TV RETREAT & FELLOWSHIP
CineStory Foundation
DEADLINES & SUBMISSION FEES:
Extended Late Deadline – November 5, 2023 ($85)
Final Deadline: December 3, 2023 ($90)
INFO: The CineStory Foundation believes in helping writers find their voice. We’re entering a world in which the ways to tell stories are limitless. Those stories always begin with a blank page. Our goal with the Television Retreat is to educate writers about the unique world of TV storytelling, from the collaborative nature of writing for networks or streaming channels to the independent realm of creating and shooting series for the web.
Structured like the CineStory Feature Retreat, the CineStory Television Retreat takes place over three days in the beautiful mountains of Idyllwild, California. Attendees receive three one-on-one, one and a half hour sessions with CineStory mentors. During these sessions, mentors will give attendees feedback on improving the craft of the script(s) they submitted in advance and will also discuss with writers various aspects of the business of TV writing to help writers better understand TV writers’ various roles in the entertainment industry.
TV writers also will experience what it’s like to sit in a professional writers room run by an experienced mentor. In addition, mentors and writers will gather for meals, drinks, screenings, and other special events.
RETREAT DATES:
May 3 – 7, 2024
RETREAT FEE:
The retreat fee for the 2023 Feature Retreat is $2,200 for individual participants and $3,000 for teams (who participate in all retreat events as a team).
The retreat fee covers meals (a light breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and all retreat events, including informal sessions, one-on-one meetings, social gatherings (cocktail parties, etc.).
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Quarterfinalists – Late January
Semifinalists – Late February
Finalists – Mid March
Division Winners – Early April
Fellowship Winner – Mid April
TV DIVISIONS:
Original Drama – 1 hour series
Original Comedy – 30 minute series
Original Sci Fi/Fantasy – 1 hour series
Original Children/Family – 30 min series
Pilots only. For division details, please visit our TV Submissions page.
cinestory.org/retreat-fellowship-contests/tv-retreat-fellowship-contest/
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Open Call for script submissions
BBC Writersroom
SUBMISSION PERIOD: November 7 - December 5, 2023 (by noon)
INFO: BBC Writersroom's Drama Room is a 1-year writer development scheme for writers.
We work with around 12 writers on the Drama Room scheme every year, to develop their craft skills and knowledge of the industry. During the first 6 months of the programme, writers receive workshop sessions exploring character, structure, different mediums of storytelling, practical writing exercises as well as industry masterclasses with writers, producers and agents. There are also networking and ad hoc pitching opportunities (often in continuing drama, audio drama and children’s). The writers are paired up with Script Editors for 9 months to develop an original spec' script, which they focus on for the second half of the programme.
The aim of the scheme is to encourage and develop the best in new drama writing and to give these writers the opportunity to build strong connections with producers and help them gain BBC broadcast commissions.
bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunities/send-a-script
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2024 CAPE New Writers Fellowship
Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE)
DEADLINE: November 13, 2023 at 11:59pm PT
APPLICATION FEE: $65 (non-refundable)
INFO: The CAPE New Writers Fellowship (CNWF) discovers and nurtures emerging Asian and Pacific Islanders writers launching their careers in television. Founded and co-chaired by Emmy Award-winning Writer, Creator and Showrunner Leo Chu and veteran film and TV executive Steve Tao, the CAPE New Writers Fellowship is one of few writing programs in Hollywood created by a creative and an executive. This immersive Fellowship arms each writer with the practical and business knowledge they need to succeed as a professional writer in the entertainment industry.
Over the course of several weeks, CAPE brings in top television and film writers, producers, agents, managers, and executives for a series of intimate panels, workshops, and discussions. The Fellowship also features a Writing Lab where each Fellow is matched with a high-level industry mentor to help them revise their original script into professional level writing samples to get them noticed and land that all-important first staff job.
The Fellowship typically runs each year in the spring. Sessions take place on weekday evenings PT for approximately 3 hours, twice a week.
