonfiction, philosophy, playwriting, screenwriting, storytelling

• Multidisciplinary
  If your proposal combines PROFESSIONAL expertise in more than one discipline, you will be asked to indicate the other discipline(s) that should be considered in the JUDGING of your proposal. Make sure your proficiency in each discipline is demonstrated in your submitted work samples. Expert jurors from all the indicated disciplines will be asked to judge your submission at an expert level.
  
  Examples: a journalist creating both written and photographic content; a graphic novelist; a ceramicist writing a guide to glazes. NOT, for example, a visual artist exploring scientific themes in their work.
  
  NOTE: Don't weaken your application by including secondary, less expert work samples. If, for example, you are a dancer who intends to dance during your residency, but also enjoys painting, you may dance and paint if you're accepted at Hambidge without saying you are Multidisciplinary and without including paintings in your work samples.

REFERENCES: Hambidge no longer requires letters of recommendation as part of the application materials.

COLLABORATIONS: Collaborative couples and groups must submit the Slideroom application specific to Collaborations. EACH MEMBER of the collaboration must ALSO complete this form before the deadline in order for your application to be complete.

COUPLES: Non-collaborating couples who wish to be in residence together must submit individual applications. They may request concurrent residency dates and choose whether or not to share studio/living space. The acceptance of one partner does NOT guarantee the acceptance of the other. No other provisions are made for partners.

CHILDREN: Hambidge has hosted several residents accompanied by their children. We are still developing our parental program, but we are quite willing to work with applicants to find the best timing and to recommend part-time childcare for their stay. Before you submit an application, read more about our Parental Residencies.

hambidge.org/guidelines-apply

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2026 TPS Dreamers Internship Program

Tyler Perry Studios | 📍Atlanta, GA

DEADLINE: April 17, 2026

INFO: TPS DREAMERS is a paid program where you can receive college credit for your experience. Participants will gain work experience as well as meet professionals who are available as excellent contacts and mentors. You will be able to apply classroom and textbook knowledge to real life atmospheres.

Tyler Perry Studios is committed to providing a solid learning foundation for TPS DREAMERS. This program allows participants to receive first-hand knowledge of the rewards and challenges of working for a multi-faceted entertainment company.

Participants will learn about TPS’s long and short-term goals and objectives, as well as gain an introductory experience into both the corporate and television production arenas.

QUICK FACTS:

• Program Length: 7 weeks (Mid-June through early August)

• Application Launch: March 20th

• Application Deadline: April 17th, 11:59PM EST

• Location: Tyler Perry Studios (Atlanta, GA)

• Time Commitment: At least 40 hrs/week for 7 weeks

• Curriculum: Participants will rotate between roles in Production, Studio Operations, Accounting, Development, Post Production, Social/Digital Media, IT, Art/Graphic Design, Legal, Wardrobe… and more.

• College Credit: Available with proper documentation

• Field Trip: 1 per program

• Fireside Chats: Every Friday with TPS Guest Speaker

• Compensation: $18/hour

TIMELINE:

Week 1

• Welcome/HR Orientation (Policies, Procedures, Start Paperwork, Safety, Sexual Harassment)

• Studio Tour

• Department Assignments

• TPS DREAMERS will shadow the assistants in each department while learning processes.

Week 2-6

• TPS DREAMERS will continue shadowing the assistants in each department while learning processes.

• EOW - Status Report (Discuss Improvements/ Strengths/ Weakness/ Ways We can Support).

Week 7

• TPS DREAMERS will continue shadowing the assistants in each department while learning processes.

• Will put together the "End of Program Project".

dreamers.tylerperrystudios.com/program-details/

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2027 Writers-in-residence program

Hedgebrook

DEADLINE: April 17, 2026

APPLICATION FEE: $45

INFO: Hedgebrook’s Writer-in-Residence Program supports women-identified writers,18 and older, from all over the world for residencies of two or three weeks. The cottage, all meals, and the entire residency experience at Hedgebrook are free to selected writers. Travel is not included and is the responsibility of the writer to arrange and pay for. Up to 6 writers can be in residence at a time, each housed in their own handcrafted cottage. Days are spent 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.

GENRES:

• Fiction

• Non-Fiction

• Playwriting

• Poetry

• Screenwriting/TV

hedgebrook.org/writers-in-residence

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2026-2027 Baldwin Fellowship Program

Baldwin for the Arts

DEADLINE: April 18, 2026

APPLICATION FEE: $15

INFO: The mission of Baldwin For The Arts is to support the creation of art reflecting the lived experiences of African, Asian, Caribbean, Indigenous, Hispanic/ Latino/a/x, and dual-heritage backgrounds at no cost to the artists.

Exclusively devoted to people of the Global Majority, Baldwin For The Arts is committed to cultivating creative liberation for literary, visual, performing, and interdisciplinary artists. Baldwin Fellowships cover all residency costs for accepted artists including transportation, living accommodations, a private workspace, and daily meals prepared by a local chef.

The term “Global Majority” is a positive (re)framing of diverse and historically marginalized communities. Rather than view people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Indigenous, Hispanic/Latino/a/x, and dual-heritage backgrounds as minorities, the term recognizes that ‘Globally’ these populations are the Majority.

At this time, we are not accepting international applications. We encourage you to frequent our Instagram account and subscribe to our website to receive newsletters and stay informed about future updates and opportunities.

Emerging and established artists of the Global Majority who specialize in the following disciplines are encouraged to apply:

• Literature: All genres.

• Performance: All disciplines which are performed in front of a live audience, including theater, music composition, and dance.

• Visual: All art forms that use paint, canvas or various materials to create physical or static art objects including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, video, and filmmaking (includes documentary, narrative, and experimental projects).

• Interdisciplinary: All projects that use multiple disciplines, such as science, technology, literature, philosophy, to create new and unique artistic experiences.

baldwinforthearts.org

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Request For Proposals: The Building Bridges Documentary Fund

Center for Asian American Media x Doris Duke Foundation

DEADLINE: April 26, 2026 at 11:59pm PT

INFO: The Building Bridges Documentary Fund is for independent documentary films about the Muslim experience in the United States. The Fund’s goal is to support non-fiction U.S. Muslim short and feature documentaries and series that contribute to a fuller spectrum of unseen narratives about the vast U.S.-Muslim population. 

Consider the diversity of the U.S Muslim population. According to the Pew Research Center in 2023-2024 Muslims in the United States identified as:

• 30% White and/or Asian

• 20%  Black

• 11% Hispanic

• 8%  Other or Multiracial

• 21% of Muslims are born in the U.S. or have at least one parent born in the U.S.

• 33% of U.S. Muslims live in the South, followed by Northeast (29%), Midwest (20%), West (18%).

The Building Bridges Documentary Fund is supported by the Building Bridges Program of the Doris Duke Foundation. CAAM is honored to be a part of this multi-year journey with our colleagues in the Program: the Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF), Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) Hollywood Bureau, and the Sundance Institute. 

CAAM is also collaborating with the independent filmmaking community to provide support for workshops on various aspects of sustainable filmmaking practices. 

We encourage filmmakers at all levels–emerging, mid-career or veteran–to apply with projects that are feature-length, shorts, or episodic series. Awards will range between $10,000 to $100,000.

The Building Bridges Documentary Fund will support the following project phases with the stated range of possible funding :

1. Research & Development ($10K to $25K)

2. Production ($50K to $100K)

3. Post-production ($50K to $100K)

For further assistance regarding the application process including any accessibility issues, reach out to buildingbridges[at]caamedia[dot]org (buildingbridges@caamedia.org) with any questions about your project’s eligibility. 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Project must be about the U.S. Muslim experience. Meaning: The project is anchored by illuminating a U.S. Muslim story, community protagonist(s) etc. Note: There is no percentage of footage requirement that must be filmed in the U.S., but if your project is filmed predominantly overseas you must explain in your story summary why and how the international elements widen the aperture of the U.S.-Muslim point-of-view. 

• Applicants must hold artistic, budgetary and editorial control and must own the copyright of the proposed project.

• Applicants must be 18 years of age, be citizens or legal residents of the United States or its territories.

• All projects in the post-production phase or further must have a full-length rough or fine cut to be considered. 

• All projects in production phase must include a maximum 15-minute sample of the project that is being submitted

• All projects in R&D must at minimum include a visual deck if you do not yet have a 15 minute visual sample made.

• If this is your first media project, you must provide a video sample that demonstrates your ability to tell a story well through a visual medium.

• In some cases, CAAM may require a Fiscal Sponsor, which is a non-profit 501(c)(3) IRS tax-exempt entity. Your sponsor would agree to accept funds from CAAM on your behalf and is responsible for redistributing funds to the project accordingly.

• Only one proposal per applicant will be accepted.

Projects NOT eligible (See our Q&A page for further information):

• Projects that do not center the U.S. Muslim experience, story, community and/or protagonist(s). 

• Your project already has distribution and/or has been accepted into a festival.

• Thesis projects or student films which are co- or solely-owned or copy-written, or otherwise editorially or fiscally controlled by the school.

• Projects or production entities which are foreign-based, owned or controlled.

• Industrial or promotional projects.

• Projects previously awarded $100,000. Building Bridges caps funding for a single project at $100,000. If you have previously applied to the fund- you are only eligible for the difference. You are not eligible to apply again if the film was previously awarded $100,000.

Our funding process will use the following guidelines in awarding funds:

• Does this project focus on the experience of U.S. Muslims? Is the story idea compelling, engaging, original and well-conceived?

• Is the visual/ stylistic treatment effective and distinctive?

• Can the project be completed within a realistic timeline based on the applicant’s production and fundraising plans, personnel and budget?

• Will the project appeal not only to U.S. Muslim viewers, but also to a broader audience?

• Does the sample demonstrate the skills and/ or potential of the applicant to complete the proposed project?

• What is the team’s connection to the film project and protagonists?

• Why is the team best suited to tell this story and produce this project?

caamedia.submittable.com/submit

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(Egg)celerator Lab

Chick & Egg Films

DEADLINES / FEES:

• Early-bird: April 1, 2026 at 11:59pm ET / $20

• Final: April 29, 2026 at 11:59pm ET / $35

INFO: Founded in 2016, this program supports nonfiction filmmakers or filmmaking teams working on their first or second feature-length documentary.

In this year-long program, 9 filmmakers will receive:

• $40,000 USD in grant funding for the production of their feature-length film

• Mentorship with Chicken & Egg Films team members

• Two creative retreats focused on career building and creative development

• Travel stipend for director and producer upon acceptance to a forum or market during program year

• Tailored industry meetings and funder connections

• Peer support from their cohort

(Egg)celerator Lab is generously supported by the New York Community Trust, and through general operating support from our wonderful community of donors and grantmakers.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY:

Filmmakers must meet the following criteria:

• Must identify as a woman (cis or trans) or gender-expansive director.

  • Our working definition of gender-expansive is that it is an umbrella term that includes any person whose gender identity or gender expression does not comply with the socially defined gender norms and roles of their culture. This includes, but is not limited to, non-binary, trans, third gender/two-spirit, and agender individuals). Please refer to our gender expansion page for more information.

• Be directing their first or second feature-length (48 minutes or longer) documentary film (hybrid docs are eligible). See the FAQ for Chicken & Egg’s definitions of first-time and second-time directors.

• Be based anywhere in the world (except for countries/regions which are under comprehensive US sanctions. Further information about US sanctions can be found here).

PROJECT ELIGIBILITY:

Projects must meet the following criteria: 

• Must be a documentary or nonfiction film - hybrid documentaries are eligible. VR, interactive, branded content, or fiction films are not eligible.

  • Our evolving definition of a hybrid documentary is a film that incorporates fictional or scripted elements as a formal device in which it is clear to the viewer which elements are fiction and which are not. The incorporation of fictionalized elements is used as a way to further explore the main themes of the film or even question the nature of ‘fact’ and ‘reality’. Externally the finished film should be intended to be programmed and characterized in the press as documentary or hybrid documentary film, and not as a narrative/fiction film. We do not consider narrative memoir, speculative fiction, or docudramas (dramas that are based on a true story) as hybrid documentaries.

• Must be intended as a feature-length (48 minutes or longer) film. Short / medium-length films or series are not eligible.

• Must be in early to mid-production at the time of applying. We recommend that you have between 10-60% of your anticipated footage shot by the date of application.

• Must be independently produced. Works-for-hire are not eligible, and student films produced in an undergraduate or graduate program are also not eligible.

You do not need a fiscal sponsor to apply for the (Egg)celerator Lab. However, if you are selected for the Lab, you must secure a US fiscal sponsor, or be a 501(c)(3), to receive the funds. If granted, we can help advise on finding a fiscal sponsor. We require prompt response upon communication of results. If granted, there is a 12-week period following notification in which you must secure a fiscal sponsor, and the grant must be disbursed within 2027.

For more information on eligibility, please download this Program & Application Guide and review the FAQs.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

Priority will be given to films committed to creating social change and/or uplifting underrepresented stories that challenge mainstream narratives. We support a broad range of issues from the personal to the political that explore a variety of artistic approaches, such as personal, experimental, animated, essayistic, archival, and beyond.

• Subject Matter and Positionality: The project explores compelling and clear subject matters, themes, and questions, with an awareness of their relevance to our current moment. The story and/or approach aligns with Chicken & Egg Films’ mission and challenges mainstream narratives, conversations, or perceptions. The director demonstrates critical thinking and reflects on their own perspective and biases regarding the subject matter and approach. 

• Story and Concept: The film features a clear and compelling narrative trajectory or concept, including character arcs where applicable. The director acknowledges the elements that remain unknown and outlines how they will address these gaps. They express a vision for weaving together various elements and arcs into a cohesive and engaging feature. 

• Artistic Approach: The project shows a distinct and compelling creative vision which conveys a confident directorial voice. The work sample reflects the intended story, style, subject matter, and other project elements. The sample evokes an emotional response and conveys a tone that enhances the storytelling, demonstrating strong use of visuals, sound, music, pacing, and editing. 

• Feasibility: The application outlines realistic and appropriate activities and a timeline that aligns with the film’s concept and artistic vision. It includes a carefully considered fundraising plan, and the budget is appropriate, reflecting the needs of the proposed activities and timeline.

• Access and Accountability: The director articulates their access and connection to the story, its participants, and the community involved. They welcome and integrate community feedback and thoughtfully implement processes for accountability that consider physical, mental, cultural safety and beyond. Furthermore, the director reflects on the potential impacts and consequences of the filmmaking process on participants, audiences, crew, and other stakeholders during and after filming. 

WORK SAMPLES:

Current Work Sample

The current work sample should meet the following criteria:

• Length: Should be 7-20 minutes of material from the project with which you are applying. We encourage you to not spend extra resources creating a brand new sample for this application if you already have one you have used to apply to other grants/programs. If your current sample is longer than the maximum length of 20 minutes, you can provide timecodes for the portion of the sample you would like reviewers to watch and that best reflects your intended style and approach.

• Content: Can consist of a combination of the following:

  • 2–3 scene selects/excerpts

  • character strands

  • trailer/teaser/sizzle reel 

  • Note: A trailer alone is neither eligible nor competitive: the sample must contains scenes/character strand, as the work sample is used to evaluate your ability to construct the story.

  • Scenes/excerpts do not need to be in chronological order, so put your strongest material first and separate scenes with title cards. Reviewers are required to watch up to the first 10 minutes in the first round. Work samples will be viewed in full in subsequent rounds.

Prior Work Sample

The purpose of a prior work sample is to give us a sense of the director’s visual style, storytelling ability, ambition, and follow-through. We encourage you to prioritize submitting documentary/nonfiction as prior work.

First-time feature directors:

• Prior work sample is optional

• Prior work sample can be of any length or genre, but should be something that you have directed or co-directed

• Do not include commercial work or PSAs as prior work 

Second-time feature directors:

• Must submit the first feature-length documentary film that you directed or co-directed as your prior work

• You can optionally submit 2 additional prior works (of any length or genre) that you have directed or co-directed (this includes student films)

Co-directing teams (first-time/second-time director + more experienced director):

• The prior work sample submitted should be work from the woman or gender-expansive director who is directing their first or second feature documentary.

APPLICATION

The majority of the questions are based on the Nonfiction Core Application 3.1, with a few additional questions included. 

Click here to watch the recording of our the informational webinar and Q&A session we hosted on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

To begin an application:

• Review application guide and checklist: 2027 (Egg)celerator Lab Program & Application Guide 

• Create new or log in to existing SurveyMonkey Apply Account: https://chickeneggfilms.smapply.us/ 

• Confirm Eligibility: After you click-into the (Egg)celerator Lab program, click on the ‘Apply’ button. The first step of the application process is an eligibility check. Complete the questionnaire to confirm you meet all requirements to apply. If you are eligible, you will be able to move forward with filling out the rest of the application. You will receive an email notifying you if you are ineligible.

• Submit application: Fill out and submit your application via the platform either by the early-bird deadline (April 1, 11:59pm EDT), or by the regular deadline of Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT. Late applications will not be accepted for any reason. You must submit your application via the platform by the deadline, otherwise you must wait until the next open call in a year.

Accessibility Request: If you require technical assistance to navigate the application platform due to a disability, please contact egglab_opencall@chickeneggfilms.org. We kindly ask that you make your request for assistance as soon as possible, and no later than Wednesday, April 22, 2026 to allow adequate time for staff to support you before the deadline.

chickeneggfilms.org/programs/egg-celerator-lab

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emerging filmmakers grant

Pentimenti

DEADLINE: April 30, 2026

INFO: Pentimenti is pleased to announce the re-opening of the Pentimenti Grant for Emerging Filmmakers. This grant endeavors to support work by up-and-coming women, non-binary, and/or LGBTQ+ filmmakers. In keeping with Pentimenti’s mission, the project must pertain to art or artists in some way, although they needn’t necessarily be a documentary. Last cycle, Pentimenti awarded four grants to filmmakers Niya Leigh, Maya Horton, Alexandra Antoine, and Amber Nolan.

The recipient of the Emerging Filmmakers Grant will receive $2000 to spend on their film project, consultations with Pentimenti staff, and a spotlight feature on Pentimenti’s communication channels. The grant will be awarded by an appointed jury. Please find more information about grant specifics, eligibility requirements, and other details on the official grant application page.

GRANT SPECIFICS:

The awardee of the Pentimenti Emerging Filmmakers Grant will receive:

• $2,000 to use toward a film or video project. Please note: funds must be spent on the production of the project itself, as opposed to non-production costs like marketing or promotion. Funds will be distributed in full at the beginning of the grant term.

• Three creative consultations with Pentimenti staff over the duration of the grant term. The grantee will maintain complete control over their project.

• One feedback session with the Pentimenti Emerging Filmmakers Grant jury members.

• A spotlight feature on each of Pentimenti’s communication channels, including website, newsletter, and social media.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicants must be 18+. Students are welcome to apply.

• Applicant must reside in the U.S., or attend college or university here.

• Applicant must be a woman, non-binary, and/or LGBTQ+ filmmaker.

• Project must be a film or video that focuses on art or artists.

• Project can be documentary, fiction, hybrid, or experimental.

• Project can be collaborative, but applicant must serve as the director.

• There is no maximum or minimum project length, although preference will be given to films that seem feasible and realistic in scope.

• The grant is intended for emerging, up-and-coming filmmakers, meaning applicants should have a background in and prior experience with filmmaking, but should not have extensive filmmaking accomplishments, such as multiple feature film projects completed in a principal role, significant partnerships with producers and distributors, multiple major film festival appearances or awards/accolades, broad exhibition or distribution, and significant critical or commercial success.

GRANT TERM: The term of the grant is intended to span one year. At the end of the grant term, the grantee is expected to screen their project for Pentimenti staff, although the project does not have to be completed. The grantee will also be responsible for producing a short report describing how they used the grant funds, including any and all pertinent receipts.

pentimentiproductions.org/grant

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Martha MOCA ARTIST Residency

MarthaMOCA |📍Lambertville, NJ

DEADLINE: April 30, 2026

INFO: MarthaMOCA provides one-month residencies for artists of all disciplines. Residents are given use of a fully furnished private live/work space- with a studio, bathroom, & kitchen on the ground floor and a lofted bedroom and living space above. The residency comes with a $500 stipend. Residents are free to enjoy our 40 acre property; with walking paths through the woods, a tranquil pond, lap pool when in season, and garden. Because we are in a rural setting, it is preferable for residents to bring a vehicle. 

There are no requirements to create or produce work while in residence; we encourage artists to use their time as best suits their own process. The towns of Lambertville, New Hope, and Frenchtown are nearby and supply necessary amenities.  The closest train station is Hamilton Station via NJ Transit, and the closest airports are Newark and Philadelphia. NYC is a 1.5 hour drive away, and Philadelphia is 45 min. 

Application submissions will be accepted for September and October 2026 residencies from April 1-30th 2026. We typically make a decision by mid May. All applicants will be emailed a response then. 

docs.google.com/forms/d/13Di_jeh4ddjHW4obfY7knjoWMdUJNbkYg9IuyMJSkh0/viewform?edit_requested=true

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WRITERS MENTORING PROGRAM

Paramount |📍Los Angeles, CA

DEADLINE: May 1, 2026 at 11:59pm PST

INFO: Paramount's Writers Mentoring Program offers an eight-month opportunity for writers. It focuses on building relationships, improving writing skills, and developing essential interpersonal and industry "soft skills."

Participants in the program will work with executive mentors from Paramount to create a new writing sample. Weekly workshop-style meetings will be held for 16 weeks, featuring showrunners and industry professionals such as agents, managers, and executives. Mentees will also have the opportunity to participate in a half-day mock writers room experience in a supportive setting.

MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

Each participant will have help in creating a rigorous career action plan and there will be on-going support in evaluating and achieving those goals. Another important benefit of the program is the development of a close-knit peer support group that will sustain participants through the program and beyond, as well as a supportive and vibrant alumni community.

It has been found that in order to derive the greatest benefit from the program, participants should be available to:

• attend a once a week (evening) workshop

• attend a half day mock writers room and

• have ongoing interaction with their mentors via zoom, phone, in-person, or email. Program is designed so that participants can continue with their existing work commitments. 

PLEASE NOTE: The Paramount Writers Mentoring Program is not employment and there is no monetary compensation. It is, instead, a structured program of career development, support, and personal access to executives and the decision-making processes, with the goal of preparing aspiring writers for later employment opportunities in television. Aspiring writers with a strong desire to write for Paramount television series are encouraged to apply. You must be 21 or older and able to work in the United States to be eligible.

TIMELINE: Any submissions received before April 1st or after May 1st, 2026 will not be considered. No hand delivered submissions will be accepted. Finalists will be notified in late Fall (or such later date as may be determined by Paramount). The program is scheduled to begin in October 2026 and continues through April 2027. Paramount reserves the right to adjust the program schedule as necessary.

FAQs:

What writing samples are appropriate for submission?

Two writing samples are required. The original work can be an original pilot, a one act stage play or a short fiction story. Short film scripts will not be accepted. We request that your original sample be similar in tone to the spec sample. The short fiction piece should be approximately 3,000 words. Spec scripts should be a half hour or hour episode based on a primetime drama or comedy series which aired or was released, during the 2024 - 2026 seasons and was broadcast on a network, cable or streamer.

I don’t work or live in the United States, am I eligible to apply to this Program?

Yes, however, Paramount does not provide any travel or accommodation reimbursement. You must also have a work visa.

Where is the program being held?

The program is held in person in Los Angeles, and all participants will need to be close to Los Angeles for the duration of the program (January 2027 to the end of April 2027) in order to participate in program activities. As stated above, participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.

What is the duration of the program and the required time commitment?

The program is expected to run approximately eight months, beginning in October. Program hours and activities will vary, but regular meetings with mentors and fellow program members are an intrinsic part of the program and may require a time commitment of up to twenty hours a month.

How many participants will be chosen?

In order to enhance the Program experience there will be up to 4 participants selected each year.

How are the matches made between the program participants and mentors?

Matches are made based on career interests and mentor availability. Finalists will meet with two potential mentors.

How long should my letter of interest be?

One page double spaced, no smaller than 12 point font.

paramount.com/writers-mentoring-program

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Fred Rogers Productions Writers' Neighborhood

DEADLINE: May 2, 2026 at 12:00am PT

INFO: The Fred Rogers Productions Writers' Neighborhood for emerging writers focuses on how to build and sustain a career as a freelance writer in children's media. Program participants will learn from the current writers, story editors, head writers, and producers working on the children's series FRP currently produces for PBS KIDS, including Donkey Hodie, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, and Alma's Way, as well as other top industry creatives.

We look forward to bringing in a diverse group of talent because building one's career is not just about "who you know," but also "who knows you."

FRP values the enrichment that results from working with partners having diverse experiences and backgrounds. Accordingly, BIPOC writers and writers who are members of other traditionally underrepresented communities in the children’s media industry are encouraged to apply.

PROGRAM GOALS FOR FRP WRITERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD:

Help to bring new voices and perspectives to children’s media by seeking out and providing training and support to new and emerging writers as they build freelance careers.

• The nine-week intensive program will focus on expanding the fellows' professional development:

1. Help writers understand the landscape of children’s media in the U.S.

2. Fellows will begin to structure or polish their brand as a freelance writer (in terms of presentingtheir portfolio in person and via social media)

   • Resumé polishing assistance

   • Templates for emails for introducing themselves, pitching for a job, and follow-up from an in-person meeting at an event

3. Master the art of networking

4. Gain a better understanding of the overall production process

5. Understand the creative structure of a show —what head writers and producers look for when seeking new writers through case studies of FRP’s series

6. Improve pitching skills (coaching for introducing themselves virtually or in person)

7. Learn the voice of a new show and writing for different genres (e.g., animation, live-action, puppets)

8. Gain insights from other leading industry creatives including head writers, producers, and executives

• In addition, writers who complete the program will receive:

1. Group meet-ups with FRP staff and guest experts for six months (virtually)

2. Mentorship from an expert in children's media (three, 45-minute sessions)

3. An invitation to pitch to write for an FRP show (within one year of completing the program)

4. A membership to an industry association

• FRP will also:

1. Offer participants an honorarium and pay for travel and accommodations to Pittsburgh, PA

2. Publicize writers to our network through social media, direct email, in-person social events, etc.

3. Host a virtual panel with participants after the program is completed

SUBMISSION MATERIALS*

• The candidate's basic information (including their name and age), up-to-date contact information (including an email address, address, and phone numbers)

• A copy of the candidate's resumé; NO PHOTOS PLEASE

• A reply of 400 words or less for two prompts

• An original writing sample

*See FAQs for more details about the submission materials.

writersneighborhood.fredrogers.org

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Documentary Lab Open Call

Firelight Media

DEADLINE: May 4, 2026

INFO: The Documentary Lab is Firelight Media’s longest-running artist program. This 12-month fellowship is designed to nurture filmmakers of color working on their first or second non-fiction feature film. The Documentary Lab provides holistic support for fellows’ projects and careers through professional development, customized mentorship, and a $25,000 project grant. Throughout the fellowship, filmmakers build a network within the documentary ecosystem, connecting with Firelight alumni and forging industry relationships across the field.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW: The Firelight Media Documentary Lab is a 12-month fellowship program that supports filmmakers of color in the United States in directing their first or second feature-length documentary film. The Documentary Lab provides filmmakers with a $25,000 grant toward their projects as well as customized mentorship from prominent leaders in the documentary industry, professional development, and networking opportunities.

In 2026, the Documentary Lab will only accept projects in post-production. In an effort to be responsive to the changing landscape in the documentary field, all the projects in the fellowship will be aligned at a similar stage, allowing the 12-month program to focus on story development and project feedback to help move films significantly closer to completion.

Filmmakers should be prepared to have intentional conversations about how to reach their ideal audiences and be strategic about moving their films out into the world. Competitive applicants will be making artful and innovative documentary films that focus on stories about communities of color, offering new narratives about the most pressing issues of our time. All types of long-form documentary projects – historical, investigative, personal, vérité, hybrid, and experimental – are eligible for the Documentary Lab program.

Over the last decade, the Documentary Lab has grown from a mentorship program into a robust talent incubator that has supported approximately 150 emerging filmmakers of color and granted over $2.3 million toward productions. The fellowship brings together a cohesive cohort and connects them to an extraordinary community of Firelight Media alumni, while also building relationships across the independent documentary field.

The timeline and eligibility guidelines for the upcoming Fellowship are below.

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES:

• Only the director of the film is eligible to apply and participate in the program. Co-directors may participate if they meet all eligibility requirements. If you’re applying with your co-director, please indicate that in your application. We cannot accept more than 2 directors per project.

• This program is intended for filmmakers of color based in the United States or U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. Samoa, Guam/Northern Mariana Islands).

• The project must be a long-form/feature-length documentary; the fellowship does not accept short documentaries, series, or fiction projects.

• Applicants must be emerging documentary filmmakers directing their first or second feature-length documentary.

• New for 2026: We are only accepting films that are in POST-PRODUCTION. The film must be a work in progress. Completed films, or films in development, production, or pre-production, are not eligible. Be sure to review FAQs if you have further questions regarding your eligibility.

FILMMAKERS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE SUPPORT THROUGH ANY OF FIRELIGHT MEDIA’S ARTIST PROGRAMS IF:

• The filmmaker is applying with a project that is a student film or related to ongoing coursework.

• The filmmaker is re-applying to a program they previously received support from.

• The filmmaker is contracted with another Firelight Media artist program and has not completed the final deliverables by the time they are selected for this program.

• The filmmaker is employed by Firelight Media, Firelight Films, or is a member of the board of directors.

• The filmmaker does not hold the majority of the intellectual property of the film.

APPLICATION TIMELINE:

• Monday, May 4, 2026 - Application Open Call Ends (The Submittable application will automatically close at 11:59 PM ET on Monday, May 4, 2026. No late submissions accepted.)

• May-July 2026 - Two Rounds of Application Review & Advisory Board Panel Meeting

• August 2026 - Finalist Interviews & Final Notifications

• September 2026 - Cohort Orientation

• September 2027 - End of program

firelightmedia.tv/documentary-lab

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Tulsa Artist Fellowship

📍Tulsa, OK

DEADLINE: May 7, 2026 at 6:00 pm CT

INFO: Tulsa Artist Fellowship supports artists as vital contributors to Tulsa’s cultural life.

We invest in long-term creative practice, offering artists the time, resources, and community to develop ambitious work rooted in Tulsa.

Our approach is artist-centered and flexible, grounded in the understanding that meaningful creative work takes time—and that artists thrive when trusted to define their own paths.

Tulsa Artist Fellowship is a place-based, durational award supporting visionary artists and arts workers across disciplines.

Open to artists and arts workers with at least five years of field experience, the Fellowship selects up to ten awardees, who will be announced live on November 6 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Each awardee is provided a comprehensive support package that includes a $150,000 stipend, housing support, fully subsidized studio space, and access to shared art-making facilities.

Awardees commit to developing ambitious, community-engaged work that contributes to Tulsa’s cultural life and advances the Fellowship’s mission to support independent arts practitioners.

Program details may evolve to best support participating artists and the Fellowship’s mission.

Competitive applications will demonstrate:

• A rigorous and innovative arts practice

• A meaningful connection to making work in Tulsa

• A forward-thinking, achievable project with strong community engagement and impact

AWARD STRUCTURE:

Each Fellow is supported through a comprehensive three-year award package designed to strengthen artistic development, stability, and well-being.

Financial Support

• $150,000 project development and artistic practice stipend (over 3 years)

• $36,000 housing support (over 3 years)

• $1,500 studio move-in stipend

• $3,600 studio assistant support (over 3 years)

• $3,600 health and wellness support (over 3 years)

Community & Connection

• Cohort gatherings and shared meals

• Open studio events and public programs

• Opportunties to engage with visiting arts professionals

Studio Workspace

• Access to a fully subsidized private studio (337–583 sq ft)

• Shared facilities include a ceramics studio with kilns, a woodshop, metal equipment, a media lab, an archival printer, a roof terrace, a performance rehearsal space, a podcast recording studio, and meeting rooms with video and audio capabilities
  (Estimated value: $36,000 over 3 years)

Wellness & Care

• YMCA membership for household

• Caregiver reimbursements for key Fellowship activities

APPLICATION MATERIALS:

All applications are completed online and free to submit. Detailed instructions are provided in the application portal.

• Basic information, including contact details, residence, citizenship, identity, and household information

• Artistic background, including resume/CV, website, social media platforms, biography (up to 250 words), and collaborator information
  (Collaborators must submit individual applications)

• Artistic Practice Statement (up to 500 words) and Fellowship Statement (up to 500 words)

• Three-year project proposal, including project title, description (up to 500 words), role statement (up to 200 words), and optional visual or media support materials

• Proposed use of the fellowship stipend, estimated budget for the $150,000 award, including living expenses, artistic production, and project-related costs.

• Three professional references from the arts field

tulsaartistfellowship.org/award

TV / FILM — MARCH 2026

HBCU SPORTS BROADCASTING GRANT 

National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences  / Coca-Cola

DEADLINE: March 2, 2026

INFO: The Coca-Cola HBCU Sports Broadcasting Grant is a $40,000 grant program celebrating outstanding student storytellers at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who are passionate about sports, storytelling and media production.

This initiative is administered by the Foundation of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) — the organization behind the Emmy® Awards — and honors the next generation of sports media creators who bring to life the voices, pride and impact of HBCU athletics.

TOTAL GRANT POOL: $40,000 to be awarded to one, two or three winning entries depending on the scores..

ELIGIBILITY:

To qualify:

• You must be an undergraduate student enrolled at an HBCU.

• You may enter individually or as part of a student team.

• Multiple submissions from the same school are welcome.

• You do not need to be a journalism or media major — this competition is open to all storytellers who want to explore the power of sports.

Entries that do not meet these eligibility requirements will not be considered.

WHAT TO SUBMIT:

Each entry must include two components:

1.  A video submission

2. A short essay

theemmys.tv/hbcu/

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Reel Innovators: Shorts Showcase + Training Incubator

Sisters in Cinema

DEADLINE: March 6, 2026

INFO: Sisters in Cinema's signature program, Reel Innovators: Shorts Showcase + Training Incubator, is a young adult short film screening series that showcases the work of emerging Black young adult filmmakers ages 18-24 with a passion for storytelling. This program provides the opportunity for emerging Black women and gender nonconforming media makers to screen their work, receive training, and raise their visibility as filmmakers.

The Young Adult Short Film Screening Program is a paid opportunity ($500) that includes:

• Marketing & Distribution Training (3 hours)

• Presentation & Q&A Preparation Training (3 hours)

• A Screening Showcasing their work

• Q&A after their screening

• A pre or post-screening reception

• Opportunity to receive a bonus $250 prize as the selected marketing campaign proposal winner

IMPORTANT DATES:

• March 28th 10:00am - 4:30pm - Training Incubator

• May 2nd or May 3rd - Shorts Showcase

Preference will be given to applicants from South Shore and other South Side neighborhoods. If you have nominations, please send nominees this application form

If you have any questions about or difficulty with this form, please email myana@sistersincinema.com.

Please Note: Payments will be distributed upon successful completion of the entire program.

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTFXS29tIBQCMJWYnuCwKR2BOFG4Ulc6p7cd7907zM0cXH3A/viewform

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Translation Lab 2026 Open Call

Art Omi: Writers

DEADLINE: March 20, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST

INFO: Art Omi: Writers is now seeking proposals for Translation Lab 2026, a 12-day special, intensive residency for five collaborating writer-translator teams in the fall of 2026. 

Art Omi will host five translators of any language INTO English, along with the writers whose work is being translated, in New York's Hudson Valley for 12 days. All text-based projects—fiction, creative nonfiction, theater, film, poetry, etc.—are eligible. 

This focused residency will provide an integral stage of refinement, allowing translators to dialogue with the writers about text-specific questions. It will also serve as an essential community-builder for English-language translators who are working to increase the amount of international literature available to English-language readers. 

The dates for Translation Lab 2026 are September 9-21, 2026. Art Omi provides airfare, local car transportation, and a small honorarium. Residents accepted into Translation Lab are responsible for their own train transportation from New York City to the Art Omi campus. Please note: accepted applicants must be available for the duration of the Translation Lab. Late arrivals and early departures are NOT possible. Please do not submit a proposal unless both parties involved (translator and writer) are available for all dates. Please also ensure both parties are eligible to travel to the United States at the time of the application.

Translators, writers, editors, and agents can submit an application.

Each application must include a Project Proposal and a Work Sample.

1. The Project Proposal should be no more than three pages and provide the following information:

• Names of the translator and writer applying, as well as contact information (physical address, email, and phone number) and the original language of the text. These details should be provided at the very top of the proposal.  

• Brief biographical sketches for the translator and writer.

• A description of the proposed project, including details about how you envision structuring your working time together.

• Publishing status of the proposed project. (Projects that do not yet have a publisher are eligible.)

2. The Work Sample must be 10-15 pages (12 pt font, double-spaced) of an English translation by the translator applying. It is preferred that the sample be from the proposed project; however, if this is not possible, please provide another translation work sample.

Candidates will be notified in May 2026.

artomi.org/residencies/writers/

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call for submissions: 9:16 microdrama project

American Black Film Festival (ABFF)

DEADLINE: March 20, 2026

SUBMISSION FEE: $10

INFO: The ABFF 9:16 Microdrama Project is the American Black Film Festival’s official platform for identifying, showcasing, and amplifying outstanding vertical microdrama series created by creators of color.

PROJECT GOAL + SELECTION PROCESS:

The Project will highlight a select group of standout microdrama series and elevate their creators through meaningful exposure and platform recognition. Each year, a limited number of projects will be chosen through a competitive review process evaluated by industry professionals, including creative executives, producers, and leaders across digital, film, and emerging media spaces. Selected creators will be named Official Selections of the ABFF 9:16 Microdrama Project and showcased through digital-first exhibition across ABFF platforms, with integration into the 2026 American Black Film Festival. Creators will retain full ownership and creative control of their work while gaining increased industry awareness and visibility.

SUBMISSION OVERVIEW:

Successful submissions will demonstrate:

• Episodic binge-worthiness, with clear cliffhangers or unresolved moments that compel continued viewing

• Strong episodic momentum that advances the story in every episode

• Heightened emotional stakes that drive urgency and engagement

• Clear, accessible storytelling built for mobile-first consumption

• A series structure that rewards repeat viewing and narrative escalation

CREATIVE + TECHNICAL CRITERIA:

Submitted projects must meet the following requirements:

• Vertical (9:16) microdrama series

• Six (6) to ten (10) episodes

• Episodes must be two (2) minutes or less each, including credits

• Content must be in English or include English subtitles

• All genres are accepted, including drama, sci-fi, comedy, thriller, romance, and more

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

To be eligible for consideration:

• The project must be created by a filmmaker or creative team led by creators of color.

• Entrants must be eighteen (18) years of age or older

• Submissions must be made by an individual or entity with legal authority to submit the project

• Submitted projects must be original works, with all necessary rights, licenses, and permissions fully cleared

• Projects may have been shared, promoted, or exhibited on digital or social platforms; however, projects must not have been formally distributed, licensed, or commercially exhibited

REQUIRED SUBMISSION MATERIALS:

(All materials must be submitted via FilmFreeway)

• Screening-ready 9:16 microdrama episodes (6–10 total)

• Series synopsis

• Episode guide (one-line summary per episode)

• Creator bio(s)

• Creator headshot(s)

• Creator statement

• Key art or series still image

• Completed online submission form

• Acceptance of the Submission Agreement, Limited Exhibition License & Release

abff.com/miami/submissions/abff-916-microdrama-project/

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LEF/CIFF FELLOWSHIP

Point North

DEADLINE: March 27, 2026 at 11:59pm ET

INFO: The LEF/CIFF Fellowship is an opportunity for 5 New England-based filmmaking teams to attend the 2026 Camden International Film Festival and connect with other filmmakers and industry leaders through a series of mentor-led project development workshops, networking events, and curated 1:1 meetings.

CIFF has become an important stop on the documentary festival circuit for both filmmakers and industry delegates, who attend to build new relationships with filmmakers participating in Points North Institute’s Artist Programs. In recent years, LEF/CIFF Fellows have had opportunities to build relationships with dozens of major funders (Sundance Institute, Ford Foundation, Doc Society, Chicken & Egg, Catapult); streaming platforms (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+); broadcasters (POV, CNN, NBC, HBO, ESPN); theatrical distributors (NEON, A24); and more.

Developed in partnership with LEF New England, this program supports career sustainability for regional filmmakers by providing a unique point of access to potential industry supporters, peer mentorship opportunities with fellow filmmakers, and connections to the broader documentary community.

ELIGIBILITY:

• The Fellowship is open to projects with directors who have established their primary residence in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont) 

• Open to feature length documentary projects in production or post-production

• Prior LEF/CIFF Fellows are not eligible to participate in the program again with the same project. However, prior LEF/CIFF Fellows may apply with a new project.

CRITERIA:

Applicants will be evaluated based on LEF New England’s guidelines, which include these factors:

• Quality of cinematic form and technique

• Originality of filmmaker’s voice, vision, and point of view

• Resonance and power of the film’s core idea or story

• Feasibility of production

FELLOWS WILL RECEIVE:

• a $1,000 stipend per project to support travel to Camden

• (2) Points North passes to the Camden International Film Festival, providing full access to all screenings, forums, events, and our exclusive Lounge  

• (6) nights of accommodations (one double-occupancy room) during the festival

pointsnorthinstitute.org/artist-programs/lef-ciff-fellowship/

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VSC Residency (JANUARY TO JUNE 2027)

Vermont Studio Center (VSC)

DEADLINE: March 31, 2026

APPLICATION FEE: $25

INFO: VSC’s residency program welcomes artists and writers working across all mediums and genres for two, three, and four week sessions.

Residents enjoy well-lit, private studios within a short walk to residency housing, dining hall, and local amenities. Studio spaces range from 170 - 300 square feet. Accommodations include a private room and shared common areas. The campus features include a print shop, digital lab, and metal, wood, ceramic facility. Studios are open 24 hours a day.

A VSC residency provides artists and writers the time and space to focus on their creative practice in an inclusive, international community within a small Vermont village. Residents can explore swimming holes, hiking and biking trails, as well as the rural charm of neighboring towns, while expanding their creative potential and building a solid network of friends and mentors.

PROGRAMMING: During each session, Visiting Artists and Visiting Writers are invited to join us for presentations, craft talks, one-on-one manuscript consultations, and individual studio visits. Residents can also enjoy open studio nights, resident presentations, and exhibition openings. All scheduled activities are optional. Residents are encouraged to unplug, completely immerse themselves in their work, and work at their own pace.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION: VSC is committed to creating a strong sense of community both locally and on campus. Once on campus, residents have the opportunity to participate in our Community Contribution Program by assisting in one of these areas: Kitchen, Campus Projects or Skill Sharing. No prior experience is necessary.

vermontstudiocenter.org/residency-program

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Pilot Accelerator

Moonshot Initiative

DEADLINE: April 1, 2026

INFO: In this highly competitive virtual accelerator program for TV writers, 6-8 fellows will receive three weeks of industry training before having the opportunity to pitch to major studios, production companies, representatives, and producers. The entire accelerator, including training and pitching, will occur online.

The goal of this program is to launch the careers of our fellows, which could take the form of selling their TV pilot; securing follow-up meetings with executives; getting hired as a freelance writer, staff writer or writing support staff on an existing series; and/or making valuable industry contacts. This program aims to increase the representation of women and gender-expansive people on screen and in writers rooms.

WHO HEARS THE PITCHES: For every accelerator, we get over 20 studios and production companies on board to hear pitches. Fellows typically receive 6  to 10 requests for pitch meetings. These pitch meetings are all one-on-one, and 85% of the meetings end with a request to read the full script.

WHO READS THE SCRIPTS?

Semi-finalists' pilots will be read by an incredible group of judges, including showrunners, executive producers, series creators and TV writers. This panel of judges will help us select the finalists, who will then go through a virtual interview before the 6-8 fellows are selected. Even if you are not selected as a fellow, there is still a chance you might be contacted if one of these judges likes your script enough to interview or refer you for a writing position. 

Before getting to the semi-finalist stage, all scripts are read at least twice by our internal team, volunteer readers, and former fellows.

moonshotinitiative.org/pilot-accelerator 

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HUMANITAS PRIZE

Humanitas

DEADLINE: April 1, 2026 AT 11:59pm PT

SUBMISSION FEES:

• $175 for features, teleplays, and documentary submissions

• $55 for short film

INFO: Since 1974, The Humanitas Prizes have been awarded to honor professional film and television writers whose work exemplifies the art of screenwriting while exploring the human condition in a nuanced, meaningful way. The Humanitas Prizes are presented at an annual event in the Los Angeles-area where winners receive a trophy and a cash prize.

Past winners include The Pitt, Pachinko, Origin, All in the Family, The Handmaid’s Tale, The Last of Us, ER, Hidden Figures, Dying for Sex, black-ish, Encanto, Good Will Hunting, Inside Out 2, Lady Bird, In the Same Breath, Black Cake, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, El Deafo, Hacks, The Bernie Mac Show, Sing Sing, Orange is the New Black, NYPD Blue, 13th, and many more.

REQUIRED SUBMISSION MATERIALS: 

• Completed entry form

• PDF of shooting script with writing credits redacted or documentary upload

• Writer(s) short bio (200 words or less)

• Submission fee

• $175 for features, teleplays, and documentary submissions

• $50 discount is available for projects without distribution and for writers submitting material themselves. Writers and filmmakers may use the code “DIRECTSUBMIT2026” for a $50 discount on their teleplay, feature, and documentary submissions at checkout. Short film submissions are already discounted.

• $55 for short film

• Submission fees must be paid via credit card through the submission platform. Alternative payment via wire transfer, check, or e-payment service (e.g.: Square or PayPal) can be arranged by contacting the Humanitas office at info@humanitasprize.org. The office will then provide you with a discount code you can use to bypass the credit card payment requirement of the submission platform.

ELIGIBLE CATEGORIES:

• Drama Teleplay

• Comedy Teleplay

• Children’s Teleplay (for audiences age 6 and up)

• Limited Series Teleplay

• Comedy Feature

• Drama Feature

• Family Feature

• Short Film

• Documentary

• Feature-length and Docuseries (single episode) are awarded separately

Please view The Humanitas Prizes FAQ for descriptions of each category.

GENERAL DETAILS:

• Humanitas does not consider unproduced or unreleased projects for Humanitas Prizes. 

• All scripts must have been produced and the final feature film, television episode, or short film, either live action or animated, must have been released in the United States between June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026.

• “Released” is defined here as a festival screening (including screenings/showcases which serve as the culminating event of a professional development program), theatrical distribution, a streaming launch, or broadcast or cable televising of the project. In some instances, an international film festival screening may satisfy this requirement as well. Please contact Humanitas at info@humanitasprize.org to confirm.

• Projects released between April 1, 2025 and May 31, 2025 may apply for a release window eligibility waiver if the project was not previously submitted for Humanitas Prize consideration. Waivers may be requested using this form.

• It is not required that the production and/or writer(s) be based in the United States.

• All submitted material is kept confidential. Nominated material will be submitted to the Writers Guild Foundation Shavelson-Webb Library unless otherwise indicated in the submission form. The library endeavors to collect scripts which represent the best in film/television writing, including those nominated for the Humanitas Prize. Scripts are never photocopied, put online, or otherwise distributed beyond the library. Patrons must visit in-person to read material.

• There is no limit to the number of scripts writers, studios, and production companies may submit.

• Submitted material must be written in English. English translations of material originally written in another language will be accepted.

• TV movies should be submitted under the Drama Feature, Comedy Feature, or Family Feature categories.

• Should a writing team be selected, cash prizes will be split evenly amongst the writers.

• If nominated for a Humanitas Prize, a video clip from the completed production will be requested.

TELEPLAY DETAILS:

• Categories recognize single episodes, not a full season or series.

• To provide context for Humanitas Prize judges, the application form includes an optional section where applicants may add additional story and character information. It is strongly encouraged that this section be utilized when the submitted project is an episode of a serialized show.

• In Children’s Teleplay, if a program airs two episodes in a half-hour block, each episode is treated as its own script. Combined scripts are not eligible.

• If episodes from the same series are submitted to two different categories, Humanitas reserves the right to move the submissions to the same category.

SHORT FILM DETAILS:

• Short film running times must not exceed 40 minutes. Projects longer than this are considered features.

• Submissions to the short film category should be for scripted projects. Documentary shorts are not eligible for the short film category.

DOCUMENTARY DETAILS:

• In lieu of a script, documentary entrants must submit digital video content via direct file upload or as a link via YouTube, Vimeo, or other video hosting service. If the link is password protected, please be sure to list the password in the correct field in the application and ensure the link will be active until August 1.

• Feature-length documentaries and individual episodes of docuseries are eligible for consideration.

  • Feature-length documentaries are defined as standalone units of nonfiction filmmaking that are not part of a series and have a running time that exceeds 40 minutes. Feature-length documentaries may have a release via a festival screening (including screenings/showcases which serve as the culminating event of a professional development program), theatrical distribution, a streaming launch, or broadcast or cable televising of the project. 

  • Docuseries episodes are defined as a unit of nonfiction filmmaking of any length which is part of series that airs via a broadcast channel, cable channel, or streaming service. Docuseries may or may not be serialized. There is no minimum number of episodes required to qualify as a docuseries. Two part docuseries should submit one episode.

• To provide context for Humanitas Prize judges reviewing material submitted to the Docuseries category, the application form includes an optional section where applicants may add additional story and character information. It is strongly encouraged that this section be utilized when the submitted project is an episode of a serialized show.

• Unless they are submitted separately, Judges will only review one episode of a docuseries. If an applicant provides a link to a full docuseries and does not specify an episode in the application, only the first episode will be viewed.

• Broadcast news segments, variety show segments, and documentary shorts are not eligible for the documentary categories.

TO SUBMIT:

• Please submit script and materials via our Awards Force web portal.

• It is strongly preferred applicants pay the submission fee by selecting the appropriate credit card option at check out. Alternative payment via wire transfer, check, or e-payment service (e.g.: Square or PayPal) can be arranged by contacting Humanitas at info@humanitasprize.org.

• Humanitas has a limited number of submission fee waivers it can offer annually. Please use this form to request a fee waiver if cost presents a barrier to entry.

If you have any other questions, please contact Humanitas at info@humanitasprize.org or view our FAQ .

humanitasprize.org/the-2026-humanitas-prizes-submissions

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2027 Open Call

Creative Capital

DEADLINE: April 2, 2026 at 3:00pm ET

INFO: In celebration of 25 years of national artist support, the 2027 Open Call invites project proposals from individual artists for the Creative Capital Award and the new State of the Art Prize. All grants will be awarded via a national, open call, external review process.

The Creative Capital Award provides individual artists with unrestricted project grants for the creation of innovative, original, and imaginative new artistic works. The Award provides unrestricted project grants from $15,000 up to $50,000, plus professional development support, industry connections, and community-building opportunities.

The State of the Art Prize aims to recognize and support one artist from every U.S. state and inhabited territory, with an unrestricted artist grant of $10,000. Through the 2027 Open Call for the Creative Capital Award, Creative Capital will also select recipients for the new State of the Art Prize.

OVERVIEW:

Celebrating 25 years of national artist support, Creative Capital invites individual artists to apply for grants to create new works in the visual arts, performing arts (dance, theater, music/jazz), film, literature, technology, multidisciplinary, and socially engaged forms across all 50 states and territories. The 2027 Creative Capital Open Call will be the second year Creative Capital continues its goal to grant artists residing in all 50 states. See the complete list of 2026 Creative Capital Awards and 2026 Inaugural State of the Art Prize Artists in all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. in the press release.

Founded in 1999, our mission as a national nonprofit organization is to champion artistic freedom by providing grants and services to individual artists creating new work. The new State of the Art Prize is designed to help support more regional and rural artists, to invest in grassroots creative economies, and to foster a vibrant cultural landscape across the U.S. Both the Creative Capital Award and the State of the Art Prize support artists of all backgrounds at all career stages working across a range of disciplines, themes, and ideas.

Creative Capital Award

For the 2027 grant cycle, Creative Capital invites professional artists to propose experimental, original, bold new works in Visual Arts, Performing Arts (Dance, Theater, Music/Jazz), Film, and Literature. Multidisciplinary, technology, and/or socially engaged projects are welcome in all disciplinary categories. Creative Capital seeks new project proposals for formally and/or conceptually innovative works in all disciplines.

Creative Capital welcomes a full range of artistic approaches and thematic inquiries, including boundary-pushing formal explorations, as well as projects that engage urgent social issues of our time. Creative Capital also seeks new projects or works addressing subjects that Creative Capital has not previously funded.

The Creative Capital Award aims to support approximately 50 new artistic works in the following areas:

• Visual Arts: architecture & design, craft, drawing, ecological art, illustration, installation, painting, printmaking, performance art, photography, public art, sculpture, social practice, sound art, video art, technology, and socially-engaged visual art

• Performing Arts: dance, jazz, multimedia performance, music, music theater, opera, theater, playwriting, technology, and socially-engaged performing arts 

• Film: animation, documentary film, experimental film, and narrative film 

• Literature: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, plays (playwrights please submit under Performing Arts/Theater)

Creative Capital’s transformative giving approach is built on the principle that artists need funding as well as networks and advisory services in order to realize ambitious projects and build thriving careers. Recipients of the Creative Capital Award will receive grant funding, professional development services, and community-building opportunities. Awardees will also have access to the Creative Capital Artist Lab—suite of online professional development courses.

The State of the Art Prize – NEW!

Through the 2027 Open Call process for the Creative Capital Award, Creative Capital will also select recipients of the State of the Art Prize. Now in its second year, this new national initiative aims to recognize one artist residing in each U.S. state and inhabited territory with a $10,000 unrestricted grant per artist. All applicants to the 2027 Open Call will be automatically considered for the Creative Capital Award and the State of the Art Prize. Both grants follow the same application, external review process, and evaluation criteria; there is no separate application process. State of the Art Prize recipients will also have access to the Creative Capital Artist Lab—a suite of online professional development courses.

State of the Art Prize recipients may apply again to future open calls for the Creative Capital Award. However, artists who have already received the Creative Capital Award may not apply for the State of the Art Prize. Both the State of the Art Prize and the Creative Capital Award are one-time awards.

ELIGIBILITY:

• US citizen, permanent resident, Tribal ID holder, or O-1 visa holder at time of application

• At least 25 years old at time of application

• Working artist(s) with at least 5 years of professional artistic practice within their chosen discipline

• Applicant may not be enrolled in a degree-granting program at time of application

• May not apply to the Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant program in the same year

• May not have previously received a Creative Capital Award

• May not be an applicant or collaborator on more than one proposed project per year

• State of the Art Prize recipients must be a resident of the state they are awarded in through February 1, 2027. Prize recipients must verify their state or territory of residence in order to receive the grant.

Projects that are not eligible

• Projects whose main purpose is promotional

• Project is to fund ongoing operations of existing business or nonprofit organization 

• Curation or documentation of existing work

• Journalism projects and podcasts

• Educational projects intended for a student audience

• Children’s and young adult literature, and graphic novels

• Projects that will premiere or be completed before July 1, 2027

creative-capital.org/creative-capital-award/award-application

TV / FILM — FEBRUARY 2026

CALL FOR DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILMS

Firelight Media

DEADLINE: February 2, 2026

INFO: Firelight Media invites emerging and mid-career underrepresented filmmakers living in and/or originating from the Appalachian Mountain region to submit works-in-progress for the fourth season of the award-winning, regionally-focused documentary short film series HOMEGROWN.

‍Selected filmmakers will receive up to $40k to produce an 8-to-15-minute nonfiction short. Filmmakers should approach their topic with a current, modern perspective — immersing audiences in the real, lived experience of the region. The filmmakers will work closely with Firelight Media from development through distribution. 

Projects may vary in scope/approach, and address topics including (but not limited to): 

• Celebrations and joy 

• Climate change and environmental justice

• Community portraits  

• Contemporary takes on unknown histories 

• Cultural changemakers 

• Education

• Family

• Healthcare & the body

• Housing disparities 

• Land rights and reparative work

• Local folklore 

• Migration and immigrant communities

• Narratives on resilience or anti-resilience 

• New forms of resistance 

• Old and new economies

• Shifting landscapes

• Unique stories and occurrences

• Unrecognized communities 

Ideal candidates for the initiative are emerging and mid-career filmmakers committed to uncovering previously untold narratives rooted in their local community. 

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES:

• Applicants can only pitch short-form nonfiction projects (8-15 minutes) that are in early to late production. 

• Applicants must include a pitch deck in their application. 

• Applicants must be from an underrepresented community.

• Applicants must reside in or originate from the following states: Alabama (northern), Georgia (northern), Kentucky (eastern), Maryland (western), Mississippi (northern), New York (southern), North Carolina (western), Ohio (southern), Pennsylvania (western/central), South Carolina (northwestern), Tennessee (eastern), Virginia (southwestern), West Virginia. Refer to this map by county to see which parts of each state are considered part of Appalachia.  

• Applicants must be able to complete the project by September 30, 2026, and be available for distribution and promotion engagements through 2027. 

• Applicants must hold artistic, budgetary, and editorial control over the project and own the copyright.

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older by the time of submission.

• Applicants must be willing and able to work collaboratively with Firelight Media staff and its partners. 

• Only one proposal may be submitted per applicant.

PROJECTS NOT ELIGIBLE:

• Feature documentaries, series, or fiction projects

• Projects in pre-production or completed films

• Projects that are student films or are related to coursework

• Projects or production entities that are owned, controlled, or based outside the United States.

• Branded content or promotional projects

• Filmmakers contracted with another Firelight Media or Films program and have not completed final deliverables by the time they are selected for this program

• Filmmakers employed by Firelight Media, Firelight Films, or who are members of the board of directors for any of these entities‍

firelightmedia.submittable.com/submit

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EPISODIC LAB

Film Independent

DEADLINE: February 2, 2026

APPLICATION FEE:

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

• $45 for Film Independent Members

• $65 for non-Members

INFO: Designed to support writers with original long-form episodic projects, Film Independent’s Episodic Lab will accept a diverse group of 6–8 writers or writing teams and provide them with critical support and mentorship. Through personalized feedback from experienced showrunners, creative producers and executives, Fellows will gain the tools to revise and refine their pilots and navigate a changing industry landscape.

The Episodic Lab helps to further the careers of its Fellows by introducing them to industry veterans who can offer guidance on both the craft and business of writing episodic content. Each Fellow will be paired with a Creative Advisor with whom they’ll work one-on-one and in group sessions to develop their project during the month of August. Additionally, guest speakers will screen and discuss their own work to offer insights into the creative process and industry best practices. A final networking and pitch event will offer Fellows the opportunity to introduce themselves and their work to studio and network executives.

ALFRED P. SLOAN EPISODIC LAB GRANT:

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation will award one participant of the Film Independent Episodic Lab a $20,000 development grant.

To apply for the Sloan Episodic Lab Grant, apply to the Episodic Lab and provide a statement on how the project fulfills the mission of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in your cover letter. The applicant must possess the rights to the script with which they are applying. The screenplay should have a scientific, mathematical and/or technological theme and storyline or have a leading character that is a scientist, engineer or mathematician.

At this time, science fiction projects are not eligible for the Sloan Episodic Lab Grant.

WHO CAN APPLY?

The Episodic Lab is open to any emerging writer applying with a completed draft of a half hour or hour-long television pilot they wish to workshop during the program. Each applicant must be the author of the script he or she submits. The submitted pilot cannot have been pitched at any point to a studio or network.

Writing partners are welcome to apply as teams and need only submit a single application. International applicants are also welcome to apply. At this time, documentary and short-form digital series are not eligible to apply.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please read over the application form before preparing your materials. Applicants must submit the following for consideration:

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

• A cover letter introducing yourself and your interest in the Episodic Lab

• One complete, original pilot

• A series logline and pilot synopsis

• A series description describing the story engine and series arc of the show

• Project status and history, including any industry exposure

• A series proposal document that includes brief descriptions of the world of the series and its premise and genre, as well as breakdowns for the show’s primary characters and their first season arcs

 SELECTION CRITERIA:

Film Independent is looking for well-written, compelling, pilots with an original premise or vision. The submitted pilot may be original or adapted from optioned source material. 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 most benefit from the program as they further develop their work.

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 General Membership rate of $105.

Applicants will be notified three to four weeks prior to the start of the program.

For more information, please email: artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org.

filmindependent.org/programs/artist-development/episodic-lab/

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CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: CSP Artist Collective

Conchshell Productions

DEADLINE: February 3, 2026

INFO: Conchshell Productions is currently accepting submissions from playwrights and screenwriters of Caribbean heritage interested in joining the CSP Artist Collective—a free, supportive space for writers at all stages.

This is a free, monthly affinity space where writers:

• Share pages from works in progress

• Receive constructive feedback

• Build community with writers across the U.S. and beyond

• Develop new plays and screenplays in a safe, affirming space

MEETING SCHEDULE:

• The collective meets on the first Sunday of every month, 4:30–7:30 PM (ET).

• Our co-resident dramaturgs provide written feedback on pages presented during each session.

• Membership is free.

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf7wfKmkLFz55OzC66wFTcPZe8WyGBZDy4tF6D2O_dsaX7xrw/viewform

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RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT GRANT

Chicken & Egg Films

DEADLINE: February 4, 2026 at 11:59pm EST

INFO: Now in its fourth year, the Research & Development Grant supports filmmakers from around the world who have directed at least one feature-length documentary and are in the research & development stage of their next feature-length film.

With continued grant-making support by Netflix, the Research & Development Grant supports directors to ideate and plan for their next feature-length film. Many filmmakers invest their personal resources into their films and face funding challenges when entering into the research & development stages of new projects. It is hard to secure funding for a new project without significant sample material, yet producing material without external funding can be almost impossible. To address this challenge, the Research & Development Grant provides financial support to directors during a filmmaking stage that is too often unpaid and unsupported. 

A total of $450,000 USD will be awarded in the following grant amounts:

• $10,000 USD grants for Research

• $20,000 USD grants for Development

The final number of Research Grants vs. Development Grants disbursed will be determined during the selection process, based on the characteristics and strength of the applicant pool for each category.

The purpose of the Research & Development Grant is to support projects at the early stages of their lifecycle. If you have already raised a significant amount of capital (over 35% of your film’s total budget) and have shot and/or edited a substantial amount of footage, you may not be competitive for this grant, unless you can demonstrate very specific needs for the project (such as previously overlooked research activity). 

We have separated the Research Grant from the Development Grant to allow early-stage projects to receive support without the need to submit all the deliverables required for projects in the development phase. 

We recognize that each documentary is unique and that processes for research and development, fundraising, and production can vary widely. The information provided here is not intended as strict eligibility criteria, but rather as general guidelines to help applicants understand the stage at which we aim to provide support for projects. 

The 2026 Chicken & Egg Films Research & Development Grant is generously supported by Netflix.

ELIGIBILITY:

You may only submit one application per cycle. If you have more than one eligible project, you must submit only one for consideration. You may apply for either the Research Grant or Development Grant, but not both.

Applicant Eligibility Filmmakers must meet the following criteria:

• Identify as a woman or gender-expansive filmmaker. 

  • Our working definition of gender-expansive is that it is an umbrella term that includes any person whose gender identity or gender expression does not comply with the socially defined gender norms and roles of their culture. This includes, but is not limited to, non-binary, trans, third gender/two-spirit, and agender individuals). Please refer to our gender expansion page for more information.

• Have directed at least one feature-length documentary, which is defined as an independently produced film that is at least 48 minutes in length.

  • Films must be completed to be considered for this requirement. If you are currently directing your first feature-length film, you would not be eligible to apply until that film is completed and has premiered or is completed and at the time of applying has a confirmed world premiere at a festival taking place before the end of May - in short the film must have premiered before final selections are made.

  • The film must be independently produced. However, commissioned documentaries and television documentaries, including those produced for news/journalism outlets, are eligible to be considered as prior work if the director had creative control.

  • Feature-length narrative work is not eligible to be considered as prior work for this application.

• Be based anywhere in the world, except for countries which are under comprehensive US sanctions. Further information about US sanctions can be found here.

Project Eligibility Projects must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a documentary or nonfiction film (including hybrid docs)

  • Our evolving definition of a hybrid documentary is a film that incorporates fictional or scripted elements as a formal device in which it is clear to the viewer which elements are fiction and which are not. The incorporation of fictionalized elements is used as a way to further explore the main themes of the film or even question the nature of ‘fact’ and ‘reality’. Externally the finished film should be intended to be programmed and characterized in the press as documentary or hybrid documentary film, and not as a narrative/fiction film. We do not consider narrative memoir, speculative fiction, or docudramas (dramas that are based on a true story) as hybrid documentaries. 

• Must be feature-length (48 minutes or more). (Short / medium-length films or series are not eligible.)

• Must be in the research or development stage. (Refer to the section Project Stage: Research vs. Development in the Program and Application Guide for more information on what we consider each stage to be.)

• Must be independently produced. Works-for-hire are not eligible, and student films produced in an undergraduate or graduate program are also not eligible.

Notes for repeat applicants: You can reapply with a project up to 3 times. If this is your third time submitting to the R&D grant with the same project, this is the final time it will be considered. Applications submitted more than three times will be disqualified. 

You cannot apply for an R&D grant and our (Egg)celerator Lab program with the same project in the same year. You may, however, apply to the (Egg)celerator Lab with the same film project if you applied for R&D in the previous year, as long as the project and applicant meet all other eligibility requirements. See the FAQs for guidance filmmakers who have received prior support from Chicken & Egg Films.

You do not need a fiscal sponsor to apply for the Research & Development Grant. However, if you are awarded, you must have a US fiscal sponsor, or be a 501(c)(3), to receive the funds. If granted, we can help advise on this. We require prompt response upon communication of results. If granted, there is a 12-week period following notification in which you must secure a fiscal sponsor, and the grant must be disbursed within 2026.

For more information on eligibility, please download this Program & Application Guide and review the FAQs.

chickeneggfilms.org/programs/research-and-development-grant

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Below-the-Line Fellowship

Latino Film Institute

DEADLINE: February 6, 2026 at 11:59pm PT

INFO: The Latino Film Institute Below-the-Line Fellowship provides hands-on training, mentorship, and job placement for Latino and underrepresented creatives pursuing technical careers in film and television. Participants receive practical instruction and on-set experience in key below-the-line positions guided by industry professionals. The fellowship equips emerging filmmakers with the skills, experience, and connections needed to enter and thrive in the entertainment workforce.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

• Must be at least a High School graduate

• 18 years and older by February 6th 2026

• 1-2 years of filmmaking experience (classes, shorts, PA work, etc.)

• Available for hybrid + in-person participation February to July 2026

• Must agree to report career updates to LFI when requested, for up to 5 years

• Authorized to work in the U.S.

latinofilm.org/lfi-below-the-line-fellowship/

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call for applications: Fall 2026 / Winter 2027 residencies

MacDowell

DEADLINE: February 10, 2026

INFO: MacDowell offers residencies at no cost to artists and provides need-based stipends to help cover expenses incurred during the residency, including rent, utilities, childcare, and lost income. Travel reimbursements are also available.
 
We welcome applications from artists of all backgrounds and nationalities in the following disciplines: architecture, film/video arts, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theatre, and visual arts.

macdowell.org/apply/apply-for-fellowship

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call for submissions

American Black Film Festival

DEADLINE: February 10, 2026

SUBMISSION FEE: $75 (Standard) / $67.50 (Gold Members)

INFO: The American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded in 1997, is the preeminent event of its kind, empowering Black artists and celebrating storytelling by and about people of African descent. More than a film and television festival, ABFF is a vibrant, multifaceted showcase of culture, spanning sports, fine art, music, business & entrepreneurship, health & wellness, technology, and more.

In 2026, ABFF commemorates its milestone 30th anniversary under the powerful theme Homecoming—a tribute to the festival’s rich legacy and the global community it has united over three decades.

Join us in Miami Beach, May 27–31, 2026, for this historic celebration, as filmmakers, artists, executives, and fans from around the world come together for five unforgettable days of screenings, star-studded events, engaging conversations, exclusive parties, and unparalleled networking.

Be part of this once-in-a-generation celebration of culture, community, and creativity. Register now!

AWARDS + PRIZES:

Jury Awards:

• HBO® Short Film Award

• Best Narrative Feature

• Best Director

• Best Documentary Feature

• Best Series (Television or Web)

• John Singleton Award for Best Debut Feature

RULES + TERMS:

Eligibility criteria is found listed under each category and on https://www.abff.com/miami/submissions/

In addition to completing the official forms, please ensure your submission includes the following materials:

• Film synopsis and information

• Photo still from the film

• Director & Writer bio

• Director & Writer headshot

• A PDF of your completed Submission Form, available for download at ABFF.com. Please ensure all fields are filled out before submitting.

Payment of the submission fee online is required at the time of submission.

filmfreeway.com/AmericanBlackFilmFestival

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New Voices Filmmaker Grant

NewFest

DEADLINE: February 12, 2026

INFO: An ongoing initiative in partnership with Netflix to support emerging directors with $25,000 in funding to create new work that celebrates LGBTQ+ stories and perspectives – in addition to mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities! 

The Grant seeks to support underrepresented voices in the film industry, and provides a $25,000 unrestricted grant to 4 emerging directors.

In addition to the $25,000 grant and industry mentorship, fellows will also participate in events and have their work showcased at NewFest’s New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival, one of the largest queer film festivals in the world. Fellows will also have the opportunity to travel as guests of NewFest to other North American film festivals.

Submissions are accepted from emerging directors who make documentary/nonfiction, narrative, and/or animated film/episodic projects that highlight LGBTQ+ stories.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
At the time of application, eligible filmmakers:

• Are at least 18 years of age.

• Currently live in the US, have resided in the US continuously for at least the past two years, and plan to reside in the US for the full duration of the grant period (through June 2027).

• Have previously directed at least one (1) short film or episodic project inclusive of LGBTQ+ content that was completed within the past 3 years (since January 2023).

• Have not previously directed a completed feature-length film (over 60 mins), even if self-funded or without distribution.

• Must not have formal representation for directorial work (i.e. are not currently signed with an agent and/or manager).

• Must not have entered a distribution deal for any of their directorial work in which they both received monetary compensation and granted exclusive North American distribution rights to a third-party distributor.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

All applications must be received via the Airtable application form and include:

• Resume/CV

• Links to 1-3 completed work samples(totaling no more than 25 minutes).

• The first work sample must be a short film or episodic project that (1) includes LGBTQ+ content and (2) was completed within the past 3 years (completed in January 2023 or later).

• Any additional work samples must have been completed within the past five years (completed no earlier than January 2021).

• Artist Statement (max 600 words): Tell us about yourself and your directorial vision. Please provide a statement that includes your (1) background and connection to the LGBTQ+ community, (2) reflections on your previous experience(s) directing and/or working on additional film/media projects, and (3) your artistic approach to LGBTQ+ storytelling. 

• Statement of Intent (max 400 words): What are your goals as a filmmaker, and what would you plan to do with the grant funds should you be selected as a recipient? Please describe what specific project(s) that include LGBTQ+ content you would pursue with grant support and what you hope to accomplish within the grant period (July 2026-June 2027).

newfest.org/new-voices-filmmaker-grant

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2026 SUNDANCE INSTITUTE IGNITE X ADOBE FELLOWSHIP

The Sundance Institute / Adobe 

DEADLINE: February 12, 2026 at 11:00am PST

INFO: The Sundance Institute and Adobe are teaming up to find the next 10 Sundance Institute Ignite x Adobe Fellows—emerging filmmakers (ages 18 to 25) who are creating stories that bring their passion, voice, and perspective to life. 

The Sundance Institute Ignite program identifies and supports new voices and talent from the next generation of filmmakers by providing artistic and professional development to advance filmmakers to the next stage in their filmmaking. The yearlong Sundance Institute Ignite x Adobe Fellowship is open to emerging documentary and fiction filmmakers from across the globe between ages 18 and 25. The fellowship begins with a weeklong in-person lab at MassMoca in North Adams, Massachusetts, orienting filmmakers to the fellowship and year ahead. Throughout the year, filmmakers will:

• Work with a Sundance Institute alumni mentor

• Receive a $5,000 artist grant

• Participate as a cohort in monthly webinars, workshops and workshares throughout the year

• Receive a complimentary Adobe Creative Cloud 12-month membership, where Creative Cloud is available.

To choose this year’s fellows, we’re asking filmmakers to submit a one- to 15-minute short that shows us their artistic vision and unique voice. Submissions aren’t limited to any genre or topic — the only requirement is that they represent the filmmaker’s perspective as an artist. You will also include materials in support of a new project that you intend to work on throughout the fellowship. 

For resources to help craft your submission, check out the Sundance Collab Filmmaker Toolkit. You can also catch a free recording of our Insider Session: Applying to the Sundance Institute Ignite Program through the submission deadline.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

• One entry per person.

• Films submitted must be under 15 minutes long (including credits) and must have been completed within the last 12 months, as of February 12, 2026.

• Accepted video file formats: AVI, FLV, MOV, MP4, or MPEG-2.
  Note: If you choose to upload a .MOV file, make sure that it is not using the Apple ProRes compression. We do not support reading Apple ProRes files or raw camera formats like ARRI and RED at this time.

• An active project is required for the fellowship, however there is no obligation or expectation to complete the project during the fellowship.

• Materials supporting a project that you intend to work on throughout the yearlong fellowship. These can include lookbooks, five pages of a script, treatments and pitch decks. Note: Materials must be in a PDF format.

collab.sundance.org/catalog/2026-Sundance-Institute-Ignite-Adobe-Fellowship

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CLBS Indigenous Writer in Residence program

Cranberry Lake Biological Station

DEADLINE: February 15, 2026

APPLICATION FEE: $0

INFO: The CLBS Indigenous Writer in Residence program began in 2022. Its creation was spurred by the work of Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer who has and continues to draw inspiration from and write at Cranberry Lake Biological Station. The residency seeks to provide Indigenous writers with the space, time, and place to explore their creative endeavors.

THE RESIDENCY:

Cranberry Lake Biological Station is located in the heart of the Adirondack Park, on the ancestral lands of the Mohawk Nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and has been in use as a living classroom for 105 years. CLBS provides seclusion for research, teaching, contemplation, and creative endeavors.

The residency consists of three, three-week residency slots are: May 24– June 12, June 14 – July 3, July 19- August 7. Housing, a private room with shared living space, three meals a day are provided at the station dining hall, and a workspace will be provided. The resident will also have access to all facilities including canoes, classroom spaces, microscopes, and the ability to join classes if desired. Additional needs and requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

ELIGIBILITY: The residency is open to Indigenous writers over 21 years of age who write poetry, plays/screenplays, fiction/short stories, and/or nonfiction.

FUNDING: The residency is fully subsidized and provides housing, food, and workspace space at no cost. In addition, the selected artist will receive a stipend/travel allowance of $1,000.

EXPECTATIONS: It is expected that each resident will offer two evening readings/discussion during the residency, one for students at the station and one for local residents, these programs will be planned in conjunction with CLBS staff. In the fall writers are asked to participate either virtually or in person in an event on the SUNY ESF main campus in Syracuse, NY alongside the other residents. Past residents are also asked to serve on the selection committee for the next year.

SUPPORT: The residency is funded jointly by the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment and Cranberry Lake Biological Station

esf.edu/clbs/iwr.php

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call for submissions: spring 2026 Issue

Raat Ki Rani

DEADLINE: February 15, 2026

SUBMISSION FEE: $0

INFO: Raat Ki Rani publishes poetry, short stories, personal essays, screenplays, photography, and experimental work. We aim to uplift South Asian voices, queer voices, female voices, and voices from other marginalized communities, while remaining open to all writers and artists.

SPRING 2026 THEME: Pressed Petals (open to interpretation)

SUBMISSION:

We accept original, unpublished work. If your piece has appeared on a personal blog or a social page, that is completely fine. We simply ask that it has not been formally published elsewhere.

You are welcome to submit to multiple categories, but please only submit once per category.

• Poetry: 1–2 poems, max 5 pages total

• Screenplay: Short film or mini-series pilot, max 15 pages

• Short Story: 500–2,500 words

• Personal Essay: 500–1,500 words + 3–5 images

• Photography: 4–10 images + 200–500 word summary and/or 1-2 sentence captions

Other: We're open to new categories! Do you have a comic you've been working on? A completed short film you'd like to share? Do you have a scrapbook the world needs to see? You're welcome to submit!

RIGHTS: Once we publish your work, all rights remain with you. You are free to share or republish it anywhere else at any time.

PAYMENT: We are a reader-funded magazine offering $10 per accepted submission. As we grow, we hope to increase our rates. If your piece is selected for publication, we will contact you to arrange payment via your preferred method.

DONATE: Raat Ki Rani is fueled by community support. If you'd like to help us keep the magazine blooming, you can make an optional donation below. Thank you for supporting independent art!

EXPECTED RESPONSE TIME: 4-6 weeks

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9PrDym5qWhx9CS65FEszeE2u2VK1ORlc5PBHIubYSjEJZQQ/viewform

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NATIVE AMERICAN TV WRITERS LAB

Native American Media Alliance

DEADLINE: February 16, 2026

INFO: The NATIVE AMERICAN TV WRITERS LAB is an intensive scriptwriters workshop that prepares Native Americans for writing careers at major television networks.

The NATIVE AMERICAN TV WRITERS LAB was created in accordance with the Skins Fest’s mission to improve media portrayals of Native Americans and to increase the number of Native Americans employed in all facets of the media industry. It is widely understood that non-Native Americans primarily learn about our community from what they see on television.

The NATIVE AMERICAN TV WRITERS LAB is designed to familiarize participants with the format, characters and storyline structure of television. A total of 8 writers are accepted nationwide from an  established network of non-profit agencies, schools, universities, guilds and media organizations. The goal is that the writers garner the skills necessary to obtain employment in the industry.

The five-week lab consists of panel discussions, one on one meetings and group workshops. One of the main components to be introduced is the writers room. This is an opportunity to have each  participant’s script offered up in a professional capacity as a new television script.

The NATIVE AMERICAN TV WRITERS LAB is for seasoned Native American writers who have written feature, short or television scripts. Each selected participant is expected to complete a draft of a pilot script by the end of the five-week session.

nama.media/native-american-tv-writers-lab/

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Open Call for eearly career artists

The Shed (New York, NY)

DEADLINE: February 24, 2026 at 11:59pm EST

INFO: Born out of The Shed’s commitment to act as a platform for NYC-based, early-career artists working in a range of artistic disciplines, Open Call selects, fosters, and presents new work. The program showcases a wide, multiborough range of voices, lived experiences, and perspectives, demonstrating the multitude of ways in which artists are working today.

It embraces proposals for new works in disciplines including the visual arts, theater, dance, music, performance, spoken word, literary arts, film, fashion, art and technology, new media, social practice, and public art and architecture, as well as across multiple and new disciplines. As with all Shed civic programs, we center Black, POC, people with disabilities, and other communities that have been historically excluded and most impacted by structural racism and other forms of oppression.  

Participants for Open Call's fifth edition will be selected in fall 2026. Projects will be reviewed in spring/summer 2026 by more than 60 independent leaders across artistic fields, including artists, cultural programmers, curators, producers, academics, and members of The Shed’s program team. The Shed will support selected projects with a commissioning fee of up to $15,000 of producing stewardship per artist or collective as well as in-kind financial, artistic, and production support managed by The Shed.  

ELIGIBILITY:

Open Call accepts applications from artists who are:

• Early-career artists and art collectives

• 18+ years old

• Currently living or working in New York City

• Able to provide a W9 for payment

• With or without a traditional arts degree and/or training

• Working in a range of artistic disciplines, including the visual arts, theater, dance, music, performance, spoken word, literary arts, film, fashion, art and technology, new media, social practice, and public art and architecture, as well as across multiple and new disciplines

FAQs

Who is considered an “early-career” artist?

For The Shed, an early-career artist is one who has not yet received major support to create new work. We define major support as a range of opportunities, from the receipt of substantial institutional funding to presenting and/or producing opportunities at large-scale cultural organizations. There is no age limitation.

Do I have to live in New York City to apply? What if I work in New York City but live somewhere else?

If you do not live in one of the five boroughs of New York City, but you work predominantly in New York City, your application will be considered. You will be asked to provide a New York City working address in your application.

If work has been shown elsewhere, can it be considered a new commission?

Some projects may have been shown in the past, for example in school, a work-in-progress showing, or included in a public program like a reading or workshop. In the Submittable application, you will be prompted to explain how your project would transform in The Shed’s presentation and how your proposed work or any its components have been shared in the past in any form.

We are looking for new work but understand that each artist has different development processes, with moments of public showing and feedback as part of them.

theshed.org/program/485-open-call-applications

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LFI Works in Progress - 2026

Latino Film Institute

DEADLINE: February 25, 2026 at 11:59pm PST

INFO: LFI Works in Progress, sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios, supports independent US based filmmakers in the completion of a feature film (fiction or documentary). The program grants finishing funds towards the final stages of post-production to films with high production value, a distinctive directorial voice, culturally significant and commercially viable.

The fund allocates a cash award to the projects selected. A jury of industry professionals divides the funds among the projects, based on their post production needs.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

• Open to USA productions directed by a filmmaker who identifies as Latino.

• The applicant (directors or producers) must be 18+ years of age.

• Directors need to reside in the USA (including continental USA, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands).

• Applications can be completed by individuals or production companies.

• Projects must submit a fine cut. Funds will be awarded for final stages of post-production (VFX, color correction, sound design, final sound mix, packaging, deliverables, marketing, etc).

• Projects must be independently produced.

• Projects must be feature length (minimum 70 min), fiction or documentary.

• Selected projects commit to completion within a year from fund allocation.

• If the allocated funds are not enough to cover the full cost of finishing the project, the grant will be released upon submission of proof of the remainder funding.

• Student films or TV/Web pilots are not eligible.

———

Keep in mind that if your project is selected:

The funds CAN be used for:

• Costs associated with color correction and final grading.

• Costs associated with sound completion (including soundtrack).

• Costs associated with VFX, master outputs and deliverables.

• Costs associated with marketing packages.

The funds CANNOT be used for:

• Above the line fees.

• Costs not directly associated with post-production as described above.

• Legal and accounting costs.

• Re-shoots, stock footage.

• Capital expenditure.

• Film festival submission or screening costs.

• Retrospective costs (already endured by the film).

If you have any questions about the LFI Works in Progress email steven@latinofilm.org.

laliff.org/lfi-works-in-progress/

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THE DIVERSO FELLOWSHIP

DIVERSO

DEADLINE: February 20, 2026

INFO: DIVERSO is a student-run film nonprofit dedicated to changing the face of entertainment by empowering the next generation of storytellers.

In partnership with THE WRITERS GUILD FOUNDATION, we have created The Diverso Fellowship: a fellowship program for statistically overlooked student screenwriters.

Vetted by a rigorous committee of industry professionals, three talented students will be selected to spend ten weeks over the summer of 2026, attending panels with renowned industry professionals, learning from the best by shadowing writers' rooms, and receiving mentorship to refine their scripts and prepare for professional opportunities, including staffing or representation.

Fellows are expected to make a 20-hour commitment each week and are required to attend all Fellowship events, including educational panels, mentor meetings, script workshops, and more. The fellowship will be hosted virtually over the summer (tentatively set for June 15th - August 24th).

Our program is made possible by our incredible sponsors: WarnerBros Discovery, Madison Wells Media, Lin Manuel-Miranda’s Miranda Family Fund, the Writers Guild Foundation, and more.

Please follow us on social media @diversoorg to stay tuned for specific dates and times!

AWARDS + PRIZES:

Last Season's Benefits Included:

1. Industry Mentorship:

Each Fellow is paired with a working industry mentor for the duration of the Fellowship. Scripts undergo multiple revisions, with each draft receiving structured feedback through one-on-one mentorship and cohort workshops led by the Diverso team.

*Previous mentors include: Joe Robert Cole (BLACK PANTHER), Charise Castro Smith (ENCANTO), Nahnatchka Khan (FRESH OFF THE BOAT), Andrew Ahn (FIRE ISLAND), Geetika Lizardi (BRIDGERTON), Alex Song-Xia (RICK & MORTY, THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON)

2. Salon Night:

The Fellowship culminates in a curated pitch salon where Fellows present their scripts to alumni and industry professionals. Past attendees have included executives and representatives from Blumhouse, Pixar, 360 Entertainment, UTA, and more.

3. Panels:

Writing Across Mediums - Dominique Morisseau (SHAMELESS)
360 Entertainment Panel on Finding Representation - Melissa Breaux (Manager, Producer, 360) & Sam Sekoff (TV Lit Manager/Agent, 360, Range Media Partners, Gersh)

The Art of Pitching - Carole Kirschner (Director, CBS Writing Program & WGA Showrunner Training Program)
Animation In 2025 - Mike Jones (SOUL, LUCA, ELIO) and Brenda Hsueh (ELEMENTAL)
Building a Long Term Writing Career - Simon Racioppa (INVINCIBLE)

4. Shadowing Writer's Rooms.

Fellows gain firsthand exposure to professional writers’ rooms. Most recently, the cohort shadowed two sessions of Brilliant Minds through a partnership with Berlanti Productions.

*Past shows have been from Disney+, AppleTV+, and The CW

5. Access to a network where you will build lifelong relationships with like-minded peers and alumni.

RULES + TERMS:

Please read all instructions and FAQs carefully before you begin your submission process. Applicants can only submit once per category. Any errors or multiple submissions could disqualify your application.

SUBMISSIONS INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants must be statistically overlooked writers currently enrolled in a community college or university as an UNDERGRADUATE or GRADUATE student (Winter' 25 Graduates are eligible).

For eligibility and submissions information, please scroll down and read the

filmfreeway.com/diversofellowship

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INDIE TV PILOT COMPETITION & SHOWCASE

ATX TV Festival

FEE: $65 per pilot/submission

INFO: ATX TV Festival is accepting open submissions for independently-produced TV pilots. After 14 Seasons, having established an influential audience gathering together to celebrate reunions, current and premiere series from your favorite studios, networks and streamers – this will be the first opportunity for independent TV to screen to our unique community of TV industry, press and consumers.

The competition will give fully-produced, independent TV pilots an opportunity to be considered for the festival’s Indie TV Pilot Showcase hosted at ATX TV Festival Season 15 (May 28 - 31, 2026) in Austin, where one submission will be selected as “Best Indie TV Pilot.”

Creators (writers, directors, producers, etc.) may submit completed Pilot episodes between 20 -65 minutes in length, across all genres (scripted and unscripted). Additional selection details can be found below, and on the Competition’s official Film Freeway submission page.

From the submitted episodes, three (3) will be selected by the ATX TV Programming team to screen at the festival, where a panel of industry creative/executive judges will select one (1) winner to be announced during the Festival.

SUBMISSION DETAILS:

• Open to creators 18+ worldwide.

• Pilot must be fully produced, and between 20–65 min.

• Must be original work; you must own or have negotiated festival rights for exhibition.

• Multiple submissions allowed. Each pilot must be submitted separately.

• To inquire about submission fee waivers, please reach out to indietv@atxfestival.com.

KEY DATES:

• APRIL 16, 2026 - Finalists Announced

• MAY 28 - 31, 2026 - Festival Screening at ATX TV Festival, Season 15 (exact day/time to be announced at a later date)

PRIZES:

• Three (3) Official Pilot Selections

  • • Invited to screen at ATX TV Festival, Season 15 (May 28 - 31, 2026 in Austin, TX) as part of official Indie TV Showcase

• •One (1) Official Winner from Selections: 

  • • Best Indie TV Pilot Award

JUDGING CRITERIA:

• Writing & Storytelling

• Directing & Visual Style

• Marketability & Industry Potential

• Innovation & Risk-Taking

atxfestival.com/indietv

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The de Groot Visiting Fellowship

American Library in Paris

DEADLINE: March 1, 2026

APPLICATION FEE: €30 (approx USD$35)

INFO: The de Groot Visiting Fellowship Program at the American Library in Paris supports writers, thinkers, and scholars across disciplines who advance dialogue, creativity, and cross-cultural understanding.

Established in 2013, the Fellowship extends the Library’s long tradition of fostering transatlantic exchange and creative expression. Each year, two Visiting Fellows and three Scholars of Note pursue their projects in Paris while contributing to the Library’s cultural life through public talks and workshops. Over the past decade, Fellows have enriched the Library’s century-old legacy and, in turn, joined the generations of writers who have found a home in Paris.

In addition to working on their own project, Fellows present a public program during their residency that engages our audience and members around the central theme of Letters Home.

For more than a decade, the de Groot family and the American Library in Paris have supported forty-four writers through a residency in the heart of literary Paris. Fellows include journalists, novelists, poets, and librarians whose work and influence have only grown since their time with us. Many describe their residency as a turning point in their creative lives and careers.

THEME: The theme for 2026-2027 is Letters Home.  This theme explores the love language of letters and the many voices who write about home from far away, whether home is a place, a person, or a time. Letters Home encourages Fellows to explore different perspectives—nostalgic, questioning, tender, critical—in the return through ink and imagination to places left behind. Programs could be around topics such as the changing meaning of “home,” literary letters and the creative force of nostalgia, exile and the epistolary voice, or the politics of correspondence.

FELLOWSHIP DETAILS:

• Residency Period: One month, between September and June. Fellowships are not available in July or August due to the Library’s programming hiatus.

• Stipend: $5,000 USD paid prior to the Fellowship period to cover travel and expenses in Paris.

• Accommodation: Whenever possible, the fellowship provides accommodation for the duration of the Fellowship in a one-bedroom apartment located a 10-minute walk from the Library. Otherwise, Fellows may use their stipend to cover alternative accommodation.

• Eligibility: Open to writers, researchers, journalists, poets, screenwriters, playwrights, directors, and documentary filmmakers. International applicants are welcome.

Please note, applicants cannot be enrolled in a degree-seeking program (including doctoral candidates) during the residency season for which they are applying.

THE FELLOWSHIP INCLUDES:

• An orientation day that includes meeting Library staff, a guided tour of the collections and archives, and lunch.

• A Library membership with full access to the Library’s collections, archives, and e-resources.

• A commitment to spend at least three half-days per week in the Library during the residency working on your personal creative project.

• Dedicated time and space to work independently on a self-guided creative project.

• The opportunity to develop and deliver a one-hour public program tied to the Library’s programming theme. This program could be a talk, workshop, panel, performance, or other creative format.

• Opportunities to attend fundraising dinners, cocktail gatherings, or exclusive events as a representative of the Fellowship.

• Participation in filming promotional material for the Library and your Fellowship experience.

• A final exit interview to share feedback and insights about the Fellowship experience.

• An expectation to acknowledge the Library and Fellowshipin any publications or media resulting from the project.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications for The de Groot Visiting Fellowship require:

1. A single PDF file (maximum 5 pages) containing:

   • A one-page cover letter addressing your work, your reasons for applying to the de Groot Visiting Fellowship at the American Library in Paris specifically, and why this moment in your career is the right one.

   • A one-page narrative description of your personal creative project, including its timeline, current stage, what you hope to achieve, and how the Fellowship at the Library will contribute to its success.

   • A CV of no more than two pages.

   • Three brief proposals (maximum 50 words each) for a public program tied to Letters Home.

2. Two professional references (names and contact information).

3. A €30 non-refundable application fee.

degrootfoundation.org/de-groot-visiting-fellowship-american-library-in-paris/

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HBCU Sports Broadcasting Grant 

National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences  / Coca-Cola

DEADLINE: March 2, 2026

INFO: The Coca-Cola HBCU Sports Broadcasting Grant is a $40,000 grant program celebrating outstanding student storytellers at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who are passionate about sports, storytelling and media production.

This initiative is administered by the Foundation of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) — the organization behind the Emmy® Awards — and honors the next generation of sports media creators who bring to life the voices, pride and impact of HBCU athletics.

TOTAL GRANT POOL: $40,000 to be awarded to one, two or three winning entries depending on the scores..

ELIGIBILITY:

To qualify:

• You must be an undergraduate student enrolled at an HBCU.

• You may enter individually or as part of a student team.

• Multiple submissions from the same school are welcome.

• You do not need to be a journalism or media major — this competition is open to all storytellers who want to explore the power of sports.

Entries that do not meet these eligibility requirements will not be considered.

WHAT TO SUBMIT:

Each entry must include two components:

1.  A video submission

2. A short essay

theemmys.tv/hbcu/

TV / FILM — JANUARY 2026

2026 Anarchists United Writers Discovery Fellowship

Anarchists United

DEADLINE: January 5, 2026

INFO: The Anarchists United Writers Discovery Fellowship is a six-month program providing an immersive introductory experience to the world of the TV ecosystem. Each Fellow will be assigned a seasoned industry mentor who will guide them by way of script development and career advice, and by the end of the program, introduce them to television producers and executives who align with their creative voice. The mentors will support the cohort through each step of the creative and networking process.

The 2026 iteration of the program is evolving. We are so grateful for our partners at Circle M+P for shepherding the first five years of the Fellowship. We are eager and thrilled the application is now available on Film Freeway.

Anarchists United will now be fully running the program and has taken the opportunity to assess the state of the industry. We feel compelled to acknowledge that making TV in 2025 looks different than it did when we first started back in 2021. With that in mind, Anarchists United is excited to announce a broader scope for the Fellowship in two important ways.

WRITERS WITH REPRESENTATION ARE NOW ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.

A NEW FOCUS ON EMERGING MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES IN ADDITION TO TRADITIONAL TV PATHWAYS.

According to the WGA, TV writing jobs have fallen by 42% in the ‘23-24 season. In response, the Fellowship aims to offer inspiration and resources to writers by examining routes outside that traditional modality. The Fellowship will expose its writers to emerging, nontraditional long-form storytelling avenues such as digital series and new media, while exploring the creator economy and the nascent indie TV space with a focus on how writers can begin to build their brand through new media opportunities.

BENEFITS: The Fellowship also includes informational panels with TV professionals, and the Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in mock general meetings and pitch sessions in preparation for their final industry meetings. By the end, each Fellow will have developed a submission-ready television pilot, been afforded multiple opportunities for networking, and be generally equipped with the essential tools for their success as writers in long form story telling. Each Fellow also receives a $10,000 stipend.

By promoting voices that have been historically underserved, the Fellowship will enrich both the professional lives of the Fellows and the dynamic quality of the entertainment industry.

RULES + TERMS:

• Applicants must submit the TV pilot that they are planning on developing during the Fellowship.

• Only one application per person.

• Previous applicants can apply again as long as they still fit the criteria.

• Applicants must not be in the WGA.

• Must be U.S.-based.

filmfreeway.com/AnarchistsUnitedWritersDiscoveryFellowship

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2026 WIF WRITERS FELLOWSHIP

Women in Film LA

DEADLINE: January 7, 2026

APPLICATION FEE: $40

INFO: The WIF Writer Fellowship is a year-long program that supports both episodic and feature writers.

FELLOWSHIP SPECIFICS:

The WIF Fellowship Program reflects our commitment to advancing the careers of women, nonbinary, and trans people across all areas of the industry. It is our belief that a true culture shift includes support and community for every entertainment industry role. To that end, if you don’t see your role represented in the list of application options, we still encourage you to apply.

The 2026 WIF Fellowship will run from June 2026 through May 2027 and includes five core components:

1. Community Building - Fellows will expand their network of peers, collaborators, and advocates through in-person events, cross-cohort sessions, 1:1 meetings with other Fellows and alumni, mentor meetings, and industry generals.

2. Cohort Mentoring - Each career-track cohort (e.g., Editors) will meet as a group in a Mentor Circle led by an experienced professional in their field. Each cohort will have several group Mentor Circle sessions throughout the Fellowship year.

3. Educational Sessions & Workshops - The full Fellowship cohort will meet for presentations and workshops covering a range of industry topics.

4. Career Strategy with the Programs Team - Each Fellow will meet with the Programs Team to dig deeper into the Fellow’s goals, projects, and next steps.

5. Fellowship Year Project Plan - Each Fellow will develop a personalized project to complete during the Fellowship year, aligned with their career track, experience level, and prioritized goals. Past projects have included updating a professional reel or website, revising a script, workshopping a script through a table read, or screening a work-in-progress for feedback. Fellows will set benchmarks throughout the year, with support and accountability from the Programs Team.

womeninfilm.org/fellowships/

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2026 Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ* Voices

Lambda Literary

DEADLINE: $30

APPLICATION FEE: January 8, 2026 at 11:59pm ET

INFO: The Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices is the nation’s premier LGBTQ writing residency. It is the only multi-genre writing residency devoted exclusively to emerging LGBTQ+ writers. The Retreat is an unparalleled opportunity to develop one’s craft and find community.