The 2024 CAPE New Writers Fellowship will be a hybrid program with in-person and virtual sessions. Sessions will be held on March-April 2024 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.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
You or your script should be consistent with CAPE’s mission to champion diversity by educating, empowering, and connecting Asian American and Pacific Islander artists and leaders in entertainment.
You must have the ability to accept paid work in the United States. CAPE does not sponsor or assist with visas.
The 2024 CAPE New Writers Fellowship will be a hybrid program with in-person and virtual sessions. Sessions will be held on March-April 2024 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.
We accept half-hour or hour long pilots only. All genres accepted. Animation accepted.
Your script must be in English. Additional languages are accepted with subtitles.
You must not have been employed as a staff writer (or higher level).
Your script must be in PDF format and in industry format.
Your script must not contain any identifying information (name, email, rep information) on any pages. You may include WGA or copyright registration numbers if you wish, but it is not necessary.
Your script must be original and you must own all rights to the script free and clear.
Your script must not be under an option and you must have sole authority over changes to the script.
We accept writing teams of up to 2 writers. You must be committed to pursuing a career as a writing team. Both members of any writing team must meet all requirements.
You must workshop and edit the script you submitted to the Fellowship, if accepted.
We do not accept revised or replacement scripts - no exceptions.
You may submit more than one entry, but they must be submitted separately with their own application and fee.
All entries are non-refundable.
Any applicant or writing team failing to meet the above requirements will be disqualified.
Both members of any writing team must meet all requirements, and any applicant or writing team failing to meet the above requirements will be disqualified. All entries are non-refundable.
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WIF / THE BLACK LIST EPISODIC LAB
WIF / The Black List
DEADLINE: November 13, 2023
INFO: The Black List and WIF will invite six to eight promising non-professional television writers who are of underrepresented genders to the Lab. The Lab will kick off the first week of March 2024, running twice weekly for four weeks, and will consist of script development, peer workshopping sessions, and master classes with established writers and industry executives. Lab participants will have their final pilots read by agencies and networks. Past advisors and master class teachers include Monica Beletsky (“Parenthood”), Carly Wray (“Watchmen”), Sono Patel (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”), Glen Mazzara (“The Dark Tower”), Erika L. Johnson (“The Good Lord Bird”), Kira Snyder (“The Handmaid’s Tale”), Lauren LeFranc (“Impulse”), Jane Becker (“Ted Lasso”) and many others.
All participants of the 2024 Episodic Lab will also be 2024 WIF Fellows. All WIF Fellowships provide year long support.
ELIGIBILITY:
IMPORTANT: Please note, applicants can apply through either WIF or The Black List, however, instructions are different for each platform. 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. For Black List instructions or any other Black List questions, please click here or contact SUPPORT@BLCKLST.COM.
To be eligible to apply through WIF:
You are the sole and exclusive author of the television pilot submitted for consideration.
You have not received more than $25K in aggregate to date as compensation for television writing work.
You will be available for in-person evening sessions during the month of March 2024.
Participants must be able to provide proof of current vaccination, subject to CDC guidelines relating to boosters prior to February 20, 2024, and be willing to test for COVID-19 infection prior to each session in March 2024.
TIMELINE:
October 2, 2023 – Applications open
October XX, 2023 — Program AMA (“Ask Me Anything”) Panel
November 13, 2023 – Applications close
Week of January 15, 2024 – Shortlist writers notified
Week of February 5, 2024 – Interviews
Week of February 12, 2024 – Final Participants and all other applicants notified
March 5, 2024 — Episodic Lab begins
womeninfilm.org/updates/episodic-lab-details/
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NICKELODEON WRITING PROGRAM
Nickelodeon Animation
DEADLINE: November 15, 2023
INFO: Founded in the year 2000, the Nickelodeon Writing Program is a full-time, paid, yearlong development Program for television comedy writers with unique voices and from underrepresented communities. Join us at the studio in Burbank for classes and workshops to sharpen your skills, executive mentorship and networking to build your professional relationships, and the opportunity to work in the iconic live-action and animation writers’ rooms at Nick. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dedicate yourself to the craft of writing and build your career from the ground up.