The 2026 Writers Retreat will take place from August 1-8, 2026. As we did in 2025, we are holding our Writers Retreat online. This format allows for us to continue building our organizational resources while offering the same high-quality programming that remains accessible to folks who may not otherwise be able to attend in-person programs. Not only that, but the Virtual Retreat was a hit in 2025! Fellows and Faculty reported the Lambda Literary Virtual Retreat model was “one of the more accessible and inclusive retreats of its kind available to writers, and is driven forward by leadership who are dedicated to supporting queer artists and their development” (Sam Heyman, 2022/2025 Fellow).

TUITION, SCHOLARSHIPS, + FINANCIAL SUPPORT:

• Tuition for the 2026 Virtual Retreat is set at $1,100.

• Accepted fellows will no longer have to fundraise for their own tuition–Lambda Literary will provide financial support to those who need it. We are working hard to make our spaces as accessible as possible, and those who cannot pay their own way should not have to expend more time and energy just to attend. With this new plan, Lambda Literary will be offering financial support to make sure every accepted writer can attend, regardless of financial status.

• Find all available scholarships, financial support information, and other opportunities in the application form.

RETREAT DATES + LOCATION

The 2026 Writers Retreat will be held virtually from August 1-August 8, 2026.

APPLICATION DETAILS:

You may apply to more than one workshop, however, each application must be submitted separately and requires an additional fee. The fee for each application is $30.00 and is processed through Submittable's online portal. If you wish to pay by cash or check please contact retreat@lambdaliterary.org. 

A limited number of application fee waivers are available for QTBIPOC** members of our community who have never attended the Writers Retreat before. 

To inquire about a fee waiver, email retreat@lambdaliterary.org confirming your eligibility as:

• A member of the QTBIPOC community

• Someone who has never attended the Retreat before.

You do not need to provide any other identifying information. Waivers are given out on a first-come-first serve basis. Secure yours sooner rather than later!

To Apply, Please Prepare

1. An artistic/biographical statement (max 500 words).

2. a writing sample matching the genre of the workshop you’re applying for:

• A writing sample in .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format. 

• For prose please double space and use a 12 point font. 

• For Screenwriting please use standardized scriptwriting format.

• The sample you apply with does not have to be the same sample you plan to workshop at the Retreat.

• Page limits per workshop:                                                  

  • For Fiction, Nonfiction, Romantic Fiction, Speculative Fiction, and Young Adult Fiction: 15 pages maximum. This maximum applies to cross-genre samples as well as samples in verse.

  • For Playwriting and Screenwriting: 15 pages maximum from a full-length work, short play/script, or piece of theatre/film. This page limit includes dramatis personae/cast list/setting/description.

  • For Poetry: 8 pages maximum

3. Optional, not required for acceptance:

• Any publications of your work during the past two years, including anthologies, literary journals, magazines, websites, and books.

• Any other writing conferences, retreats, and workshops have you attended.

• Some scholarships, financial support, and additional opportunities require a scholarship statement (max 500 words).

 APPLICATION REVIEW + STATUS NOTIFICATION:

Applications are reviewed in three stages by a panel of retreat alumni and Lambda staff. Reviewers are given comprehensive guidelines and a rubric to evaluate each application for craft, inventiveness, voice, and form. Within that, we strive to serve a variety of writers with varying backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations, genders, religions, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, and localities. 

In the first round of review, the top 50 fellowship candidates in each genre are identified. In the second round, the top 30 fellowship candidates in each genre are identified. In the third round of review, the genre-specific faculty member makes final decisions and chooses 12 fellows and 5 waitlist applicants out of the top 30 pool. Writers Retreat faculty make the final determinations regarding accepted and waitlisted applicants. All applicants will be notified of their application status in April 2026.  

lambdaliterary.org/emerging-writers-retreat/

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WILD SEEDS RETREAT FOR WRITERS OF COLOR (SCREENWRITING, FICTION, POETRY)

DEADLINE: January 9, 2026 by 11:59pm ET

APPLICATION FEE: $25

INFO: The Wild Seeds Retreat provides writers of color with an opportunity to meet other writers; to workshop their writing among peers; and to engage with published writers about concerns and issues related to writing and publishing. Through its writing workshops leaders, the Retreat provides the public with an opportunity to become knowledgeable about the range and diversity of the work produced by writers of color.

Fellows will engage in daily writing, reading and sharing sessions with workshop leaders and cohort leaders. Fellows will also have an opportunity for one on one sessions with their workshop leader. A detailed itinerary will be provided to accepted fellows.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

The applicant’s submission packet must include a cover letter of introduction that includes:

1. The reason you want to participate in the Wild Seeds Retreat for Writers of Color.

2. A statement about how you would benefit from this experience.

3. Background information about you as a writer.

4. Brief description of the project you are presently working on (if applicable).

5. A writing sample (up to five pages). This will be a separate upload in the application below.

6. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your writing. This will also be a separate upload in the application below.

7. Scholarships are very limited. If you are requesting one, please include a rationale in your cover letter.

There is a one-time, non-refundable application fee of $25.00. How will you submit your application fee? You can either submit: 

• Postal mail with the signed and dated application. See the address below.

• Online (if online, CLICK HERE to submit your payment.)

TUITION: This is a tuition-based program.  If accepted, a tuition fee of $300.00 will be due.

centerforblackliterature.org/wild-seeds-retreat/

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Sunlit Residency: Summer '26 

Sunlit Residency (Ithaca, NY)

DEADLINE: January 10, 2026

PROCESSING FEE: $25

INFO: A residency for social justice, human rights and the arts in Ithaca, NY. 

This residency honors the legacy of anthropologist Dr. Sue-Je Lee Gage, pioneering scholar of Amerasians in South Korea, change maker, beloved teacher and mentor whose talents and interests spanned the fine arts, the humanities, and the social sciences. Scholars, artists, writers, and activists are invited to apply for short-term residencies in her former home in Ithaca, New York, to pursue projects related to the passions and interests that motivated Dr. Gage's work for social justice, human rights and the arts on a broad scale. 

Residents are responsible for their own transportation to and from Ithaca, New York.

All household amenities, including wi-fi, will be provided.

All questions and queries regarding the residency may be addressed to Sunlitresidency@gmail.com.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Please complete the Application Form.  Also email the following as Microsoft Word or pdf attachments to Sunlitresidency@gmail.com:

1. Project Description: Submit a statement (max. 1500 words) describing your proposed work, how it aligns with the goals of the Sunlit Residency, current stage of the project, goals for completion while at the Residency, and a schedule for how you plan to utilize your time while at the Residency.

2. Work Samples:  Scholars and creative writers are requested to submit two samples of written work.  Artists are asked to submit two fine art samples, or representations thereof.  Activists are requested to submit a brief (about 250-300 word) description of past activities relevant to the proposed project, or other evidence of such activities.

3. Updated Curriculum Vitae

4. A Confidential Letter of Reference: The letter should be emailed directly to Sunlitresidency@gmail.com by a professional colleague and/or supervisor who is familiar with your project and your goals.

5. Processing fee of $25: Payment should be made via our donation page on the website.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage

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DIVERSE VOICES IN DOCS FELLOWSHIP

Kartemquin Films

DEADLINE: January 12, 2025

INFO: The Diverse Voices in Docs (DVID) Fellowship supports emerging filmmakers who identify as Black, Indigenous, or another person of color in the Midwest. The program is rooted in ideals of a collaborative community and welcomes filmmakers who are committed to unflinching documentary filmmaking rooted in social justice.

Founded by Gordon Quinn of Kartemquin Films and Margaret Caples of Community Film Workshop of Chicago, this twelve month cohort based program supports non-fiction filmmakers telling stories that are intimate, grounded in community, and provoke audiences to question the world around them.

Questions? Email us at dvid@kartemquin.org.

kartemquin.org/program/diverse-voices-in-docs/

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OPEN CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: OXBELLY RETREAT

Oxbelly

DEADLINE: January 14, 2026

APPLICATION FEE: $0

INFO: The Oxbelly Retreat is an annual gathering of international storytellers, dedicated to the exchange of ideas, deepening of craft and broadening of artistic horizons through intercultural dialogue. In 2026, the Oxbelly Retreat includes programs for writers working in film and literary fiction – with the Screenwriters program led by Radu Jude and the Fiction Writers program led by Chigozie Obioma. There is no cost to apply and all expenses for fellows are covered.

FICTION WRITERS PROGRAM: The Fiction Writers program is designed to give fellows both a space to experience support for their work-in-progress as well as the opportunity to write in an ambient environment. The first 4 days consist of a series of writing workshops led by acclaimed writers, along with dedicated one-on-one sessions. The second half offers a mini-residence for the fellows to soak in the scenic and peaceful atmosphere of Costa Navarino and produce work. Fellows also engage in a session focused on enhancing their knowledge of the literary industry and how to promote their work.

Evenings consist of interdisciplinary programming for all attendees – a curated series of sessions exploring the craft of writing, readings, screenings and panel discussions that cut across multiple mediums. Fellows will also have the opportunity to engage with attendees from other creative sectors including the fellows and advisors from the Screenwriters program, which runs concurrently.

After the Retreat, Oxbelly offers fellows additional support for their writing and career. Avenues of support includes a partnership with Granta, one of the world’s leading literary platforms, where, once a year, fellows may submit unpublished work directly to the editors to be considered for potential publication.

The Fiction Writers program has no cost to apply and all expenses for fellows are covered.

Open Call for Greek and international applicants who are emerging writers of novels or short stories, including unpublished writers and students, 18 years old and over.

Finalists will be interviewed in late spring 2026.

SCREENWRITERS PROGRAM: The first four days consist of one-on-one sessions and workshops with experienced writer-director advisors.

The second half of the program expands to include special guests who range from established directors, actors, cinematographers, composers, editors to producers and industry professionals, as well as creatives from other fields such as theatre, visual arts, and literature.

While the 8-day program focuses solely on the creative writing process, the established creatives and industry who participate in Oxbelly become resources to the fellows' projects and careers post-Retreat.

Evenings consist of interdisciplinary programming for all attendees– a curated series of sessions exploring the craft of writing, readings, screenings and panel discussions that cut across multiple mediums. Fellows will also have the chance to engage with attendees from other creative sectors, including the fellows and advisors from the Fiction Writers program.

The Screenwriters program has no cost to apply and all expenses for fellows are covered.

Open Call for Greek and international applicants, 18 years old and over.

Finalists will be interviewed in late spring 2026.

The Screenwriters program is open to writer-directors applying with their second fiction feature film.

The application materials consist of a project synopsis, a writer’s statement, a treatment, a full script, a sample of their debut fiction feature film and a mood board (optional). Each applicant must be the author of the material they submit.

CONTACT: For any information, please email contact@oxbelly.com

oxbelly.com

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From Page to Proof

GET IT MADE x The Writers Lab

DEADLINE: January 15, 2026

FEE: $115

INFO: From Page to Proof is an initiative from GET IT MADE and The Writers Lab that gives storytellers the opportunity to turn their completed screenplay into a Proof of Concept (POC) — a short, high-impact visual piece that captures the style, tone, and market potential of a feature or TV pilot.

The grand prize winner will have their Proof of Concept (whether a short film or cinematic trailer) made to showcase its full potential to studios, streamers, and investors, along with a 90-day GET IT MADE Membership.

Five finalists will also receive a 90-day GET IT MADE Membership to refine and package their projects for industry readiness.

HOW IT WORKS: ELIGIBILITY, SUBMISSIONS, PRIZES:

Eligibility:

• Open to all screenwriters worldwide, 18 or older.

• Submit a Proof of Concept (POC) script of up to 6 pages.

• A completed feature screenplay or TV pilot that the POC represents is required.

• Scripts must be written in English.

• All material must be the entrant’s original work. Adaptations require secured rights.

Submission Requirements:

• Required: POC script (PDF, max 6 pages).

• May be requested: Completed feature or TV pilot script (standard format, PDF).

• Optional: Synopsis, pitch bible, or supporting materials.

• Entry fee must be paid before uploading materials on FilmFreeway.

Workshops:

• Earliest Bees (Sept 2–15): Access to both GET IT MADE and The Writers Lab virtual workshops.

• Early Birds (Sept 16–30): Access to The Writers Lab virtual workshop.

• Workshops are group sessions, held online, non-refundable and non-transferable.

Judging Process:

• Round 1: GET IT MADE producers select a shortlist.

• Round 2: Judging panel of The Writers Lab leaders, GET IT MADE Industry Pros, and a guest juror select finalists and the Grand Prize winner.

• All judging decisions are final.

Prizes:

• Grand Prize: Production of the Proof of Concept (short film or trailer) plus a 90-day GET IT MADE Membership.

• Finalists (5): Each receive a 90-day GET IT MADE Membership.

• Production scope may be adapted based on format, genre, and available resources.

Rights & Ownership:

• Entrants retain full rights to their scripts.

• GET IT MADE holds production rights to the Proof of Concept it produces for promotional and industry use.

• By submitting, entrants grant GET IT MADE and The Writers Lab permission to use names, likenesses, and project information for publicity.

General Terms:

• Entry fees are non-refundable.

• Multiple entries allowed; each requires a separate fee.

• Submissions not following guidelines may be disqualified without refund.

• Production timelines may vary depending on resources and scheduling.

Refund Policy

• All entry fees are non-refundable, regardless of submission status, disqualification, or withdrawal.

getitmade.la/submit-poc

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2026 open-call residency program for BIPOC artists

Ma’s House (Shinnecock Indian Reservation, a sovereign self-governing nation in Southampton, NY)

APPLICATION FEE: $0

INFO: Ma’s House’s Artist-In-Residency program is open to US-based creatives of color working in any genre of visual art, creative writing, and performance arts.

We encourage resident artists to pursue work that relates to or is inspired by Shinnecock’s history, the local landscape, community-based work, and critical engagement in issues of diversity, race, and identity.

There is no work expectation for the Ma’s House residency aside from leading one public program, including, but not limited to, a hands-on workshop, a public performance, a reading, open studios, and more.

ELIGIBILITY:

The Ma’s House Artist Residency is open to US-based BIPOC artists 21+ years of age. A variety of disciplines are accepted including, but not limited to: visual arts, media/new genre, performance, architecture, film/video, literature, interdisciplinary arts, and music composition. Solo artists are a eligible to apply. 

Applicants will be chosen based on project proposals, artistic merit, feasibility/logistics of the residency, and how the artist will benefit from working at Ma’s House and Shinnecock.

RESIDENCY LENGTH:

Residencies will be scheduled by mutual agreement between accepted resident artists and Ma’s House year-round.

Residencies can be a minimum of a weekend and a maximum of two weeks. Artists from federally recognized tribes may apply for up to six months.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:

Residents will be required to participate in a minimum of one public program during their stay (open rehearsals, workshops, studio visits, lectures, or artist talks).

Engaging with or researching Shinnecock artists, east-end artists, and local art institutions  is strongly recommended before arrival.

RESIDENCY COSTS

There is no fee to apply or fee to attend. Residents will be responsible for their own groceries and meals.

Thanks to the Creatives Rebuild New York grant, we are grateful to offer $ 250.00 per week honorariums for visiting artists. (Or about $35.70 per day if staying more or less than a week)

mashouse.studio/residency/

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UCROSS FELLOWSHIP FOR NATIVE AMERICAN ARTISTS

UCROSS Foundation

DEADLINE: January 15, 2026

APPLICATION FEE: $0

INFO: Our dedicated fellowship supports the work of contemporary Native American visual artists, writers, and performers. Selected fellows are offered a four-week residency, which includes uninterrupted time, private studio space living accommodations, meals prepared by our professional chef, a stipend, and the experience of the majestic High Plains. The  Ucross Fellowship for Native American Artists also includes an award of $2,000 and the opportunity to present work publicly, such as a featured exhibition in the Ucross Art Gallery, a reading, or a performance. 

The fellowship began in 2018 by supporting Native American visual artists, thanks in large part to a grant from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Following the success of the first two years, in 2020, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) granted Ucross funds to continue the program for visual artists and expand its reach to include Native American writers. In 2024, the NEA granted Ucross additional funds to include Native American performers. 

ELIGIBILITY: Residencies are open to Native American writers who meet the criteria below. They must:

• Be a practicing contemporary writer who is currently producing works in one or more of the following genres, including but not limited to FICTION, NONFICTION, POETRY, DRAMA, SCREENWRITING, PLAYWRITING, and HYBRID FORMS;

• Be an enrolled member of a state-recognized or federally-recognized Tribe, Pueblo, Nation, Native Community, Political Entity, or Alaskan Native Village.

FICTION WORK SAMPLE: Your writing sample should represent the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Writing samples should be double-spaced and include your full name. * Appropriate sample: 20 pages of fiction, which could be a novel excerpt, a story, several stories, or a combination.

NONFICTION WORK SAMPLE: Your sample should represent the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Writing samples should be double-spaced and include your full name. * Appropriate sample: 20 pages of nonfiction.

POETRY WORK SAMPLE: Your sample should represent the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Poetry submissions may be single-spaced and should include your full name. * Appropriate samples: 10 pages of poetry.

PLAYWRITING WORK SAMPLE: Your sample should represent the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Writing samples should be double-spaced and include your full name. * Appropriate samples: One complete play (documentation of production may be included, if relevant), noting the 20 pages that you would like the reviewers to read.

SCREENWRITING WORK SAMPLE: Your sample should represent the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Writing samples should be double-spaced and include your full name. * Appropriate samples: One complete screenplay (documentation of production may be included, if relevant), noting the 20 pages that you would like the reviewers to read

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Ucross Foundation acknowledges with respect that it is situated on the aboriginal land of several Indigenous communities, including the Cheyenne, Crow, and Lakota nations. Indigenous people continue to live in this area and practice their teachings and lifeways. Today, this region remains an important place for many Indigenous peoples. As a Wyoming institution, we recognize and respect this historical context and are working to build reciprocal relationships with the Native nations on whose lands we are situated. In partial fulfillment of that commitment, Ucross established Fellowships for Native American Visual Artists in 2017, Writers in 2020, and Performers in 2024.

ucrossfoundation.submittable.com/submit

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Monson Arts RESIDENCY

Monson Arts

DEADLINE: January 15, 2026

APPLICATION FEE: $25

INFO: Monson Arts’ residency program supports emerging and established artists and writers by providing them time and space to devote to their creative practices. During each of our 2-week and 4-week programs throughout the year, a cohort of 5 artists and 5 writers are invited to immerse themselves in small town life at the edge of Maine’s North Woods and focus intensely on their work within a creative and inspiring environment. They receive a private studio, private bedroom in shared housing, all meals, and $500 stipend ($250 for 2-week programs). The Abbott Watts Residency for Photography offers access to the photography studio and darkroom of Todd Watts in nearby Blanchard, adjacent to the former home of Berenice Abbott. Click here to read more about this unique opportunity specifically for photographers.

Applications for a residency at Monson Arts are open to anyone at any stage of their career, working in visual arts, writing, and related fields (i.e. audio, video, photography, woodworking, movement, screen and playwrights). Open calls for residency applications currently take place 3 times throughout the year with deadlines on January 15, May 15, and September 15. Each application period corresponds to specific residency offerings 3-6 months out.

Residents’ studios are located in newly renovated Main Street buildings that have been designed specifically for visual artists and writers. All of our studio spaces are outfitted to be as flexible as possible so that we can accommodate a variety of creative practices. Our visual arts studios are spacious and light-filled with large work tables and sinks. Shelving and portable storage carts are available as needed. Access is available to woodshop and metal shop facilities in nearby buildings for any fabrication needs. Our writing studios are comfortably furnished with work tables, office chairs, bookshelves, and reading chairs. For those working in time and sound based media: apply to the Writing category if quiet contemplation would be best for your project or the Visual Arts category if you need room and the opportunity to make and play sounds out loud.

Residents live in newly renovated historic homes throughout town, within walking distance to studios and everything that downtown Monson has to offer. These are mostly 3 bedroom structures that are fully furnished and comfortable all four seasons of the year. Houses all have shared kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas with laundry machines, telephone, and other amenities as well. Wifi is available in all of our buildings through high speed fiberoptic service.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

• Up to 5 images / 5 minutes of media OR 5 pages of writing examples

• A letter of intent for your time at the residency

• C.V. or Resume (limited to 6000 characters)

• Two reference names

2026 SPRING RESIDENCY SCHEDULE:

• 3/30 – 4/23 – Residency – (With Abbott Watts Resident)

• 4/27 – 5/21 – Residency

• *5/26 – 6/5 – Residency – (With Abbott Watts Resident) 2 week residency (Tuesday start for memorial day)

monsonarts.slideroom.com/#/login/program/87435

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The Diverso Fellowship

DIVERSO

DEADLINES:

• Earlybird - January 23, 2026

• Regular - February 20, 2026

INFO: DIVERSO is a student-run film nonprofit dedicated to changing the face of entertainment by empowering the next generation of storytellers.

In partnership with THE WRITERS GUILD FOUNDATION, we have created The Diverso Fellowship: a fellowship program for statistically overlooked student screenwriters.

Vetted by a rigorous committee of industry professionals, three talented students will be selected to spend ten weeks over the summer of 2026, attending panels with renowned industry professionals, learning from the best by shadowing writers' rooms, and receiving mentorship to refine their scripts and prepare for professional opportunities, including staffing or representation.

Fellows are expected to make a 20-hour commitment each week and are required to attend all Fellowship events, including educational panels, mentor meetings, script workshops, and more. The fellowship will be hosted virtually over the summer (tentatively set for June 15th - August 24th).

Our program is made possible by our incredible sponsors: WarnerBros Discovery, Madison Wells Media, Lin Manuel-Miranda’s Miranda Family Fund, the Writers Guild Foundation, and more.

Please follow us on social media @diversoorg to stay tuned for specific dates and times!

AWARDS + PRIZES:

Last Season's Benefits Included:

1. Industry Mentorship:

Each Fellow is paired with a working industry mentor for the duration of the Fellowship. Scripts undergo multiple revisions, with each draft receiving structured feedback through one-on-one mentorship and cohort workshops led by the Diverso team.

*Previous mentors include: Joe Robert Cole (BLACK PANTHER), Charise Castro Smith (ENCANTO), Nahnatchka Khan (FRESH OFF THE BOAT), Andrew Ahn (FIRE ISLAND), Geetika Lizardi (BRIDGERTON), Alex Song-Xia (RICK & MORTY, THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON)

2. Salon Night:

The Fellowship culminates in a curated pitch salon where Fellows present their scripts to alumni and industry professionals. Past attendees have included executives and representatives from Blumhouse, Pixar, 360 Entertainment, UTA, and more.

3. Panels:

Writing Across Mediums - Dominique Morisseau (SHAMELESS)
360 Entertainment Panel on Finding Representation - Melissa Breaux (Manager, Producer, 360) & Sam Sekoff (TV Lit Manager/Agent, 360, Range Media Partners, Gersh)

The Art of Pitching - Carole Kirschner (Director, CBS Writing Program & WGA Showrunner Training Program)
Animation In 2025 - Mike Jones (SOUL, LUCA, ELIO) and Brenda Hsueh (ELEMENTAL)
Building a Long Term Writing Career - Simon Racioppa (INVINCIBLE)

4. Shadowing Writer's Rooms.

Fellows gain firsthand exposure to professional writers’ rooms. Most recently, the cohort shadowed two sessions of Brilliant Minds through a partnership with Berlanti Productions.

*Past shows have been from Disney+, AppleTV+, and The CW

5. Access to a network where you will build lifelong relationships with like-minded peers and alumni.

RULES + TERMS:

Please read all instructions and FAQs carefully before you begin your submission process. Applicants can only submit once per category. Any errors or multiple submissions could disqualify your application.

SUBMISSIONS INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants must be statistically overlooked writers currently enrolled in a community college or university as an UNDERGRADUATE or GRADUATE student (Winter' 25 Graduates are eligible).

For eligibility and submissions information, please scroll down and read the

filmfreeway.com/diversofellowship

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CALL FOR DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILMS

Firelight Media

DEADLINE: February 2, 2026

INFO: Firelight Media invites emerging and mid-career underrepresented filmmakers living in and/or originating from the Appalachian Mountain region to submit works-in-progress for the fourth season of the award-winning, regionally-focused documentary short film series HOMEGROWN.

‍Selected filmmakers will receive up to $40k to produce an 8-to-15-minute nonfiction short. Filmmakers should approach their topic with a current, modern perspective — immersing audiences in the real, lived experience of the region. The filmmakers will work closely with Firelight Media from development through distribution. 

Projects may vary in scope/approach, and address topics including (but not limited to): 

• Celebrations and joy 

• Climate change and environmental justice

• Community portraits  

• Contemporary takes on unknown histories 

• Cultural changemakers 

• Education

• Family

• Healthcare & the body

• Housing disparities 

• Land rights and reparative work

• Local folklore 

• Migration and immigrant communities

• Narratives on resilience or anti-resilience 

• New forms of resistance 

• Old and new economies

• Shifting landscapes

• Unique stories and occurrences

• Unrecognized communities 

Ideal candidates for the initiative are emerging and mid-career filmmakers committed to uncovering previously untold narratives rooted in their local community. 

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES:

• Applicants can only pitch short-form nonfiction projects (8-15 minutes) that are in early to late production. 

• Applicants must include a pitch deck in their application. 

• Applicants must be from an underrepresented community.

• Applicants must reside in or originate from the following states: Alabama (northern), Georgia (northern), Kentucky (eastern), Maryland (western), Mississippi (northern), New York (southern), North Carolina (western), Ohio (southern), Pennsylvania (western/central), South Carolina (northwestern), Tennessee (eastern), Virginia (southwestern), West Virginia. Refer to this map by county to see which parts of each state are considered part of Appalachia.  

• Applicants must be able to complete the project by September 30, 2026, and be available for distribution and promotion engagements through 2027. 

• Applicants must hold artistic, budgetary, and editorial control over the project and own the copyright.

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older by the time of submission.

• Applicants must be willing and able to work collaboratively with Firelight Media staff and its partners. 

• Only one proposal may be submitted per applicant.

PROJECTS NOT ELIGIBLE:

• Feature documentaries, series, or fiction projects

• Projects in pre-production or completed films

• Projects that are student films or are related to coursework

• Projects or production entities that are owned, controlled, or based outside the United States.

• Branded content or promotional projects

• Filmmakers contracted with another Firelight Media or Films program and have not completed final deliverables by the time they are selected for this program

• Filmmakers employed by Firelight Media, Firelight Films, or who are members of the board of directors for any of these entities‍

firelightmedia.submittable.com/submit

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Research & Development Grant

Chicken & Egg Films

DEADLINE: February 4, 2026 at 11:59pm EST

INFO: Now in its fourth year, the Research & Development Grant supports filmmakers from around the world who have directed at least one feature-length documentary and are in the research & development stage of their next feature-length film.

With continued grant-making support by Netflix, the Research & Development Grant supports directors to ideate and plan for their next feature-length film. Many filmmakers invest their personal resources into their films and face funding challenges when entering into the research & development stages of new projects. It is hard to secure funding for a new project without significant sample material, yet producing material without external funding can be almost impossible. To address this challenge, the Research & Development Grant provides financial support to directors during a filmmaking stage that is too often unpaid and unsupported. 

A total of $450,000 USD will be awarded in the following grant amounts:

• $10,000 USD grants for Research

• $20,000 USD grants for Development

The final number of Research Grants vs. Development Grants disbursed will be determined during the selection process, based on the characteristics and strength of the applicant pool for each category.

The purpose of the Research & Development Grant is to support projects at the early stages of their lifecycle. If you have already raised a significant amount of capital (over 35% of your film’s total budget) and have shot and/or edited a substantial amount of footage, you may not be competitive for this grant, unless you can demonstrate very specific needs for the project (such as previously overlooked research activity). 

We have separated the Research Grant from the Development Grant to allow early-stage projects to receive support without the need to submit all the deliverables required for projects in the development phase. 

We recognize that each documentary is unique and that processes for research and development, fundraising, and production can vary widely. The information provided here is not intended as strict eligibility criteria, but rather as general guidelines to help applicants understand the stage at which we aim to provide support for projects. 

The 2026 Chicken & Egg Films Research & Development Grant is generously supported by Netflix.

ELIGIBILITY:

You may only submit one application per cycle. If you have more than one eligible project, you must submit only one for consideration. You may apply for either the Research Grant or Development Grant, but not both.

Applicant Eligibility Filmmakers must meet the following criteria:

• Identify as a woman or gender-expansive filmmaker. 

  • Our working definition of gender-expansive is that it is an umbrella term that includes any person whose gender identity or gender expression does not comply with the socially defined gender norms and roles of their culture. This includes, but is not limited to, non-binary, trans, third gender/two-spirit, and agender individuals). Please refer to our gender expansion page for more information.

• Have directed at least one feature-length documentary, which is defined as an independently produced film that is at least 48 minutes in length.

  • Films must be completed to be considered for this requirement. If you are currently directing your first feature-length film, you would not be eligible to apply until that film is completed and has premiered or is completed and at the time of applying has a confirmed world premiere at a festival taking place before the end of May - in short the film must have premiered before final selections are made.

  • The film must be independently produced. However, commissioned documentaries and television documentaries, including those produced for news/journalism outlets, are eligible to be considered as prior work if the director had creative control.

  • Feature-length narrative work is not eligible to be considered as prior work for this application.

• Be based anywhere in the world, except for countries which are under comprehensive US sanctions. Further information about US sanctions can be found here.

Project Eligibility Projects must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a documentary or nonfiction film (including hybrid docs)

  • Our evolving definition of a hybrid documentary is a film that incorporates fictional or scripted elements as a formal device in which it is clear to the viewer which elements are fiction and which are not. The incorporation of fictionalized elements is used as a way to further explore the main themes of the film or even question the nature of ‘fact’ and ‘reality’. Externally the finished film should be intended to be programmed and characterized in the press as documentary or hybrid documentary film, and not as a narrative/fiction film. We do not consider narrative memoir, speculative fiction, or docudramas (dramas that are based on a true story) as hybrid documentaries. 

• Must be feature-length (48 minutes or more). (Short / medium-length films or series are not eligible.)

• Must be in the research or development stage. (Refer to the section Project Stage: Research vs. Development in the Program and Application Guide for more information on what we consider each stage to be.)

• Must be independently produced. Works-for-hire are not eligible, and student films produced in an undergraduate or graduate program are also not eligible.

Notes for repeat applicants: You can reapply with a project up to 3 times. If this is your third time submitting to the R&D grant with the same project, this is the final time it will be considered. Applications submitted more than three times will be disqualified. 

You cannot apply for an R&D grant and our (Egg)celerator Lab program with the same project in the same year. You may, however, apply to the (Egg)celerator Lab with the same film project if you applied for R&D in the previous year, as long as the project and applicant meet all other eligibility requirements. See the FAQs for guidance filmmakers who have received prior support from Chicken & Egg Films.

You do not need a fiscal sponsor to apply for the Research & Development Grant. However, if you are awarded, you must have a US fiscal sponsor, or be a 501(c)(3), to receive the funds. If granted, we can help advise on this. We require prompt response upon communication of results. If granted, there is a 12-week period following notification in which you must secure a fiscal sponsor, and the grant must be disbursed within 2026.

For more information on eligibility, please download this Program & Application Guide and review the FAQs.

chickeneggfilms.org/programs/research-and-development-grant

TV / FILM — DECEMBER 2025

CAPE New Writers Fellowship

Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE)

DEADLINE: December 15, 2025 at 11:59pm PT

APPLICATION FEE: $65

INFO: The CAPE New Writers Fellowship (CNWF) discovers and nurtures exceptional new writers launching their careers in television and other entertainment mediums.

Having one of the highest track records of success in the industry, the CAPE New Writers Fellowship boasts graduates who have been staffed on over 80 shows across all major network, cable, and streaming platforms in addition to those who have signed overall deals.

Founded and co-chaired by Emmy Award-winning Writer, Creator and Showrunner Leo Chu  (Disney’s Ultra Violet & Black Scorpion) and veteran film and TV executive and producer Steve Tao (Previously at The CW, ABC, & Bad Robot), the CAPE New Writers Fellowship is one of few writing programs in Hollywood created by a creative and an executive. This immersive program equips each writer with the practical and business knowledge they need to succeed as a professional in the entertainment industry.

As thought leaders at the forefront of the evolving entertainment landscape, CAPE has expanded this program to address the current challenges in the industry and include a wider variety of pathways to becoming a professional writer in Hollywood.

PROGRAM:

The Fellowship features masterclasses, workshops, and panels that explore a diverse array of writing opportunities in television, features, animation, video games, narrative audio, short form digital content, verticals, and more. 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. 

The Fellowship typically runs each year in the spring. Sessions take place on weekday evenings Pacific time for approximately 3 hours, twice a week.

The 2026 CAPE New Writers Fellowship will be a hybrid program with in-person and virtual sessions. Sessions will be held in April-May 2026 on Monday and Wednesday weekday evenings (Pacific Time). You must be able to attend all in-person sessions in Los Angeles. Transportation and lodging costs will not be covered. You must be able to attend every virtual session via Zoom.

GUIDELINES:

Please prepare or complete the following application components prior to beginning the application form (full preview here):

• Resume (PDF Format Only, under 10 MB)

• Complete, original episodic pilot script with all identifying markers stripped (PDF Format only, under 100 MB). You may watermark pages with “CAPE”/”CNWF” but not with any identifying markers.

• We do not accept revised or replacement scripts after submission - no exceptions.

• Half-hour or one-hour episodic pilots ONLY. Feature scripts will not be considered.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• The 2026 CAPE New Writers Fellowship will be a hybrid program with in-person and virtual sessions. Sessions will be held in April-May 2026 on Monday and Wednesday weekday evenings (Pacific Time).

  • Applicant must be able to attend all in-person sessions in Los Angeles. Transportation and lodging costs will not be covered.

  • Applicant must be able to attend every virtual session via Zoom.

• Applicants must not be currently staffed on an episodic program. Applicants who were previously staffed at the staff writer level, but are not currently staffed as a writer, may apply.

• Applicants cannot have previously participated in the CAPE New Writers Fellowship. 

• Applicants must have the ability to accept paid work in the United States. CAPE does not sponsor or assist with visas.

• Applicant must be at least 18 years old.

• Writing teams of up to 2 writers may submit. Writers must be committed to pursuing a career as a writing team. Both members of any writing team must meet all requirements.

• The applicant and 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.

SCRIPT REQUIREMENTS:

• The 2026 CAPE New Writers Fellowship will be accepting half-hour or one-hour episodic pilots only. All genres accepted. Animation accepted.

• Script must be original and applicant(s) must own all rights to the script free and clear.

• Script must not be under an option and applicant(s) must have sole authority over changes to the script.

• Submissions without proof of payment will not be considered.

• CAPE does not provide coverage or feedback for scripts.

capeusa.org/cnwf

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WOMEN DIRECTING MENTORSHIP

SeriesFest / Shondaland

DEADLINE / FEE: December 18, 2025 ($75)

INFO: SeriesFest and Shondaland are honored to partner on our seventh cycle of the Women Directing Mentorship: A competition designed to discover aspiring female directors with unique voices and provide a launchpad for their careers. Founded in 2019, The Women Directing Mentorship is anchored by the prestigious opportunity to shadow a director on an episode of a Shondaland original series.

PRIZE

The director selected as the Winner for Cycle 7 (2026) will shadow a director for an episode of a Shondaland production.

ENTRY MATERIALS:

Complete our application that includes the following:

• Work Sample - A short film or a feature

• Personal Introduction Video - 3–5 minute video introducing yourself, your unique voice and style, and why you think you’re the right fit for the Women Directing Mentorship. Be creative! (see examples below)

• Reel - Reel under 15 minutes or a short film showcasing your directing work. This reel can include student work.

• CV/Resume

• Entry Fee (see above)

Please note, entry materials will not be returned. Clips of (or full) Personal Introduction Videos may be used to market this or future Women Directing Mentorship cycles.

ELIGIBILITY:

• To qualify, you must have 3 years of professional experience (in any professional role, not just Director). This can include having experience directing independent shorts, series, and films.

• Applicants who have previously directed a network series are ineligible.

• Must be 21+ years of age.

• Applicants should to be based in the United States or the United Kingdom 

seriesfest.com/women-directing-mentorship/

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2026 RESIDENCY

Saltonstall

DEADLINE: January 4, 2026 by 11:59pm ET

APPLICATION FEE: $0

INFO: Saltonstall announces their Call for Entries for the 2026 Residency season! Residencies will begin May 29 and run through October 29.

They welcome submissions from artists and writers living in New York State and Indian Nations therein working in the following disciplines:

• Poetry

• Creative Nonfiction

• Photography & Filmmaking

• Painting | Sculpture | Visual Arts

Saltonstall is located eight miles east of Ithaca, New York on the traditional, ancestral, and contemporary lands of the Gayogo̱hó:nǫ' Nation (generally known as the Cayuga Nation), one of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

A Saltonstall residency is a small community. We strive to provide a quiet, inviting, respectful, and nurturing community for creative individuals looking for uninterrupted time to focus on their craft.

Residencies are cohort-based. There are just five individuals in residence at a time: one poet, one prose writer, one photographer or filmmaker, and two visual artists. Each group of five arrives and departs at the same time.

We believe in and value a diverse community of creative individuals. To that end, we hope that all artists and writers feel welcome to apply for a residency, regardless of one’s level of education, experience, race, ethnicity, age, sex, religious belief, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or national origin.

There is no cost to attend Saltonstall and no application fee associated with this application. Additionally, to help offset travel to Ithaca and other personal expenses, we offer stipends of $100/week to everyone who attends. Additional stipend support (up to $1,000) will be offered based on financial need and the median household income of an applicant's County. Artist- and writer-parents and full-time caregivers will each receive a $500 stipend.   

All applicants must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and must be residents of New York State or Indian Nations therein ** (all counties). Residencies are for individual artists and writers. We are unable to accommodate groups or pairs of people working together. Specific residency dates are inclusive. It is expected that those selected for a residency live at Saltonstall for the duration of the residency period and -- during the 2 - 4-week residencies -- participate in our Open House events.  

saltonstall.submittable.com/submit

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The Writers Discovery Fellowship

Circle M+P x Anarchists United

DEADLINE: January 5, 2025

INFO: The Writers Discovery Fellowship provides an immersive introductory experience to the world of professional television writing to a diverse group of aspiring writers who have not yet been employed or represented by the industry.

By promoting voices that have been historically underserved, the Fellowship will enrich both the professional lives of the Fellows and the dynamic quality of the entertainment industry.

BENEFITS: Once per year, six to eight writers will be selected for a six-month program which closely replicates the writer-representative (manager and agent) dynamic. Each Fellow will be assigned a mentor who will educate and guide them by way of script development, career advice, and support. 

The Fellowship also includes informational panels, speakers and workshops with industry professionals. Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in practice/mock-general meetings and pitch sessions in preparation for their final professional meetings. 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 be generally equipped with the essential tools for their success as writers in the entertainment industry. Each Fellow also receives a $10,000 stipend.

writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/circlemp-anarchistsunited-writers-discovery-fellowship

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2026 WIF Writers Fellowship

Women in Film LA

DEADLINE: January 6, 2026

APPLICATION FEE: $40

INFO: The WIF Writer Fellowship is a year-long program that supports both episodic and feature writers.

FELLOWSHIP SPECIFICS:

The WIF Fellowship Program reflects our commitment to advancing the careers of women, nonbinary, and trans people across all areas of the industry. It is our belief that a true culture shift includes support and community for every entertainment industry role. To that end, if you don’t see your role represented in the list of application options, we still encourage you to apply.

The 2026 WIF Fellowship will run from June 2026 through May 2027 and includes five core components:

1. Community Building - Fellows will expand their network of peers, collaborators, and advocates through in-person events, cross-cohort sessions, 1:1 meetings with other Fellows and alumni, mentor meetings, and industry generals.

2. Cohort Mentoring - Each career-track cohort (e.g., Editors) will meet as a group in a Mentor Circle led by an experienced professional in their field. Each cohort will have several group Mentor Circle sessions throughout the Fellowship year.

3. Educational Sessions & Workshops - The full Fellowship cohort will meet for presentations and workshops covering a range of industry topics.

4. Career Strategy with the Programs Team - Each Fellow will meet with the Programs Team to dig deeper into the Fellow’s goals, projects, and next steps.

5. Fellowship Year Project Plan - Each Fellow will develop a personalized project to complete during the Fellowship year, aligned with their career track, experience level, and prioritized goals. Past projects have included updating a professional reel or website, revising a script, workshopping a script through a table read, or screening a work-in-progress for feedback. Fellows will set benchmarks throughout the year, with support and accountability from the Programs Team.

womeninfilm.org/fellowships/

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WILD SEEDS RETREAT for writers of color (screenwriting, fiction, poetry)

DEADLINE: January 9, 2026 by 11:59pm ET

APPLICATION FEE: $25

INFO: The Wild Seeds Retreat provides writers of color with an opportunity to meet other writers; to workshop their writing among peers; and to engage with published writers about concerns and issues related to writing and publishing. Through its writing workshops leaders, the Retreat provides the public with an opportunity to become knowledgeable about the range and diversity of the work produced by writers of color.

Fellows will engage in daily writing, reading and sharing sessions with workshop leaders and cohort leaders. Fellows will also have an opportunity for one on one sessions with their workshop leader. A detailed itinerary will be provided to accepted fellows.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

The applicant’s submission packet must include a cover letter of introduction that includes:

1. The reason you want to participate in the Wild Seeds Retreat for Writers of Color.

2. A statement about how you would benefit from this experience.

3. Background information about you as a writer.

4. Brief description of the project you are presently working on (if applicable).

5. A writing sample (up to five pages). This will be a separate upload in the application below.

6. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your writing. This will also be a separate upload in the application below.

7. Scholarships are very limited. If you are requesting one, please include a rationale in your cover letter.

There is a one-time, non-refundable application fee of $25.00. How will you submit your application fee? You can either submit: 

• Postal mail with the signed and dated application. See the address below.

• Online (if online, CLICK HERE to submit your payment.)

TUITION: This is a tuition-based program.  If accepted, a tuition fee of $300.00 will be due.

centerforblackliterature.org/wild-seeds-retreat/

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Diverse Voices in Docs Fellowship

Kartemquin Films

DEADLINE: January 12, 2025

INFO: The Diverse Voices in Docs (DVID) Fellowship supports emerging filmmakers who identify as Black, Indigenous, or another person of color in the Midwest. The program is rooted in ideals of a collaborative community and welcomes filmmakers who are committed to unflinching documentary filmmaking rooted in social justice.

Founded by Gordon Quinn of Kartemquin Films and Margaret Caples of Community Film Workshop of Chicago, this twelve month cohort based program supports non-fiction filmmakers telling stories that are intimate, grounded in community, and provoke audiences to question the world around them.

Questions? Email us at dvid@kartemquin.org.

kartemquin.org/program/diverse-voices-in-docs/

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Tribeca X AWARDS

Tribeca Film Festival

DEADLINES + FEES:

• Official Deadline: January 13, 2026 at 6:00pm ET ($525)

• Extended Deadline: February 24, 2026 at 6:00pm ET ($575)

INFO: The Tribeca X Awards recognize excellence in storytelling supported by a brand. The Tribeca X Award is open to all work premiered after January 1, 2025, created with support of a brand in collaboration with artists, creators or filmmakers. The competition awards best-in-class projects in multiple categories as determined by a panel of industry jurors. Finalists will be recognized by the Festival, and a jury will award the winning selection at the Festival.

For the 2026 Tribeca X Awards, winners will be recognized in the following categories and special juried awards:       

• Feature documentary and narrative films > 40 mins         

• Short documentary and narrative films < 40 mins         

• Episodic projects for TV, streaming, web, or brand-owned channels        

•  Commercial traditional :30 and :60 commercial spots (run time can vary)         

• Content Creator/Influencer social media creator content        

• Audio podcasts and audio stories  

Tribeca X will continue two special juried awards which recognize projects across all Tribeca X categories:   

TRIBECA X SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD: Recognizing a project which best uses the unique power of storytelling to inspire change and shine a light on today’s most vital social issues. 

TRIBECA X ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD: Recognizing a project which best tackles today's most pressing environmental issues through the lens of storytelling   

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS INCLUDE:

• U.S. and international projects across scripted, unscripted, animation, documentary, commercials, podcasts, and more.

• Projects created with the support of a brand in collaboration with artists, filmmakers, or creators.

• Projects with a clear storytelling component.

• Projects that premiered on or after January 1, 2025.

FOR CREATOR / INFLUENCER COLLABORATORS:

• Includes short-form posts, livestreams, or long-term collaborations.

• May consist of single or multiple pieces of content, provided they fall within the eligibility period.

RECOGNITION + BENEFITS:

Official Selections will receive:

• Announcement in a Tribeca Festival press release

• Recognition as Official Selection with opportunity to share full projects, trailers or marketing materials on tribecafilm.com/xaward

• Official Tribeca Festival laurels

WINNERS WILL RECEIVE:

• Jury recognition at the Tribeca X live event during the 2026 Tribeca Festival

• Coverage in Festival press releases, Tribeca social channels, newsletters, and select media partner ads

ADDITIONAL RULES:

Submitting a project constitutes acceptance of these Rules & Regulations by you and your agents.

At the Festival’s discretion, selected projects may be asked to provide an embeddable streaming link for exhibition on the Festival website during Festival dates.

vp.eventival.com/tribecafestival/2026/film-form/tribecax

TV / FILM — NOVEMBER 2025

2026 WRITERS ROOM

Black Creatives Social Club

DEADLINE: November 2, 2025

INFO: Apply to join the next cohort of the Black Creatives Social Club Writers’ Room, an 8-week virtual program designed to help Black creatives develop their TV Pilots or Feature scripts through accountability, collaboration, and community. Join a community that’s forging the next generation of screenwriters telling their stories & creating their own opportunities!

REQUIREMENTS:

• You must be 18+ to apply.

• All applicants must be based in located in a state that is either East Coast (EST) or Midwest (CT).

• All sessions are virtual and held in Eastern Standard Time (EST). 

• Cohort dates Tues, January 20th - Tues, March 10th from 7-9 PM EST (Subject to change)

• You must have a logline + synopsis ready to be considered.

• You must submit a writing sample to be considered.

• All final cohort members will sign an NDA agreement to protect your intellectual property.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWNoYxVSN7PBdfVI_NXyse9Q_x70YmAU_p92JAH_5ueklGWw/viewform

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WIF | THE BLACK LIST EPISODIC LAB 2026

Women In Film / The Black List

DEADLINE: November 3, 2025

INFO: Achieving equitable cultural representation within our media narratives requires a representative number of skilled storytellers. The Episodic Lab, held in partnership with key collaborator and industry benchmarker The Black List, is designed to equip new television writers with the knowledge to build and sustain their careers. This program provides participants with support in craft, professional development, and networking toward advancing their livelihoods.

The Episodic Lab selects six to eight TV writers each year and runs for four weeks, with sessions including script development, pitching, a mock writers’ room, and roundtables with established writers and industry executives. Additionally, throughout the year, participants attend events and screenings that further expose them to the realities of life as professional writers.

Episodic Lab advisors and master class teachers have included writers from series including “Grey’s Anatomy,””Ted Lasso,”“Mr. and Mrs. Smith,””P Valley,”“Mindhunter,””High Potential,””The Vampire Diares,””The Walking Dead,””Outer Range,””Loot,””Snowfall,””Reboot, ””Chucky,” and many more.

All participants of the 2026 Episodic Lab will also become 2026 WIF Fellows, receiving an additional year of support.

EPISODIC LAB REQUIREMENTS:

IMPORTANT: Please note that applicants can apply through either WIF or The Black List, however, instructions are different for each platform.

To be eligible to apply through WIF:

• You must be the sole and exclusive author of the television pilot submitted for consideration. Writing teams are eligible.

• You cannot have received more than $25K in aggregate to date as compensation for television writing work.

• You must be based in Los Angeles.

• You must be available for in-person evening and weekend sessions during the month of March 2026.

• WIF members can apply for membership rates, and non-members can apply for $40 per application. 

• Through WIF, applicants can submit up to three scripts. Each script must be submitted through its own application, so fees and/or waivers are applicable per script. 

IMPORTANT DATES:

• November 3, 2025 – Applications close

• January 16, 2026 – Short list applicants notified of status

• Week of February 9, 2026 – Interviews

• Week of February 16, 2026 – All applicants notified of status

• March 3, 2026 — Episodic Lab begins

If you’d like to review the application before applying, you can find a PDF version linked here.

For Black List instructions or any other Black List questions, please click here or contact SUPPORT@BLCKLST.COM.

womeninfilm.org/programs/writing/

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JULIA S. GOUW SHORT FILM CHALLENGE

CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) / Janet Yang Productions

DEADLINE: November 7, 2025 at 11:59pm PT

APPLICATION FEE: $25

INFO: In 2022, CAPE joined forces with Janet Yang Productions to form the Julia S. Gouw Short Film Challenge to provide short film production grants to four filmmakers in an effort to support Asian and Pacific Islander Women and Non-Binary filmmakers and their stories. The grant is supported and named after philanthropist Julia S. Gouw with additional support from Asian Women Leadership in Philanthropy Fund.

Four grantees are provided with a grant of $25K USD each as well as additional resources to make their short film possible. In addition, the grantees will be offered unparalleled networking opportunities with Emmy Award- and Golden Globe-winning Hollywood producer Janet Yang and the CAPE network as well as access to high-level industry professionals including agents, managers, producers and studio executives and more. The 2025 to 2026 submission cycle with mark a 5 year milestone of the Challenge.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Your work and and your script should be consistent with CAPE’s mission to champion diversity by educating, empowering, and connecting Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander artists and leaders in entertainment.

• Your short film script must feature an Asian or Pacific Islander (Native Hawaiian, Maori, and Pasifika included) female or non-binary protagonist (regardless of age).

• Your project may have co-writer(s) and/or co-director(s). However, as the applicant, you must have written the submitted script and must plan to direct the funded short film.

• You must be at least 18 years old or older to apply.

• You may submit multiple scripts, but each will require a separate application and $25 processing fee each.

• Applicants must be authorized to work and have ability to accept paid work in the United States. CAPE does not sponsor or assist with visas or immigration.

• Your script must be 15 pages maximum (not including title page).

• Your script must be in PDF format and in industry format.

• For the application, scripts must be written in English and/or translated in English (if other languages are used).

• Narrative live-action and / or animated short film scripts will both be accepted.

• 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. Generic watermarks such as “CAPE/JYP” are also allowed.

• 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.

• If your short film is at any stage of production, principal photography must not have started before December 9, 2024.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

If awarded the grant, you must produce a short film based on the pre-approved script submitted to the challenge.

• Final projects must be no more than 15 minutes in length inclusive of credits.

• Participants are not allowed to act in their film under the the Julia S. Gouw Short Film Challenge.

• Grantee’s short film can be shot anywhere in the world. (For example, past grantees have shot their short film in India and Philippines.)

capeusa.org/short-film-challenge

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CALL FOR FILMS: ATLANTA FILM FESTIVAL

Atlanta Film Festival

DEADLINE: November 7, 2025

FEES: Fees are based on category and deadline. Please visit the website for more info

INFO: The Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) is the area’s preeminent celebration of cinema. Our 11-day festival presents over 120 films from all over the world, representing 110+ countries, selected from over 6,000 submissions. Each year, 90%+ of ATLFF’s program is composed of submitted films. ATLFF actively strives to provide a diverse slate of programming with spotlights on filmmakers of color, LGBTQ+ films, women and gender non-conforming filmmakers, and filmmakers from the Georgia. For the 2024 festival, 49% of the program selected from submissions was directed by women and gender nonconforming directors and 59% by BIPOC directors, as well as 24% of selected films coming from Georgia filmmakers.

In addition, each year ATLFF seeks to program a variety of genres and film styles including (but not limited to): experimental films, music videos, comedies, horror and sci-fi, virtual reality, food films, and puppetry films.

ATLFF has been named a “Top 50 Festival Worth the Entry Fee” and one of the “25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World” by MovieMaker magazine, and has been recognized as a Best Film Festival by Creative Loafing, Sunday Paper, USA Today 10 Best, and Atlanta Magazine, as well as the Best Spring Festival by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

ATLFF’s continued exposure is in part thanks to growing distributor and press attention. Recent distributor attendance includes A24, Paramount, Netflix, Lionsgate, Focus Features, The Orchard/1091 Media, Magnolia, Bleecker Street, The Film Collaborative, Participant Media, Archer Gray, Kino Lorber, XLrator Media, CNN, HBO, Showtime, AMC, Sundance TV, Warner Media, NBC Universal, Filmstruck, Kickstarter, Seed & Spark, Vimeo, and MUBI.

Now in its eighth year, our Georgia Film Award has grown into two juried awards – Georgia Feature Award and Georgia Short Award to further celebrate and recognize the outstanding work of filmmakers in our community. Films made by Georgia-based directors and submitted to either feature film category or short category in Narrative, Documentary, or Animation will be eligible for consideration for the appropriate category upon inclusion in the festival. Georgia film submissions are also considered for non-Georgia competition categories as applicable.

Georgia filmmakers may submit with a discounted submission fee for projects that were both shot in Georgia and come from a director with a current Georgia address. Projects that meet both qualifications can submit at a discount. To obtain the discount code, applicants will need to email GA@atlantafilmfestival before submitting with the following information: the city the director resides in and where in GA the film was shot. Films that are not live-action are also eligible for the discount if the director resides in the state and partially produced the film in Georgia.

AWARDS + PRIZES:

Over $100,000 in combined cash and prizes for have been given for awards in the following categories year to year:

The winners of Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, and the Georgia Feature Award receive a rental credit from the Atlanta Film Society's own annual credit donated by the Plaza Theatre to perform a week-long Oscar Qualifying Theatrical run at the Plaza Theatre (up to a $6,500 value each).

• Best Narrative Feature ($1,500 cash prize + theatrical run prize)

• Best Documentary Feature ($1,500 cash prize + theatrical run prize)

• Best Narrative Short ($750 cash prize)

• Best Documentary Short ($750 cash prize)

• Best Animated Short ($750 cash prize)

• Best Cinematography ($90,000 value in camera and post rental/services)

• Georgia Feature Award ($1,500 cash prize + theatrical run prize)

• Georgia Short Award ($750 cash prize)

*Additional prizes may be announced. Current award categories and prizes are subject to change.

ACADEMY-QUALIFICATION: The winners of Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, and Best Animated Short all qualify for the following year’s Academy Awards in their respective categories.

ATLFF juries are composed of filmmakers, film critics, academics and industry figures. Recent jurors have included Academy Award-nominated filmmakers and representatives from The Los Angeles Times, Indiewire, TIME, Adult Swim, VICE, Vimeo, NPR, Film Independent, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Seed and Spark, Music Box, NEON, Oscilloscope Laboratories, IFC Films, Factory 25, MEMORY, and MUBI.

Films competing in juried categories are chosen solely at the discretion of the ATLFF programming team. Acceptance to the festival does not guarantee placement in competition. Films are not programmed in or out of competition, as competition status is determined once the full program has been locked.

All officially selected features and short films will be eligible for our Audience Awards. In addition to the juried prizes listed above, ATLFF also awards prizes in a variety of non-juried categories. While they vary from year to year, recent non-juried prizes have included Programmer Awards, the Filmmaker-to-Watch Award, and the Southern Documentary Fund Award. All official selections that meet the guidelines of these non-juried competitions, in a year when they are being presented, will be eligible.

filmfreeway.com/atlff

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EPISODIC PROGRAM

Sundance Institute

DEADLINE: November 9, 2025

APPLICATION FEE: $50

INFO: The Sundance Institute Episodic Program provides artists with the tools and training to develop their original series and pilot script. Offering one of the few training grounds for independent voices, the program is designed to help creators move their projects and careers forward. 

The Sundance Institute Episodic Lab is a six-day program that offers writers the opportunity to workshop a pilot script, while developing their writing. Working with accomplished showrunners, Fellows will participate in one-on-one story meetings, craft workshops, and simulated writers’ rooms. Together, these meetings provide an elevated creative strategy for artists to advance their projects.

ELIGIBILITY:

The Lab is open to international and U.S. participants, subject to international travel guidelines and restrictions. By submitting an application, each Applicant agrees 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 Program. The Program 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 Script must be the Applicant’s original creation or adapted from optioned source material. The Script must be written in the English language.

• The Script draft must be revised or new, that is, 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 already had an episodic project (pilot or pitch) that has been produced by a studio or network in the past.

• The Script 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 (including the Script).

sundance.org/programs/episodic-storytelling

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WINTER RESIDENCY 2026

Velvetpark Media (Brooklyn, NY)

DEADLINE: November 9, 2025 by 11:59pm EST

APPLICATION FEE: $25

INFO: Velvetpark Residency is a project based live-work studio, awarded through a selection process by open application. It is open to LGBTQ+ writers and visual artists to complete a proposed project. Applicants from across the United States are welcome to apply, however, must have a primary residence.

The studio will be awarded bi-yearly, and will alternate between writers Winter/Spring, and visual artists Summer/Fall respectively. This schedule will continue to alternate into the ensuing years.

Velvetpark‘s Residency award is open for for an artists, writers, creators age eighteen and above, who are not enrolled in an academic program. The residency is for a 6 month term, as indicated in application form.

The VP Residency is housed within Crown Studios, an artist building on a floor of eleven working arts professionals in the Crown and Prospect Heights neighborhoods of Brooklyn, New York.

For almost two decades Velvetpark has recognized queer people in the arts, academia and activism, by featuring stories on, by, or about these individuals in the pages of the print magazine and online. It is in the same spirit that our residency program has been launched and expanded to include imaginative and enterprising LGBT+ creators, who need space to support and cultivate their work.

RESIDENCY DATES:

Please note that we will be awarding TWO 3 month terms for our writer residency this year!

• Term 1: January 5th – March 30th 2026*

• Term 2: April 3rd – June 28th 2026*

• *Dates are subject to change.

CHECKLIST:

100 – 250 word, project proposal
– additional .pdf, docx, .doc, .jpg files and supporting materials accepted (limited to 10 mb in size)

Project Outline:

– Provide a detailed outline of what you expect to complete within your 3 month term.

Writers — Work Samples
– Poets, submit up to 15 – 20 pages of poetry
– Prose, 25 – 30 pages of prose
– screenplay/play script, provide 1 – 2 completed works
– additional works accepted via url, to online portfolio or published works

CV/Resume
– should reflect your artistic/creative accomplishments

2 references
– 1 professional reference, who can speak about your work and
– 1 personal reference, who can speak about you personally, your work ethic, values, and any other pertinent information about you.
– provide names and contact; phone/email of these individuals (letters not required).
– finalists’ references will be contacted by selection committee to speak about you.

velvetparkmedia.com/residency/

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Antigravity Academy Screenwriters Camp

Antigravity Academy

DEADLINE: November 10, 2025 at 11:59PM PT.

INFO: Antigravity Academy’s Screenwriters Camp is a program designed to support emerging filmmakers (or writing teams) as they develop their first feature.

Antigravity Academy is an Emmy-winning creative home for singular storytellers, with a unique emphasis on emerging talent. We develop and produce stories that haven’t been told before in film, television, documentary, short-form and beyond. 

Antigravity’s debut film, DÌDI (弟弟), written and directed by Sean Wang, premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival where it won the Audience Award, was released globally later that summer by Focus Features, and went on to earn two Independent Spirit Awards.

Through our educational and community initiatives, we’re reimagining what the film industry can be and working to make it accessible to everyone. That’s why we created Antigravity Academy’s Screenwriters Camp -- to open new doors into Hollywood for bold, emerging voices in film, wherever they come from.

SCREENWRITERS CAMP:

The Screenwriters Camp consists of a week-long residential intensive from May 27th, 2026 to June 1st, 2026 followed by a series of virtual sessions and a period of industry exposure. Upon completion, participants will have a new draft of their screenplay and a lasting place within the Antigravity Academy community, along with expanded industry connections to help carry their projects forward. 

BENEFITS:

Each filmmaker (or filmmaking team) will begin a 7-month development period with Antigravity Academy, starting with a weeklong in-person intensive in May before continuing with new drafts, virtual sessions, and a period of industry exposure. By the end, participants leave with a polished draft, meaningful professional connections, and a lasting place within the Antigravity Academy community.

Have more questions?  Click here to read our FAQs!

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfwX1e0KU62zjcpN3JePEdYTEZLPAXt80JmbDF0YTBsJlMuHQ/viewform

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WAVE GRANT

Wavelength Productions

DEADLINE: November 16, 2025 at at 11:59pm PT

INFO: The WAVE (Women at the Very Edge) Grant is devoted to supporting emerging filmmakers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to tell their own “great f**king story.” Each year, we select five recipients to receive a $5,000 seed grant for the production of their first short film.

Recipients also receive extensive mentorship from Wavelength’s award-winning team, guiding them though all aspects of development, production, post-production, festival strategy, and more - an MBA in filmmaking if you will! In addition, we offer in-kind partner services such as camera equipment from Fujifilm, crowdfunding mentorship from Seed&Spark and coloring services from Nice Shoes.

AWARD

• FIVE GRANTEES each receive a $5,000 seed grant for the production of their short film.

• GRANTEES receive robust individual and peer-to-peer mentorship. The Wavelength team and film industry professionals assist with strategies around development, production, post-production, and distribution. Grantees meet regularly with one another for group mentorship and updates.

• GRANTEES receive in-kind coloring services from our partners at Nice Shoes

• ALL APPLICANTS receive invites to a free virtual 5-part workshop series from Seed&Spark covering crowdfunding, pitching, budgeting, and distribution. The selected GRANTEES each get 1:1 advice from a Seed&Spark crowdfunding expert on their campaign.

ELIGIBILITY:

• Wavelength’s WAVE Grant is for a short narrative film of approximately 10 minutes. Shorts already in production or post-production will not be considered.

• Production of the short must be completed within 2026. Production cannot begin before April 2026.

• This project must be the applicant’s scripted directorial debut. Student films do not count as prior work. Applicants may have prior experience in the film industry but cannot have directed a scripted short or feature film before.

• Applicants must own the copyright of their production and have budgetary and editorial control.

• Applicants must be based in the United States and will be required to provide proof of residency.

• Student films, feature films, series, and engagement/outreach campaigns will not be considered. Documentary concepts or films in need of finishing funds will not be considered.

• Directing duos or teams are not eligible. 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Script – Your script does not have to be final. Works in progress are accepted (and encouraged!). 

• Project Information — This information will help us understand your mentoring needs and how far along your project is:

  • Schedule – draft of the film’s schedule through the end of 2026 

  • Budget — we know this exercise may be daunting for first-time filmmakers. Do your best and have fun with it! We will use it as a baseline for determining what budgeting mentorship you may need.

  • Collaborators – note any key collaborators attached at this time such as producers, heads of department, talent, etc.

• Resume/CV

• Video pitch – 1-3 minute video introducing yourself and the project. The pitch is an opportunity for the WAVE Grant team to get to know you and your film, and we encourage you to show up as your authentic, creative self. Some optional items to touch on in your video are: 

  • A bit about yourself and what drives your interest in filmmaking  

  • Your vision for the film, including style and tone

  • Your inspiration for the film

  • Any attached producers, cast, or crew 

• Supplemental Materials (optional) – Feel free to include any supplemental materials you’ve created to date. This could be a pitch deck, look book, treatment, or anything else that will give us further insight to your project’s synopsis, style and/or tone

TIMELINE:

• Applications close: November 16, 2025 at 11:59pm PT

• Interviews with finalists: January 2025

• All applicants will be notified by February 15, 2026 of the status of their submission

• WAVE Grant program begins: late February 2026

wavelengthproductions.com/wavegrant

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Philly Cultural Critics Fellowship

cinéSPEAK (Philadelphia, PA)

DEADLINE: November 24, 2025 at 11:59pm

INFO: The cinéSPEAK Philly Cultural Critics Fellowship is a paid learning opportunity geared toward Philadelphia-based cultural critics of color—especially those who are new and emerging in the industry.

We are looking for voices that further amplify the spirit and magic of the Philadelphia film community. The fellowship provides local journalists with the opportunity to refine their skills, get more connected to the local film ecosystem, and to be compensated for publishing work for the journal. Like cinéSPEAK Journal’s primary funder Critical Minded, this fellowship aims to build the resources and visibility of cultural critics of color in Philadelphia.

TIMEFRAME:

• Fellowship Period: February 2026 – December 2026

• After the submission deadline, all applications will be reviewed and finalists will be contacted for an interview.

STIPEND: $2,000 total ($400 per article for a total of five articles)

The fellow will be paid as a 1099 contractor employee.

ELIGIBILITY:

• Live and/or work in Philadelphia.

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Identify as a person of color.

• Able to attend in-person meetings and events in Philly.

• Some availability for meetings and emails Tuesday-Thursday 9 AM – 5 PM.

QUALITIES WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• Passion for supporting independent filmmakers.

• Knowledge of and investment in the Philadelphia independent film scene.

• Some writing experience and skills, but don’t need to have experience publishing.

• Alignment with cinéSPEAK’s mission and values.

• Understanding of the cinéSPEAK Journal’s voice and editorial vision.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Complete five articles; four as part of the Philly Profiles column and one about a cinéSPEAK Under the Stars screening.

• Meetings and gatherings, including an orientation on February 5th, 2026 and a fellowship completion celebration at the end of 2026

• Prompt and consistent communication with cinéSPEAK editorial team

PERKS:

• Free admission to all cinéSPEAK screenings during the year of the fellowship.

• Possible opportunities for mentorship sessions, press accreditation support, additional article pitches, and Q&A facilitation.

cinespeak.org/journal/journal-fellowships

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BIPOC SCI-FI LAB STUDENT APPLICATION FORM

Justice for My Sister

DEADLINE: November 24, 2025

INFO: Justice for My Sister is offering a virtual workshop series for individuals who are Black, Indigenous, and/or PoC and interested in telling futuristic stories that center our community members as leaders, so that we can imagine ourselves into the future in powerful ways.

Recovering our ancestral ways. Afrofuturism. Intersectional and interdimensional feminism/womxnism. Life beyond gender. Land stewardship. People of color saving our planet. Non-dystopian narratives about the next 7 generations. We need your voice and vision. Join our BIPOC Sci-Fi Lab and get the tools you need to craft your TV pilot.

Get training in character development, story structure, writing a pilot, media literacy, world building and writing to expose and diminish the white supremacist, capitalist, heteronormative-patriarchy.

We encourage you to use your essays to demonstrate your writing skills. We won’t be able to accommodate all applications, so please tell us why YOU are the person to tell the story you’re proposing to the workshop as part of this fellowship.

TUITION: Tuition for this 9-weeks lecture series is $555. We have a limited amount of partial scholarships available. 

Those who complete this portion of the fellowship are eligible for continued one-on-one mentorship to polish your script, at no additional cost. Completion of your script will grant you two free months listing of your script on The Blklst. If you have any questions regarding this application, please email us at: communications@justiceformysister.org

justiceformysister.org/bipocscifiapp2025

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2026 NRDC CLIMATE STORYTELLING FELLOWSHIP

NRDC / The Black List

DEADLINE: November 28, 2025

INFO: The Black List is thrilled to announce that it has partnered with NRDC’s (Natural Resources Defense Council) Rewrite the Future program, The Redford Center, NBCUniversal, and The CAA Foundation to launch the fifth annual NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship. 

The Fellowship will grant $20,000 each to three writers to support revision of a feature screenplay or pilot that engages with climate change in a compelling way through events, actions, character, emotions, plot, and/or setting.

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 

• 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, one or more NRDC experts 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 studios, agencies and/or production companies including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Hyperobject Industries, Yellow Dot Studios, NBCUniversal, UTA and WME among others. Writers will retain all rights to their work.

• At the end of the Fellowship, each recipient will provide NRDC with a short reflection of how the fellowship has advanced their work and/or career, a revised version of their script, and an overview of the changes they made during the revision process.

Writers who opt in with a qualified screenplay or pilot will receive one free month of hosting and one free evaluation. To be considered for the fellowship, a script should engage with climate through events, actions, character, emotions, plot, and/or setting. If you meet these criteria when you opt in, you will receive a notification. Scripts must be submitted no later than November 28, 2025.

Writers who are interested in submitting to the 2026 NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship may do so via The Black List - submissions sent via email cannot be accepted. Please note that submissions will only be accepted if the writer also includes a short description of how their script qualifies as a climate story. Qualified screenplays and pilots will automatically receive a fee waiver for one free month of hosting and one free evaluation once their submissions are accepted. Qualified screenplays will also automatically be opted into consideration for the program once they are accepted.

Each fellowship recipient will retain complete ownership of their work.

Last year’s mentors included Brit Marling (ANOTHER EARTH; MURDER AT THE END OF THE WORLD; THE OA), Daniel Scheinert (EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE; SWISS ARMY MAN), and Mike Schur (BROOKLYN NINE-NINE; PARKS AND RECREATION; THE GOOD PLACE). Past cycle mentors have included Pamela Adlon (BABES; BETTER THINGS), Roxane Gay (WORLD OF WAKANDA; BAD FEMINIST), Dorothy Fortenberry (EXTRAPOLATIONS, THE HANDMAID’S TALE),  Naren Shankar (THE EXPANSE, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION),  Sarah Treem (THE AFFAIR, HOUSE OF CARDS), and Scott Z. Burns (AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH; CONTAGION). 

WHAT MAKES A COMPELLING CLIMATE STORY?...

 The script can be in any genre, but climate change and solutions must influence action and/or impact  characters.

Climate storytelling highlights the ways that climate change affects characters, influences choices, and/or drives action.  A climate story acknowledges that we already live in a climate-altered world and are grappling with the impacts to our homes, health, communities, and jobs. We would love to see stories that highlight communities most impacted by the climate crisis and/or stories that feature characters and communities working toward solutions.

We worry about climate change. We feel shame and grief about it. We talk about it with our partners and friends. People discuss whether it makes sense to have children, or wonder where the safest place is to live, or what they can possibly do to help.

Climate can be a central factor in motivating characters and driving plot. The story and genre options are limitless because climate can touch every aspect of life, from food, health, and relationships to justice, jobs, and national security.

Many climate stories in mainstream entertainment depict extreme weather disasters, societal breakdown, and apocalypse. That dark and narrow vision is understandable, and it can be entertaining, but if all the climate stories we see show characters stuck in despair, or in dystopian futures, it reinforces the view that there’s no way out.

It also overlooks the enormous potential for original content that illuminates the more complex and nuanced human reality of the climate crisis, including stories about people fighting for a healthier, more equitable and sustainable future.

We need it all–the bleak and the inspirational, the fantasies, dramas, comedies, and rom-coms. It is the power and privilege of writers to show us how climate change is transforming our world, and to help us find a path to salvation.  This program aims to support well told stories with climate themes that entertain viewers and allow them to engage with the range of emotions caused by the climate crisis. Our general frame is that if a story works artistically, it’s a great way to approach climate and we hope that submitted scripts continue to reflect a diversity of characters, settings, and tones.

We encourage you to clearly highlight your script’s climate connection in your submission materials, as only qualifying scripts will receive a script waiver.

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.

Note: To submit an updated version of your script, please upload it to the Black List directly BEFORE November 28th, 2025 at 11:59pm. RTF is not able to accept scripts via email and only scripts submitted via the Black List will be considered.  

THE SELECTION PROCESS:

Writers who meet the submission requirements will be able to opt into consideration via the Black List website until midnight on November 28th, 2025  All qualifying scripts submitted before the deadline will receive one free script evaluation for their hosted scripts. Based on the strength of their scripts as determined by the Black List’s script evaluations, a short list will be invited to submit a one-page personal statement and professional resume during the selection period (December-April). Semifinalists may be asked to conduct a short interview and three fellowship recipients will be selected no later than April 30, 2026.

IS MY SCRIPT ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION? 

ELIGIBLE: 

• Scripts that have been previously reviewed on The Black List 

• Scripts that were submitted for previous cycles of the NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship

• Scripts by international writers (scripts must be submitted in English)

• Scripts by writers who are with or without representation 

• Scripts of any genre (as long as they include climate!)

• Pilots for episodic series or feature scripts

• Adapted work, although we recommend securing an option or permission for the original material 

NOT ELIGIBLE: 

• Content created as part of a commercial campaign 

• Incomplete scripts—please upload a completed draft of an original feature film script or pilot teleplay

• Stage plays or musical scripts, Novels, Podcasts, Games or VR/AR Experiences 

• Scripts already in development 

blcklst.com/programs/2026-nrdc-climate-storytelling-fellowship

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WOMEN DIRECTING MENTORSHIP

SeriesFest / Shondaland

DEADLINE / FEE: December 18, 2025 ($75)

INFO: SeriesFest and Shondaland are honored to partner on our seventh cycle of the Women Directing Mentorship: A competition designed to discover aspiring female directors with unique voices and provide a launchpad for their careers. Founded in 2019, The Women Directing Mentorship is anchored by the prestigious opportunity to shadow a director on an episode of a Shondaland original series.

PRIZE

The director selected as the Winner for Cycle 7 (2026) will shadow a director for an episode of a Shondaland production.

ENTRY MATERIALS:

Complete our application that includes the following:

• Work Sample - A short film or a feature

• Personal Introduction Video - 3–5 minute video introducing yourself, your unique voice and style, and why you think you’re the right fit for the Women Directing Mentorship. Be creative! (see examples below)

• Reel - Reel under 15 minutes or a short film showcasing your directing work. This reel can include student work.

• CV/Resume

• Entry Fee (see above)

Please note, entry materials will not be returned. Clips of (or full) Personal Introduction Videos may be used to market this or future Women Directing Mentorship cycles.

ELIGIBILITY:

• To qualify, you must have 3 years of professional experience (in any professional role, not just Director). This can include having experience directing independent shorts, series, and films.

• Applicants who have previously directed a network series are ineligible.

• Must be 21+ years of age.

• Applicants should to be based in the United States or the United Kingdom 

seriesfest.com/women-directing-mentorship/

TV / FILM — OCTOBER 2025

JAFTA/PORTER-CHRISTIE SCREENWRITING FELLOWSHIP 2025

Jamaica Film & TV Association

DEADLINE: October 6, 2025

INFO: The JAFTA/Porter-Christie Screenwriting Fellowship 2025 is now open for applications.

BENEFITS:

• Mentorship from Aisha Porter-Christie + 2 industry professionals

• 2 x US$1,000 grant awards

• Access to development labs + a one-week immersive Writers’ Retreat

2025 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must:

1. Be an active JAFTA member i.e. have an approved membership with JAFTA and paid up annual membership fee.

2. Be 18 years or older.

3. Be a Jamaican national or citizen.

Applicants satisfying the above are NOT ELIGIBLE if:

1. 1They were a successful applicant for a JAFTA/Porter-Christie Episodic Screenwriting Fellowship awarded project in previous years.

2. They are currently participating in another JAFTA or JAFTA-associated developmental programme

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfW0dsGKbowL2WpNgx6BMU_0EQ0kk9q3ztVIT6RRkulUP56kQ/viewform

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2025 JOHN LEWIS WRITING GRANTS

Georgia Writers Association

DEADLINE: October 10, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET

SUBMISSION FEE: $0

INFO: The Georgia Writers Association's John Lewis Writing Grants are inspired by the late civil rights icon and his more than three decades of service as Georgia’s 5th District representative. The John Lewis Writing Grants will be awarded annually in the categories of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and screen/playwriting.

The purpose of the John Lewis Writing Grants is to elevate, encourage, and inspire the voices of promising Black writers in Georgia. Applicants must be emerging writers who are Black or African-American residents of Georgia for at least one year, or full-time students at a Georgia college or university at the time of application and on the date of the award. Writers who are eligible may apply annually but may only win the John Lewis Grant one time.

GRANT: The winning recipients will receive $500, and an invitation to read from their work at the next Red Clay Writers Conference.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and emerging writers who are Black or African-American residents of Georgia for at least one year, or full-time students at a Georgia college or university at the time of application and on the date of the award. Applicants are ineligible if they have published more than one traditionally published book. Promising writers without publication will be considered. Writers who are eligible may apply annually but may only win a grant once. There is no submission fee to enter. Applicants are ineligible if they are of relations to any of the Georgia Writers staff or board of directors.

GUIDELINES:

Writers may apply in only one genre and must submit the following:

• A completed grant application

• An artist statement of 500 words (max.) as a concise description of your work and goals as a writer. Tell us what inspires your writing career, and how your work engages (directly or indirectly) with the legacy of John Lewis.

• A writing sample of 10 pages (max.) of a published or unpublished piece in the genre in which you are applying: fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, or screen/playwriting. If submitting poetry, one poem per page please. 

*Do not include your name or any identifying information in the writing sample.

georgiawritersassociation.submittable.com/submit/333082/2025-john-lewis-writing-grants

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Diversity Talent Accelerator Screenwriting Contest

Stage 32 / Color Farm Media

DEADLINE: October 15, 2025

INFO: Erika Alexander - beloved for her iconic acting roles as Maxine Shaw (“Living Single,” NAACP Image Awards as Outstanding Actress/Comedy Series), Detective Latoya (“Get Out”), Cousin Pam (“The Cosby Show”), Perenna (“Black Lightning”), Linda Diggs (“Wutang: An American Saga”), Barb Ballard ( Run The World), and Meredith Lockhart (“Swimming with Sharks”) - and Erika's production company Color Farm Media are partnering with Stage 32 to find the next undiscovered diverse writing talents. Erika has built her company on diverse, prestige projects for and her team will work directly with Stage 32 through the Stage 32 Diversity Talent Accelerator Screenwriting Contest.

Color Farm Media will be personally reviewing semi-finalist loglines and all top 10 finalist scripts, with winners selected based on both creative merit and commercial viability. The selected writers will receive script development, industry mentorship, and potential production pathways designed to fast-track emerging writers. Both Stage 32 and Color Farm Media will jointly package developed projects for production.

"Color Farm's mission is to create an ecosystem where underestimated and underrepresented creators don't just survive — they thrive." said Erika Alexander, founder of Color Farm Media "Stage 32 shares that vision and has spent over a decade proving that world-class training can break down the traditional barriers that keep talented voices on the sidelines."

"This partnership takes that philosophy one crucial step further," Erika added. "We're not just opening doors, we're walking through them together and ensuring our contest winner gets real development, real mentorship, and a real shot at getting their story to screen."

“Leveraging Stage 32’s worldwide leading entertainment educational resources, the partnership launches an immersive creative ecosystem that transforms how emerging writers break into the industry.” Richard Botto, CEO and Founder of Stage 32, said in a statement Tuesday. “Great stories and talented writers shouldn’t be limited by geography, connections, or background. This pipeline ensures the best voices get the platform they deserve.”

"In an industry where breaking in seems increasingly difficult, we're continuing to create a direct pipeline from undiscovered talent to professional development," added Geoffroy Faugerolas, Stage 32's Director of Development Services. "This is about discoverability, access and launching careers."

Diversity is what makes the film industry special - the best movies take us into new perspectives that help us understand the world through unique point of views, often different from our own. In a world of re-boots, re-makes, and re-treads, what stands out is singular, fresh voices to keep audiences on the edge of our seats.

From the frightening scares and terror of SINNERS, to the totally fun and hilarious antics of ONE OF THEM DAYS, to the supernatural psychological terror of THE WOMAN IN THE YARD, audiences can’t get enough exciting diverse storytelling. This year alone, classic franchises like CAPTAIN AMERICA with BRAVE NEW WORLD and JOHN WICK with BALLERINA were rebooted with diverse leads and proved smashes at the boxes. The appetite for diverse projects is massive, and we want your story to be the next smash hit!

 THE GRAND PRIZE WINNING SCREENWRITER WILL RECEIVE:

• Color Farm Media Diversity Talent Accelerator placement for script development and packaging with Color Farm Media

• Career Accelerator Prize Package ($4,000 value) including script development, career consulting, writer branding, and comprehensive education resources

• Personal Mentorship Track with dedicated 1:1 career development sessions from our success team

• Industry Marketing Campaign promoting winner to our exclusive roster of 2,500+ managers, agents, producers, and executives

• Strategic Partnership where Stage 32 and Color Farm Media executives collaborate to prepare your project to take directly to market

OUR FINALISTS WILL RECIEVE:

Our Finalists will receive a Career Momentum prize package valued at $1,500, including Career Development, a Writer Branding Workshop and an Education package, and will have your logline featured in a Stage 32 Look Book sent to over 2,500+ top entertainment industry executives, giving your work unparalleled exposure!

But that’s not all! Everyone who makes the Semi-Finals will receive a Career Breakthrough prize package valued at $1,000, our Quarterfinalists will receive a Career Elevation prize package valued at $500, and all Entrants will get a prize package valued at $100!

What Type of Scripts Are We Looking For?

We are looking for Feature scripts like:

AMERICAN FICTION, GET OUT, MOONLIGHT, THE FAREWELL, REZ BALL, CRAZY RICH ASIANS, OLD DADS, DIDI, THELMA, TÁR, BOOK CLUB, NICKEL BOYS, SIX TRIPLE EIGHT, ANORA, EMILIA PEREZ, SING SING, THE SUBSTANCE, NOMADLAND, THE FATHER, LOVE LIES BLEEDING, THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, THE HALF OF IT, SEARCHING, QUEER, CALL ME BY YOUR NAME

As well as TV pilot scripts like:

INSECURE, RESERVATION DOGS, FRESH OFF THE BOAT, THE BOONDOCKS, ATLANTA, EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS, GRACIE & FRANKIE, HOW I MET YOUR FATHER, RAMY, WOKE, DAVE, THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS, THE MINDY PROJECT, BLACK-ISH, BABY REINDEER, TRUE DETECTIVE, KILLING EVE, THE CHAIR, MIXED-ISH, THE WIRE, GODFATHER OF HARLEM

But that's not all, we want to see all new, unique and fresh ideas that we haven't seen before!

For the last 13 years, Stage 32 Contests have led to dozens of success stories including writers getting representation, sold, optioned, staffed, given writing assignments and getting produced. No other contest opens more doors and we want to do the same for you.

If you have a diverse story that needs to be told, now is the time to show us what you've got, because our goal is to amplify your voice, give you the access Stage 32 is known for, and take your writing career to the next level!

stage32.com/happy-writers/contests/Stage-32-%20-Color-Farm-Media-Diversity-Talent-Accelerator-Screenwriting-Contest

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call for submissions: 1.1 Foglifter Online Exclusive: Body Politics

Foglifter

DEADLINE: October 15, 2026

INFO: As Foglifter revitalizes our website and digital production, we are interested in creating and holding space for works that may not fit within the constraints of our print edition. We are now accepting submissions for our new Online Exclusive Issue dedicated to showcasing queer voices across a wide spectrum of creative forms.

As always, we are seeking art that aligns with our mission of promoting queer, transgressive, and original work. The themes will change from issue to issue. For 1.1, our theme is Body Politics. Bodies are sites of power, protest, pleasure, oppression, transformation, and resistance. They are legislated, labeled, liberated, and loved. In a world where bodies are constantly scrutinized, marginalized, and controlled—especially queer, trans, fat, disabled, racialized, and reproductive bodies—we want to create a space for work that responds, reclaims, and reimagines.

Please submit work that engages with themes that may include gender expression and transition, reproductive justice, disability and chronic illness, surveillance and censorship, body modification culture, fat liberation and anti-ableism, queer desire and sexuality, the racialized body, and performance and protest. We invite works that grapple with the political, personal, and cultural dimensions of the queer body.

Pieces must be original, unpublished work in genres including, but not limited to: poetry, fiction, nonfiction, drama, comics, visual art, scripts, and multimedia (video, audio, music, interactive pieces, experimental work, etc.) that align with the current issue’s theme.

This online exclusive issue will be published as a winter issue on our website. We’re especially interested in pieces that experiment with form, push boundaries, and reflect the complexity, joy, rage, beauty, and multiplicity of the queer experience.

WHY ONLINE EXCLUSIVE?

Our print publication has limits—page counts, dimensions, ink. This digital issue is a space without borders. We want to uplift work that can’t—or won’t—fit in print: multimedia projects, audio pieces, visual art, and performance pieces that demand to be seen and heard in digital space.

GENERAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

• We accept only first rights to publication.

• We do accept simultaneous submissions, however please withdraw pieces that have been accepted elsewhere.

• Please include a short bio, description of your work, any past publications, and applicable trigger warnings in your cover letter.

• Visual and [multi]media work must be web-viewable—please include links or uploads through Submittable and include content warnings if applicable

GENRE SPECIFIC GUIDELINES:

• Please submit up to 5 pieces

• For video and audio submissions, please limit to 5 minutes

• We accept art created via all mediums (except AI -- no AI art submissions). This includes, but is not limited to, photography, painting, digital, ink, pencil, collage, etc.

• Acceptable file types: .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, .tif, .tiff, .png, .svg, .pdf, .doc, .docx, .txt, .rtf, .odt, .mp3, .m4a, .wav, .mp4, .mov, .avi, .mpg, .3gp, .wmv

• All applicable artworks submitted will be considered for cover art for the online exclusive issue

• We love experimental work, feel free to submit hybrid forms that blend genres

• For grant purposes, we cannot consider submissions that do not include a completed demographic survey with their submission

Foglifter aims to reflect the vibrant diversity of the LGBTQ+ literary community in our award-winning journal. Fill out our anonymized Demographics Survey to be considered for publication—then take a screenshot of the thank-you screen at the end and attach it along with your submission.

foglifter.submittable.com/submit

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Art Omi: Writers Residency

Art Omi

DEADLINE: October 15, 2025

INFO: Art Omi: Writers hosts authors and translators from around the world for residencies throughout the spring and fall. The program’s strong international emphasis provides exposure for global literary voices and reflects the spirit of cultural exchange that is essential to Art Omi’s mission.

Guests select a residency of approximately one month in either the spring or autumn, with ten writers at a time gathering to live and work in a rural setting overlooking the Catskill Mountains. Daytime is reserved for writing and quiet activities, while evenings are more communal. A program of weekly visits brings guests from the New York publishing community. Noted editors, agents, and book scouts are invited to share dinner and conversation on both creative and practical subjects, offering insight into the workings of the publishing industry, and introductions to some of its key professionals. Readings throughout the year invite the public to experience finished and in-process work by writers and translators in residence.

Art Omi: Writers welcomes published writers and translators of every type of literature. All text-based projects—fiction, nonfiction, theater, film, poetry, etc.—are eligible. International, cultural, and creative exchange is a foundation of our mission, and a wide distribution of national background is an important part of our selection process.

All residencies are fully funded with accommodations, food, local transport, and public programming provided. However, please note that Art Omi: Writers does not provide travel funds. We have some limited travel funds available for those who find it a barrier to participating in the program, reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Emma Ramadan, Art Omi: Writers Residency Program Director, at eramadan@artomi.org for more details.

Notable alumni include:

• Joseph O'Neill author of Netherland, which won the Pen/Faulkner Award

• Aleksander Hemon, author of The Question of Bruno, recipient of a "genius grant" from the MacArthur Foundation

• Gary Shteyngart, bestselling author of The Russian Debutante's Handbook, Absurdistan, and Super Sad True Love Story

• Susan Choi, bestselling author of American Woman and inaugural recipient of the PEN/W.G. Sebald Award.

• Goce Smilevski, author of Freud's Sister, which won the European Union Prize for Literature

• Jan Brandt, bestselling author of Gegen Die Welt (Against the World)

• Buket Uzuner, international bestselling author of Istanbulians

• James Hannaham, author of Delicious Foods, which won the PEN/Faulkner Award and the Hurston-Wright Award.

• Colum McCann, author of Let the Great World Spin which won the National Book Award

• Kiran Desai, bestselling author of Inheritance of Loss, which won the Man Booker Prize

• Shehan Karunatilaka, author of Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Matthew, which won the Commonwealth Prize

• Mikhail Shishkin, bestselling author of The Taking of Izmail, which won the Russian Booker Prize

TRANSLATION LAB:

In September Art Omi: Writers hosts an annual Translation Lab, in which English language translators are invited to work alongside the writers whose work they translate. The focused residency provides an integral stage of refinement, allowing translators to dialogue with the writers about text-specific questions.

Following in the tradition of the Art Omi: Writers residency as started by Heinrich Maria Ledig-Rowohlt, the Translation Lab emphasizes translation as a means towards cultural exchange. It serves as an essential community builder for English language translators who are working to increase the amount of international literature available to American readers, as it is currently estimated that less than three percent of all books published in the United States are translated works.

The residency is a rare and unique opportunity for writers and their translators to work together, considering that most writers never meet their translators in person. All text-based projects—fiction, nonfiction, theater, film, poetry, etc.—are eligible.

ACCOMODATIONS + FACILITIES:

Art Omi is located two and a half hours north of New York City in the historic Hudson River Valley. Named for the hamlet of Omi, which is within the town of Ghent, New York, Art Omi is also near to Albany and Hudson, which offer train connections thirty or fifteen minutes' drive from campus, respectively.

The facilities, situated on three hundred acres of open land, include a large two-story barn with indoor studios; contemporary residence buildings designed with a vernacular reference to local barns, surrounded by abundant perennial beds, expansive lawns dotted with fruit trees, adjacent to The Sculpture and Architecture Park. Residents receive private bedroom accommodations with shared bathrooms and common areas.

A Federal Period farm house serves as a gathering center, providing a full kitchen and library; while the front porch overlooks rolling hills and the majestic outline of the Catskill Range. A swimming pool, bicycles, WiFi access and a computer with printing capability is available on the premises.

Columbia County, and the nearby Berkshire Mountains, are popular destinations because of their historical, natural and cultural riches. From bird sanctuaries to modern dance, presidential mansions to farmer’s markets, the environs offer a singular blend of rural quiet and cultural stimulation. Staff and friends in the neighborhood are often available for excursions of interest to residents. The local library has a modest collection, but is a member of the Mid-Hudson group, calling on the resources of libraries within much of eastern New York.

TIMELINE:

• Decision Notification: January 2026

RESIDENCY DATES:

Art Omi: Writers 2026 takes place over four sessions, two in the Spring and two in the Autumn.

SPRING 2026

• Spring Session One: Wednesday, April 1–Monday, April 27

• Spring Session Two: Thursday, April 30–Tuesday, May 26

AUTUMN 2026

• Session One: Thursday, September 24–Thursday, October 15

• Session Two: Wednesday, October 21–Wednesday, November 18

Art Omi: Translation Lab 2026 takes place from Wednesday, September 9–Monday, September 21. Please note, a separate open call only for Translation Lab will run in early 2026.

artomi.org/residencies/writers/

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CALL FOR FILMS: ATLANTA FILM FESTIVAL

Atlanta Film Festival

DEADLINES / FEES:

• Late: October 17, 2025

• Extended: November 7, 2025

FEES: Fees are based on category and deadline. Please visit the website for more info

INFO: The Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) is the area’s preeminent celebration of cinema. Our 11-day festival presents over 120 films from all over the world, representing 110+ countries, selected from over 6,000 submissions. Each year, 90%+ of ATLFF’s program is composed of submitted films. ATLFF actively strives to provide a diverse slate of programming with spotlights on filmmakers of color, LGBTQ+ films, women and gender non-conforming filmmakers, and filmmakers from the Georgia. For the 2024 festival, 49% of the program selected from submissions was directed by women and gender nonconforming directors and 59% by BIPOC directors, as well as 24% of selected films coming from Georgia filmmakers.

In addition, each year ATLFF seeks to program a variety of genres and film styles including (but not limited to): experimental films, music videos, comedies, horror and sci-fi, virtual reality, food films, and puppetry films.

ATLFF has been named a “Top 50 Festival Worth the Entry Fee” and one of the “25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World” by MovieMaker magazine, and has been recognized as a Best Film Festival by Creative Loafing, Sunday Paper, USA Today 10 Best, and Atlanta Magazine, as well as the Best Spring Festival by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

ATLFF’s continued exposure is in part thanks to growing distributor and press attention. Recent distributor attendance includes A24, Paramount, Netflix, Lionsgate, Focus Features, The Orchard/1091 Media, Magnolia, Bleecker Street, The Film Collaborative, Participant Media, Archer Gray, Kino Lorber, XLrator Media, CNN, HBO, Showtime, AMC, Sundance TV, Warner Media, NBC Universal, Filmstruck, Kickstarter, Seed & Spark, Vimeo, and MUBI.

Now in its eighth year, our Georgia Film Award has grown into two juried awards – Georgia Feature Award and Georgia Short Award to further celebrate and recognize the outstanding work of filmmakers in our community. Films made by Georgia-based directors and submitted to either feature film category or short category in Narrative, Documentary, or Animation will be eligible for consideration for the appropriate category upon inclusion in the festival. Georgia film submissions are also considered for non-Georgia competition categories as applicable.

Georgia filmmakers may submit with a discounted submission fee for projects that were both shot in Georgia and come from a director with a current Georgia address. Projects that meet both qualifications can submit at a discount. To obtain the discount code, applicants will need to email GA@atlantafilmfestival before submitting with the following information: the city the director resides in and where in GA the film was shot. Films that are not live-action are also eligible for the discount if the director resides in the state and partially produced the film in Georgia.

AWARDS + PRIZES:

Over $100,000 in combined cash and prizes for have been given for awards in the following categories year to year:

The winners of Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, and the Georgia Feature Award receive a rental credit from the Atlanta Film Society's own annual credit donated by the Plaza Theatre to perform a week-long Oscar Qualifying Theatrical run at the Plaza Theatre (up to a $6,500 value each).

• Best Narrative Feature ($1,500 cash prize + theatrical run prize)

• Best Documentary Feature ($1,500 cash prize + theatrical run prize)

• Best Narrative Short ($750 cash prize)

• Best Documentary Short ($750 cash prize)

• Best Animated Short ($750 cash prize)

• Best Cinematography ($90,000 value in camera and post rental/services)

• Georgia Feature Award ($1,500 cash prize + theatrical run prize)

• Georgia Short Award ($750 cash prize)

*Additional prizes may be announced. Current award categories and prizes are subject to change.

ACADEMY-QUALIFICATION: The winners of Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, and Best Animated Short all qualify for the following year’s Academy Awards in their respective categories.

ATLFF juries are composed of filmmakers, film critics, academics and industry figures. Recent jurors have included Academy Award-nominated filmmakers and representatives from The Los Angeles Times, Indiewire, TIME, Adult Swim, VICE, Vimeo, NPR, Film Independent, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Seed and Spark, Music Box, NEON, Oscilloscope Laboratories, IFC Films, Factory 25, MEMORY, and MUBI.

Films competing in juried categories are chosen solely at the discretion of the ATLFF programming team. Acceptance to the festival does not guarantee placement in competition. Films are not programmed in or out of competition, as competition status is determined once the full program has been locked.

All officially selected features and short films will be eligible for our Audience Awards. In addition to the juried prizes listed above, ATLFF also awards prizes in a variety of non-juried categories. While they vary from year to year, recent non-juried prizes have included Programmer Awards, the Filmmaker-to-Watch Award, and the Southern Documentary Fund Award. All official selections that meet the guidelines of these non-juried competitions, in a year when they are being presented, will be eligible.

filmfreeway.com/atlff

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FOX Writers Incubator

FOX Entertainment

DEADLINE: October 27, 2025

INFO: The FOX Entertainment Writers Incubator is a highly selective initiative designed to nurture and provide training to four (4) writers of all genres (comedy, drama, animation, etc.) who have unique voices, backgrounds and life experiences. Writers will have a chance to work intensively on their scripts with the support of established writers, executives, directors and producers, as well as receive a while receiving a stipend for the duration of the program. The initiative offers trained writers a rigorous three-month workshop focused on rewriting their material, honing writing skills, and exploring the business of media and entertainment. Upon successful completion of the FOX Entertainment Writers Incubator, writers will receive priority in staffing meetings on FOX television shows.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Applications will be accepted through October 27th or when we receive 1000 applications. To apply, you will need the following:

• One (1) original episodic pilot script in PDF format (anything that is not an episodic pilot script will be disqualified)

• Resume in PDF format

• Bio

• Personal statement

• Script synopsis (750 words or less)

• Script genre (drama, comedy, animation)

• Logline (75 words or less)

• 2 additional original loglines of unproduced material

• Contact details for 2 references

• Completed submission of material agreement

• Completed agreement letter

Candidates for the FOX Entertainment Writers Incubator should submit their materials no later than 11:59 PM PT on October 27th. If you have any questions, please email FWI@fox.com.

DISCLAIMER:

Note: FOX Entertainment makes no representation that selected participants will be offered or entitled to employment with FOX Entertainment upon completion of their participation in FWI. In addition, participants will not be entitled to and will not receive any wages or financial benefits as compensation for their time spent as a participant in the program.

FWI is an educational program and selected participants will receive training similar to that which would be provided in a writing seminar or similar vocational program.

FWI is for the benefit of the selected participants.

Selected participants will not be involved in the actual operation of FOX Entertainment’s businesses and selected participants will not displace regular FOX Entertainment employees; rather, selected participants will receive training, mentorship and supervision from FOX Entertainment’s regular employees.

FOX Entertainment will not derive any immediate advantage from a selected participant’s participation in FWI and, at times, FOX’s operations may actually be impeded.

Participants selected for FWI will not be entitled to and will not receive any wages, remuneration or financial benefits as compensation for their time spent as a participant in FWI.

foxcareers.com/Programs/WritersIncubator

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A Film Grant

WFCN / AFilmGuild

DEADLINE: October 31, 2025

ENTRY FEE: $35 (includes your application, event access, and a ticket to the premiere screening of the winner’s film)

INFO: We’re investing in the next wave of storytellers. One filmmaker will win a $5,000 grant to bring their vision to life, with two additional awards for outstanding creativity.

OUR MISSION: AFilmGuild exists to empower underrepresented voices and bold storytellers, creating a platform where independent cinema can thrive.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• A night of networking & collaboration with filmmakers, producers, and creatives.

• Bar available to keep the conversations flowing.

• Celebrate independent cinema, connect with peers, and most importantly, get your story funded.

AWARDS + PRIZES:

AFilmGuild Grant Awards

First Place – $5,000 + Team Support
• Cash prize: $5,000
• Access to A Film Guild production team for guidance, mentorship, or on-set assistance.
• Opportunity to have your project featured at our next screening or festival.

Second Place – Producing Support
• Hands-on producing guidance from our experienced team.
• Budgeting, scheduling, and resource planning assistance to help bring your project to life.
• Optional consultation sessions with industry mentors.

Third Place – G&E (Grip & Electric) Support
• Technical assistance from our crew in lighting, camera setups, and on-set operations.
• Access to equipment and crew for your project shoot.
• Practical support to make your production more professional and efficient.

RULES + TERMS:

AFilmGuild Grant – Rules & Terms Framework

1. Eligibility
• Open to filmmakers of any experience level.
• Entrants must be 18+ (or have parental consent if under 18).
• Individual or team submissions accepted.

2. Submission Requirements
• Complete entry form including project synopsis, team bios, and contact info.
• Work must be original and fully owned by the submitting team.
• Submission deadline: October 31st 2025. Late entries will not be accepted.

3. Grant Awards
• 1st Place: $5,000 cash + team support from A Film Guild
• 2nd Place: Producing support (mentorship, guidance, consultation sessions)
• 3rd Place: Grip & Electric (G&E) support (crew assistance, equipment access)

Note: Support services are subject to availability and coordination with the guild’s schedule.

4. Credits
• All grant-winning projects must credit AFilmGuild as Executive Producer.
• Credit should appear in opening or closing titles as:
“Executive Producer: AFilmGuild”
• All other creative credits remain with the original team.

5. Usage & Rights
• Entrants retain copyright of their work.
• By submitting, participants grant A Film Guild the right to use excerpts for promotional purposes (social media, press, event recaps).

6. Selection Process
• Winners determined by a panel of judges chosen by A Film Guild.
• Judges’ decisions are final.
• Attempts to influence judging will result in disqualification.

7. General Terms
• Grant funds and services are non-transferable and must be used for the submitted project.
• Winners may be required to sign a formal agreement before receiving funds or services.
• AFilmGuild reserves the right to cancel or modify the grant if necessary.
• By submitting, entrants agree to all rules and terms.

wfcn.co/festival/afilmgrant

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Women Directing Mentorship

SeriesFest / Shondaland

DEADLINE / FEES:

• Regular: October 31, 2025 ($50)

• Final: December 18, 2025 ($75)

INFO: SeriesFest and Shondaland are honored to partner on our seventh cycle of the Women Directing Mentorship: A competition designed to discover aspiring female directors with unique voices and provide a launchpad for their careers. Founded in 2019, The Women Directing Mentorship is anchored by the prestigious opportunity to shadow a director on an episode of a Shondaland original series.

PRIZE

The director selected as the Winner for Cycle 7 (2026) will shadow a director for an episode of a Shondaland production.

ENTRY MATERIALS:

Complete our application that includes the following:

• Work Sample - A short film or a feature

• Personal Introduction Video - 3–5 minute video introducing yourself, your unique voice and style, and why you think you’re the right fit for the Women Directing Mentorship. Be creative! (see examples below)

• Reel - Reel under 15 minutes or a short film showcasing your directing work. This reel can include student work.

• CV/Resume

• Entry Fee (see above)

Please note, entry materials will not be returned. Clips of (or full) Personal Introduction Videos may be used to market this or future Women Directing Mentorship cycles.

ELIGIBILITY:

• To qualify, you must have 3 years of professional experience (in any professional role, not just Director). This can include having experience directing independent shorts, series, and films.

• Applicants who have previously directed a network series are ineligible.

• Must be 21+ years of age.

• Applicants should to be based in the United States or the United Kingdom 

seriesfest.com/women-directing-mentorship/

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2026 Writers Room

Black Creatives Social Club

DEADLINE: November 2, 2025

INFO: Apply to join the next cohort of the Black Creatives Social Club Writers’ Room, an 8-week virtual program designed to help Black creatives develop their TV Pilots or Feature scripts through accountability, collaboration, and community. Join a community that’s forging the next generation of screenwriters telling their stories & creating their own opportunities!

REQUIREMENTS:

• You must be 18+ to apply.

• All applicants must be based in located in a state that is either East Coast (EST) or Midwest (CT).

• All sessions are virtual and held in Eastern Standard Time (EST). 

• Cohort dates Tues, January 20th - Tues, March 10th from 7-9 PM EST (Subject to change)

• You must have a logline + synopsis ready to be considered.

• You must submit a writing sample to be considered.

• All final cohort members will sign an NDA agreement to protect your intellectual property.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWNoYxVSN7PBdfVI_NXyse9Q_x70YmAU_p92JAH_5ueklGWw/viewform

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WIF | THE BLACK LIST EPISODIC LAB 2026

Women In Film / The Black List

DEADLINE: November 3, 2025

INFO: Achieving equitable cultural representation within our media narratives requires a representative number of skilled storytellers. The Episodic Lab, held in partnership with key collaborator and industry benchmarker The Black List, is designed to equip new television writers with the knowledge to build and sustain their careers. This program provides participants with support in craft, professional development, and networking toward advancing their livelihoods.

The Episodic Lab selects six to eight TV writers each year and runs for four weeks, with sessions including script development, pitching, a mock writers’ room, and roundtables with established writers and industry executives. Additionally, throughout the year, participants attend events and screenings that further expose them to the realities of life as professional writers.

Episodic Lab advisors and master class teachers have included writers from series including “Grey’s Anatomy,””Ted Lasso,”“Mr. and Mrs. Smith,””P Valley,”“Mindhunter,””High Potential,””The Vampire Diares,””The Walking Dead,””Outer Range,””Loot,””Snowfall,””Reboot, ””Chucky,” and many more.

All participants of the 2026 Episodic Lab will also become 2026 WIF Fellows, receiving an additional year of support.

EPISODIC LAB REQUIREMENTS:

IMPORTANT: Please note that applicants can apply through either WIF or The Black List, however, instructions are different for each platform.

To be eligible to apply through WIF:

• You must be the sole and exclusive author of the television pilot submitted for consideration. Writing teams are eligible.

• You cannot have received more than $25K in aggregate to date as compensation for television writing work.

• You must be based in Los Angeles.

• You must be available for in-person evening and weekend sessions during the month of March 2026.

• WIF members can apply for membership rates, and non-members can apply for $40 per application. 

• Through WIF, applicants can submit up to three scripts. Each script must be submitted through its own application, so fees and/or waivers are applicable per script. 

IMPORTANT DATES:

• November 3, 2025 – Applications close

• January 16, 2026 – Short list applicants notified of status

• Week of February 9, 2026 – Interviews

• Week of February 16, 2026 – All applicants notified of status

• March 3, 2026 — Episodic Lab begins

If you’d like to review the application before applying, you can find a PDF version linked here.

For Black List instructions or any other Black List questions, please click here or contact SUPPORT@BLCKLST.COM.

womeninfilm.org/programs/writing/

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Julia S. Gouw Short Film Challenge

CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) / Janet Yang Productions

DEADLINE: November 7, 2025 at 11:59pm PT

APPLICATION FEE: $25

INFO: In 2022, CAPE joined forces with Janet Yang Productions to form the Julia S. Gouw Short Film Challenge to provide short film production grants to four filmmakers in an effort to support Asian and Pacific Islander Women and Non-Binary filmmakers and their stories. The grant is supported and named after philanthropist Julia S. Gouw with additional support from Asian Women Leadership in Philanthropy Fund.

Four grantees are provided with a grant of $25K USD each as well as additional resources to make their short film possible. In addition, the grantees will be offered unparalleled networking opportunities with Emmy Award- and Golden Globe-winning Hollywood producer Janet Yang and the CAPE network as well as access to high-level industry professionals including agents, managers, producers and studio executives and more. The 2025 to 2026 submission cycle with mark a 5 year milestone of the Challenge.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Your work and and your script should be consistent with CAPE’s mission to champion diversity by educating, empowering, and connecting Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander artists and leaders in entertainment.

• Your short film script must feature an Asian or Pacific Islander (Native Hawaiian, Maori, and Pasifika included) female or non-binary protagonist (regardless of age).

• Your project may have co-writer(s) and/or co-director(s). However, as the applicant, you must have written the submitted script and must plan to direct the funded short film.

• You must be at least 18 years old or older to apply.

• You may submit multiple scripts, but each will require a separate application and $25 processing fee each.

• Applicants must be authorized to work and have ability to accept paid work in the United States. CAPE does not sponsor or assist with visas or immigration.

• Your script must be 15 pages maximum (not including title page).

• Your script must be in PDF format and in industry format.

• For the application, scripts must be written in English and/or translated in English (if other languages are used).

• Narrative live-action and / or animated short film scripts will both be accepted.

• 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. Generic watermarks such as “CAPE/JYP” are also allowed.

• 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.

• If your short film is at any stage of production, principal photography must not have started before December 9, 2024.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

If awarded the grant, you must produce a short film based on the pre-approved script submitted to the challenge.

• Final projects must be no more than 15 minutes in length inclusive of credits.

• Participants are not allowed to act in their film under the the Julia S. Gouw Short Film Challenge.

• Grantee’s short film can be shot anywhere in the world. (For example, past grantees have shot their short film in India and Philippines.)

capeusa.org/short-film-challenge

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Episodic Program

Sundance Institute

DEADLINE: November 9, 2025

APPLICATION FEE: $50

INFO: The Sundance Institute Episodic Program provides artists with the tools and training to develop their original series and pilot script. Offering one of the few training grounds for independent voices, the program is designed to help creators move their projects and careers forward. 

The Sundance Institute Episodic Lab is a six-day program that offers writers the opportunity to workshop a pilot script, while developing their writing. Working with accomplished showrunners, Fellows will participate in one-on-one story meetings, craft workshops, and simulated writers’ rooms. Together, these meetings provide an elevated creative strategy for artists to advance their projects.

ELIGIBILITY:

The Lab is open to international and U.S. participants, subject to international travel guidelines and restrictions. By submitting an application, each Applicant agrees 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 Program. The Program 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 Script must be the Applicant’s original creation or adapted from optioned source material. The Script must be written in the English language.

• The Script draft must be revised or new, that is, 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 already had an episodic project (pilot or pitch) that has been produced by a studio or network in the past.

• The Script 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 (including the Script).

sundance.org/programs/episodic-storytelling

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WINTER RESIDENCY 2026

Velvetpark Media (Brooklyn, NY)

DEADLINE: November 9, 2025 by 11:59pm EST

APPLICATION FEE: $25

INFO: Velvetpark Residency is a project based live-work studio, awarded through a selection process by open application. It is open to LGBTQ+ writers and visual artists to complete a proposed project. Applicants from across the United States are welcome to apply, however, must have a primary residence.

The studio will be awarded bi-yearly, and will alternate between writers Winter/Spring, and visual artists Summer/Fall respectively. This schedule will continue to alternate into the ensuing years.

Velvetpark‘s Residency award is open for for an artists, writers, creators age eighteen and above, who are not enrolled in an academic program. The residency is for a 6 month term, as indicated in application form.

The VP Residency is housed within Crown Studios, an artist building on a floor of eleven working arts professionals in the Crown and Prospect Heights neighborhoods of Brooklyn, New York.

For almost two decades Velvetpark has recognized queer people in the arts, academia and activism, by featuring stories on, by, or about these individuals in the pages of the print magazine and online. It is in the same spirit that our residency program has been launched and expanded to include imaginative and enterprising LGBT+ creators, who need space to support and cultivate their work.

RESIDENCY DATES:

Please note that we will be awarding TWO 3 month terms for our writer residency this year!

• Term 1: January 5th – March 30th 2026*

• Term 2: April 3rd – June 28th 2026*

• *Dates are subject to change.

CHECKLIST:

100 – 250 word, project proposal
– additional .pdf, docx, .doc, .jpg files and supporting materials accepted (limited to 10 mb in size)

Project Outline:

– Provide a detailed outline of what you expect to complete within your 3 month term.

Writers — Work Samples
– Poets, submit up to 15 – 20 pages of poetry
– Prose, 25 – 30 pages of prose
– screenplay/play script, provide 1 – 2 completed works
– additional works accepted via url, to online portfolio or published works

CV/Resume
– should reflect your artistic/creative accomplishments

2 references
– 1 professional reference, who can speak about your work and
– 1 personal reference, who can speak about you personally, your work ethic, values, and any other pertinent information about you.
– provide names and contact; phone/email of these individuals (letters not required).
– finalists’ references will be contacted by selection committee to speak about you.

velvetparkmedia.com/residency/

TV / FILM — SEPTEMBER 2025

NATIVE AMERICAN UNSCRIPTED WORKSHOP

Native American Media Alliance (NAMA)

DEADLINES: September 8, 2025

INFO: The 5th Annual Native American Unscripted Workshop has opened the call for applications. This initiative is focused on spotlighting Native American documentary filmmakers and non-fiction content creators. With support from Comcast NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Los Angeles County Arts & Culture, NAMA is providing the Native American Unscripted Workshop for emerging and seasoned indigenous documentary filmmakers seeking to explore outlets for their current and upcoming projects.

The workshop is a virtual week-long creative program that provides access to creative executives, experienced producers and veteran documentary filmmakers. In its fourth year, the Native American Unscripted Workshop will accept approximately 10 Native American filmmakers to participate in the program taking place in late October, 2025.

The Native American Unscripted Workshop is designed to encourage Native American filmmakers to expand on their current opportunities. The workshop culminates in a pitch panel that will have each fellow present their latest project.

nama.media/5th-annual-native-american-unscripted-workshop-call-for-applications/

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Fall '25 GUEST RESIDENCY

Woodward Residency

DEADLINE: September 8, 2025

INFO: Applications are now open for our Winter/Spring '25 Guest Residency in Ridgewood, Queens, NY.

ELIGIBILITY: Established/emerging artists and creative professionals in the fields of literary arts, design, music, and multi-disciplinary arts are encouraged to apply.

Please note that art forms that generate fumes (such as oil painting) cannot be accommodated. Also, with the exception of our piano residents who can use headphones, our space is best suited to less cacophonous artistic pursuits.

AWARD BENEFITS:

• Access to the building from 9AM-5 PM, Monday through Friday for the duration of your Guest Residency.

• Guest Residents will work in the communal Great Room, with library etiquette.

• Open invite to weekly tea and cake gatherings, and occasional work shares and evening parties.

• A supportive and engaged community of working creatives.

WORK SAMPLES + PERSONAL STATEMENT: Recent work samples and your personal statement should reflect your commitment to your work and clarify how the residency would benefit your work at this time. Please see our application for specific guidelines.

REFERENCES: Please provide the contact info of at least one professional and one personal reference (excluding family members or significant others).

If you are new to your field of interest and don’t have a professional reference to speak to your current creative pursuits, you are welcome to provide a reference from someone in another field who has worked directly with you.

RESIDENCY SESSION: September 30, 2025 — Jan 30, 2026

EVALUATION PROCESS: A rotating panel of arts professionals will review all applications with the intent of supporting both established and emerging artists. Panelists include novelists, filmmakers, performance artists, literary agents, film/theater producers.

Selection criteria includes originality, commitment to your proposed field of work, interest in community, and demonstrated need for a work space.

We have limited space for Guest Residents and encourage all applicants to reapply if they don’t get a spot in the upcoming session.

NOTIFICATION: All applicants will be notified at least two weeks in advance of the start of their requested residency session.

woodwardresidency.co/guestresidency

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MENTAL HEALTH SHORT FILM GRANT

Voices With Impact

DEADLINE: September 9, 2025 at 11:00am PT

​INFO: The Voices With Impact Film Production Grant offers filmmakers $7.5k USD to filmmaking teams making transformative 5 minute films on the topic of mental health. Selected filmmakers are supported through the filmmaking process and connected with mentors from our rich network of industry professionals. Films are distributed for years to come through our educational programming in partnership with postsecondary institutions across North America.

THIS YEAR’S THEME:

For the 2026 Voices With Impact Film Grant we are looking for film proposals that explore...Coping, Connection, and Community

We’re looking for honest, intriguing, humanizing, authentic stories inspired by lived experience of mental health. We don’t need these stories to be heavy though, we love exploring the lightness of these topics too, and the joy that can be found! We welcome comedy, horror, animation, drama, experimental, documentary, romance, and westerns - hey even sci-fi and fantasy if our juror’s believe it’ll fit the budget.

To help spark ideas, here are just a few of the ways you might engage with the theme:

• Small rituals of survival: personal strategies people use to stay grounded amid chaos—whether spiritual, absurd, or deeply practical

• Intergenerational coping: how families pass down or disrupt harmful coping patterns

• Art as a lifeline: how creativity, storytelling, music, or humor becomes a lifeline

• Finding connection in unlikely places: online friendships, coworking spaces, support groups, shared grief, dog parks

• Rebuilding connection after rupture: healing after estrangement, betrayal, or ideological conflict

• The politics of empathy: how truly listening can change everything in a polarized world

• Mutual aid and collective care: how people are caring for each other when systems fail

• Spiritual or cultural communities as sites of healing or tension

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Open Call for submissions globally: August 1 2025

• Submission Window Closes: Sept 9 2025

• Shortlist final interview: October 22-24 2025

• Winners notified: October 30 2025

• Production: November 2025-April 2026

• Final Films delivered: April 20 2026

• World Premiere: June 2026

The Voices With Impact Jury will be evaluating proposals using the following criteria:

• Unique artistic and creative approach to telling the story

• Accuracy of depictions of mental health issues, stemming from credible research sources and lived experiences

• Consideration of filmmaking techniques and skill level

• Identification/connection with the population within the subject matter and demonstrated cultural sensitivity and awareness around the topic

• Degree to which the film has the potential reduce existing stigma

• If the story could realistically be effective as a film that is five-minute or less

• Filmmaker’s demonstrated ability to complete this project with a high level of professionalism

voiceswithimpact.com/grant26

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PRINCETON ARTS FELLOWSHIPS

Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University

DEADLINE: September 9, 2025 at 11:59 pm EDT

INFO: Princeton Arts Fellowships will be awarded to artists whose achievements have been recognized as demonstrating extraordinary promise in any area of artistic practice and teaching. Applicants should be early career visual artists, filmmakers, poets, novelists, playwrights, designers, directors and performance artists—this list is not meant to be exhaustive—who would find it beneficial to spend two years teaching and working in an artistically vibrant university community.

Princeton Arts Fellows spend two consecutive academic years (September 1-July 1) at Princeton University and formal teaching is expected. The normal work assignment will be to teach one course each semester subject to approval by the Dean of the Faculty, but fellows may be asked to take on an artistic assignment in lieu of a class, such as directing a play or creating a dance with students. Although the teaching load is light, our expectation is that Fellows will be full and active members of our community, committed to frequent and engaged interactions with students during the academic year.

STIPEND: A $93,000 a year stipend is provided. Fellowships are not intended to fund work leading to an advanced degree. One need not be a U.S. citizen to apply. Holders of Ph.D. degrees from Princeton are not eligible to apply.

Past recipients of the Hodder Fellowship and individuals who have had a sustained and continuous relationship with Princeton University are not eligible to apply. Those who have had an occasional and sporadic relationship with Princeton may apply.

GUIDELINES: To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae, contact information for three references (should the search committee choose to contact references, please do not request letters or have letters sent in advance of a request from the search committee), and work samples (i.e., a writing sample, images of your work, video links to performances, etc.). Please also submit a 750-word proposal that includes how you propose to use the fellowship to develop your work, what you might teach or pursue with undergraduates, and how you have approached community building in your artistic practice, teaching, and/or research.

arts.princeton.edu/fellowships/princeton-arts-fellowship/

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Call for application: 2026 Spring Summer Residency

MacDowell

DEADLINE: September 10, 2025

APPLICATION FEE: $30

INFO: MacDowell provides time, space, and an inspiring residential environment to artists of exceptional talent. A MacDowell Fellowship, or residency, consists of exclusive use of a studio, accommodations, and three prepared meals a day for up to eight weeks. There are no residency fees, and MacDowell offers financial assistance to reimburse the costs of direct travel to and from the residency, as well as expenses that artists expect to incur while in residence, including rent, lost income, and childcare.

ELIGIBILITY: MacDowell accepts applications from artists working in the following disciplines: architecture, film/video, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theatre, and visual arts. The sole criterion for acceptance is artistic excellence, which MacDowell defines in a pluralistic and inclusive way. MacDowell encourages applications from artists representing the widest possible range of perspectives and demographics, engaging in the broadest spectrum of artistic practice, and investigating an unlimited array of inquiries and concerns. To that end, MacDowell welcomes artists working in various stages of their artistic practice to apply. Applicants cannot be enrolled in a degree-seeking program during the residency season for which they are applying. Doctoral candidates who have completed all coursework may apply.

MacDowell is committed to diversity and inclusion, and a more equitable arts and cultural sector. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. MacDowell offers barrier-free access in its main buildings and some studios.

While there are no medical facilities or medical personnel on site at MacDowell, the Monadnock Community Hospital is located 3 miles away in Peterborough, NH. Additionally, there are several medical facilities (hospitals and urgent care centers) within a 30-60 minute driving radius. MacDowell welcomes artists of all abilities to apply; artists with questions or concerns about potential medical needs are encouraged to contact us prior to residency to discuss access needs.

WORK SAMPLES: Work samples supporting the proposed project and completed within the past four years are requested, unless otherwise noted. All work samples are uploaded and submitted through the online application. Applicants unable to submit new work for the panel to review should include a note of explanation. Those applicants whose proposed project does not fall clearly within an artistic discipline should contact the Admissions office to discuss which discipline would best fit the proposed work. For detailed work sample requirements for each artistic discipline, click here.

REFERENCES: The MacDowell admissions department has temporarily suspended the reference letter requirement as part of the application process as a result of direct feedback from artists who have said reference letters pose a barrier to applying. Not all artists have access to referrers, and this lack of access disproportionately effects women and BIPOC artists. While reference letters can serve a purpose in application reviews, it is not an equitable or fair assessment tool. This experiment is part of MacDowell’s effort to improve equity and access in its culture.

macdowell.org/apply/application-guidelines

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Call for films: Atlanta Film Festival

Atlanta Film Festival

DEADLINES / FEES:

• Regular: September 12, 2025

• Late: October 17, 2025

• Extended: November 7, 2025

FEES: Fees are based on category and deadline. Please visit the website for more info

INFO: The Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) is the area’s preeminent celebration of cinema. Our 11-day festival presents over 120 films from all over the world, representing 110+ countries, selected from over 6,000 submissions. Each year, 90%+ of ATLFF’s program is composed of submitted films. ATLFF actively strives to provide a diverse slate of programming with spotlights on filmmakers of color, LGBTQ+ films, women and gender non-conforming filmmakers, and filmmakers from the Georgia. For the 2024 festival, 49% of the program selected from submissions was directed by women and gender nonconforming directors and 59% by BIPOC directors, as well as 24% of selected films coming from Georgia filmmakers.

In addition, each year ATLFF seeks to program a variety of genres and film styles including (but not limited to): experimental films, music videos, comedies, horror and sci-fi, virtual reality, food films, and puppetry films.

ATLFF has been named a “Top 50 Festival Worth the Entry Fee” and one of the “25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World” by MovieMaker magazine, and has been recognized as a Best Film Festival by Creative Loafing, Sunday Paper, USA Today 10 Best, and Atlanta Magazine, as well as the Best Spring Festival by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

ATLFF’s continued exposure is in part thanks to growing distributor and press attention. Recent distributor attendance includes A24, Paramount, Netflix, Lionsgate, Focus Features, The Orchard/1091 Media, Magnolia, Bleecker Street, The Film Collaborative, Participant Media, Archer Gray, Kino Lorber, XLrator Media, CNN, HBO, Showtime, AMC, Sundance TV, Warner Media, NBC Universal, Filmstruck, Kickstarter, Seed & Spark, Vimeo, and MUBI.

Now in its eighth year, our Georgia Film Award has grown into two juried awards – Georgia Feature Award and Georgia Short Award to further celebrate and recognize the outstanding work of filmmakers in our community. Films made by Georgia-based directors and submitted to either feature film category or short category in Narrative, Documentary, or Animation will be eligible for consideration for the appropriate category upon inclusion in the festival. Georgia film submissions are also considered for non-Georgia competition categories as applicable.

Georgia filmmakers may submit with a discounted submission fee for projects that were both shot in Georgia and come from a director with a current Georgia address. Projects that meet both qualifications can submit at a discount. To obtain the discount code, applicants will need to email GA@atlantafilmfestival before submitting with the following information: the city the director resides in and where in GA the film was shot. Films that are not live-action are also eligible for the discount if the director resides in the state and partially produced the film in Georgia.

AWARDS + PRIZES:

Over $100,000 in combined cash and prizes for have been given for awards in the following categories year to year:

The winners of Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, and the Georgia Feature Award receive a rental credit from the Atlanta Film Society's own annual credit donated by the Plaza Theatre to perform a week-long Oscar Qualifying Theatrical run at the Plaza Theatre (up to a $6,500 value each).

• Best Narrative Feature ($1,500 cash prize + theatrical run prize)

• Best Documentary Feature ($1,500 cash prize + theatrical run prize)

• Best Narrative Short ($750 cash prize)

• Best Documentary Short ($750 cash prize)

• Best Animated Short ($750 cash prize)

• Best Cinematography ($90,000 value in camera and post rental/services)

• Georgia Feature Award ($1,500 cash prize + theatrical run prize)

• Georgia Short Award ($750 cash prize)

*Additional prizes may be announced. Current award categories and prizes are subject to change.

ACADEMY-QUALIFICATION: The winners of Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, and Best Animated Short all qualify for the following year’s Academy Awards in their respective categories.

ATLFF juries are composed of filmmakers, film critics, academics and industry figures. Recent jurors have included Academy Award-nominated filmmakers and representatives from The Los Angeles Times, Indiewire, TIME, Adult Swim, VICE, Vimeo, NPR, Film Independent, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Seed and Spark, Music Box, NEON, Oscilloscope Laboratories, IFC Films, Factory 25, MEMORY, and MUBI.

Films competing in juried categories are chosen solely at the discretion of the ATLFF programming team. Acceptance to the festival does not guarantee placement in competition. Films are not programmed in or out of competition, as competition status is determined once the full program has been locked.

All officially selected features and short films will be eligible for our Audience Awards. In addition to the juried prizes listed above, ATLFF also awards prizes in a variety of non-juried categories. While they vary from year to year, recent non-juried prizes have included Programmer Awards, the Filmmaker-to-Watch Award, and the Southern Documentary Fund Award. All official selections that meet the guidelines of these non-juried competitions, in a year when they are being presented, will be eligible.

filmfreeway.com/atlff

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VCCA RESIDENCIES AT MT. SAN ANGELO

Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA)

DEADLINE: September 15, 2025

APPLICATION FEE: $30

INFO: Residencies can be transformative to an artist’s process and the effect on an artist’s career profound. A residency at VCCA gives artists the time and space to explore and go deeper into their work. Away from the constraints of “the real world” and in an accepting environment of talented peers, one can dream and create with the feeling that anything is possible.

VCCA’s Mt. San Angelo location in Amherst, Virginia, typically hosts 360 artists each year in residencies of varying lengths (no minimum; up to six weeks) with flexible scheduling. A residency at Mt. San Angelo includes a private bedroom with private en-suite bath, a private individual studio, three prepared meals a day, and access to a community of more than 20 other artists in residence.

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, VCCA is surrounded by natural wonders and hiking trails. Many local sites and additional inspiration can be found in short drives to Lynchburg (20 minutes), Charlottesville (1 hour), Roanoke (1.5 hours), or Richmond (2 hours).

FULLY FUNDED FELLOWSHIPS:

CHRISTINA CHIU AAPI WRITERS FELLOWSHIP
Who: Writers, with preference given to those who self-identify as part of the AAPI community
What: Two-week residency at Mt. San Angelo
When: Summer 2026 (May 1 – August 31)

GREATER OPPORTUNITY FELLOWSHIPS
Who: Artists in any discipline who have not previously been in residence at VCCA, with preference given to those who self-identify as people of color
What: Residency of up to two-weeks at Mt. San Angelo
When: Summer 2026 (May 1 – August 31)

RICHARD S. AND JULIA LOUISE REYNOLDS POETRY FELLOWSHIP
Who: Poets
What: Three-week residency at Mt. San Angelo
When: Summer 2026 (May 1 – August 31)

vcca.com

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2026 winter Residency

Monson Arts

DEADLINE: September 15, 2025

INFO: Monson Arts’ residency program supports emerging and established artists and writers by providing them time and space to devote to their creative practices. During each of our 2-week and 4-week programs throughout the year, a cohort of 5 artists and 5 writers are invited to immerse themselves in small town life at the edge of Maine’s North Woods and focus intensely on their work within a creative and inspiring environment. They receive a private studio, private bedroom in shared housing, all meals, and $500 stipend ($250 for 2-week programs). The Abbott Watts Residency for Photography offers access to the photography studio and darkroom of Todd Watts in nearby Blanchard, adjacent to the former home of Berenice Abbott. Click here to read more about this unique opportunity specifically for photographers.

Applications for a residency at Monson Arts are open to anyone at any stage of their career, working in visual arts, writing, and related fields (i.e. audio, video, photography, woodworking, movement, screen and playwrights). Open calls for residency applications currently take place 3 times throughout the year with deadlines on January 15, May 15, and September 15. Each application period corresponds to specific residency offerings 3-6 months out.

Residents’ studios are located in newly renovated Main Street buildings that have been designed specifically for visual artists and writers. All of our studio spaces are outfitted to be as flexible as possible so that we can accommodate a variety of creative practices. Our visual arts studios are spacious and light-filled with large work tables and sinks. Shelving and portable storage carts are available as needed. Access is available to woodshop and metal shop facilities in nearby buildings for any fabrication needs. Our writing studios are comfortably furnished with work tables, office chairs, bookshelves, and reading chairs. For those working in time and sound based media: apply to the Writing category if quiet contemplation would be best for your project or the Visual Arts category if you need room and the opportunity to make and play sounds out loud.

Residents live in newly renovated historic homes throughout town, within walking distance to studios and everything that downtown Monson has to offer. These are mostly 3 bedroom structures that are fully furnished and comfortable all four seasons of the year. Houses all have shared kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas with laundry machines, telephone, and other amenities as well. Wifi is available in all of our buildings through high speed fiberoptic service.

Application Requirements include:

• Up to 5 images / 5 minutes of media OR 5 pages of writing examples

• A letter of intent for your time at the residency

• C.V. or Resume (limited to 6000 characters)

• Two reference names

2026 WINTER RESIDENCY SCHEDULE:

• 1/12 – 1/22 – 2 Week Residency

• 1/26 – 2/19 – Residency (With Abbott Watts Resident)

• 2/23 – 3/19 – Residency

monsonarts.org/residencies/overview/

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WRITERS’ ACCESS SUPPORT STAFF TRAINING PROGRAM

The Writers Guild Foundation

DEADLINE: September 16, 2025

APPLICATION FEE: $0

INFO: The mission of the Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program is to provide writers who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled writers, and writers over the age of 50, with the tools and education to become a writers’ assistant and script coordinator, resulting in meaningful employment opportunities.

These positions have historically been an invaluable way to learn the writing process first-hand, with the ultimate goal of getting a writing job. Graduates of the program are added to an ongoing list of trained writers’ assistants and script coordinators (WA/SCs) that is made available to studios, networks and showrunners, in order to increase the pool of eligible hires.

By offering this opportunity to writers who are typically excluded from the writers’ room, we hope to increase representation among television writers, and capture stories from all corners of the human experience.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Founded in partnership with TV writers and producers Tanya Saracho (Vida), Mike Royce (One Day at a Time), and Liz Hsiao Lan Alper (Day of the Dead), the Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program is a first-of-its-kind initiative to support the full inclusion and employment of underrepresented groups in the television industry.

Each 12-week course incorporates a variety of lessons tailored to the positions of a writers' assistant or script coordinator. Instructors have developed a comprehensive syllabus to cover the ins and outs of these positions.

By the end of the semester, participants will have working knowledge to integrate into a writers' room and crucial connections to access these opportunities.

SCHEDULE + CLASS STRUCTURE:

Classes are typically held on Thursday evenings between January and May. The precise schedule for each cohort is subject to change.

Approximately 16 to 18 applicants will be selected each cycle.

LOCATION:

Current sessions are hosted online via Zoom.

Optional in-person meetups and networking events will take place in Los Angeles.

Applicants residing in the Los Angeles area will receive priority during the admissions process. A maximum of 10% of the overall class will be reserved for participants who live outside the LA area.

ELIGIBILITY:

Please visit our application guidelines page for detailed information on eligibility and requirements to apply.

This program is designed to support the inclusion and employment of underrepresented groups in the television industry. Writers who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled writers, and writers over the age of 50 are encouraged to apply.

To qualify for this program, applicants must be:

• At least 18 years of age.

• Eligible to work in the U.S.

• Able to demonstrate meaningful ongoing efforts to break in as a TV writer.

• Interested in pursuing employment in a support staff role.

• Able to participate in all program meetings and fulfill all program requirements.

• Open to constructive criticism and respectful to all other participants and mentors.

No professional writing experience is required. However, we do expect that all applicants are well-versed in the fundamentals of writing for the screen prior to their participation in the program. This program is not a writing fellowship; it is a professional training program that focuses specifically on support staff roles.

Applicants who have previously worked as a writers’ assistant or script coordinator are not eligible to apply. Former writers’ PAs and showrunner’s assistants are exempt from this rule.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

All applicants must be prepared to submit the following information and materials:

• Summary of previous writing experience or education

• Preferred genres and creative influences

• Essay question responses

• 400-word personal statement

• Professional resume

Applicants are restricted from using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate written responses for any portion of their application or associated materials.

bit.ly/writers-access

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Guggenheim Fellowship

The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation

DEADLINE: September 16, 2025 by 11:59pm EDT

INFO: The Guggenheim Fellowship is an annual competition celebrating exceptional achievements in the arts, sciences, and humanities. It offers support to exceptional individuals in pursuit of scholarship in any field of knowledge and creation in any art form, under the freest possible conditions.

For a century, Guggenheim Fellowships have helped artists, writers, scholars, and scientists at the highest levels of achievement pursue the work they were meant to do. Since our founding, we have supported over 19,000 Fellows.

Our mandate is uniquely broad. We support Fellows in over 50 different fields, spanning the full range of creative arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, including several interdisciplinary areas.  

The Guggenheim Fellowship supports individuals who have achieved notable success in their careers across the creative arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. It is designed for mid-career professionals whose work is well-established. Potential Fellows have already made significant contributions to their field and are eager for time and resources that will allow them to further their meaningful work.

While many applicants are affiliated with an academic institution or university, independent scholars, writers, and artists are eligible to apply.

A Guggenheim Fellowship term may last from six months to one year, although the proposed project does not need to be completed within that period

We do not require academics to be on sabbatical leave or free from administrative or teaching duties during the Fellowship period, but it’s fine if they are. Also, we do not commit to replacing full salaries or guaranteeing specific costs. The award funds can generally be used for any purpose related to the pursuit of the Fellow’s project – living expenses, materials, travel, equipment, etc.

FELLOWSHIPS IN THE CREATIVE ARTS:

Guggenheim Fellowships in the creative arts have fueled projects in writing, the visual arts, dance, and music.

Our first Fellowship class included 24-year-old Aaron Copland, the “dean of American composers.” Every year since then, we have celebrated the work and vision of numerous artists. We supported Zora Neale Hurston as she wrote “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and Robert Frank as he photographed what would become “The Americans.” We have contributed to the careers of poet laureates, National Book Award honorees, and Pulitzer Prize winners; artists exhibited in The Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and renowned galleries; filmmakers who have won Oscars and revolutionized documentaries; dancers who have established entirely new ways of moving; and composers who have written their own rules for new music.

We are proud to support creativity in all forms, without constraint.

APPLICANT CRITERIA:

• All applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or Canada at the time of application.

• Individuals who have already received a Guggenheim Fellowship are not eligible to reapply.

• Guggenheim Fellowships are not open to students (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate).

• Our awards are intended for individuals only; they are not available to organizations, institutions, or groups.

PROJECT CRITERIA:

The Foundation accepts applications from individuals proposing scholarly or creative projects in the creative arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences, and a range of interdisciplinary fields.

Please note the following exceptions:

• Guggenheim Fellowships are not available for the creation of residencies, curriculum development, or any type of educational program, nor are they available to support the development of websites or blogs.

• Anthology, oral history, e-book, or textbook projects are not supported by our awards.

• We regret that our awards are not available to support the writing of literature for children or young readers, or support any other type of work (e.g., films, plays, etc.) intended for young audiences.

• Published writing not regarded as appropriate for our competition includes self-published works, publications for which the author has paid, and publications by publishers who do not engage in a process of critical review of submitted work. In addition, genre work (e.g., mysteries, romance, fantasy, etc.) is not within our scope.

We also accept applications for collaborative projects from two individuals who are working together on the same project, i.e., joint applications. If you would like more information about applying jointly, please contact us at competition@gf.org.

gf.org/program/how-to-apply

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OPEN CALL: Firelight Fund

Firelight Media

DEADLINE: September 18, 2025

INFO: As Firelight Media celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, we launch the Firelight Fund to meet this urgent moment. The Fund supports Black, Brown, and Indigenous stories from development through distribution, with a focus on those who are telling urgent stories and using their craft to advance social justice.

The Firelight Fund is more than a grant – it's a statement of our deep belief in the power and importance of documentary film, art, and culture – especially when these forms of expression are under attack. The Fund works to strengthen the infrastructure for Black, Brown, and Indigenous documentary filmmakers. Despite uncertainties surrounding documentary funding and distribution, we believe these challenges should not hinder new work; rather, they should inspire artistic growth and new forms of solidarity.

GUIDELINES: The Firelight Fund will prioritize filmmakers from communities disproportionately impacted by today’s political and social crises, with attention to those from Black, Brown and Indigenous communities – especially those targeted due to their gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic and immigration status, geographic location, and/or disability.

Initial grant sizes will range up to $50,000 per project, and the inaugural grant cycle will kick off in the fall of 2025.

• Open to short documentaries at any stage and feature-length documentaries at production, post-production, or distribution and impact stages.

• Open to directors (including co-directors) who primarily reside in the U.S. or its territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands).

• Priority given to projects and filmmakers that fit the selection criteria and demonstrate a commitment to Firelight Media’s mission, vision, and values.

• Priority given to applicants whose grant activity timeline is both urgent and feasible, and who can clearly articulate how the grant will advance their project.

SELECTION PROCESS:

We anticipate making the initial grant disbursements in the fall of 2025. 

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Relevance & Urgency: Timely, community-driven stories

• Artistic Vision: Bold, original, and creative storytelling

• Impact Potential: Ability to inspire awareness, action, and systemic change

• Community Connection: Deep, authentic relationships with the participants or communities represented

• Feasibility: Realistic scope, timeline, and budget

firelightmedia.tv/programs/firelight-fund

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STARZ #TakeTheLead Writers’ Intensive

National Association of Latino Independent Producers / NewFilmmakers LA / STARZ

DEADLINE: September 18, 2025 by 11:00am PT

INFO: NALIP and NFMLA are excited to collaborate once again with STARZ for the fourth season of the STARZ #TakeTheLead Writers’ Intensive—an empowering program aimed at nurturing new voices in television. This initiative provides emerging writers the opportunity to refine their skills and develop original spec scripts with hands-on guidance from top-tier mentors, executives, and experienced writers.

In 2025, four writers will be selected to participate in both phases of the program. In Phase 1, participants will connect with 15 industry professionals from a diverse range of TV backgrounds while crafting a spec episode treatment. In Phase 2, each writer will be paired with a mentor to write a full spec episode script based on an existing STARZ series.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

Selected participants must be available for the duration of the following dates:

Phase One:

October 6th, 2025 - October 10th, 2025

1 Week, 32 hours total (Mon - Fri)

• A one-week intensive featuring meetings & sessions with industry creatives and professionals

• Participants receive feedback & support to develop an episode treatment

• The program culminates with a STARZ jury reading treatments

Phase Two:

October 13th, 2025 - October 24th, 2025

2 Weeks, 8 Hours/Week

• Meetings with STARZ executives to hone spec script

• Feedback from STARZ mentors to refine spec script

• Final review and final set of notes for spec script

• Presentation of spec script

BENEFITS:

• A $5,000 USD grant will be awarded to writers selected for the program

• An opportunity to connect with industry professionals and creatives.

• An opportunity to obtain feedback on your spec episode script from leading executives

• Finalists will be provided a Stage 32 Scholarship and given one-year of unlimited access to over 3,000 hours of training taught by Stage 32 educators

APPLICATION/APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be the credited sole writer with at least one fully completed short or feature narrative film, which has been accepted into a film festival, OR have a story department-related credit (e.g., writer's assistant, staff writer, showrunner's assistant, script coordinator) on an episodic project

• Must be or become a member of NALIP and/or NFMLA

• Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application and legally authorized work, and participate in the Intensive in the United States

• Must accept and agree to program rules, terms & conditions, and sign the program release

• Must be available for all program dates outlined above

APPLICATION/APPLICANT MATERIALS:

• All submission materials must be in English. If the project is in another language, please include a written English translation

• The first ten pages of an original episodic ½-hour or 1-hour script

• A treatment of the original episodic ½-hour or 1-hour script submitted

• A resume (no more than one page)

• A writer's statement (no more than one page) detailing what inspired you to apply to this program and your professional goals

• A bio of the writer, including any relevant projects, awards, accolades, festival recognitions, etc

tvwritersintensive.com

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Call for Proposals: William and Louise Greaves Filmmaker Seminar

Blackstar

DEADLINE: September 29, 2025

INFO: Curators, film programmers, filmmakers, film workers, and film scholars are invited to submit a proposal to present at the sixth William & Louise Greaves Filmmaker Seminar, an annual program for Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists working in cinematic realms, hosted by BlackStar. 

Selected proposals will become seminar sessions presented at Stanford University during the 2026 Greaves Seminar, scheduled for March 6-8. Travel, accommodation, and a small stipend will be provided, as well as additional program funding as approved for your session. 

PROPOSALS: BlackStar welcomes proposals from filmmakers, scholars, critics, and cultural workers interested in holding a workshop, presentation, or panel discussion that explores the technical and creative aspects of media-making. Our preference is to spotlight artists working in a variety of disciplines related to filmmaking including, but not limited to directing, writing, composing, production design, editing, accessibility, and more. We also welcome proposals offering a theoretical analysis of film as it relates to craft. Proposals with interactive and/or multimedia components are encouraged. 

Examples of past programming can be found here.

SELECTION PROCESS:

The BlackStar Programs team will contact shortlisted applicants for an interview and may follow up with additional questions to better understand the scope of the proposal.

BlackStar Projects is committed to the principles of equal opportunity at every level without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity characteristics or expression, age, disability, or political affiliation. 

For any questions, please contact seminar@blackstarfest.org. 

blackstarfest.org/seminar

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Reel Sisters MicroBudget Film Fellowship

Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival + Lecture Series

DEADLINES / FEE: September 30, 2025 / $30

INFO: Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series, the first Academy qualifying festival devoted to women filmmakers, will offer you an opportunity to produce a short film or pilot for your web series! You will have one year to complete your short film project.

You will receive $5,000 to produce a short film or the first episode of your web series, which you can use as a calling card to attract a producer and other film opportunities. You will be guided on your journey in learning the art of creating a high-quality micro budget short film. Story is Queen.

Be prepared to begin production and shooting of your web series project shortly after you are selected as a Reel Sisters Fellow! You will have a year to complete your film project (June 2026).

GENRES: Animation, Documentary, Narrative, Comedy & Sci-Fi. You will retain full production and copyrights to your film. You must include Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series in your production credits as a supporter.

AWARDS + PRIZES:

• $5,000 to create your short film, pilot episode or web seres project

• A world premiere in our annual international Oscar qualifying film festival. If you are unable to commit to a world premiere with Reel Sisters, please do not apply for this opportunity.

• Scholarship & Mentorship opportunity with Reel Sisters Scriptwriting Essential: The Art of Writing Strong Female Characters™

• Opportunity to Showcase Your Project on Reel Sisters Tea & Cinema online series

• Announced as the Winner on Reel Sisters & African Voices websites. A feature will also be published in African Voices magazine.

RULES + TERMS:

• ELIGIBILITY: Script must be written or co-written by a woman of color and non-binary filmmakers of color. Reel Sisters will accept submissions by women of African, Caribbean, Latina, Asian, Indian, Arab and Native American Descent. Please include your ethnicity in the application to confirm your eligibility. We encourage writing teams to apply. You must be located within the U.S. , Puerto Rico or Caribbean Islands.

• REEL SISTERS APPLICATION GUIDELINES: Your application must include the following information to be complete. Thank you for submitting your short screenplay project in consideration for our Reel Sisters Micro Budget Film Fellowship! Please upload the following application information with your script.

Introduction (700 words max): Briefly tell us about your journey as a storyteller. Share information about what led you to writing and filmmaking as a career. Share your inspiration for creating the short screenplay project and the audience you would like to reach. Describe how the Reel Sisters Micro Budget Film Fellowship would make a difference in your career.

• LOGLINE (75 words max): a one to two-sentence description of the story.

• SYNOPSIS (350 words max): brief summary of the plot of the script. Please include all major characters and story points, including the ending.

SHORT Screenplay (no longer than 15 pages):

• Length – no longer than fifteen (15) pages. This does not include the title page.

• Limited to one (1) main location (INT or EXT). If you use more than one location, explain in your application any donated space or ability to accommodate additional locations on a micro budget project.

• Written in English (Translated scripts are welcomed as long as you are the author).

• Writing teams are welcomed but one member must be a woman of color.

• Include a title page displaying only title of screenplay and name of credited writer(s)

• Submit only original screenplays. The rights must be wholly original with and owned by the writer

• Submit as a pdf file and must meet all standard screenplay format guidelines

• Include 1 page draft of your Production Schedule. It will be revised if you are accepted as a Fellow.

filmfreeway.com/ReelSistersMicroBudgetFilmFellowship

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2026 RESIDENCIES

Vermont Studio Center

DEADLINE: September 30, 2025 by 11:59pm EST

APPLICATION FEE: $25

INFO: Vermont Studio Center invites applications for 2026. Nestled in the Green Mountains, VSC hosts an inclusive, global community of artists and writers. Enjoy private studios and lodging, fresh - local meals, and a vibrant Visiting Artists & Writers Program.

VSC’s residency program welcomes artists and writers working across all mediums and genres for two, three, and four week sessions.

Residents enjoy well-lit, private studios within a short walk to residency housing, dining hall, and local amenities. Studio spaces range from 170 - 300 square feet. Accommodations include a private room and shared common areas. The campus features include a print shop, digital lab, and metal, wood, ceramic facility. Studios are open 24 hours a day.

A VSC residency provides artists and writers the time and space to focus on their creative practice in an inclusive, international community within a small Vermont village. Residents can explore swimming holes, hiking and biking trails, as well as the rural charm of neighboring towns, while expanding their creative potential and building a solid network of friends and mentors.

PROGRAMMING

During each session, Visiting Artists and Visiting Writers are invited to join us for presentations, craft talks, one-on-one manuscript consultations, and individual studio visits. Residents can also enjoy open studio nights, resident presentations, and exhibition openings. All scheduled activities are optional. Residents are encouraged to unplug, completely immerse themselves in their work, and work at their own pace.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION

VSC is committed to community building both locally and on campus. Every resident has the opportunity to participate in our Community Contribution Program for 3 hours per week, by assisting in one of these areas: Kitchen, School Arts Program, Visual Arts, and the Writing Program. No prior experience is necessary.

vermontstudiocenter.org/apply

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JAFTA/Porter-Christie Screenwriting Fellowship 2025

Jamaica Film & TV Association

DEADLINE: October 6, 2025

INFO: The JAFTA/Porter-Christie Screenwriting Fellowship 2025 is now open for applications.

BENEFITS:

• Mentorship from Aisha Porter-Christie + 2 industry professionals

• 2 x US$1,000 grant awards

• Access to development labs + a one-week immersive Writers’ Retreat

2025 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must:

1. Be an active JAFTA member i.e. have an approved membership with JAFTA and paid up annual membership fee.

2. Be 18 years or older.

3. Be a Jamaican national or citizen.

Applicants satisfying the above are NOT ELIGIBLE if:

1. 1They were a successful applicant for a JAFTA/Porter-Christie Episodic Screenwriting Fellowship awarded project in previous years.

2. They are currently participating in another JAFTA or JAFTA-associated developmental programme

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfW0dsGKbowL2WpNgx6BMU_0EQ0kk9q3ztVIT6RRkulUP56kQ/viewform

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2025 John Lewis Writing Grants

Georgia Writers Association

DEADLINE: October 10, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET

SUBMISSION FEE: $0

INFO: The Georgia Writers Association's John Lewis Writing Grants are inspired by the late civil rights icon and his more than three decades of service as Georgia’s 5th District representative. The John Lewis Writing Grants will be awarded annually in the categories of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and screen/playwriting.

The purpose of the John Lewis Writing Grants is to elevate, encourage, and inspire the voices of promising Black writers in Georgia. Applicants must be emerging writers who are Black or African-American residents of Georgia for at least one year, or full-time students at a Georgia college or university at the time of application and on the date of the award. Writers who are eligible may apply annually but may only win the John Lewis Grant one time.

GRANT: The winning recipients will receive $500, and an invitation to read from their work at the next Red Clay Writers Conference.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and emerging writers who are Black or African-American residents of Georgia for at least one year, or full-time students at a Georgia college or university at the time of application and on the date of the award. Applicants are ineligible if they have published more than one traditionally published book. Promising writers without publication will be considered. Writers who are eligible may apply annually but may only win a grant once. There is no submission fee to enter. Applicants are ineligible if they are of relations to any of the Georgia Writers staff or board of directors.

GUIDELINES:

Writers may apply in only one genre and must submit the following:

• A completed grant application

• An artist statement of 500 words (max.) as a concise description of your work and goals as a writer. Tell us what inspires your writing career, and how your work engages (directly or indirectly) with the legacy of John Lewis.

• A writing sample of 10 pages (max.) of a published or unpublished piece in the genre in which you are applying: fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, or screen/playwriting. If submitting poetry, one poem per page please. 

*Do not include your name or any identifying information in the writing sample.

georgiawritersassociation.submittable.com/submit/333082/2025-john-lewis-writing-grants

TV / FILM — AUGUST 2025

NewNarRATIVES

NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA)

DEADLINE: August 5, 2025 at 3pm PT

INFO: In 2021, NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) and Warner Bros. Discovery 150 partnered to launch the inaugural edition of NewNarratives. Now in its fifth year, the program continues to identify exciting new global storytellers by tapping into NFMLA’s extensive pool of artistic talent. The program advances, funds, and amplifies unique new voices whose narratives, stories, and characters transcend borders and challenge conventions.

Thanks to an ongoing partnership with the Rhulen Family Foundation in honor of the late independent film producer Anthony Rhulen, known for projects such as The Butterfly Effect, the NewNarratives program will offer a new round of $20,000 in cash grant funding for 2025. A new grant category this year will increase the total cash grant funding available to $25,000.

The first category of grants will be distributed in the form of four (4) $5,000usd grants, which will support short films, feature films, episodic series, live-action, fiction, documentaries, experimental works, and/or animation projects at any stage of production. This includes concept development, early development, pre-production, production, post-production, and audience strategy.

This year, we are proud to announce two new funding partners, The Hollywood Climate Summit and Athens Services. These organizations have joined forces with NFMLA to support storytellers whose projects focus on themes of environmental awareness, including issues that impact our climate, ecosystems, communities, and more. This second grant category will be distributed in the form of one (1) $5,000usd grant specifically for short films (fiction, documentary, live-action, or animation) in post-production that align with climate and/or environmental consciousness.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicant must have written, directed or produced at least one project that has been accepted into a film festival or industry recognized development competition (such as a screenplay contest)

• Proposed project may be a live-action narrative, experimental, animated and/or documentary short or feature or episodic series, in any stage of production (however, if you are applying for the environmental awareness grant, the project must be a short film, fiction, documentary, live-action, or animation, in post-production that aligns with climate and/or environmental consciousness.

• Applicant may only submit one project in total (including projects that you share a credit on)

• Content must be written or created by applicant

• Application’s proposed project must be original and unreleased

• Application’s material must be written in English

• Applicant must be able and willing to complete the project if funding is awarded

• Applicant must be willing to sign project submission release

• Applicant must be or become a Rising Creator or Champion level member of NewFilmmakers Los Angeles

REQUIRED SUBMISSION ITEMS:

• Work sample of previously completed narrative, experimental or documentary feature, short or episodic project or a script that has been selected for an industry recognized development competition (such as a screenplay contest)

• Video work samples must include English subtitles for any content not in English language

• All submitted project materials must be in English

• Treatment (no longer than 2 pages)

• Concept deck (no longer than 12 pages)

• Project synopsis of project (no longer than one paragraph)

• Working title

• Submitter biography

• Submitter statement

• All items must adhere to applicable character count limits

• If applying for the environmental awareness grant, you must submit a link to your short film that qualifies per the guidelines and is in its post-production phase

newfilmmakersla.com/newnarratives/

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ONYX COLLECTIVE MANUSCRIPT INITIATIVE

Onyx Collective / The Black List

DEADLINE: August 6, 2025

INFO: Onyx Collective is working with The Black List to offer a film or TV option of no less than 18 months  to one outstanding unpublished manuscript that elevates themes and perspectives of the Black experience. 

The Black List will assist Onyx Collective in identifying a shortlist of outstanding manuscripts through a submission period on blcklst.com that begins December 3, 2024 and is open until August 6, 2025. 

The Onyx Collective Manuscript Initiative will accept unpublished manuscript submissions of all genres, but encourages submissions that elevate themes and perspectives of the Black experience. The Black List requires all submissions to have received at least one evaluation–for more information on this requirement, please see our Letter from the Founder. Once a manuscript has received an evaluation, it can be submitted to any number of partnerships at no additional cost.

Onyx Collective is responsible for series including “How to Die Alone,” “Reasonable Doubt” and the Emmy-winning “The 1619 Project,” as well as the Oscar-winning documentary feature “Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not be Televised),” among others.

REQUIREMENTS

• You must post an original manuscript on www.blcklst.com, with at least one (1) evaluation, and opt-in to the Program during the Submission Period. The Program is open to manuscripts in all genres, but we particularly encourage manuscript submissions that elevate familiar voices, themes, and perspectives of the Black experience. Submitted manuscripts must not be under contract elsewhere. For the avoidance of doubt, no feature, pilot, play, or musical submissions will be eligible for this Program. 

• You must agree to (1) these Submission Requirements, (2) all terms relating to the Program posted on Black List’s website, which you should review and read in full, and (3) the Submission Agreement, which governs the submission of your manuscript to Company and Black List. The Submission Agreement includes important, legally binding terms and conditions, including arbitration of any disputes, which you must read in full before accepting.

• If requested, you must submit (by a date determined by Company) the following materials, which are also governed by the Submission Agreement:

• Contact and other personal information; and

• Executed originals of the Submission Agreement.

• If selected, you will have the opportunity to enter into an option deal with Company, which shall be negotiated in good faith.   

• You must be at least 18 years of age and not a minor in the state or country of your residence at time of submission.

• If the submitted materials are written by a team consisting of one or more writers, (i) each member of that writing team must comply with these Submission Requirements, including agreeing to the Submission Agreement described below, and (ii) all members of the writing team must opt-out of the Program if any other member becomes ineligible (including as a result of failing to timely agree to the Submission Agreement or failing to timely provide the materials listed above).

• The submitted materials must be wholly original to you and you must be the sole owner of all rights. The submitted materials must not in any way infringe upon the copyright of any person or entity or, to the best of your knowledge in the exercise of reasonable prudence, constitute libel, defamation or invasion of privacy or any other rights of any third party. You understand and agree that Black List will share any information that you provide in connection with the Program with Company.

blcklst.com/programs/onyx-collective-manuscript-initiative

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Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program

The Writers Guild Foundation

APPLICATION PERIOD: August 7 - September 16, 2025

APPLICATION FEE: $0

INFO: The mission of the Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program is to provide writers who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled writers, and writers over the age of 50, with the tools and education to become a writers’ assistant and script coordinator, resulting in meaningful employment opportunities.

These positions have historically been an invaluable way to learn the writing process first-hand, with the ultimate goal of getting a writing job. Graduates of the program are added to an ongoing list of trained writers’ assistants and script coordinators (WA/SCs) that is made available to studios, networks and showrunners, in order to increase the pool of eligible hires.

By offering this opportunity to writers who are typically excluded from the writers’ room, we hope to increase representation among television writers, and capture stories from all corners of the human experience.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Founded in partnership with TV writers and producers Tanya Saracho (Vida), Mike Royce (One Day at a Time), and Liz Hsiao Lan Alper (Day of the Dead), the Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program is a first-of-its-kind initiative to support the full inclusion and employment of underrepresented groups in the television industry.

Each 12-week course incorporates a variety of lessons tailored to the positions of a writers' assistant or script coordinator. Instructors have developed a comprehensive syllabus to cover the ins and outs of these positions.

By the end of the semester, participants will have working knowledge to integrate into a writers' room and crucial connections to access these opportunities.

SCHEDULE + CLASS STRUCTURE:

Classes are typically held on Thursday evenings between January and May. The precise schedule for each cohort is subject to change.

Approximately 16 to 18 applicants will be selected each cycle.

LOCATION:

Current sessions are hosted online via Zoom.

Optional in-person meetups and networking events will take place in Los Angeles.

Applicants residing in the Los Angeles area will receive priority during the admissions process. A maximum of 10% of the overall class will be reserved for participants who live outside the LA area.

ELIGIBILITY:

Please visit our application guidelines page for detailed information on eligibility and requirements to apply.

This program is designed to support the inclusion and employment of underrepresented groups in the television industry. Writers who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled writers, and writers over the age of 50 are encouraged to apply.

To qualify for this program, applicants must be:

• At least 18 years of age.

• Eligible to work in the U.S.

• Able to demonstrate meaningful ongoing efforts to break in as a TV writer.

• Interested in pursuing employment in a support staff role.

• Able to participate in all program meetings and fulfill all program requirements.

• Open to constructive criticism and respectful to all other participants and mentors.

No professional writing experience is required. However, we do expect that all applicants are well-versed in the fundamentals of writing for the screen prior to their participation in the program. This program is not a writing fellowship; it is a professional training program that focuses specifically on support staff roles.

Applicants who have previously worked as a writers’ assistant or script coordinator are not eligible to apply. Former writers’ PAs and showrunner’s assistants are exempt from this rule.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

All applicants must be prepared to submit the following information and materials:

• Summary of previous writing experience or education

• Preferred genres and creative influences

• Essay question responses

• 400-word personal statement

• Professional resume

Applicants are restricted from using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate written responses for any portion of their application or associated materials.

bit.ly/writers-access

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SOUTHERN DOCUMENTARY FUND PRODUCTION GRANT

Southern Documentary Fund

DEADLINE: August 15, 2025 at 11:59pm EST

INFO: The 2025 SDF Production Grant will award seven filmmakers with $15,000 to help bring their work-in-progress docs to the screen.⁠

GRANT ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for our grant:

• Project Directors should reside or have deep roots in one of the following Southern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia.

• This grant prioritizes stories made in or about the American South.

• Applicants must have a U.S. social security number or U.S. federal tax ID number.

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

• Applicants must not be enrolled in a film school and/or seeking funds for a student project.

If your project has special circumstances regarding eligibility, please feel free to reach out to our Artistic Director: chris@southerndocumentaryfund.org

WHAT WE FUND:

We will fund:

• Nonfiction documentaries (shorts, features, docuseries, and experimental).

• Projects must be in production. Proposals for research, development, post-production, distribution or engagement/impact funding are not eligible to apply for this grant.

We seek to bring visibility to Southern makers and stories that are oftentimes overlooked. We will award up to seven makers with grants of $15,000 each to assist them in production.

INELIGIBLE PROJECTS:

The following projects are ineligible for funding and will NOT be considered:

• The applicant and project do not meet the above listed eligibility requirements.

• Non-documentary projects.

• Projects that meet our criteria, but have an incomplete application and/or are missing support materials.

• Projects submitted after the submission deadline.

• Projects that have already received production funds from SDF.

southerndocumentaryfund.org/programs/filmmaking-grants/

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Native American Unscripted Workshop

Native American Media Alliance (NAMA)

DEADLINES:

• Regular - August 18, 2025

• Final - September 8, 2025

INFO: The 5th Annual Native American Unscripted Workshop has opened the call for applications. This initiative is focused on spotlighting Native American documentary filmmakers and non-fiction content creators. With support from Comcast NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Los Angeles County Arts & Culture, NAMA is providing the Native American Unscripted Workshop for emerging and seasoned indigenous documentary filmmakers seeking to explore outlets for their current and upcoming projects.

The workshop is a virtual week-long creative program that provides access to creative executives, experienced producers and veteran documentary filmmakers. In its fourth year, the Native American Unscripted Workshop will accept approximately 10 Native American filmmakers to participate in the program taking place in late October, 2025.

The Native American Unscripted Workshop is designed to encourage Native American filmmakers to expand on their current opportunities. The workshop culminates in a pitch panel that will have each fellow present their latest project.

nama.media/5th-annual-native-american-unscripted-workshop-call-for-applications/

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Screenwriting Lab

Film Independent

DEADLINE: August 25, 2025

APPLICATION FEE:

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

• $45 for Film Independent Members

• $65 for non-Members

• Please note: Each applicant must be the author of the script they submit.

INFO: The Screenwriting Lab is a two-week workshop held in the first quarter of the year, designed to provide individualized story and career development for emerging screenwriters with a fiction feature screenplay.

Each Screenwriting Fellow will be paired with a Creative Advisor, with whom they’ll work one-on-one and in group sessions to further develop their project over the course of the program. 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. A variety of guest speakers may screen and discuss their own films and offer career insights, and a final pitch event offers further opportunity for individualized feedback and discussion with industry executives.

For more information on the application deadline please visit our applications page.

WHO CAN APPLY?

The Screenwriting Lab is open to any writer applying with a completed draft of a feature-length project they wish to workshop during the program, with an eye toward production. More details available in the FAQ section below.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants must submit the following materials for consideration:

• A cover letter detailing what drew you to apply to the Screenwriting Lab and why this is the right time for you to participate in the program (500 words max)

• One complete, feature-length screenplay

• An artist statement explaining the genesis of the story, your creative vision and intentions for the film (750 words max)

• A look book (optional)

• A logline (35 words) and synopsis for the film

• Bios of attached key cast and crew, if any – Attachments are not required for consideration

• Project status and history, including any relevant development history, awards received or labs and/or markets attended with the project

• A narrative directing sample, if you plan on directing the film with which you are applying

FAQ: 

• Screenwriting Lab is for writers only; other collaborators are not invited to participate.

• Writing partners/teams are welcome to apply and need only submit one application.

• We are open to filmmakers at any level of experience.

• International applicants are eligible; the script must be translated into English for consideration.

• Adaptations are eligible; the applicant must retain rights to the underlying material.

• At this time, documentary, short film and television projects are not eligible to apply.

• We will reconsider projects that have previously been submitted, provided the writer(s) can demonstrate progress on the project and/or professional development.

• Filmmakers may apply to multiple Film Independent Artist Development programs and there is no requirement to have participated in any one program before another.

 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 General Membership rate of $105.

Applicants will be notified three to four weeks prior to the start of the program.

Applicants who are invited to participate in the program should plan to be in Los Angeles for the 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/artist-development/screenwriting-lab/

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STORYKNIFE WRITERS RETREAT

Storyknife

DEADLINE: August 31, 2025

INFO: Women’s stories are vital and important. Currently, those stories whether expressed in poems, plays, screenplays, novels, essays, or memoirs are not published, reviewed, or promoted as often as the work of men. Storyknife provides female-identified writers with the time and space to explore their craft without distraction. Every aspect of a residency at Storyknife is steeped in a profound generosity of spirit so that each writer knows she and her work are valuable. Storyknife residents carry away both this affirmation and a living community of women writers to assist their valuable work wherever they go.

Residencies at Storyknife in Homer, Alaska, are either for two or four weeks based on preference of the applicant. Resident’s food and lodging is covered during the period of their residency, but travel to and from Homer, Alaska, is the responsibility of the resident. There are some travel scholarships available. Residents stay in individual cabins & dine at the main house. An on-staff chef is responsible for food preparation.

Residencies are available April through October.

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants must:

• Be woman-identified

• Be 21 years of age or older

• Apply as an individual artist, not a collaborative group or team

You will provide a work sample and answer four questions (each answer 300 words or fewer).

• How have you sought to educate yourself as a writer? (Formal education not a prerequisite, but evidence of curiosity and learning in your applicable genre is.)

• What is your experience with publishing your work? (Publishing is not a prerequisite but is considered a goal for writers who attend Storyknife.)

• What project will you pursue while in residency? (Please note that you will be free to work on whatever writing you wish during residency. We simply are interested in what you think you’ll be pursuing.)

• Why would a writing residency benefit you at this time especially?

Work Sample Requirements:

• Work samples should reflect work completed within the last two years. All work samples must be uploaded through Submittable.

• Applicants can submit published or unpublished work samples.

• All work samples must be combined into one PDF file.

• A writing sample not to exceed 10 pages (prose: double-spaced 12 point font, poetry: single-spaced 12 point font acceptable). Prose includes screenplays and stage plays which also must conform to the 10 page limit.

• Any writing samples with identifying material will be disqualified. This is an anonymous process. Identifying material is your full name, last name, address, or publication credits. Do no include your last name, address, or publication credits in either the writing sample, the file name, or in headers/footers. This only refers to the writing sample, not the answers to the questions.

Diversity

Storyknife is committed to diversity and elevating the voices of historically excluded communities. We value all aspects of diversity and seek to make each resident’s time at Storyknife as productive and pleasant as possible.

The Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

It is prohibited to use any AI tools in any fashion to create/check/modify the answers to your application questions or your writing sample.

storyknifewritersretreat.submittable.com/submit

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CALL FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSALS: ‘QUEERING OUR SILOS: GESTURES OF EUPHORIA PROJECT 2025–2026’

Maurice Moore

DEADLINE: September 1, 2025 by midnight

INFO: LGBTQIA2S+ artist(s) & allies in the Appalachian regions are invited to submit proposals to teach in person or online creative arts workshops for the Queering Our Silos: Gestures of Euphoria Project 2025-2026.

These creative arts workshops will help various arts communities get out of our silos and build stronger, more collaborative relationships between LGBTQIA2S+ communities & allies throughout the Appalachian region: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Each selected facilitator will receive a $1,000 grant to support their work. Workshops can be in any creative medium, and may take place in person or online.

Budget - $1000

Artist Labor or Compensation $500

•Funds will be used to pay an artist a $500.00 honorarium to teach their workshop. If there are multiple artists teaching a workshop the $500.00 honorarium will be divided between the artists. 

Materials $200

•The artist(s) leading a workshop will receive $200.00 for materials.

Location/Space $200

•$200.00 of the funds will be used for the artist(s) to rent a space to teach their workshops.

*Funds will be reallocated to support additional workshops if the location/space is provided at no cost or if the course is delivered online. 

Food $100

•$100.00 of the funds will be used by the artist(s) teaching their workshops to buy healthy food and refreshments for the workshop taught.

*30 days before artist the Artist(s) purposed workshop, the artist(s) will receive funds for materials $200.00, renting Location/Space $200.00, and food $100.00. Total $500.00.

**Upon completion of the workshop, the artist(s) will send the project organizer at QOSGEProject@outlook.com photos and/or video documentation from the workshop, along with receipts/invoices for (materials/food/rented location/space, then the Artist(s) will receive the honorarium. All workshops need to be completed between Oct 1, 2025 - May 15, 2026.

***Artist(s) will have two weeks after the completion of their workshop to send documentation & receipts/invoices to the project organizer at QOSGEProject@outlook.com to receive the honorarium.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Sep 1, 2025: Proposal deadline

• Sep 3, 2025: Proposals Reviewed

• Sep 30, 2025: Artist Notified of Approved Proposals

*Due our small staff only selected artist/artist team's approved proposals will be notified. We thank you for understanding.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrJbTK2yjxNBTRYVNrWLGedF7VbmYX9mmQ5R3p2p3qC8_H1w/viewform

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Mental Health Short Film Grant

Voices With Impact

DEADLINE: September 9, 2025 at 11:00am PT

​INFO: The Voices With Impact Film Production Grant offers filmmakers $7.5k USD to filmmaking teams making transformative 5 minute films on the topic of mental health. Selected filmmakers are supported through the filmmaking process and connected with mentors from our rich network of industry professionals. Films are distributed for years to come through our educational programming in partnership with postsecondary institutions across North America.

THIS YEAR’S THEME:

For the 2026 Voices With Impact Film Grant we are looking for film proposals that explore...Coping, Connection, and Community

We’re looking for honest, intriguing, humanizing, authentic stories inspired by lived experience of mental health. We don’t need these stories to be heavy though, we love exploring the lightness of these topics too, and the joy that can be found! We welcome comedy, horror, animation, drama, experimental, documentary, romance, and westerns - hey even sci-fi and fantasy if our juror’s believe it’ll fit the budget.

To help spark ideas, here are just a few of the ways you might engage with the theme:

• Small rituals of survival: personal strategies people use to stay grounded amid chaos—whether spiritual, absurd, or deeply practical

• Intergenerational coping: how families pass down or disrupt harmful coping patterns

• Art as a lifeline: how creativity, storytelling, music, or humor becomes a lifeline

• Finding connection in unlikely places: online friendships, coworking spaces, support groups, shared grief, dog parks

• Rebuilding connection after rupture: healing after estrangement, betrayal, or ideological conflict

• The politics of empathy: how truly listening can change everything in a polarized world

• Mutual aid and collective care: how people are caring for each other when systems fail

• Spiritual or cultural communities as sites of healing or tension

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Open Call for submissions globally: August 1 2025

• Submission Window Closes: Sept 9 2025

• Shortlist final interview: October 22-24 2025

• Winners notified: October 30 2025

• Production: November 2025-April 2026

• Final Films delivered: April 20 2026

• World Premiere: June 2026

The Voices With Impact Jury will be evaluating proposals using the following criteria:

• Unique artistic and creative approach to telling the story

• Accuracy of depictions of mental health issues, stemming from credible research sources and lived experiences

• Consideration of filmmaking techniques and skill level

• Identification/connection with the population within the subject matter and demonstrated cultural sensitivity and awareness around the topic

• Degree to which the film has the potential reduce existing stigma

• If the story could realistically be effective as a film that is five-minute or less

• Filmmaker’s demonstrated ability to complete this project with a high level of professionalism

voiceswithimpact.com/grant26

TV / FILM — JULY 2025

BARBARA HAMMER LESBIAN EXPERIMENTAL FILMMAKING GRANT

Queer | Art

DEADLINE: July 2, 2025

APPLICATION FEE: $6

INFO: The Barbara Hammer Lesbian Experimental Filmmaking Grant is an annual grant awarded to lesbians for making visionary moving-image art. Work can be experimental animation, experimental documentary, experimental narrative, cross-genre, or solely experimental. Applicants must be based in the U.S. This grant was established by Hammer in 2017 to give needed support to moving-image art made by lesbians. The grant is supported directly by funds provided by Hammer’s estate and administered through Queer|Art by lesbians for lesbians, with a rotating panel of judges. 

AWARD: The grant includes an award of $5,000, and a series of individual studio visits with QA staff members and the grant’s judges.

JUDGES: This year’s judges include A.K. Burns, Ela Troyano, and Cheryl Dunye.

APPLICATION FAQs:

What information does the application require?

• Contact info, narrative bio, and headshot

• Synopsis of project and strategy for exhibition

• Budget

• Work samples (2 samples, no more than 7-10 minutes total)

• 2 professional references

• CV 

What is required in the synopsis and budget?

Synopsis:

• Description of the project and the process by which it will be made. (Up to 300 words) *Required

• What is your timeline for completing the work and strategy for its exhibition? (Up to 125 words) * Required

• Are there any additional aspects of this work you would like the panel to be aware of? (Up to 125 words) *Not required

Budget (one page, uploaded as PDF):

Your budget should account for how the work will be made (you do not need to include presentation costs). If the cost of production exceeds the grant amount, please indicate within the budget any confirmed funding you have received or additional funding you anticipate that will enable you to complete this project.

For questions, read our frequently asked questions, or email Communications Manager, Andrius Alvarez-Backus, at andrius@queer-art.org

queer-art.org/hammer-grant

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Ruby Creatives In Residence Program

The Ruby

DEADLINE: July 8, 2025

INFO: The Ruby is a collective of creative women, trans women, femmes, and nonbinary people that values empathy and education. Our Creatives in Residence (CIR) program supports QT BIPOC Bay Area creatives with 10 fully-funded year-long memberships.

Our Creatives in Residence Program is designed to offer creatives the opportunity to immerse themselves in a supportive environment and create new work while interacting with the Ruby community. Our program is open to creatives working in all disciplines, including visual arts, music, literature, performing arts, journalism, and more. In addition, we welcome applications from arts educators, oral historians, cultural workers, food and drink-based artisans, community organizers, and other changemakers.

As a Creative in Residence, you will have access to our community workspace and resources from September 15, 2025 - September 15, 2026. You will also have the opportunity to engage with Ruby community members through workshops, readings, community meals, and other events.

The program is open to both emerging and established creatives.

GENERAL CREATIVES IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM:

We are excited to offer 5 CIR opportunities to LGBTQ+ and/or BIPOC individuals who would not otherwise be able to afford a Ruby membership. These are year-long Full Ruby memberships that will span a year, from September 15, 2025 - September 15, 2026.

SPECIALIZED CRATIVES IN RESIDENCE OPPORTUNITIES:

We also have several specialized creatives in residence opportunities available for those with financial need who would benefit from a Ruby membership. These are also year-long Ruby memberships spanning from September 15, 2025 - September 15, 2026.

• The Dorothea Gertrude Flynn CIR Opportunity will be given to a recipient who was the first in their family to enroll in higher education. Dorothea Gertrude Flynn was born in 1917. She had planned to attend Barnard College (Columbia did not accept women at the time) and dreamed of a becoming a writer—specifically, a journalist. After her mother died in childbirth and her father subsequently lost everything in the Depression, she was no longer able to afford college, and never attended. She was always a passionate advocate for education for women, and would have been thrilled by the community of writers and creatives here at the Ruby. This is a full, one-year membership to The Ruby.
  
  The Leonore Peyser Davis CIR Opportunity will be given to a musician or music writer with financial need. Leonore Peyser Davis was a devotee of all the arts, and music, especially opera, which was something she adored. This CIR opportunity celebrates her passion for music and is dedicated to cultivating emerging voices in the field. This is a full, one-year membership to The Ruby.

• The Rachel Khong CIR Opportunity will be given to a LGBTQ+ and/or POC fiction writer with financial need working on their first novel. Rachel Khong is a San Francisco-based writer and the founder of The Ruby. Rachel worked tirelessly to provide a collaborative, safe space for women and non-binary people to pursue their goals and creative work in community with others. This CIR will join the Ruby for a year as a full member and as a welcome contributor to the mutually affirming community that Rachel built.

• The So-Youn Kim CIR Opportunity will be given to an emerging Bay Area LGBTQ+ and/or POC writer tackling topics relating to social justice. So-Youn Kim was a writer and activist, tackled the injustices she saw all around her. She was passionate about advocating for women and girls, the LGBTQ+ community, and people of color. She loved deeply and recklessly, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who met her. A San Francisco native, she died at the age of 23 in 2009, while serving with the Peace Corps in Morocco. The So-Youn Kim Creative in Residence opportunity celebrates her life and creativity. In addition to a year-long community membership at the Ruby, the CIR will be able to contribute to a chapbook, housed in the Ruby library, that includes writings from So-Youn and prior So-Youn Kim Creatives in Residence.

• The Tillie Olson CIR Opportunity will be given to a creative over the age of fifty with financial need. Tillie Olson was a Bay Area-based writer and labor organizer who stopped writing for thirty years because of financial issues before publishing her seminal work, Silences, at 66. Her interest in long-neglected women authors inspired the development of academic programs in women’s studies. This is a full, one-year membership to The Ruby.

CREATIVES IN RESIDENCE VALUES:

The Ruby Creatives in Residence program extends and expands on The Ruby’s values for collective support and collaboration for artists and creatives.  In applying to this program, we expect alignment with the below values:

• Collective Support and Care: Creatives in residence, as all Ruby members, are expected to contribute time and care to the Ruby. Each member is expected to contribute approximately 3 hours monthly to the community. This may include organizing opportunities for members to gather, staffing the front desk, supporting an event, or mentoring and supporting other members of the collective.

• Dedication to work: Creatives in residence are expected to use the provided communal space for working and showcasing on their art and creative projects.

• Respect for the community: Creatives in residence are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner towards other community members. They should treat the space and resources with care and be mindful of the impact their work may have on the community.

• Active participation: As the crux of our work is collective support and community empowerment, creatives in residence are expected to participate actively in workshops, exhibitions, events, and, like all members of our community, contribute time in support of community stewardship of our space.

Overall, artists in residence of a creative collective are expected to be collaborative, dedicated, respectful, and active. In exchange, they will have access to a supportive and inspiring environment to create new work, develop their skills, and build connections with other creatives.

APPLICATION SEASON: We are seeking applicants who will regularly use The Ruby as a work space, who might make meaningful progress on their projects during the course of this year, share in our collective values, and who are in financial need. Creatives in residence, as all Ruby members, are expected to contribute time and care to the Ruby. Each member is expected to contribute approximately 3 hours monthly to the community. This may include organizing opportunities for members to gather, staffing the front desk, supporting an event, or mentoring and supporting other members of the collective.

therubysf.com/creativesinresidence

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Documentary Fund

The Sundance Institute

DEADLINE: July 14, 2025 at 11:59pm PT

ENTRY FEE: $0

INFO: The Sundance Institute Documentary Fund supports filmmakers worldwide in the development, production, and post-production of cinematic documentaries on a wide range of contemporary topics and themes. For over two decades, the fund has been a stable source of nonrecoupable funding, supporting work that expresses the world in creative, complex, beautiful, and provocative ways. We remain committed to nonfiction projects that elevate and advance cultural dialogue, expand the form through creativity and innovation, and have the potential to generate social impact around some of the most compelling issues of our time.

GRANTING POOL: 25-30 projects per year

ELIGIBILITY: The Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program (DFP) prioritizes support for independent nonfiction films with budgets under $1.2 million in U.S. dollars. 

Creative and editorial control must be held by members of the films’ key creative teams.

In our funding, we seek to uplift projects from filmmakers with distinct visions and meaningful connections to the work they create. We remain committed to elevating voices beyond our borders, celebrating the rich diversity of filmmaking traditions around the world. We are especially keen to receive applications exploring stories that reflect the pluralist society we serve and the richness of experiences found there.  

Applicants may submit at any production phase from development through post-production. All proposals must convey some vision for a finished film. Projects should have secured characters or participants, be able to articulate a story or structure, and be able to explain the project’s driving central question. We welcome applications with aesthetic and storytelling traditions from all over the world and are not bound to specific themes or issues. Hybrid and experimental documentaries are eligible to apply. We are unable to consider proposals for story research. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. You do not need any prior funding or a fiscal sponsor in order to apply.

Once your film reaches picture lock, we are unable to provide post-production funding support. We therefore encourage applicants to apply at least eight months before planned picture lock.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON RESUBMISSIONS (NEW FOR 2025)

Due to the continued growth in the number of applications to the Sundance Institute Documentary Fund, projects that have previously applied are no longer eligible to reapply — even if your project has since progressed to a new stage of production. The only exception is if you have received a written invitation from the Sundance Documentary Film Program staff explicitly inviting you to reapply. Please see our FAQ on resubmissions for more details, especially if you applied in a previous cycle.

Projects submitted during this round will not be eligible for future funding from the Documentary Fund, whether or not they receive a grant. We strongly encourage you to consider whether this is the right moment in your project’s life cycle to apply.

WHAT WE DON’T FUND:

Fiction films, short films (please see our Documentary Short Fund for information on grants for shorts), series, NGO films, advocacy films, educational films, or branded content. We also tend not to fund purely historical or biographical films unless they show clear contemporary relevance or innovation in form.

Once your film reaches picture lock, we are unable to provide post-production funding support. We therefore encourage applicants to apply at least eight months before planned picture lock.

REQUIREMENTS: Applicants are required to fill out an online application. Please view the Application Checklist for more information. Applicants will also be required to upload a line-item budget that covers the entire project from development to finish. View a sample budget. (Source: IDA/Robert Bahar)

EVALUATION CRITERIA: Proposals are evaluated on several criteria, including strong artistic vision, compelling storytelling, conceptual excellence, contemporary cultural relevance, originality and creative risk-taking, feasibility, journalistic rigor (where applicable), and potential to reach and connect with an intended audience. The Documentary Fund spotlights new voices and artists bringing a fresh perspective to vital conversations of our day, often through new creative frontiers. Film teams’ access to resources, both financial and creative, are taken into consideration to ensure funds are prioritized for those who need them most. The creative teams’ connections to and engagement with the communities they are working with are also taken into consideration.

ACCESSIBILITY SUPPORT: At Sundance Institute, we are committed to creating an environment where all community members feel valued and thrive. Inclusion, racial equity, and accessibility drive our institutional excellence, and we aim to reflect these across our organization and in all our programs and platforms.

The director or key creative on a project who self-identifies as an artist with a disability may request assistance at any time while completing and submitting their Documentary Fund application. Support may include a small stipend for the artist to hire an accessibility service provider, such as an American Sign Language interpreter, transcriber (e.g., CART or similar real-time captioning), or text or copy editor to support the application process. This is not meant to be used to hire a grant writer but rather to support an artist with a disability to submit their own grant application. To request assistance and for additional information, please email dfp@sundance.org.

GRANT CATEOGORIES:

• Development (up to $40,000): Development applicants are encouraged (but not required) to include visual material such as scene selects, teasers, pitch decks, or other edited footage. Access to location and characters must be confirmed and the proposal should clearly articulate a visual language and central questions that indicate a layered and nuanced approach. Prior work samples are strongly recommended.

• Production/Post-production (up to $100,000): Production applicants are required to submit a sample of at least 10 minutes and encouraged to submit a sample between 10 to 20 minutes. The sample should demonstrate your access to characters, visual treatment, and the developing tone and style. We encourage applicants to submit a complete scene that provides the viewer insight into the team’s ability to communicate their intention.

Post-production applications require a sample of at least 20 minutes that demonstrates access to characters, story arc or concept, and visual treatment. If available, a rough cut may be submitted.

sundance.org/programs/documentary-film#doc-fund-popup

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KYOTO RETREAT

DEADLINE: July 15, 2025

APPLICATION FEE: $95

INFO: The Kyoto Retreat is a new program created by Japan-based, independent curator Dexter Wimberly. The Kyoto Retreat offers artists, curators, and writers, based anywhere in the world, an opportunity to spend four weeks in Kyoto, Japan, for research, exploration, and inspiration. If selected for the retreat, you will receive a roundtrip flight, a private bedroom, and $800 USD to supplement meals and local transportation.

We select artists, curators, and writers at all career stages, working in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, film, video, new media, installation, fiction and nonfiction writing, poetry, interdisciplinary, and social practice. Individuals must be over 21 years old to apply.

The inaugural Kyoto Retreat will take place from October 16 - November 13, 2025. Individuals selected for the retreat will be notified by August 15, 2025.

A 4-WEEK EXPERIENCE:

We select artists, curators, and writers at all career stages, working in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, film, video, new media, installation, fiction and nonfiction writing, poetry, interdisciplinary, and social practice. Individuals must be over 21 years old to apply. Our application requires you to submit a CV or resume, a brief statement about your creative interests and a description of how you anticipate using the time if selected for The Kyoto Retreat. You can also provide up to 10 work samples.

• For artists, Kyoto's temples and shrines, such as the golden splendor of Kinkaku-ji and the serene rock gardens of Ryoan-ji, provide a gateway into traditional Japanese aesthetics. The interplay of light and shadow in these sacred spaces, alongside the intricate details of wooden architecture and ornate carvings, can ignite a profound creative spark.

• Curators will find Kyoto's preservation of heritage arts—like tea ceremonies, ikebana (flower arranging), and Noh theater—a living museum that transcends time. The city's numerous galleries and artisan workshops showcase both classical crafts and contemporary art, offering a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of Japanese artistry.

• For writers, Kyoto's tranquil gardens and winding cobblestone streets evoke narratives waiting to be penned. The changing hues of autumn during October and November paint the city in vibrant reds and golds, providing a stunning backdrop for contemplation and storytelling. Walking through the bamboo groves of Arashiyama or along the philosopher's path can stir reflections on nature, philosophy, and the human experience.

kyotoretreat.com

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2026 artist residency

Marble House Project

DEADLINE: July 15, 2025

INFO: Marble House Project is a multidisciplinary artist residency program that fosters collaboration and the exchange of ideas, by providing an environment for artists across disciplines to live and work together. The residency is dedicated to ecological principles and integrates sustainable practices, including small-scale organic food production and waste conservation. Residents sustain their growth by engaging with the grounds while working on their artistic practice. Marble House Project is founded on the belief that the act of creating, whether in the studio or in nature, is how human potential expands and community thrives.

Marble House Project accepts approximately 60 residents and is open to artists living in the United States and abroad. You must be at least 21 years old.   Each session accommodates eight artists and is specifically curated to bring together a diverse group of creative workers, to maximize potential for collaboration and dialogue while in residence and beyond. 

RESIDENCY DATES FOR 2026:

• April 21 - May 12

• May 19 - June 9

• June 30 - July 14   (ecology residency) 

• September 29 - October 20

ABOUT:

All residents live together in the historic, eight-bedroom Manley-Lefevre house, a communal space organized around responsibilities-sharing systems which highlight sustainability and community. The residency is an opportunity to develop and carry out practices of mutual support, group conversation, and to cultivate adaptive relationships with the environment. This can take the form of discussions with guest multidisciplinary artists, thinkers, and activists and other individual and group activities that benefit our community of residents.

Residents will be paired and asked to cook for shared dinners at least three times over the course of their residency, Monday-Friday. . Each session culminates with a short video interview and artists are invited to publicly share their work with our community and each other. Marble House Project provides private bedrooms, food, private studio space, and artist support. We are not able to cover costs related to travel or materials. There is no fee to attend the residency.

Applications are accepted in all creative fields including but not limited to writing, dance and choreography, performance, music composition and sound, film and video, visual arts, and culinary arts. Applications are reviewed by a jury of alumni and staff. Artists are selected based on quality of work, commitment to practice, and project description. Please choose the application that best describes your work. Two artists may apply together as a collaborative, and should complete one application. Within each application you will be asked to select the session dates best for you. 

If you are applying to the ecology residency you must have a project that aligns with this theme.  You may also apply to the other residency sessions as well.

Marble House Project does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. For exact dates, more information or questions about the residency, visit our FAQ page. If you still have questions you may   contact info@marblehouseproject.org. 

Personal information is not shared with our jury and will remain confidential. This includes email, home address, phone number and any information regarding your family, anything else you would need to tell us and how you heard about Marble House Project. Please remove this information from your resume. All of our outreach questions also remain confidential and blind to our jury.  

marblehouseproject.submittable.com/submit

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mitú x Walmart Filmmaker Mentorship Program

mitú / Walmart

DEADLINE: July 18, 2025 at 11:59pm PST

INFO: We’re excited to kick-off the third year of the mitú x Walmart Filmmaker Mentorship Program! The mission of the program is to provide a platform and resources for rising filmmakers repping their Latino heritage and community.

We want to fund and help produce your short film ideas! We are looking to select 4x Filmmakers from across the U.S. to participate in a 14x week mentorship program. During these 14 weeks, our team at mitú will supervise the development, prep, shoot, and edit of your short film.

If you are a filmmaker with a script you’ve been wanting to produce, check-out the details below to learn more.

We are looking for unique, impactful scripts that own individuality, challenge convention, and reinvent the way things are done. We want stories that make a bold statement, that make us think, and that inspire us. The creative team at mitú will select 4x filmmakers to participate in the mentorship program based on the strength of the script, and whether the story adheres to the following specs:

• 5-8 Pages

• 1-3 Principal Actors

• Able to be filmed in 2x Days

• Scaled-Back Production Design needs (no major builds, no major VFX, etc.)

You must submit a Director’s Treatment Deck & 5-8 page Script.

The program will have a hybrid structure, with in person and virtual participation requirements. To be able to participate in the program, you must be able to meet all in person and on location requirements, including a 3-day trip to Los Angeles at the start of the program and a 3-day trip to the premiere of your short film (location TBD). All travel will be paid for as part of the program.

a.wearemitu.com/walmart-mentorship-application

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2026 WBD Access Writers Program

Warner Bros. Discovery Access

DEADLINE: July 30, 2025 by 11:59 pm PT

INFO: The 2026 Warner Bros. Discovery Access Writers Program offers an opportunity for writers who face unique challenges in breaking into the episodic television writing industry. These challenges may stem from various systemic or structural barriers to entry. Selected writers will participate in a comprehensive creative and business development curriculum, with the goal of creating staffing opportunities across WBD. 

Applicants are eligible to apply if they've staffed on one or zero seasons of US network or streaming television shows. 

All applicants must submit 2 original scripts. These two samples must be in the same genre (e.g. two drama scripts, two comedy scripts). The program is open to all those who are 18 years or older, live in the United States and have the right to work in the United States. Finalists will interview in Fall 2025. All applicants will receive a status update by the end of December 2025.

Selected participants will need to be available to come to Los Angeles for in-person bootcamp weeks in January 2026 (plus additional TBD weeks in Q1 and Q2 2026), as well as attend virtual curriculum throughout the program, which will run throughout the winter/spring of 2026. Dates are subject to change and travel costs for those located outside of Los Angeles will be covered by the program. Please note: this program is primarily virtual, but those who get staffed on television shows may need to relocate to undergo these WGA jobs in person.

No late submissions will be accepted.

PLEASE NOTE: all submitted samples must be live action, original scripts, not spec scripts and not animation scripts.

wbdaccess.submittable.com/submit/330741/2026-wbd-access-writers-program

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Sandbox Fund

The Sundance Institute / Sandbox Films

DEADLINE: July 31, 2025 by 11:59 pm PT

INFO: The Sandbox Fund offers grants, engagement events, and other opportunities for independent artists seeking to explore the intrinsic link between science and culture through innovative storytelling.

ELIGIBILITY + KNOW HOW:

• U.S. and international feature-length nonfiction projects are eligible.

• Applications must be submitted through the Sandbox Fund application portal.

Applicants will be notified within 4-6 months of the deadline.

GRANTS: The fund offers support to projects at all stages of development, production, and post-production. Average grant sizes are as follows:

• Development (up to $40,000)

• Production (up to $100,000)

• Post-Production (up to $100,000)

CREATIVE CONSIDERATIONS: Selection criteria for the Sandbox Fund will emphasize creative narrative techniques and projects that highlight diversity in science, specifically those that feature characters, topics, or disciplines that broaden and redefine what it means to be a scientist or to do science.

sundance.org/sandbox-fund

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2026 BLACK BOY WRITES & BLACK GIRL WRITES MENTORSHIP INITIATIVE

Black Boy Writes / Black Girl Writes / Mike Gauyo

SUBMISSION PERIOD: July 31, 2025

ENTRY FEE: $50

INFO: The Black Boy Writes & Black Girl Writes Mentorship Initiative, which launched at the start of 2021, is dedicated to supplying industry access and resources to preWGA Black screenwriters.

This mentorship program is a year-long initiative that provides a pathway to eliminating barriers to entry. The program is international and you don’t have to live in Los Angeles to be considered.

Most of the programming is virtual, but out-of-town and international mentees will be flown in at the beginning of the year for the class kick-off and again for the end-of-year class retreat. 

The goal of the program is to position and equip Black writers with the resources and knowledge to acquire representation, a staffed writing position, and/or optioned content.

Features of the mentorship initiative include:

• Monthly Writer Roundtables with established writers/industry leaders. Past participants include Ben Watkins (Producer, Creator of Cross), Deniese Davis (Producer, Insecure, One of Them Days), Dewayne Perkins (Writer, Producer, Actor), Morgan Cooper (Creator of Bel Air) Showrunner Syreeta Singleton (Rapsh*t), Golden Globe Winning Writer Kemp Powers (Soul, One Night in Miami), Kay Oyegun (This is Us), Gary King (VP Development, Paramount), Oscar Winner Peter Ramsey (Co-Director, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse).

• Writing workshops and notes sessions to prepare mentees for Fellowships, Generals, and Staffing.

• General meetings with Networks and Production Companies. Past participants include Macro, Hartbeat, Gilga, Nick Jr., Mattel, Plan B, and MarVista.

• Each mentee will receive the latest in Final Draft software.

• Mentees will have access to three additional program mentors/industry professionals; Jackie Penn (4400, The Catch, Turner &amp; Hooch), Andre Ferguson (Power Book II: Ghost), and Cynthia Adarkwa (Legacies, In the Vault, Saint X, Emperor of Ocean Park).

At the end of the program, each mentee will have the opportunity to be read by Mike Gauyo’s agents at Culture Creative and Lit Managers at M88, for representation consideration.

WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY:

• An hour long or 30 min pilot (of any genre)

• Answer essay question in application

• A Bio

• A resume

writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/bbgwmi#about

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ONYX COLLECTIVE MANUSCRIPT INITIATIVE

Onyx Collective / The Black List

DEADLINE: August 6, 2025

INFO: Onyx Collective is working with The Black List to offer a film or TV option of no less than 18 months  to one outstanding unpublished manuscript that elevates themes and perspectives of the Black experience. 

The Black List will assist Onyx Collective in identifying a shortlist of outstanding manuscripts through a submission period on blcklst.com that begins December 3, 2024 and is open until August 6, 2025. 

The Onyx Collective Manuscript Initiative will accept unpublished manuscript submissions of all genres, but encourages submissions that elevate themes and perspectives of the Black experience. The Black List requires all submissions to have received at least one evaluation–for more information on this requirement, please see our Letter from the Founder. Once a manuscript has received an evaluation, it can be submitted to any number of partnerships at no additional cost.

Onyx Collective is responsible for series including “How to Die Alone,” “Reasonable Doubt” and the Emmy-winning “The 1619 Project,” as well as the Oscar-winning documentary feature “Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not be Televised),” among others.

REQUIREMENTS

• You must post an original manuscript on www.blcklst.com, with at least one (1) evaluation, and opt-in to the Program during the Submission Period. The Program is open to manuscripts in all genres, but we particularly encourage manuscript submissions that elevate familiar voices, themes, and perspectives of the Black experience. Submitted manuscripts must not be under contract elsewhere. For the avoidance of doubt, no feature, pilot, play, or musical submissions will be eligible for this Program. 

• You must agree to (1) these Submission Requirements, (2) all terms relating to the Program posted on Black List’s website, which you should review and read in full, and (3) the Submission Agreement, which governs the submission of your manuscript to Company and Black List. The Submission Agreement includes important, legally binding terms and conditions, including arbitration of any disputes, which you must read in full before accepting.

• If requested, you must submit (by a date determined by Company) the following materials, which are also governed by the Submission Agreement:

• Contact and other personal information; and

• Executed originals of the Submission Agreement.

• If selected, you will have the opportunity to enter into an option deal with Company, which shall be negotiated in good faith.   

• You must be at least 18 years of age and not a minor in the state or country of your residence at time of submission.

• If the submitted materials are written by a team consisting of one or more writers, (i) each member of that writing team must comply with these Submission Requirements, including agreeing to the Submission Agreement described below, and (ii) all members of the writing team must opt-out of the Program if any other member becomes ineligible (including as a result of failing to timely agree to the Submission Agreement or failing to timely provide the materials listed above).

• The submitted materials must be wholly original to you and you must be the sole owner of all rights. The submitted materials must not in any way infringe upon the copyright of any person or entity or, to the best of your knowledge in the exercise of reasonable prudence, constitute libel, defamation or invasion of privacy or any other rights of any third party. You understand and agree that Black List will share any information that you provide in connection with the Program with Company.

blcklst.com/programs/onyx-collective-manuscript-initiative

TV / FILM — JUNE 2025

2026 DET WRITING PROGRAM

Creative Talent Development & Inclusion at Disney Entertainment Television

DEADLINE: June 2, 2025 by 11:59 p.m. PST

INFO: The primary goal of the 2026 Disney Entertainment Television Writing Program is to staff Program Writers on Disney Entertainment Television series as staff writers during the Program year. Staffing is not guaranteed. 

The twelve (12)-month Program is tentatively set to begin in January 2026 and end in mid-February of the following year. Please note, time frames are subject to change. 

For the first few months of the Program, Program Writers participate in a professional development curriculum designed to better prepare them for staffing consideration, including developing, writing, and polishing at least one (1) original pre-existing pilot script to be used as a staffing sample.  The Program also aims to provide engagement with executives, producers and/or showrunners, which is designed to facilitate relationships that can prove invaluable in developing a television writing career. 

Additional past activities have included: workshops led by veteran television writers, producers and Program alumni and networking mixers with executives.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must be able to legally work in the United States and be at least twenty-one (21) years of age by December 1, 2025.  Entertainment industry experience is not required but is strongly recommended.  Those applying must fully complete an online application and submissions package, including uploading the following (2) items:

• SCRIPT ONE: PRE-EXISTING ORIGINAL PILOT SCRIPT capturing the writer’s unique tone, style and point of view. This sample must be live-action content; animation samples of any form are not accepted.  This sample should tonally translate to the type of programming broadcast, airing or streaming on DET.  This will be the primary script for consideration of your application.  It cannot be changed or replaced after submission.  This sample must not have been submitted in a previous application.

• SCRIPT TWO: SECONDARY PRE-EXISTING ORIGINAL PILOT SCRIPT capturing the writer’s unique tone, style and point of view. This sample must be live-action content; animation samples of any form are not accepted. This sample should tonally translate to the type of programming broadcast, airing or streaming on DET. This sample may have been submitted in a previous application and will receive the same score as before.

Please note that this submission request is not a writing prompt; it is a request to read pre-existing material.  Any new material written for this submission will be returned unopened/unread.

NOTIFICATION:

Please check our website and Facebook page for updates.

• For the 2026 Program cohort, semi finalist will be contacted in late Summer 2025, finalists will be contacted in Fall 2025, and Program Writers will be selected in December 2025 or January 2026, with an official press announcement in January 2026.

• Due to the volume of submissions, those not accepted will not be notified. We will not respond to any inquiries regarding the status of the selection process.

• Please note, these dates and timeframes are subject to change at DET’s/CTDI’s sole discretion.

sites.disney.com/ctdi/wpapplication2026

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Writer-in-Residence program

Associates of the Boston Public Library

DEADLINE: June 6, 2025 at 11:59 pm

INFO: The Associates of the Boston Public Library's Writer-in-Residence program is intended to:

• Provide an emerging children’s writer with the financial support and office space needed to complete one literary work for children or young adults.

• Encourage the imagination of young readers, and in so doing, draw attention to the importance of authors and the essential role they perform in nurturing developing minds and furthering our culture.

• Promote the awareness of the Boston Public Library and its resources, by establishing a living link between the Library and the community.

TIMELINE: The Writer-in-Residence program will run from October 2025 through September 2026.

RESIDENCY BENEFITS:

• A total stipend of $70,000, paid in monthly installments over one year.

• The opportunity to request up to $2,500 to be paid to an expert of your choice for coaching, editorial assistance, or a critical reading of your manuscript.

• Use of a private office six days per week. Office space usage is contingent on the Library being open to the public and it being safe to work onsite.

• Access to and use of the Boston Public Library’s Special Collections.

• A forum for the presentation/promotion of your finished literary work.

• Opportunities to establish connections with writers, publishers, artists, and the community-at-large through participation in/attendance at Library readings, lectures, and other events.

• At the end of the residency, your completed manuscript will be added to the BPL’s archives. (However, you retain all rights to your completed work.)

ELIGIBILITY:

• The proposed literary project should be intended for children or young adult readers. All genres are welcome, including fiction, non-fiction, scripts, graphic novels, or poetry.

• The applicant should demonstrate active engagement as a writer, whether full or part-time, as an avocation or profession.

• Since this program is intended for emerging authors, the applicant should not have any prior professional book publications. (Self-published books, textbooks, works for hire, articles, and short stories published in an anthology do not count against this eligibility criteria.)

• Only one proposal may be submitted per person.

• Joint applications or proposed collaborations by more than one author are not permitted.

• Works that are already under contract with a publisher are not eligible for submission.

• There is NO residency restriction to apply, but you must be able to spend at least nineteen (19) hours per week at the Boston Public Library’s Central Library in Copley Square.

• Must be legally eligible to work in the US, as a U.S. citizen or green card holder. English fluency required.

• There are NO age, gender, race, or educational requirements.

TERMS OF RESIDENCY:

• You will work a minimum of nineteen (19) hours per week from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

• You will participate in a public reception at the BPL on October 7, 2025 to mark the beginning of your residency.

• You will complete a submission-ready manuscript by the end of residency, which you will present at a second public reception, on a mutually agreed upon date.

• You will include an acknowledgment of the Associates of the Boston Public Library in all work created during the residency, and during any media opportunities stemming from the program, using mutually agreed upon language.

• Optionally, you may participate in or create a program for Boston Public Library patrons such as a teen writing workshop or a presentation to Boston-area students, as mutually agreed upon with BPL Youth Services staff. (Participation would be only a small portion of your time and is not required but encouraged.)

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• To apply, please complete the application form (below) and upload a proposal (5 pages max.) and writing sample (15 pages max.) by Friday, June 6, 2025 at 11:59 pm. The documents should be double spaced with one inch margins and at least 11 point font. The attachments should not include any biographical information, since there will be a blind judging process. See questions #13 and 14 below for more details.

• Basic questions about the application will be answered via email (via hello@AssociatesBPL.org); no calls please. Questions regarding how to present your work will not be considered. Inquiries concerning applications under review will not be answered. 

• If using Submittable creates an undue burden for you, you can alternatively mail your submission to: Writer-in-Residence Program, Associates of the Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116.

• Late applications will not be considered. Once submitted, applications cannot be altered by either candidates or Associates staff. 

SELECTION PROCESS:

• Finalists will be evaluated by a panel of judges, which includes a rotating group of authors, librarians, booksellers, publishers, editors, book designers, teachers, and/or citizens representing different areas of the world of children’s literature. Associates staff do not vote in this process. 

• The judges do not know the candidates’ names, gender, educational qualifications, or any background information. This blind judging process is focused solely on the quality of the submissions. 

• Submissions will be judged on the merit of the original writing.  Work suspected of being derived from or enhanced by an AI writing program will only increase the chance that it will be eliminated from consideration by the judges.

• The candidate selected to be the 2025-26 Associates of the Boston Public Library Writer-in-Residence will be notified by Monday, August 11, 2025.

KEY DATES:

• Notification: Monday, August 11, 2025

• Residency Period: October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026

QUESTIONS? After reading these guidelines and reviewing the application form, if you still have questions, please refer to our FAQ page or email us.

associatesofthebostonpubliclibrary.submittable.com/submit

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call for applications: Native American Feature Film Writers Lab

Native American Media Alliance

DEADLINES / FEES:

• Regular - June 9, 2025 by 11:59pm PST / $60

• Final - June 30, 2025 by 11:59pm PST / $70

INFO: The Native American Feature Film Writers LabB is an intensive scriptwriters workshop that prepares Native Americans for writing careers at major film studios and production companies. It is designed to familiarize participants with the format, characters and storyline structure of narrative feature film. The 10-week total immersion workshop offers intensive instruction throughout the duration of the lab.

A total of 6 writers will be accepted throughout Native American and indigenous communities from an established network of tribes, non-profit agencies, universities, guilds and media organizations. The overall goal is that the participants garner the skills necessary to obtain employment as writers in the industry.

The Native American Feature Film Writers Lab consists of the selected participants meeting five days a week for ten weeks, receiving instruction from professional writers and learning about the feature film industry. The lab participants will meet with working writers and creative executives to offer their background, perspective, and advice. Selected scripts will have a staged reading at the LA SKINS FEST in November.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• How it Works: The Native American Feature Film Writers Lab will take place from August to November of 2025. If accepted into the program you must be willing to make a commitment to meeting evenings on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and in the day on Saturdays and Sundays. This program will be for ten weeks.

• Who Should Apply: The Native American Feature Film Writers Lab is for writers who are capable of writing a feature script within ten-weeks. Each selected participant is expected to complete at least one script by the end of the ten-week session.

• How to Apply: The online application form is below. Please include a completed application form, a completed release form, biography, resume, statement of interest and one writing sample of the following: Feature film script , television pilot script or television spec script or theatrical play in PDF format. Please note that writing teams are ineligible. You must be 18 or over to apply. All submitted materials must be original and all rights must be wholly owned by the writer. Please download release form here.

nama.media/8th-annual-native-american-feature-film-writers-lab-applications-now-open/

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Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

DEADLINE: June 15, 2025 (or when the maximum number of 2,500 eligible submissions are received—whichever occurs first)

INFO: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting is an international program that identifies and nurtures talented new screenwriters. Nicholl Fellows, as selected by the Academy, are chosen based on the quality of their completed screenplay as defined by the Nicholl Scoring Rubric (which can be found at www.oscars.org/nicholl).

Nicholl Fellows receive direct support from the Academy and mentorship from an Academy member throughout their fellowship year. They also attend seminars and networking events with Academy members and other screenwriters. Fellows additionally receive ongoing support as alumni of the program, including continued access to Academy members, programs and events. 

Up to five fellowship recipients may be selected from approximately ten finalists by the Nicholl Fellowships Executive Committee. 

Those fellowship recipients are expected to complete at least one original feature film screenplay during the fellowship year. Each fellow will receive a $35,000 grant.

Entries to the 2025 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competition will only be accepted via recommendation from exclusive official partners such as global university programs, screenwriting labs, and filmmaker programs. These partners will vet and submit two feature screenplays for further consideration by the Academy for an Academy Nicholl Fellowship. 

The Black List serves as the portal for public submissions for the 2025 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competition and will recommend up to 25 feature screenplays for further consideration by the Academy for an Academy Nicholl Fellowship. 

A maximum of 2,500 eligible public submissions will be accepted through The Black List. 

IS MY SCRIPT ELIGIBLE FOR A BLACK LIST RECOMMENDATION TO THE NICHOLL FELLOWSHIPS IN SCREENWRITING?

Carefully read the entire program page to confirm that your script is eligible before you opt in for consideration for a Black List recommendation to the Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting. 

• You must be 18 or older at the time of entry.

• An entrant (or writing team) may submit a maximum of one screenplay to the 2025 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting.

• Scripts should be in standard industry format (12 pt Courier)

• Scripts should be no shorter than 80 pages and no longer than 125 pages

• Submitted scripts must have been written originally in English; translations will not be accepted. 

• No multi-part, episodic scripts can be submitted.

• The screenplay must be the original work of the writer. Adaptations of stories in the public domain are not eligible. 

• Submitted scripts may not be based, in whole or in part, on any other fiction or nonfiction material, published or unpublished, produced or unproduced. 

• Entries may, however, be adapted from the entrant’s original work.

• Scripts that include dialogue, characters, or scene description generated by artificial intelligence (AI) are ineligible.  

• Your lifetime earnings as a screenwriter may not exceed US $25,000. If you have earned over US $25,000 in your lifetime as a screenwriter, you are not eligible for the Nicholl Fellowship. 

• This limit applies to compensation for motion picture and television writing services as well as for the sale of (or sale of an option on) screenplays, teleplays, stage plays, books, treatments, stories, premises and any other source material.

• In most instances, fellowship and competition prize money is not counted as earnings unless it includes a “first look” clause, an option or any other quid pro quo involving the writer’s work.

• If you become ineligible during the course of the submission process, you must notify the Black List in a timely manner.  

• Writing teams of two are eligible only if both writers contributed equally to the screenplay. 

• A screenplay where one writer came up with the story and the other writer wrote the script is not eligible. 

• Collaborative work by three or more writers is not eligible.

• Current Academy employees (full-time and part-time), officers, Governors, Trustees, current Nicholl Executive Committee members, and the immediate families of these individuals are not eligible. Current Academy consultants, third-party vendors, and the immediate families of these individuals are not eligible. Active and Emeritus Academy members and their immediate families are not eligible to submit. Alumni from any Academy’s talent development programs are not eligible until they are two years past the completion of any of these programs. Nicholl Fellowship winners are not eligible to enter again.  

If you are selected for a Black List recommendation, you will be required to confirm your eligibility to the Academy. 

HOW TO SUBMIT FOR CONSIDERATION FOR A BLACK LIST RECOMMENDATION TO THE NICHOLL FELLOWSHIPS IN SCREENWRITING 

Log into your writer account on the Black List website. If you do not already have an account, you can create one here. 

Confirm that the script you want to submit to the Black List meets all Nicholl eligibility requirements (see below), is currently hosted on the Black List website, and has received at least one Black List reader evaluation.

• If your script has never been hosted, navigate to “add project” and host your project. 

• If your script has previously been hosted but is offline, click the “unsuspend” button. 

• If your script is currently listed but not hosted, click the “activate” button. 

• If your script has not received any Black List reader evaluations, purchase an evaluation for your script. You do not have to wait for the evaluation to be completed to submit for consideration for a Black List recommendation to the Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting.

Once your script is hosted, click “My Programs” on the left-hand sidebar of the dashboard. A list of currently open Black List programs will appear. Scroll to “2025 Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting” and click the blue “Opt-in” button. You will be taken to the Black List program page for the Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting. 

On the Black List Nicholl program page, click the blue “Add/Edit Submission” button. Select the currently hosted feature screenplay that you would like to submit, confirm eligibility, and click “Save Submission.”

MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Does my script need to be hosted for the entirety of the submission window?

No, your script does not need to be actively hosted and online for the entirety of the submission window to be considered for the Nicholl. 

As long as your project is online at the time of opt-in and/or online while any pending evaluations are complete, your project’s information will be saved and considered for this program. Once you’ve successfully opted into the program, you may take your project offline or remove it from the website entirely without disrupting the submission.

If you’d like to confirm your project was successfully opted into the Nicholl, please reach out to the Support team at support@blcklst.com.

Do I have to purchase an evaluation to be able to submit for the Nicholl?

To submit your screenplay into consideration, it must have at least one pending or completed evaluation.  If your script does not already have an evaluation, then yes, you must purchase an evaluation to be able to submit. If your script already has at least one evaluation, no, you do not need to purchase any additional evaluations to be able to submit.

FOR ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO OUR NICHOLL FELLOWSHIPS IN SCREENWRITING FAQ. 

THE BLACK LIST SELECTION PROCESS: Up to 25 writers will be recommended for entry to the Nicholl Fellowships based on the strength of their scripts, as determined by the Black List. 

blcklst.com/programs/the-academy-nicholl-fellowships-in-screenwriting

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RYAN HUDAK LGBTQ+ DRAMATIC WRITING AWARD

New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA)

DEADLINE: June 17, 2025 at 5:00pm ET

INFO: The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award is an $8,000 cash grant to be awarded to one (1) New York State-based playwright or screenwriter who self-identifies as LGBTQ+.

The Award honors the life and work of Ryan Hudak. Ryan was a gay playwright, theater maker, filmmaker, and a valued member of NYFA’s staff who served on the executive and development teams. Tragically, Ryan passed away in May 2022 after a long battle with Leukemia at the age of 32. The Award is open to playwrights and screenwriters who live in New York State, including those who live within the five boroughs of New York City.

WHO CAN APPLY?

The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award is open to New York State playwrights and screenwriters, including those who live within the five boroughs of New York City.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a working playwright or screenwriter. Acceptable forms of playwriting or screenwriting include stageplays, screenplays, teleplays, libretti, radio plays, and audio dramas. No audio is accepted.

• Must self-identify as LGBTQ+.

• Must be a current full-time resident of New York State for a minimum of 12 months at the time the application closes.

• Must be at least 25 years of age at the time the application closes.

• Cannot be enrolled in a degree-seeking program of any kind.

• Can be past recipients of any NYFA grant or fellowship programs, except past recipients of The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award.

• Cannot be a NYFA employee, members of the NYFA Board of Trustees or Artists’ Advisory Committee, and/or an immediate family member of any of the above.

nyfa.org/awards-grants/the-ryan-hudak-lgbtq-dramatic-writing-award/

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FALL 2025 Trillium Arts Residency

Trillium Arts

DEADLINE: June 26, 2025 at 11:59pm EST

APPLICATION FEE: $0

INFO: Trillium Arts residencies offer secluded space for rejuvenation and creating in a beautiful, remote setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our location is ideal for an individual artist to complete an existing work, or develop and incubate new material. Our facilities in the fall months are best suited to the disciplines of literary arts, photography, visual arts and arts administration.

Individual artists who do not require a rehearsal studio (such as writers and photographers) are encouraged to apply for a one week residency. Performing artists (such as choreographers and theater artists) are also welcome to apply, with the understanding that the Red Barn Studio is seasonal and availability is dependent on weather. The Red Barn Studio will not be available after October 31.

Use of the studio is an additional fee of $35 per day.

There is ample land and outdoor space available for ideation and research. We are currently unable to accommodate groups or collaboratives on the Trillium property. Individual artist residencies are on a solo adventure during their time here and your residency will not overlap with other awarded artists. If an artist would like to bring collaborators, there are a variety of AirBnB’s available for rent in the immediate area. A list of recommended AirBnB’s is available upon request.

2025 RESIDENCIES INCLUDE:

• Private accommodations in a  one-bedroom, ground floor suite. (Trillium Arts co-founders live upstairs but resident artists have a private entrance).

• Welcome dinner with your hosts

• Shared use of the grounds, including firepit, hot tub, walking paths and waterfall area

• Use of onsite creative spaces that include a contemplation gazebo and a 380 square foot open air, covered workspace. Learn more about creative spaces HERE

• Basic kitchen supplies and all household goods (towels, linens, paper products, etc.)

• Access to high speed fiber optic internet

• Laundry facilities

• Mentorship services (optional for an additional fee) 

DATES: All 2025 residencies are one week of seven consecutive days in length. Applications are currently being accepted for residencies one week in length during:

• September 21-28, 2025, or

• Anytime between October 10-November 14, 2025

A limited number of work exchange scholarships are available.

ELIGIBILITY: Artists of various disciplines (writers, photographers, visual artists, choreographers) at any stage of their careers are invited to apply.

trilliumartsnc.org/artist-residencies

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The Rise Fellowship

Rideback RISE

DEADLINE: June 30, 2025

INFO: The RISE Fellowship identifies an annual cohort of Fellows who are supported financially and creatively to make commercial film and television projects across all genres. Fellows are experienced and established writers, filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs from throughout the industry. From approximately five Fellows and 10 Residents in Year 1, the program will scale in cohort size each year.

RISE also fosters the next generation of creative talent through the RISE Circle, a network of hundreds of mid-career writers and filmmakers who take part in and directly benefit from RISE programming including masterclasses taught by top industry icons, professional writing/development courses, and networking events.

The RISE Fellowship runs for a concurrent twelve months (the calendar year - from Jan to Dec) and covers creative, business and personal/leadership elements. Each of the Fellows will be paired with a high-level Creative Mentor (e.g., an experienced showrunner, filmmaker, etc.) as well as a Business Mentor (producer, executive, etc.) whom they will work with for the duration of the Program. 

Fellows will be selected based on their storytelling and writing abilities, the authenticity of their voice, the strength and commercial viability of their ideas, their willingness to maximize the impact of the resources provided, and their overall suitability for the program.

Program activities will include, but will not be limited to, the following:

• Creative development on each Fellow’s project, including in-depth work on story and character all the way through to a fully spec'd out script

• The entire pitching process, from logline to full market-ready written and verbal pitch

• Advice on how to attach cast and other talent

• Identifying possible buyers for their projects and facilitating meetings with executives

• Navigating possible financiers/buyers and distribution

• Expert guidance and background on the state of the industry

• In-person lectures and appearances by industry luminaries in a variety of fields, including directing, producing, legal, casting, marketing, etc.

• General career coaching

• Help with platforming projects at the end of the Program to a studio, production company or other collaborator who is best positioned to help the Fellow continue to advance it

Fellows will be based at Rideback Ranch, a creative campus in LA’s Historic FilipinoTown that provides a dedicated workspace and amenities, and is home to several leading entertainment companies.

There will also be a number of creators who will be invited to join the RISE Circle, a core part of RISE's cohort and community, enabling them to attend much of the creative and practical programming year-round in addition to lighter-touch support on their projects. 

As stated above, the Fellowship also provides access to the Rideback RISE IP and Visual Development Fund, which Fellows may tap to option underlying rights (novels, remakes, podcasts, documentaries, newspaper or magazine articles, true stories, short films, video games, graphic novels etc.) or create proof-of-concept materials—e.g., concept art, visual teaser for their project or even a short.

The curriculum will focus on and emphasize collaboration, mentorship, networking, industry access and community. A key feature of RISE is community: Fellows will familiarize themselves and share their feedback on each others’ projects in the form of a brain trust. Our goal is to create market ready content that will attract financing and be produced, and to help Fellows build sustainable careers.

OVERVIEW:

• Philosophy: We empower POC creators via economic support and creative + business excellence. RISE is a rigorous cohort aimed at commercial success across all film/tv genres. We’re buyer agnostic and committed to each project finding its best home + positive outcomes for all. The goal is to build a strong, lasting community of POC storytellers.

• Programming: RISE’s multifaceted year-long intensive programming for both the Fellows and the Circle include weekly monthly, and quarterly creative, business, and leadership sessions and workshops from notable industry luminaries and experts.

• Development Fund: Along with their stipend, RISE Fellows are eligible to access a development fund for the purpose of optioning IP, perfecting pitch decks, and/or shooting proof-of-concepts or short films to get their project market-ready.

• Creative Campus: The iconic Rideback Ranch provides an oasis-like collaborative work and performance space that’s accessible 24/7 to our Fellows for rehearsals, production meetings, writing sessions, and any creative or business needs.

ridebackrise.org

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Barbara Hammer Lesbian Experimental Filmmaking Grant

Queer | Art

DEADLINE: July 2, 2025

APPLICATION FEE: $6

INFO: The Barbara Hammer Lesbian Experimental Filmmaking Grant is an annual grant awarded to lesbians for making visionary moving-image art. Work can be experimental animation, experimental documentary, experimental narrative, cross-genre, or solely experimental. Applicants must be based in the U.S. This grant was established by Hammer in 2017 to give needed support to moving-image art made by lesbians. The grant is supported directly by funds provided by Hammer’s estate and administered through Queer|Art by lesbians for lesbians, with a rotating panel of judges. 

AWARD: The grant includes an award of $5,000, and a series of individual studio visits with QA staff members and the grant’s judges.

JUDGES: This year’s judges include A.K. Burns, Ela Troyano, and Cheryl Dunye.

APPLICATION FAQs:

What information does the application require?

• Contact info, narrative bio, and headshot

• Synopsis of project and strategy for exhibition

• Budget

• Work samples (2 samples, no more than 7-10 minutes total)

• 2 professional references

• CV 

What is required in the synopsis and budget?

Synopsis:

• Description of the project and the process by which it will be made. (Up to 300 words) *Required

• What is your timeline for completing the work and strategy for its exhibition? (Up to 125 words) * Required

• Are there any additional aspects of this work you would like the panel to be aware of? (Up to 125 words) *Not required

Budget (one page, uploaded as PDF):

Your budget should account for how the work will be made (you do not need to include presentation costs). If the cost of production exceeds the grant amount, please indicate within the budget any confirmed funding you have received or additional funding you anticipate that will enable you to complete this project.

For questions, read our frequently asked questions, or email Communications Manager, Andrius Alvarez-Backus, at andrius@queer-art.org

queer-art.org/hammer-grant

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The Kyoto Retreat 2025

DEADLINE: July 15, 2025

APPLICATION FEE: $95.00

INFO: The Kyoto Retreat is a new program created by Japan-based, independent curator Dexter Wimberly. The Kyoto Retreat offers artists, curators, and writers, based anywhere in the world, an opportunity to spend four weeks in Kyoto, Japan, for research, exploration, and inspiration. If selected for the retreat, you will receive a roundtrip flight, a private bedroom, and $800 USD to supplement meals and local transportation.

We select artists, curators, and writers at all career stages, working in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, film, video, new media, installation, fiction and nonfiction writing, poetry, interdisciplinary, and social practice. Individuals must be over 21 years old to apply.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Individuals selected for the retreat will be notified by August 15, 2025

• The inaugural Kyoto Retreat will take place from October 16 - November 13, 2025

kyotoretreat.com

TV / FILM — MAY 2025

CALL FOR ENTRIES: 2025 TWIN CITIES ARAB FILM FESTIVAL

Mizna

DEADLINE:

• Early - May 11, 2025

• Late - May 31, 2025

INFO: Mizna’s 2025 Twin Cities Arab Film Festival seeks films for our upcoming festival scheduled for September 24–28, 2025. We accept narrative, documentary, experimental, and animated films of feature and short lengths. We seek films made by filmmakers from the SWANA region and beyond, as well as films relevant to the social realities of the SWANA region.

This year, all accepted submissions will be considered for Audience and Jury Awards.

Mizna strives to make our film festival accessible to filmmakers of all financial backgrounds. Filmmakers in need of a submission fee waiver can email mizna@mizna.org.

https://mizna.org/event/call-for-submissions-2025-tcaff/

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Black Film Space Mentorship Program

Black Film Space

DEADLINE: May 14, 2025 by 11:59 PM ET

INFO: We're elated to launch our third mentorship cohort which offers emerging filmmakers an opportunity to build relationships and develop their skill set alongside seasoned professionals.

OVERVIEW:

• The Black Film Space Mentorship Program will pair 10 mentees with 10 mentors from June 23rd to December 12th, 2025.

• Mentees will have (6) 45 minute meetings with their mentor during the program to discuss their work, develop their projects, and careers as it pertains to their short and long term goals.

• Mentors will give one round of feedback on the mentees work over the course of the program.

• Each mentee will also have one-on-one, 30-minute meetings with the other nine participants throughout the program on a bi-weekly basis.

• Mentees are selected based on: Quality of prior work, project goals, personal statement, career objectives and virtual interviews. Mentees must work towards a short term goal over the course of the program.

• We are looking for mentees who are committed to developing their craft. Mentees are matched with mentors based on their expertise.

ELIGIBILITY: You must be a Black Film Space Member to apply.

TIMELINE:

• Deadline: May 14 - 11:59 PM ET

• Finalist Interviews: Mid June

• Mentee Orientation: Monday, June 23rd, 9pm ET

• Program Begins: Tuesday, June 24th

• Program Ends: Friday, December 12th

Log into our membership portal to fill out the application.

Questions? E-mail us at mentorship@blackfilmspace.com

2025 MENTORS:

• LAUREN BANKS - Actor

  ("Jennie Reeves" in Paramount+’s Lawmen: Bass Reeves and "Siobhan Quays" in Showtime’s City On A Hill)

• CLIFF CHARLES - Director of Photography

  (Season 5 of CBS’s The Equalizer , Season 1 & 2 of Apple TV +’s Swagger)

• MIKE COOKE - Branded Content Director & Cinematographer

  (Director of brand spots for Google, State Farm and Walmart.)

• TRACI CURRY - Documentary Filmmaker, Showrunner, Producer & Writer

  (Hulu’s Searching For Soul Food, ESPN+’s Vick, Showtimes’s Attica)

• NAIMAH JABALI-NASH - Documentary Filmmaker

  (Director & Producer of Hulu’s The 1619 Project

  Producer, of Netlfix’s Crack: Cocaine, Corruption, Conspiracy)

• SHANTIRA JACKSON - Screenwriter/TV Producer

  (Producer on Amazon Prime’s Clean Slate, Co-Producer on Netflix’s Big Mouth)

• ANGELA LATIMER - Editor

  (Season 3 of The CW’s All American Homecoming, Season 2 of Apple TV +’s Swagger, Season 1 of Netflix’s Forever)

• MAMOUDOU N'DIAYE - Screenwriter

  (Writer on Hulu’s How To Die Alone, ABC’s Queens, and Netflix’s Space Force)

• DALLAS RICO - Screenwriter

  (Staff Writer on Hulu’s Reasonable Doubt)

• MONICA SORELLE - Screenwriter/Director

  (Co-Writer & Director of the indepdent feature film Mountains, which was awarded Special Jury Mention for U.S. Narrative Feature competition at Tribeca).

blackfilmspace.com/mentorship

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2026 Development Track

Sundance Institute

DEADLINE: May 14, 2025

APPLICATION FEE: $45

INFO: The Development Track helps filmmakers find a visual language in an atmosphere where experimentation and risk-taking is encouraged. The development track has one open application that allows the artists’ work-in-progress fiction feature screenplay to be considered for programs, fellowships, and grants. 

The development track has one open application that allows your fiction feature work-in-progress screenplay to be considered for the following programs, fellowships, and grants: 

• Screenwriters Lab (held annually in January)

• Screenwriters Intensive (held annually in March, online)

• Sundance Institute Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship (includes participation in either the Screenwriters Lab or Intensive) and Commissioning Grant

Our application includes questions to determine your eligibility for each program and fellowship, and you will automatically be considered for all programs and fellowships for which you are eligible. (There is no open application for the Directors Lab, which is typically populated by projects that have been supported through a previous development program.) For more information about each program and fellowship, please visit our website. 

What you need to complete online IN ORDER by MAY 14, 2025, at 4:59 p.m. PT:

CONTACT INFO for the primary applicant, co-applicant if applicable (writers and directors only), and one additional member of the creative team, if applicable. (Please note that only the writer(s) and director(s) will attend the Screenwriters Lab.)

ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS — A series of questions about you and your project that will determine your eligibility for all of the development track programs and fellowships.

SLOAN FELLOWSHIP AND GRANT QUESTIONS (Sloan applicants only) — If your project is eligible for the Sloan Fellowship and/or Commissioning Grant, you must complete follow-up questions regarding the scientific or technological content of the material. If your project does not contain scientific or technological content, please do not answer these questions — they are optional.

BIOS (150 words max each) for the primary applicant, co-applicant if applicable, and additional creative team member if applicable.

INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT (250 words max) — Briefly introduce yourself and your project. Let us know where you are in the creative process and why you think this is the right timing for a lab.

SHORT ESSAY QUESTIONS (150 words max each):

• What are the key themes you’re exploring in your script?

• How do you describe the intended tone, feel, and visual style of your script? We encourage you to include examples of other work as references or inspirations.

• What do you most want to work on in your script? What needs the most attention creatively?

• Why are you passionate about telling this story now? What gives it urgency?

• Whom do you see as the audience for this film, and what do you want them to take away from it?

• What is your personal connection to the material?

• What steps are you taking to ensure that the characters and world of your film are authentically represented?

• If this is a resubmission of material we’ve previously considered, how has the material changed since we last read it? (optional)

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY/RIGHTS — Please give us any insight into the current rights status of the project. This is only required if your project is based on true events or characters. 

LOGLINE (75 words max) — a one- to two-sentence description of your story.

SYNOPSIS (750 words max) — a brief summary of the plot of your script. Please include all major characters and story points, including the ending.

FIRST 5 PAGES OF YOUR SCREENPLAY OR TREATMENT — You may submit a treatment for the Sloan Commissioning Grant ONLY. If a treatment is submitted and it is not eligible for the Sloan Commissioning Grant, the project will not be considered for any other development track programs or fellowships. Do not upload more than the first five pages.

Next Steps
Applicants will be notified on a rolling basis as to whether their application has progressed to the next stage of the selection process. Please be prepared to submit the following materials should you advance to the second round. You will be given approximately 10 days to two weeks from the date of notification to submit these materials and will be notified sometime in August 2025.

• UPDATED SYNOPSIS — Since screenplays are often revised between the first and second rounds of our application, we request you submit an updated synopsis with the complete draft of your screenplay.

• FULL SCREENPLAY OR TREATMENT — Upload a PDF file of the most current draft of your screenplay or treatment. You may submit a treatment for the Sloan Commissioning Grant ONLY. If a treatment is submitted and it is not eligible for the Sloan Commissioning Grant, the project will not be considered for any other development track programs or fellowships.

• DIRECTING SAMPLE (optional) — If you are a writer-director or if a director is attached to the project, you will have an opportunity to submit a link to a directing sample or samples. Please include the title and run time for any sample submitted.

• VISUAL MATERIAL (optional) — If you have visual materials, such as a lookbook or project deck, you may upload a PDF of no more than 40 MB.

All applicants will be notified about their status via email no later than August 29, 2025. Due to the high volume of submissions, we are unfortunately unable to provide feedback about individual projects. If you have additional questions, please visit the Development Track FAQ.

If you have further questions, please email featurefilmprogram@sundance.org.

Development Track Selection Process Timeline

April 15, 2025              Application Available Online

May 14, 2025               Application Closes (4:59 p.m. PT)

August 29, 2025          Second-round notifications complete

December 15, 2025    Final selection notifications complete

sundance.org/deadlines/

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call for mentors + mentees: Girls Write Now Summer Cycle

Girls Write Now

DEADLINE: Extended to May 15, 2025

INFO: Girls Write Now is a national nonprofit dedicated to connecting young women and gender expansive youth with mentors. For nearly three decades, they have broken down the barriers of gender, age, race, and poverty to mentor, teach, and connect writers and leaders across disciplines and around the nation.

They are currently seeking mentors and mentees for their Summer Cycle, which runs from July 1 to September 31. Girls Write Now hosts a number of Journeys, which are focused on topics such as Teleplays: Writing for TV and Book Club: Summer Read.

In these Journeys, women and gender expansive mentors work one-on-one with mentees aged 14-24 to set goals, write together, and form important connections.

You can find the complete list of Journeys here: https://girlswritenow.org/journeys/

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TV WRITING MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Shore Scripts

DEADLINE: May 16, 2025

INFO: Our TV Writing Mentorship Program isn't your typical screenwriting contest. It's a game-changing experience that will level up your TV writing career.

8 Weeks of high-impact sessions with Showrunner Beth Schwartz (ARROW), Dev Exec Duane Luu (NBCUniversal), David Katsman (Sugar23) and more will help prepare you to get staffed, gain representation, and get your pilot in the marketplace while offering invaluable behind-the-scenes knowledge of working in TV.

shorescripts.com/tv-pilot-contest/

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Building Bridges Documentary Fund

Center for Asian American Media

DEADLINE: May 18, 2025 by 11:59pm PDT

INFO: The Building Bridges Documentary Fund provides funding for independent documentary films about the Muslim experience in the United States. The Fund’s goal is to support filmmakers and works that contribute to a fuller spectrum of narratives that need to be told in the context of what it means to be Muslim in the United States.

The Building Bridges Documentary Fund is supported by the Building Bridges Program of the Doris Duke Foundation. We are  honored to be a part of this multi-year journey with our colleagues in the program: the Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF), Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) Hollywood Bureau, and Sundance Institute.  

FUND APPLICATION:

We encourage filmmakers at all levels – emerging, mid-career or veteran–to apply with projects that are feature-length (60 minutes and over), shorts and episodic series. We fund the following project phases with the stated range of possible funding: 

1. Research & Development ($10K to $25K)

2. Production ($50K to $100K)

3. Post-production ($50K to $100K)

For further assistance regarding the application process including any accessibility issues, interested applicants can email buildingbridges@caamedia.org with any questions not covered in our FAQs page.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Project must be about the U.S. Muslim experience. Note: There is no percentage of footage requirement that must be filmed in the U.S., but if your project is filmed predominantly overseas you must explain in your story summary why and how your international elements widen the aperture of the U.S.-Muslim point-of-view.

• Applicants must hold artistic, budgetary and editorial control and must own the copyright of the proposed project.

• Applicants must be 18 years of age, be citizens or legal residents of the United States or its territories.

• All projects in the post-production phase or further must have a full-length rough or fine cut to be considered. All projects must include a maximum 15-minute sample of the project that is being submitted, with the exception of post-production projects that require a rough cut.

• If this is your first media project, you must provide a video sample that demonstrates your ability to tell a story well through a visual medium.

• In some cases, CAAM may require a Fiscal Sponsor, which is a non-profit 501(c)(3) IRS tax-exempt entity. Your sponsor would agree to accept funds from CAAM on your behalf and is responsible for redistributing funds to the project accordingly.

• Only one proposal per applicant will be accepted.

Projects NOT eligible (See our Q&A page for further information):

• Projects that do not center the U.S. Muslim experience.

• Your project already has distribution and/or has been accepted into a festival.

• Thesis projects or student films which are co- or solely-owned or copy-written, or otherwise editorially or fiscally controlled by the school.

• Projects or production entities which are foreign-based, owned or controlled.

• Industrial or promotional projects.

Our funding process will use the following guidelines in awarding funds:

• Does this project focus on the experience of U.S. Muslims? Is the story idea compelling, engaging, original and well-conceived?

• Is the visual/ stylistic treatment effective and distinctive?

• Can the project be completed within a realistic timeline based on the applicant’s production and fundraising plans, personnel and budget?

• Will the project appeal not only to U.S. Muslim viewers, but also to a broader audience?

• Does the sample demonstrate the skills and/ or potential of the applicant to complete the proposed project?

• What is the team’s connection to the film project and protagonists?

• Why is the team best suited to tell this story and produce this project?

caamedia.submittable.com/submit

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2025 fall multi-disciplinary artist residency

Bethany Arts Community

DEADLINE: May 26, 2025 at 11:58pm EST  

INFO: Bethany Arts Community (BAC) offers residencies to emerging and established artists for the development of both new works and works-in-progress. BAC welcomes artists working across any discipline and medium, including visual artists, sculptors, writers, playwrights, choreographers, musicians, composers, performance artists, filmmakers, and more to our Fall Multidisciplinary Residency. Any and all artistic mediums are encouraged to apply. Enjoy an environment where artists from different disciplines and walks of life can work in community and near each other, creating opportunities for generative collaboration and cross-pollination. 

Residents will be surrounded by uninhibited creativity during their time at BAC, in the form of other Multidisciplinary Residents, local studio artists, BAC staff and board members, those presenting programs on campus, and more!  

A unique component of residencies at BAC is Community Programming. As part of a residency, we ask each artist to develop and facilitate a Community Program related to their residency plan. This part of the residency is an opportunity for artists to engage with the local community in Ossining and Westchester County, and for the local community to engage with artists through their work. 

The Fall Multidisciplinary Residency runs for two, two-week sessions, September 9 to 23, 2025 and September 26 to October 10, 2025, each with its own cohort. Artists are provided room & board, a private studio conducive to artists’ medium and/or project, 3 basic meals a day*, and a $225 stipend per week upon completion of the residency. Artist is responsible for transportation to and from BAC and any supplies or materials needed for their practice. We ask that you only apply if you can stay for the entire length of this residency. 

*Please note for the 3 meals a day included during the residency, Bethany Arts Community is only able to accommodate for vegan, plant-based, vegetarian, dairy-free, and/or gluten-free diets. Please contact submit@bethanyarts.org with any questions or if you have any further allergies/dietary needs not listed. 

Regarding Artist Teams/Groups/Collaborations: Artist team applications will only be considered for groups up to 3 members. 

TIMELINE:

• Application Deadline: May 26, 2025 at 11:58 PM EST  

• Letters of Recommendation Deadline: June 2, 2025 at 11:58 PM EST 

As letters of recommendation (LORs) requests are sent out at the time of application submission, we give applicants another week to ensure that their LORs are in. Please ensure your LOR is submitted by this deadline to be considered for this residency. 

There is one letter of recommendation and one reference (not the same person who wrote the LOR) required to be considered. 

Your LOR and your reference should come from someone who can speak to your artistry, character, and integrity. LORs and References from relatives will not be accepted. 

• Notifications: June 25, 2025 

bethanyarts.org/calendar/fall2025residency/

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CALL FOR FILMS BY WOMEN OF COLOR

Reel Sisters

DEADLINE: May 27, 2025

INFO: The Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series is an annual film festival founded by African Voices magazine. Established in 1997, Reel Sisters (www.reelsisters.org) is dedicated to providing opportunities for women of color to advance their careers in the film industry.Reel Sisters accepts films written, directed, or produced by women/non-binary filmmakers of color. 

Reel Sisters is the first Academy Qualifying Film Festival for short narratives devoted to women of color across the globe. Reel Sisters is an IMDb qualifying film festival. Reel Sisters celebrates our 28th Anniversary in 2025. Our festival includes in-person and virtual presentations. The films showcased virtually are in competition for all awards including our Oscar qualifying award. Please note other dates and venues will be added, our festival season begins with our Harlem kick off!

APPLICATION INFO: YOU MUST SUBMIT PRODUCTION STILLS/PHOTOS and a TRAILER for your submission to be ELIGIBLE AND COMPLETE. You can screenshot photos from your film if you were unable to hire a photographer.

Reel Sisters is a competitive festival and films are selected by an independent jury. Please submit films early as deadlines are final. The festival provides quality customer service and does not offer fee waivers. The fee covers a small fraction of the administrative costs for running a professional Oscar qualifying film festival. 

Reel Sisters accepts all genres and formats with a special interest in submissions from animated and web series producers. Send us films that will make our audience “cry, dance, laugh, sing and explore." The festival curates events throughout the year so all entries will be considered for Reel Sisters Tea & Cinema series. Join our worldwide community of film professionals in celebrating stories produced, directed and written by women of color!

CASH AWARDS FOR 2025

• Best Narrative Short - $1,000 

• Best Director - $500 

• Best Screenplay - $300 

• Best Animation - $200

GENERAL RULES:

TRANSLATION: Your film must be English dubbed or have English subtitles if it is in any other language.

PRODUCTION STILLS & TRAILERS: Please make sure you upload production photos with your submission and a trailer. If you do not have photos, you can screen shot a photo by pausing a scene in your film to create one. Your submission will not be complete without all promotional materials uploaded.

NO WAIVERS: Entry fees cover a small portion of the festival’s administrative costs for processing submissions and are non-refundable. We do not offer waivers.

OUR REFUND POLICY: Our entry fees are non-refundable. It is the responsibility of the filmmaker to read our guidelines and policies to ensure that they are eligible to submit to our festival.

TO SUBMIT A FILM to REEL SISTERS: 

• Please read our guidelines carefully before submitting your film as we do not issue refunds for entry fees. It is your responsibility to ensure your film meets our criteria and submission guidelines. We rarely accept films longer than 90 minutes. Your film must have a women of color as co-producer, co-director or co-writer, if the lead producer/director is male.

• We only accept films via FilmFreeway. PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL US ANY VIDEO LINKS. If you submit to FilmFreeway via a Vimeo link, you must provide a passcode to view. You must make your film downloadable for our production staff if your film is accepted. If you do not make your film downloadable by the requested deadline, your film will not be eligible for consideration. We discourage Youtube links. 

• Please contact FilmFreeway staff if you have any issues uploading your film and making it downloadable for our production staff if you receive an acceptance letter.

• We will need downloadable trailer links from FilmFreeway or Vimeo to help promote your film in our festival. You must submit the trailers and photos with your application. If your materials are not submitted with your application, your film will be disqualified.

• Complete the details required, providing brief synopsis of the film, credits, production stills and trailers. We accept photographs in all formats including JPEGs, TIFFs and EPS (electronic photos must be 300 dpi resolution for promotional purposes). 

• All accepted films will be notified via email. Please make sure ALL of your Contact Information is up-to-date. If your email changed between the time you submitted your film and our Notification Date, please update it ASAP so we can correspond with you.

filmfreeway.com/ReelSistersoftheDiasporaFilmFestival

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2026 DET Writing Program

Creative Talent Development & Inclusion at Disney Entertainment Television

DEADLINE: June 2, 2025 by 11:59 p.m. PST

INFO: The primary goal of the 2026 Disney Entertainment Television Writing Program is to staff Program Writers on Disney Entertainment Television series as staff writers during the Program year. Staffing is not guaranteed. 

The twelve (12)-month Program is tentatively set to begin in January 2026 and end in mid-February of the following year. Please note, time frames are subject to change. 

For the first few months of the Program, Program Writers participate in a professional development curriculum designed to better prepare them for staffing consideration, including developing, writing, and polishing at least one (1) original pre-existing pilot script to be used as a staffing sample.  The Program also aims to provide engagement with executives, producers and/or showrunners, which is designed to facilitate relationships that can prove invaluable in developing a television writing career. 

Additional past activities have included: workshops led by veteran television writers, producers and Program alumni and networking mixers with executives.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must be able to legally work in the United States and be at least twenty-one (21) years of age by December 1, 2025.  Entertainment industry experience is not required but is strongly recommended.  Those applying must fully complete an online application and submissions package, including uploading the following (2) items:

• SCRIPT ONE: PRE-EXISTING ORIGINAL PILOT SCRIPT capturing the writer’s unique tone, style and point of view. This sample must be live-action content; animation samples of any form are not accepted.  This sample should tonally translate to the type of programming broadcast, airing or streaming on DET.  This will be the primary script for consideration of your application.  It cannot be changed or replaced after submission.  This sample must not have been submitted in a previous application.

• SCRIPT TWO: SECONDARY PRE-EXISTING ORIGINAL PILOT SCRIPT capturing the writer’s unique tone, style and point of view. This sample must be live-action content; animation samples of any form are not accepted. This sample should tonally translate to the type of programming broadcast, airing or streaming on DET. This sample may have been submitted in a previous application and will receive the same score as before.

Please note that this submission request is not a writing prompt; it is a request to read pre-existing material.  Any new material written for this submission will be returned unopened/unread.

NOTIFICATION:

Please check our website and Facebook page for updates.

• For the 2026 Program cohort, semi finalist will be contacted in late Summer 2025, finalists will be contacted in Fall 2025, and Program Writers will be selected in December 2025 or January 2026, with an official press announcement in January 2026.

• Due to the volume of submissions, those not accepted will not be notified. We will not respond to any inquiries regarding the status of the selection process.

• Please note, these dates and timeframes are subject to change at DET’s/CTDI’s sole discretion.

sites.disney.com/ctdi/wpapplication2026

TV / FILM — APRIL 2025

CREATIVE CAPITAL AWARD

Creative Capital

DEADLINE: April 3, 2025

INFO: The Creative Capital Award provides individual artists with unrestricted project grants for the creation of bold, innovative, original, and imaginative new artistic works. In addition to unrestricted project grants from $15,000 up to $50,000, the Award offers transformative professional development support including strategic advising, peer mentorship, industry connections, and community-building opportunities. Grants are awarded via a national, democratic, open call, external review process.

For the 2026 grant cycle, Creative Capital invites professional artists to propose experimental, original, bold new works in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Film, and Literature. Multidisciplinary, technology, and/or socially engaged projects are welcome in all disciplinary categories. Creative Capital seeks project proposals for formally and/or conceptually innovative works in all disciplines, including, but not limited to, painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, video and multimedia, dance, theater, playwriting, jazz, opera, music, experimental film, documentary and narrative film, poetry, and fiction.

Creative Capital welcomes a full range of artistic approaches and thematic inquiries, including boundary-pushing formal explorations, as well as projects that engage urgent social issues of our time. Creative Capital also seeks new projects or works addressing subjects that Creative Capital has not previously funded. For example, for this grant cycle, Creative Capital also seeks strong visual arts projects dealing with fentanyl, veterans/military, or wealth inequality.

The Creative Capital Award seeks project proposals in the following disciplines:

• Visual Arts: architecture & design, craft, drawing & illustration, ecological art, installation, painting & printmaking, performance art, photography, public art, sculpture, social practice, sound art, video art, technology, and socially-engaged visual art

• Performing Arts: dance, jazz, multimedia performance, music, musical theater, opera, theater, playwriting, technology, and socially-engaged performing arts 

• Film: animation, documentary film, experimental film, and narrative film 

• Literature: fiction, nonfiction, and poetry

A diverse cohort of approximately 50 artists will be selected for the Creative Capital Award through an external review process. Our goal is to support artists and new works across a range of disciplines, themes and ideas, geographic regions, identities, ages, and career stages. See recent Creative Capital Awardees and Projects for 2025, 2024, and 2023.

Creative Capital’s transformative giving approach is built on the principle that artists need funding as well as networks and advisory services in order to realize ambitious projects and build thriving careers. Recipients of the Creative Capital Award receive access to a full range of professional development services over a five-year period. These services include strategic planning, legal and financial advising, marketing and communications strategy, peer mentorship, and industry networking opportunities.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

ROUND I: Project Proposal

Creative Capital welcomes project proposals for original, imaginative, impactful new artistic works in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Film, and Literature. Multidisciplinary, technology, and/or socially-engaged projects are welcome in every category. 

Along with a project title, one line project description (50 words max), project description (500 words max), bio, resume, and artist website (recommended), applicants will answer the following questions:

1. Creative Capital supports formally and conceptually innovative and experimental work. How does your project idea take an original and imaginative approach to content and form? (150 words / 1,000 characters max)

2. Place your work in context. What are the main influences upon your work as an artist? How does your past work inform your current project? (150 words / 1,000 character max)

3. What kind of impact do you hope your project will have, and why? What specific audiences and/or communities will the project engage? (150 words / 1,000 character max)

4. Creative Capital awards artists at catalytic moments in their careers. How is this a catalytic moment in your practice? How will your proposed project or new work act as a catalyst for your artistic and professional growth? (150 words / 1,000 character max)

5. Creative Capital provides professional development services and community-building opportunities for awardees and encourages a spirit of mutual generosity and exchange among our artists. How would this support and being part of the Creative Capital community be impactful for you? (150 words / 1,000 character max)

In addition, applicants will submit one (1) work sample from a completed, past work. 

• Visual Arts applicants will submit one Image Sample or Video Sample. 

• Performing Arts applicants will submit one Video Sample.

• Film applicants will submit one Video Sample.

• Literature applicants will submit one Writing Sample.

For more details on application questions and work sample guidelines, see the Creative Capital Application Handbook.

ROUND II: Project Details

Applicants selected by our external reviewers to advance to Round II will submit additional materials to support their application:

1. Project itemized budget

2. Project timeline (1 page)

3. Work samples (see Application Handbook for guidelines)

4. Proof of eligibility

ROUND III: Panel Review

Applicants selected by our external reviewers to advance to Round III will be asked to:

1. Confirm collaborators (if applicable)

2. Submit project updates (optional, 100 words max)

Full application guidelines are outlined in the Application Handbook.

2026 OPEN CALL APPLICATION TIMESLINE:

These dates may change.

• March 3, 2025: Round I application portal opens

• April 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time: Round I application deadline

• June 2025: Notification of advancement to Round II

• September 2025: Notification of advancement to Round III: Final Panel Review

• Early 2026: Public announcement of 2026 Creative Capital Awards and State of the Art Prizes

Artist Eligibility

• US citizen, permanent legal resident, O-1 visa holder, or Tribal ID holder

• At least 25 years old by application deadline

• Working artist(s) with at least 5 years of professional artistic practice within their chosen discipline

• Applicant may not be enrolled in a degree-granting program

• May not apply to the Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant program in the same year

• May not have previously received a Creative Capital Award

• May not be an applicant or collaborator on more than one proposed project per year

• State of the Art Prize recipients must be a resident of the state they are awarded in through February 1, 2026. Prize recipients must provide proof of residence in the state or territory to receive the grant. 

Projects that are not eligible

• Projects whose main purpose is promotional

• Project is to fund ongoing operations of existing business or nonprofit organization 

• Curation or documentation of existing work

• Projects that will premiere or be completed before October 1, 2026

More questions? Email awards@creative-capital.org. No phone calls please.

creative-capital.org/about-the-creative-capital-award

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THE STATE OF THE ART PRIZE

Creative Capital

DEADLINE: April 3, 2025

INFO: Through the 2026 Open Call process for the Creative Capital Award, Creative Capital will also select recipients of the State of the Art Prize, a new national, two-year initiative, which aims to recognize one artist residing in each U.S. state and its territories, with an unrestricted grant of $10,000 per artist. All applicants to the Creative Capital Award will be automatically considered for the State of the Art Prize and will be evaluated for the Prize using the same criteria; there is no separate application process. State of the Art Prize recipients will also have access to a suite of online professional development resources, including the Creative Capital Curriculum and Artist Labs, Artist Opportunities, and online community-building opportunities.

State of the Art Prize recipients may apply again to future open calls for the Creative Capital Award. However, artists who have already received the Creative Capital Award may not apply for the State of the Art Prize. Both the State of the Art Prize and the Creative Capital Award are one-time awards. 

APPLICATION PROCESS:

ROUND I: Project Proposal

Creative Capital welcomes project proposals for original, imaginative, impactful new artistic works in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Film, and Literature. Multidisciplinary, technology, and/or socially-engaged projects are welcome in every category. 

Along with a project title, one line project description (50 words max), project description (500 words max), bio, resume, and artist website (recommended), applicants will answer the following questions:

1. Creative Capital supports formally and conceptually innovative and experimental work. How does your project idea take an original and imaginative approach to content and form? (150 words / 1,000 characters max)

2. Place your work in context. What are the main influences upon your work as an artist? How does your past work inform your current project? (150 words / 1,000 character max)

3. What kind of impact do you hope your project will have, and why? What specific audiences and/or communities will the project engage? (150 words / 1,000 character max)

4. Creative Capital awards artists at catalytic moments in their careers. How is this a catalytic moment in your practice? How will your proposed project or new work act as a catalyst for your artistic and professional growth? (150 words / 1,000 character max)

5. Creative Capital provides professional development services and community-building opportunities for awardees and encourages a spirit of mutual generosity and exchange among our artists. How would this support and being part of the Creative Capital community be impactful for you? (150 words / 1,000 character max)

In addition, applicants will submit one (1) work sample from a completed, past work. 

• Visual Arts applicants will submit one Image Sample or Video Sample. 

• Performing Arts applicants will submit one Video Sample.

• Film applicants will submit one Video Sample.

• Literature applicants will submit one Writing Sample.

For more details on application questions and work sample guidelines, see the Creative Capital Application Handbook.

ROUND II: Project Details

Applicants selected by our external reviewers to advance to Round II will submit additional materials to support their application:

1. Project itemized budget

2. Project timeline (1 page)

3. Work samples (see Application Handbook for guidelines)

4. Proof of eligibility

ROUND III: Panel Review

Applicants selected by our external reviewers to advance to Round III will be asked to:

1. Confirm collaborators (if applicable)

2. Submit project updates (optional, 100 words max)

2026 OPEN CALL APPLICATION TIMNLINE:

These dates may change.

• March 3, 2025: Round I application portal opens

• April 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time: Round I application deadline

• June 2025: Notification of advancement to Round II

• September 2025: Notification of advancement to Round III: Final Panel Review

• Early 2026: Public announcement of 2026 Creative Capital Awards and State of the Art Prizes

Artist Eligibility

• US citizen, permanent legal resident, O-1 visa holder, or Tribal ID holder

• At least 25 years old by application deadline

• Working artist(s) with at least 5 years of professional artistic practice within their chosen discipline

• Applicant may not be enrolled in a degree-granting program

• May not apply to the Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant program in the same year

• May not have previously received a Creative Capital Award

• May not be an applicant or collaborator on more than one proposed project per year

• State of the Art Prize recipients must be a resident of the state they are awarded in through February 1, 2026. Prize recipients must provide proof of residence in the state or territory to receive the grant. 

Projects that are not eligible

• Projects whose main purpose is promotional

• Project is to fund ongoing operations of existing business or nonprofit organization 

• Curation or documentation of existing work

• Projects that will premiere or be completed before October 1, 2026

More questions? Email awards@creative-capital.org. No phone calls please.

creative-capital.org/about-the-creative-capital-award

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GRANTS FOR EARLY CAREER NEW YORK CITY + MINNESOTA-BASED FILM DIRECTORS

Jerome Foundation

DEADLINE: April 3, 2025 (before 4pm CT / 5pm ET)

INFO: Jerome Foundation’s New York City and Minnesota Film Production Grants support early career film directors with grants up to $30,000 for short or long-form film projects in the ever-expanding creative genres of experimental, narrative, animation, or documentary genres or in any hybrid combination of these forms.

The Foundation seeks to fund filmmakers who take creative risks, seek innovative approaches, have a clarity of purpose and vision for imaginative storytelling, are engaged directly with those involved in their filmmaking, and work to build relationships with and impact their creative community and the field.

Applicants must be early career film directors in their 2nd–10th year in the field who have at least two completed film projects (a minimum of 10 minutes total running time) and no more than 2 feature-length film directing credits for fully produced works (running time of 50+ minutes or more per film). Applicants may not be enrolled in a degree program or a tenured professor. Formal training in degree-granting programs is neither expected nor required. The 2025 program supports film projects that will be in production between November 2025 and April 2027.

Jerome Foundation’s Minnesota Filmmaker Mentorship Grants support early career filmmakers with up to $10,000 for self-designed mentorship opportunities with experienced directors or other film professionals to strengthen early career filmmakers directing craft and/or professional skills in connection with a specific film project in short and/or long form experimental, narrative, animation or documentary genres, or in any hybrid combination of these forms.

This grant is for early career film directors with at least 2 years (i.e., not beginning filmmakers) but no more than 10 years, of experience directing their own films in documentary, narrative, experimental or animation, or any hybrid combination of these genres. The priority for this mentorship grant is to support directors in their 2nd–5th year in the field. Applicants may not be enrolled in a degree program or a tenured professor. Formal training in degree-granting programs is neither expected nor required.

Detailed eligibility requirements are different for each grant program—potential applicants should consult the relevant program information before applying.

jeromefdn.org/film-production-and-mentorship-grants

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SITKA RESIDENCY

The Sitka Center for Art and Ecology (Otis, OR)

DEADLINE: April 4, 2025

APPLICATION FEE: $30

INFO: Sitka residencies provide time and space for self-paced work and reflection in an inspiring natural setting. Residents from a broad range of art, writing, performance, science, education and interdisciplinary practices come to Sitka to create and explore away from the familiar contexts and constraints of daily routines, and free from external expectations.

Sitka Residencies offer dedicated time and space for artists, writers, scientists, educators and interdisciplinary creators to immerse themselves in independent work amid the remarkable ecology of Cascade Head and the Oregon coast.

Sitka residents enjoy solitude as well as opportunities for self-directed exchange and collaboration in a supportive environment, free from outside pressures, drawing inspiration from a landscape that invites discovery, reflection and renewal.

Residencies, ranging from two weeks to three months between October and May, are awarded through an annual juried process and provided free of charge. Some Sitka residents also receive living and travel stipends as part of their awards.

RESIDENCY DETAILS:

Facilities

Each resident is provided with private living and, if needed, studio space. Residences include living, sleeping, bathroom and kitchen areas, equipped for basic cooking. Laundry facilities are available on campus. Wi-Fi is provided in both residences and studios. Residents are responsible for their own transportation, food and supplies.

The Sitka Center is a non-smoking and non-vaping environment. Please avoid strong scents, as some individuals have allergies. Candles and incense are not permitted. Pets are not allowed on Sitka’s main campus or at our 80 acre nature preserve.

Sitka is family-friendly, and partners are welcome to stay or visit. Please inform the Sitka office if you have overnight visitors.

We are located about seven miles from the nearest grocery store, in Lincoln City, a small coastal town. The area receives about 98 inches of rain annually, so rain gear is essential for outdoor activities.

Cost

Living and studio spaces are provided free of charge. There is a $30 application fee to cover administrative costs. Residents are responsible for their own travel, food, supplies and other expenses. If the application fee is a barrier, please contact Sitka at info@sitkacenter.org for a fee waiver.

Accessibility

Sitka’s studios, office and library are ADA accessible, with one ADA-compliant cabin. Some areas on our steep campus may be less accessible. Please contact us with any specific needs or concerns. Certified service animals are welcome with prior disclosure and permission. Sitka has housing options for families with children of different ages or residents who are caretakers. Please indicate any housing needs in your application. Sitka has an extremely limited ability to host a pet or emotional support animal in a single off-campus cabin. Please do not count on being able to bring your pet when you apply.

Collaborations

Collaborating teams should submit one application. Please note if you will need sperate sleeping accommodations.

Studio Supplies and Materials

Sitka provides basic studio equipment, including easels, task lights, tables, and chairs, as well as a printing press and a small ceramics studio. Residents must bring their own materials for their work, and we can discuss specific needs ahead of time.

Solitude and Engagement

Residents can engage with other residents and the local community in their own ways. We host a Zoom Resident Talk event where each resident shares their work. Participation is encouraged but not required.

Expectations

Residents are asked to present at a Resident Talk event, complete an exit survey and leave their assigned residence and studio clean and in the same condition as when they arrived. There are no expectations regarding creative or scientific productivity and no culminating report or presentation is required.

Commitment to Equity

The Sitka Center for Art and Ecology affords equal opportunities to applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to equity and inclusion and believe different voices and perspectives strengthen our organization and amplify Sitka’s impact. 

MATERIALS NEEDED TO APPLY:

• References – Name and contact information (your references will be sent a form to complete).

• Application – Complete responses to all application questions.

• Resume – Submit as a .doc, .docx or .pdf file.

• Work Samples – Provide examples of your current work in formats that best showcase your practice.

  • Visual artists, designers and architects: 8-10 high quality images of your most current work.

  • Creative writers, journalists, playwrights and poets: 2 writing samples of up to 10 pages. For shorter works (poetry, short prose, etc.), submit 4 samples of up to 5 pages each. Excerpts are accepted for all writing forms. (.doc, .docx or .pdf)

  • Scientists: Any combination of images, files and text that reflects your most current work, up to 6 images or files (if applicable) and up to 2 writing samples (up to 10 pages each) (.doc, .docx or .pdf).

  • Musicians, composers, performers and Film Makers: 2-4 audio or video files (mp3, video files or links) of your most recent work. Excerpts are encouraged for longer works. 

  • ‍Curators, educators and social practice artists: Any combination of images, files and text that reflects your most current work, up to 6 images or files and up to 2 writing samples of a maximum of 10 pages each.  

  • ‍Interdisciplinary practitioners: Any combination of images, files and text that reflects your most current work, up to 6 images or files and up to 2 writing samples of a maximum of 10 pages each.

sitkacenter.org/residency-at-sitka/

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PBS IGNITE FILMMAKERS PROGRAM - CREATIVE VOICES INITIATIVE

PBS

DEADLINE: April 6, 2025

INFO: PBS provides a service to all Americans by presenting programs that share a wide variety of perspectives and lived experiences. We also strive to elevate talented individuals from a variety of backgrounds to innovate and deliver on our mission.

The PBS Ignite Filmmakers Program under its Creative Voices Initiative is a hybrid 12-month program for up to 10 early-career filmmakers who have experienced barriers to entering the media industry. It is an opportunity for filmmakers to spend a year developing their career path and exploring the process of content production for public media. Whether applicants have a current project underway or are looking to start a new one, this program provides tools to help support participants’ professional path forward. 

PROGRAM OFFERINGS:

Workshops: Filmmakers meet monthly for virtual workshops delivered by seasoned professionals to further equip the participants with the necessary skills to advance their careers in public media. Topics may include crafting treatments and proposals, pitching, budgeting, funding strategies, story development, licensing, distribution, and standards & practices. Filmmakers are given and must complete workshop assignments over the course of the program.

Mentorship: Each participant receives one-on-one mentorship from professionals with rich experience in public media who will share insights and provide guidance to help mentees advance toward their filmmaking goals.  

Networking: PBS Ignite provides opportunities to network with public media senior leadership and executives through both virtual and in-person sessions.

Cohort Support: Participants will be a part of monthly, virtual facilitated cohort meetings designed to build connections, engagement, and empowerment. 

In-person gatherings:   The Ignite Program convenes at the PBS Annual Meeting May 19 - 21, 2025, which takes place in Atlanta. Participants of the Program receive complimentary access, participation in closed meetings with PBS leadership and staff, a customized session itinerary and networking mixers. Roundtrip travel and accommodation are provided by PBS. There are other opportunities for gatherings throughout the year.

STIPEND: Those selected will receive $10,000 for their participation to be distributed over the course of the 12-month Program.

PBS EPISODE PITCH + POSSIBLE PRODUCTION: During the latter part of the program, filmmakers will be able to pitch an episode concept for consideration for one of the pre-selected PBS Digital Studios series. If the pitch is accepted, the participant will have the opportunity to produce/direct the episode under the direction of the show's production team.

TIME COMMITMENT: Participants should be prepared to spend up to 12 hours per month on meetings, assignments, and other activities.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Self-identify as an early career filmmaker

• Producer or director (credited) on at least 2 short or feature documentary films, or unscripted / non-fiction films that have been distributed publicly through a third party (accepted at a film festival, streaming/television broadcast or public event). This does not include films that were a part of a student production.

• Ignite participants must be available in-person May 19 - 21, 2025 at the PBS Annual Meeting in Atlanta.

• The mission of this program is to support filmmakers and content creators who have experienced barriers to entering the media industry including those who can bring lesser-known stories or insightful perspectives to the media industry. Applicants should be prepared to share their background/experiences and how they believe it fulfills this mission.

• Applicants must reside in the United States during the program.

There will be special consideration for applicants with experience or work history demonstrating their commitment to public media

pbs.org/about/producing-pbs/ignite-filmmaker/

_____

​​​Brown Handler Residency

Friends of the San Francisco Library

DEADLINE: April 6, 2025 at 11:59pm PST

INFO: Friends of the San Francisco Public Library (Friends) is pleased to announce this year’s application for the 2025-2026 Brown Handler Residency. Created by Lisa Brown and Daniel Handler in 2018, this residency supports the creative expression of diverse San Francisco-based writers, offering time, space, and a connection to the public through the Library. The Brown-Handler Residency offers five San Francisco writers a free, year-long studio space, a connection to the SF Public Library system, and opportunities to engage the public through literary programming.

Reflecting the Library’s mission as a democratic, public, and accessible institution, we are committed to supporting writers from a wide spectrum of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and genre.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Residencies will be offered to five San Francisco-based writers for one year, open to:

• Fiction writers

• Nonfiction writers

• Children’s writers and illustrators

• Poets

• Playwrights/screenwriters

Both emerging and established writers are welcome to apply. Priority will be given to applicants who can most benefit from access to space, support, and connection.

There is no cash award offered for the residency.

There is no requirement to publish a work at the end of the residency, but candidates must be

working on a personally significant project.

Residents will be required to participate in at least two Library events and programs.

THE SPACE:

The writing space is located at the office of the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library at 1630 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 (between Carolina & Wisconsin). It is a rich, supportive environment with Friends staff working during regular business hours. The large writing space is in the front of the office, with a vast window overlooking Jackson Park. The back of the building houses thousands of donated books, sold to support the Library’s programs and services.

It is important that residents can work well in an office community of this arrangement. The office will not be perfectly quiet nor without exciting bustle. Residents will have 24-hour access to the space, though, seven days a week — plenty of quiet time without staff around.

BENEFITS:

Dedicated, free space to focus on your creative work 24-hour access to Friends’ writing salon conveniently located near Potrero Hill Storage, printers, copier, kitchen, bathrooms, free access to the internet, and a Friends’ email address for business use, if desired

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY:

As the Library is a public place, it cannot designate a permanent space for a writer. However, residents can be paired with neighborhood library branches in relationships of support and exchange. Residents often have relationships with a library “host branch,” and Friends’ staff will help facilitate the relationship to ensure a quality experience as a “special author” at select branches.

Opportunities are available for residents to participate in library programs and activities that promote their work and public engagement with writing. (i.e. toddler and children’s reading circles; teen book clubs; branch literary and cultural events; and special readings/activities designed by you and the Library staff)

PROMOTION:

Marketing and social media exposure through Friends’ Communications Department and the Public Relations Department of the Library Readings at books sales and events coordinated by SFPL or Friends

friendssfpl.org/residency.html

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THE WRITERS LAB INTERNATIONAL

The Writers Lab

DEADLINES / FEES:

• Regular - April 1, 2025 ($65)

• Late - April 8, 2025 ($80)

INFO: TWL Int’l (formerly known as TWL US) is a retreat in New York City focusing on craft and career development for women and nonbinary screenwriters 40+.

The Writers Lab Int’l 2025 is a four-day retreat, conducted in-person in New York City. Writers undergo deep development work on their projects in one-on-one and group sessions, with revision guidance and career support from the experienced TWL team and some of the industry’s best writers and producers. Shared meals and group activities provide an opportunity for broader conversations and creative exchange. Writers selected to participate are expected to provide their own transportation to and from New York City. TWL provides accommodation and food at the retreat venue.

The Writers Lab Int’l is produced by co-founders Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilonand is presented in collaboration with the Writers Guild of America East, with in-kind support from The Black List, Falco Ink, Film Fatales, New York Women in Film & Television and Roadmap Writers. 

The Writers Lab, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit institution supported by Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman, the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, the Lynch Hall Charitable Fund and the Lisa Cleff Kurtz & Michael Kurtz Foundation.

BENEFITS:

Participating writers gain:

• Individualized feedback, insights and guidance on their selected project and their craft;

• Understanding of industry standards, practices, expectations and predilections, and strategies and resources for navigating them;

• Extensive ongoing alumnae support, including a community of peers and a network of relationships that can extend well beyond the program;

• Exposure and opportunities beyond the Lab;

• Resources and year-round supplemental programming of The Writers Lab.

• The Lab aims to build skills, confidence and community, and to prepare writers for collaborative work and market demands.

The Writers Lab network of producing, partnering and supporting entities has included:

TWL co-founders Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon.

New York Women in Film & Television, The Writers Guild of America East, The Black List, Falco Ink, Film Fatales and Roadmap Writers.

Untamed Stories and producers Julia Berg and Ruth Spencer; the Female Eye Film Festival and Firecracker Department.

Mentors & Speakers: Anne Carey (20th Century Women), Fernanda Coppel (Queen of the South), Anya Epstein (The Affair), Susan Cartsonis (What Women Want), Lisa Cortés (Precious), Amy Fox (The Conners), Daniela Gonzalez (Good Fear Content), Pamela Gray (A Walk on the Moon), Rita Hsaio (Mulan), Melissa James Gibson (House of Cards), Jennifer Kassabian (Carter), Meg LeFauve (Inside Out), Robina Lord-Stafford (Moonshine), Amenya Makuku (Madeline's Madeline), Riva Marker (Beasts of No Nation), Leah Meyerhoff (Film Fatales, I Believe in Unicorns), Gina Prince-Blythewood (The Woman King), Erica Saleh (One of Us is Lying), Tracey Scott Wilson (The Americans), Susan Seidelman (Desperately Seeking Susan), Mary Jane Skalski (The Station Agent), Kiwi Smith (Legally Blonde), Shelby Stone (The Chi), Robin Swicord (Memoirs of a Geisha), Frida Torresblanco (Pan's Labyrinth), Pat Verducci (True Crime), Anna Winger(Unorthodox), Jamie Zelermyer (Focus Features).

writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/the-writers-lab-intl

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JUSTFILMS GRANTS

Ford Foundation

DEADLINE: April 10, 2025 by 11:59pm ET

INFO: Through its open call, JustFilms supports artist-driven, feature-length documentary films that creatively intersect with the social justice issues that are central to the Ford Foundation’s mission. All projects submitted for JustFilms grants will be assessed on the basis of alignment with Ford Foundation priorities, intersectional representation, innovation in storytelling, and production viability & independence, as well as social and cultural impact. At this time, we do not accept unsolicited Letters of Inquiry (LOI), proposals from organizations, or for impact campaigns.

While we welcome submissions from any region of the world, we have a particular focus on the areas where the foundation has regional offices. We support 25-30 new feature documentary film projects, at all stages of production, through annual grants.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: 

To be considered for funding, your project must be a documentary feature film (running time of at least 50 minutes) in which the filmmaker/s have creative control. We welcome applications for direct content development, production, or post-production.

The open call does not support student films, narrative films, short films, commissioned films where the filmmaker is not the rights holder to the project, episodic series, new media (AR, VR), podcasts, films that have already premiered or broadcast, or impact or outreach campaigns.

EVALUATIVE CRITERIA + RUBRIC: 

When evaluating production submissions for grant funding, reviewers will use the following weighted criteria to prioritize recommended projects:

1. Foundation’s Thematic Alignment (30%): Assess whether the project aligns with the JustFilms strategy. Evaluate how well the project addresses gender, race, and disability justice themes. Does the project offer an analysis of political, economic, or cultural power? Also, consider whether the project aligns with other Ford program strategies or regional offices’ priorities.

2. Intersectional Representation (25%): Assess the project’s ability to provide an intersectional analysis and represent diverse perspectives. Consider the geographic focus, audience engagement, and support for underrepresented filmmakers.

3. Innovation in Storytelling (25%): Evaluate the project’s innovative approach to content creation for advancing justice. Assess its ability to creatively reshape narratives and challenge conventional perspectives.

4. Production Viability and Independence (20%): Assess the project’s independence in production and its feasibility. Are the filmmakers skilled and resourced enough to produce the proposed project?

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

The information we request generally aligns with the Documentary Core Applicationutilized by the International Documentary Association, Sundance Documentary Film Program, and other funding organizations. 

Upon review of your materials by Ford staff, you may receive an invitation to submit additional materials. We have very limited staffing, and we regret that we are unable to meet individually with filmmakers about their submissions or provide project feedback at this time.

fordfoundation.org/work/our-grants/justfilms/justfilms-application/

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TV WRITING MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Shore Scripts

DEADLINES:

• Regular – April 11, 2025

• Final – May 16, 2025

INFO: Our TV Writing Mentorship Program isn't your typical screenwriting contest. It's a game-changing experience that will level up your TV writing career.

8 Weeks of high-impact sessions with Showrunner Beth Schwartz (ARROW), Dev Exec Duane Luu (NBCUniversal), David Katsman (Sugar23) and more will help prepare you to get staffed, gain representation, and get your pilot in the marketplace while offering invaluable behind-the-scenes knowledge of working in TV.

shorescripts.com/tv-pilot-contest/

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CALL FOR FILMS: “VISIONS FOR THE FUTURE”

Minorities In Film

DEADLINE: April 12, 2025

INFO: “Make News” the screening series presented by Minorities In Film returns with a bold new theme: "VISIONS FOR THE FUTURE." We’re calling on filmmakers with bold imaginations and radical visions of what’s next. Make News, Make Noise is a showcase, not a festival— a gathering of storytellers exploring the future through sci-fi, speculative fiction, and boundary-pushing narratives. Whether your film dreams of utopia, warns of dystopia, or reimagines the world as we know it, we want to see it.

Ask yourself: What does the future look like? Who gets to shape it? How does technology, climate, identity, or resistance play a role?

This year, we are excited to curate programming in New York City, Los Angeles and Atlanta which will champion sci-fi, forward-thinking, visionary films.

To learn more about last year's showcase visit www.minoritiesinfilm.com

Fee waivers: A limited number are available. Community partners may receive special submission discounts. Email minoritiesinfilm@gmail.com with "MAKE NEWS WAIVER CODE" in the subject line for inquiries.

AWARDS + PRIZES:

Selected films and their filmmakers will receive:

• Bespoke film marketing and promotion in screening cities.

• Opportunities to meet with distribution partners for release and publishing.

• Invitations to exclusive networking events with industry professionals.

• Additional advancement opportunities to support filmmakers' careers.

RULES + TERMS:

Film Criteria:

• Films must be 20 minutes or under in length.

• Films must share the theme of "Visions for the Future" in some way to be eligible for selection.

• Films must have English subtitles if the dialogue is in another language.

• All films must have closed captions to ensure accessibility for all viewers.

ELIGIBILITY:

• Open to BIPOC filmmakers worldwide. However, we strongly encourage filmmakers who are local and/or can travel to New York City, Atlanta, and/or Los Angeles should their films be selected. MiFILM will not cover transportation or lodging to the event.

• All genres are welcome, as long as they align with the theme of "Visions for the Future".

• Work In Progress films are not eligible to apply.

• Filmmakers must submit on or before the deadline date to be eligible.

• Although we welcome new frontiers in creative storytelling and development, we champion the humans who employ them. Therefore, all projects utilizing machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI) must explicitly state the nature in which AI was used to develop, create, or produce said material in all phases of production. We will utilize an AI detection system to ascertain if AI predominantly created the content (greater than 25%).

SUBMISSION PROCESS:

• All submissions must be made through FilmFreeway.

• Include a brief synopsis of the film and how it relates to the theme of "Visions for the Future".

• Submit video link of the director/producer of the film answering the following questions:

  • Name of Director/Producer submitting the film (who will also represent the film at the showcase)

  • Location where the Director/Producer is based.

  • What was the first film you remember watching that inspired you to become a filmmaker?

  • What is a current topic or trend that you are watching closely?

  • What piece of your creative process would you place in a time capsule for filmmakers in 2050?

• Provide a high-resolution poster or still from the film for promotional use.

• Ensure the film has English subtitles if it contains dialogue in another language.

• Ensure the film has closed captions for accessibility.

• All films will be considered for screening in all cities. Filmmakers will be asked their preference for city and season (Summer or Fall). Each city will have its own unique programming. Some films will be selected to screen in multiple cities.

NOTIFICATION DATE: Selected filmmakers will begin to be notified on May 4th.

filmfreeway.com/MakeNewsMakeNoiseScreeningRooms

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Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room

Sesame Workshop

DEADLINE: April 14, 2025

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 that reflects our vast audience. 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’ program.

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!

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

• Up to 6 writers will be selected 

• Sessions are expected to take place virtually from August to November 2025

• Learn from industry writers, producers, agents and executives 

• Learn and complete all steps of creating an original pilot episode script

• Includes eight, three-hour sessions; and 12, one-hour office hours sessions on creating original children’s content 

• Up to two participants will have the opportunity to receive creative development deals and further mentorship

APPLICATION CHECK LIST:

• Resumes: 2-page maximum. Anything longer will be disqualified.

• Personal statement: tell us about yourself, for example, why you want to write for children’s educational media, and how your lived experiences influence the stories you want to tell in children’s media, etc. (up to 250 words)

• Original script sample: 12-page maximum; should NOT contain Sesame Street elements, characters, or intellectual property;  can be an excerpt from a larger piece  wholly written by the applicant; must model a 3 act story structure; and 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)

ELIGIBILITY CHECK LIST:

• Participants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

• Participants must be 21+ years old

• No extensive media writing experience, such as having written more than six episodes for a network or cable scripted/narrative series

• Participants must be able to attend and complete writing assignments for all 8 sessions, and attend the 12 office hours sessions, which will be held virtually from August to November 2025

sesameworkshop.org/our-work/fellowships/writers-room/

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2026 Writer-In-Residence

Hedgebrook

DEADLINE: April 14, 2025

INFO: Hedgebrook is a nonprofit organization serving women-identified writers. Our retreat program is located on Whidbey Island near Seattle where writers come to write, rejuvenate and be in community with each other. Hedgebrook welcomes all women-identified writers representing diversity in citizenship status, nationality, current place of residence, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, trans* identity, age, disability, professional experience, and economic resources. We welcome applicants, published or not, who embrace the mission and opportunity to be a member of Hedgebrook's community.

Writers join an intimate and diverse community of six residents at a time who share a home-cooked meal, their work, their process and their stories, in addition to the time spent in solitude.

Applications will be accepted in the following genres:

• Non-Fiction

• Poetry

• Screenwriting

• Playwriting

• Fiction

https://hedgebrook.slideroom.com

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VIMEO SHORT FILM GRANT

Vimeo

DEADLINE: April 18, 2025

INFO: The Vimeo Short Film Grant will support five filmmakers with money, mentorship, and equipment for their next short film project.

AWARDS + DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS:

• $30,000 cash grant
  To be put towards an original short film

• Camera loans
  Nikon and RED will loan camera equipment and provide product education to winners for use in their film production

• One-on-one mentorship sessions with jury members and the Vimeo Curation Team
  Sessions on scriptwriting, editing, film festival strategy, film financing, distribution, and more

• Promotion and distribution
  Online distribution with dedicated promotion on Vimeo

• In-person screenings
  Vimeo-hosted community screenings in NYC and LA

• Vimeo products
  One-year Vimeo Standard Subscription

ELIGIBILITY:

• The Vimeo Short Film Grant, presented by Nikon | RED is open to residents of the US and Canada only.

• Applicants must be 18 years or older at the time of entry.

• The Vimeo Short Film Grant, presented by Nikon | RED is intended for emerging filmmakers who have completed at least two short films, but have yet to complete a feature film.

• Funds from the The Vimeo Short Film Grant, presented by Nikon | RED are intended for production purposes. Projects that are currently in production or post-production will not be considered.

• Each applicant is permitted to submit only one project for consideration per grant year.

• Must have a free or paid Vimeo account to enter.

• No purchase is necessary to submit.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To submit your application, please prepare the following:

• Project details
  Project title, logline, synopsis (250 words), current status

• Statement of intent
  An artistic proposal for the project (500 words)

• Project team
  Director bio(s), contact information, resume/CV, Vimeo links to two directorial work samples

• Key creative materials
  Treatments (required for documentary projects), screenplays (required for narrative projects), pitch decks (optional)

• Project budget and financing plan
  Line-item budget proposal detailing intended use of awarded funds

• Production timeline
  Timeline proposal for a six-month production 

• Project mentorship and distribution goals
  Strategy and goals for mentorship sessions and for project's release 

• Nikon | RED equipment
  Indicate preference for first, second, and third camera choice (from RED V-Raptor [X] Z Mount, Komodo-X Z Mount, and or Nikon Z9, Z8, Z6III)

TIMELINE:

• July 7 2025 - Applicants notified and winners announced

• July 2025 - Cash awards distributed and six-month production and virtual mentorship sessions begin

vimeo.com/shortfilmgrant

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La Frontera Film Lab

DEADLINE: April 16, 2025

INFO: La Frontera Film Lab is a documentary lab and professional development opportunity for BIPOC women and gender expansive filmmakers. This initiative is part of Femme Frontera’s ongoing commitment to amplify stories from the U.S.-Mexico border region, specifically El Paso and Juarez.  We focus on supporting people born and living in this region,  empowering them to share their unique stories with a strong emphasis on creating films that resonate with and engage a broader audience. 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

In its third year, Femme Frontera’s La Frontera Film Lab will select three women and/or gender expansive filmmakers/artists from the U.S/Mexico border to receive support for their project from conception through distribution in 2025-2026. 

Over the course of 12 months, each participant will produce and direct a 15-minute non-fiction film centered on the borderland region and its identities, guided by tailored mentorships and skill-building workshops. Selected filmmakers will receive $5,000 each in support of their project and career development. 

Participants will commit to two meetings per month and independent meetings with their assigned mentor: one with Femme Frontera teammates for prepping workshops and guest sessions, and one with their assigned mentor for personalized guidance. The program is designed to provide filmmakers with the tools, resources, and connections to advance their careers while celebrating the unique narratives of the borderland.  

La Frontera Film Lab is an opportunity for three filmmakers to bring their vision to life and contribute to a growing legacy of powerful storytelling from the border region.

OUR 2025-2026 LA FRONTERA FILM LAB PROGRAM OFFERS:

• Tailored Workshops: Participants will attend a total of four virtual workshops with industry professionals,  tailored to their specific needs, covering essential topics like story development, production planning, budgeting, and distribution. These workshops, delivered by seasoned professionals from Mexico and the U.S., will provide the skills and knowledge needed to successfully complete their documentaries and advance their careers.

• Mentorship: Each participant will receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced filmmakers and industry professionals. Mentors will offer personalized guidance to help participants refine their projects, navigate challenges, and achieve their filmmaking goals.

• Networking: La Frontera Film Lab will facilitate connections with industry professionals, including filmmakers, producers, and other resources relevant to participants’ projects. We will help participants establish relationships that can open doors and support their filmmaking journey..

• Femme Frontera Support: Participants will receive practical support, including assistance with possible equipment rentals, location scouting, navigating bureaucracy, and ensuring safety during production.

• Stipend: Each participant will receive $5,000 to support their project and participation in the program.

• Commitment: Participants should be prepared to dedicate up to 12 hours per month to meetings, assignments, and other program activities.

La Frontera Film Lab provides a comprehensive framework to help filmmakers from the U.S.-Mexico border region creating impactful documentaries and building sustainable careers in the media industry.

femmefrontera.org/femme-frontera-border-film-lab

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CALL FOR FILMS BY WOMEN OF COLOR

Reel Sisters

DEADLINES: 

• Regular: April 30, 2025

• Final: May 27, 2025

INFO: The Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series is an annual film festival founded by African Voices magazine. Established in 1997, Reel Sisters (www.reelsisters.org) is dedicated to providing opportunities for women of color to advance their careers in the film industry.Reel Sisters accepts films written, directed, or produced by women/non-binary filmmakers of color. 

Reel Sisters is the first Academy Qualifying Film Festival for short narratives devoted to women of color across the globe. Reel Sisters is an IMDb qualifying film festival. Reel Sisters celebrates our 28th Anniversary in 2025. Our festival includes in-person and virtual presentations. The films showcased virtually are in competition for all awards including our Oscar qualifying award. Please note other dates and venues will be added, our festival season begins with our Harlem kick off!

APPLICATION INFO: YOU MUST SUBMIT PRODUCTION STILLS/PHOTOS and a TRAILER for your submission to be ELIGIBLE AND COMPLETE. You can screenshot photos from your film if you were unable to hire a photographer.

Reel Sisters is a competitive festival and films are selected by an independent jury. Please submit films early as deadlines are final. The festival provides quality customer service and does not offer fee waivers. The fee covers a small fraction of the administrative costs for running a professional Oscar qualifying film festival. 

Reel Sisters accepts all genres and formats with a special interest in submissions from animated and web series producers. Send us films that will make our audience “cry, dance, laugh, sing and explore." The festival curates events throughout the year so all entries will be considered for Reel Sisters Tea & Cinema series. Join our worldwide community of film professionals in celebrating stories produced, directed and written by women of color!

CASH AWARDS FOR 2025

• Best Narrative Short - $1,000 

• Best Director - $500 

• Best Screenplay - $300 

• Best Animation - $200

GENERAL RULES:

TRANSLATION: Your film must be English dubbed or have English subtitles if it is in any other language.

PRODUCTION STILLS & TRAILERS: Please make sure you upload production photos with your submission and a trailer. If you do not have photos, you can screen shot a photo by pausing a scene in your film to create one. Your submission will not be complete without all promotional materials uploaded.

NO WAIVERS: Entry fees cover a small portion of the festival’s administrative costs for processing submissions and are non-refundable. We do not offer waivers.

OUR REFUND POLICY: Our entry fees are non-refundable. It is the responsibility of the filmmaker to read our guidelines and policies to ensure that they are eligible to submit to our festival.

TO SUBMIT A FILM to REEL SISTERS: 

• Please read our guidelines carefully before submitting your film as we do not issue refunds for entry fees. It is your responsibility to ensure your film meets our criteria and submission guidelines. We rarely accept films longer than 90 minutes. Your film must have a women of color as co-producer, co-director or co-writer, if the lead producer/director is male.

• We only accept films via FilmFreeway. PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL US ANY VIDEO LINKS. If you submit to FilmFreeway via a Vimeo link, you must provide a passcode to view. You must make your film downloadable for our production staff if your film is accepted. If you do not make your film downloadable by the requested deadline, your film will not be eligible for consideration. We discourage Youtube links. 

• Please contact FilmFreeway staff if you have any issues uploading your film and making it downloadable for our production staff if you receive an acceptance letter.

• We will need downloadable trailer links from FilmFreeway or Vimeo to help promote your film in our festival. You must submit the trailers and photos with your application. If your materials are not submitted with your application, your film will be disqualified.

• Complete the details required, providing brief synopsis of the film, credits, production stills and trailers. We accept photographs in all formats including JPEGs, TIFFs and EPS (electronic photos must be 300 dpi resolution for promotional purposes). 

• All accepted films will be notified via email. Please make sure ALL of your Contact Information is up-to-date. If your email changed between the time you submitted your film and our Notification Date, please update it ASAP so we can correspond with you.

filmfreeway.com/ReelSistersoftheDiasporaFilmFestival

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BGDM Sustainable Artist Fellowship

Brown Girls Doc Mafia

DEADLINE: April 30, 2025

INFO: In a time of increasing, relentless attacks on diversity, justice and freedom of speech, we believe in supporting creators and storytellers that use their platforms to advocate for marginalized communities, speak truth to power, and uplift a bold vision for our collective liberation. 

Although scaled back, we’re excited to bring the BGDM Sustainable Artists Fellowship back in the form of an unrestricted micro-grant, career development stipend, and community program offerings. Our goal is to support three early/mid-career documentary filmmakers who prioritize impact and sociocultural change through their work and activism.

Stretching from June to November 2025, the fellowship consists of seven major components:

• Unrestricted $5,000 funding for individual artists to use as they see fit

• Up to $2,500 stipend for creative or professional development. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and can look like attending a festival or industry networking event, participating in a training or creative enrichment opportunity.

• Two project-specific impact consulting sessions with a dedicated advisor

• Teach-in on a topic of your choice

• Opportunity to participate in BGDM programs such as the MafiaMind, Pause & Play, and In the Mix programs

• Community Building via peer-to-peer mentorship

• Hands on personal, creative, and professional development support by BGDM’s program staff

ELIGIBILITY:

Applications will be accepted with a sliding scale fee of $15-30. We are seeking to support artists that are:

• The director or producer of the project they are applying with

• Early-mid-career

• BGDM defines this as artists who have between 3-6 years of experience as a director or producer, and have publicly screened or distributed at least 1 feature or 2 shorts.

• Demonstrate a creative practice in documentary filmmaking, whether in features, shorts, series, hybrid, animation, or experimental.

• Demonstrate a history of and commitment to using filmmaking for impact, advocacy and/or activism

• Applying with a project that has clear ties to social justice themes and issues

• In need of financial support for their personal and professional practice

A NOTE ON COMMITMENT:

These are in-depth, ambitious Fellowship programs, so we ask applicants to come prepared to make a commitment to themselves, to each other, and to the process we’ve developed in order to ensure an impactful Fellowship year. Selected Fellows are expected to be in regular communication with BGDM staff, contribute to the curation and implementation of their teach-in, attend regular fellowship meetings and the events listed above, and to follow through on their commitment to the BGDM community. We thank applicants in advance for their understanding and enthusiasm for this unique opportunity.

At the close of the Fellowship, we’ll ask fellows to share a feedback survey and video testimonial to be used for program evaluation and qualitative measures of success.

TIMELINE:

• March 18: Fellowship application opens.

• April 30: Application closes. *Please note that due to the anticipated volume of applications, we will not be providing any extensions.

• June: Notifications sent out. Fellowship kicks off!

• November: Fellowship wraps.

Questions? Please reach out to kitty@browngirlsdocmafia.org

airtable.com/apppiu4s0BZNr9rMg/pagIIDHIHO46oGQcH/form

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tyler perry studios’ Dream Collective short film program

Tyler Perry Studios

DEADLINE: May 1, 2025

ENTRY FEE: $0

INFO: Applications are open for Tyler Perry’s newly launched Tyler Perry Studios’ Dream Collective Short Film Program.

The Tyler Perry Studios Dream Collective is designed to identify, cultivate, and elevate the next wave of dynamic filmmakers, with an eye on historically underrepresented, underrecognized voices.

Our three-tiered initiative brings together new and emerging directorial voices and seasoned professionals in film and television, placing emphasis on practical training, mentorship and career sustainability.

Anchored in the process of making a short film based on an original script, this program gives filmmakers unprecedented access to industry experts, hands-on training and tailored support, empowering them to tell their stories and build toward career sustainability. 

The program consists of (1) an initial application submission to be selected as one of 100 finalists to attend virtual sessions designed to educate, inspire and cultivate a lasting community, (2) an application submission by the finalists to be selected as one of 10 winners who will be invited to attend an immersive 10-day in-person workshop at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, and (3) a final application submission to be selected as one of 5 Grand Prize winners to receive production funding and/or resources of no more than $30,000 to make a short film based on their original script in the greater Atlanta area.

DREAM:

• Round 1: Tyler Perry Studios’ Dream Collective’s call for submissions will be taking place from Thursday, April 17 – Thursday, May 1. One thousand submissions of past work and accompanying materials that best articulate the filmmaker’s vision will be accepted via TylerPerryStudiosDreamCollective.com. Through the submissions process, 100 preliminary finalists will be selected and notified in May 2025.

• Round 2: One hundred Finalists will next participate in virtual sessions. The four-week virtual sessions are designed to educate, inspire and cultivate a lasting community. The sessions will include an opportunity to meet with a director and creative collaborators covering topics that include career origin, the art of collaboration and case studies of trials and triumphs on and off set.

• Round 3: The 100 Finalists will be invited to submit their Short Film scripts and accompanying materials that best articulate the filmmaker’s vision. After evaluation of the Short Film submissions, 10 winners will be selected and announced in July 2025.

PREPARE:

• Round 4: The 10 Winners then begin an immersive, 10-day hands-on training workshop which includes Short Film prep at Tyler Perry Studios in July/August 2025. Participants will have the opportunity to experiment with their script scenes, focus on collaboration with department heads, work with actors, and develop their directing skills in the context of the world-class Tyler Perry Studios.

The 10 Winners will be invited to pitch their Short Film vision and articulate their plans to bring their stories to life. After evaluation of the pitches, five Grand Prize Winners will be selected and notified in August.

EXECUTE:

• Round 5: Five Grand Prize Winners will be announced in August. Grand Prize Winners will each be awarded production funding of $30,000 from Tyler Perry Studios to make their Short Film this Fall in the greater Atlanta area. This will include access to local below-the-line crew, the studio’s production resources and mentorship from Tyler Perry Studios and industry professionals.

tylerperrystudiosdreamcollective.com

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CALL FOR ENTRIES: 2025 Twin Cities Arab Film Festival

Mizna

DEADLINE:

• Early - May 11, 2025

• Late - May 31, 2025

INFO: Mizna’s 2025 Twin Cities Arab Film Festival seeks films for our upcoming festival scheduled for September 24–28, 2025. We accept narrative, documentary, experimental, and animated films of feature and short lengths. We seek films made by filmmakers from the SWANA region and beyond, as well as films relevant to the social realities of the SWANA region.

This year, all accepted submissions will be considered for Audience and Jury Awards.

Mizna strives to make our film festival accessible to filmmakers of all financial backgrounds. Filmmakers in need of a submission fee waiver can email mizna@mizna.org.

https://mizna.org/event/call-for-submissions-2025-tcaff/