The Nick Writing Program is not a writing contest – It’s a launching pad for diverse and emerging creatives. If you bring the unique voice and innovative ideas for kids’ and family content, we’ll help you launch a career with all the tools you’ll need to succeed in the industry for years to come.
ELIGIBILITY / HOW TO APPLY:
You must be 18 years or older, and eligible to work in the United States to participate.
To apply, follow the link under the “Apply Online” section, fill out the application through our submission portal, and submit two scripts: One spec from our Accepted Shows List which gets updated every year (watch our social media channels for announcements), and one half-hour original comedy pilot.
If you have previously applied to the Program and were not selected, you are welcome and encouraged to apply again with a new spec script for each submission period.
APPLICATION DETAILS:
STEP 1 (Pick a Focus) - When you pick a focus, it helps us curate your experience in the Program to better help you reach your goals as a television writer. Picking a focus does not mean your time in the Program will be spent exclusively working on content for this audience, but simply helps us gauge your interests and set you on a course for success. Your spec and pilot submissions do not need to adhere to these audience age groups in any way.
Kids’ Content (Audience Age 6-11) - This age group is Nickelodeon’s bread and butter. Most of Nickelodeon’s most iconic live-action and animated shows are developed for this demographic including SpongeBob SquarePants, Danger Force, and The Loud House.
Preschool Content (Audience Age 2-6) - The Preschool age group (including “bridge” content for tots moving into early elementary school age) loves to laugh and play along with their content. They’re smart, engaged, and always ready for new shows to watch like Paw Patrol, Ryan’s Mystery Playdate, and Baby Shark’s Big Show.
Preteen/Young Adult (Audience Age 11-17) - Nickelodeon shares its home in the Paramount Kids & Family Group with our partners at Awesomeness who cater to a tween and teen audience. We’ll partner with ATV and the creators of Nick’s shows for a slightly older audience like Side Hustle, Drama Club, and iCarly to make this experience the right one for you.
STEP 2 (Script Preparation) - All applicants must submit a SPEC SCRIPT and HALF HOUR ORIGINAL COMEDY PILOT that adhere to the following guidelines:
Must be based on a television series from the Accepted Shows List (spec only).
Typed in standard Final Draft (or equivalent) script format.
In black type, 12pt courier style font.
Do not upload a cover page with your script.
The following information should be included in the header/footer of your spec script on the first or all pages:
Name of the show (center of the header).
Title of the episode (center of the footer).
Filename should include only the name of your show and episode (Do not include your name or your submission will not be considered).
Do not put your name anywhere on the script, file, or file name.
THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED:
Feature-length screenplays, reality-based comedies or dramas, treatments, outlines, plays, short stories, books, graphics, magazine/newspaper articles, poems, headshots, audio/videotapes, or other digital media. If it’s not on the Accepted Shows list or your comedy pilot, please do not submit it!
Please note: Submissions that do not adhere to these guidelines will not be considered.
STEP 3 (Accepted Shows 2023):
Abbott Elementary
Agent Elvis
American Auto
Awkwafina is Nora from Queens
Big Mouth
Bob Hearts Abishola
Bob’s Burgers
Call Me Kat
Ghosts
Girls5eva
Grand Crew
Harley Quinn
Home Economics
HouseBroken
How I Met Your Father
Human Resources
I Love That For You
Loot
Lopez vs. Lopez
Mythic Quest
Night Court (2023)
Our Flag Means Death
Party Down
Raven’s Home
Rick and Morty
Solar Opposites
Star Trek: Lower Decks
Tacoma FD
That ’90s Show
The Conners
The Great North
The Ms. Pat Show
The Neighborhood
The Other Two
The Wonder Years (2021)
This Fool
Unstable
We Are Lady Parts
Welcome to Flatch
What We Do in the Shadows
Young Rock
Young Sheldon
STEP 4 (Apply Online)
SUBMISSION MATERIALS TO INCLUDE:
Completed application questions – some of these are long, so start your application early.
One spec script in .pdf format (this applies to both individual writers and writing teams).
One original comedy pilot in .pdf format (this applies to both individual writers and writing teams).
One-page resume in .pdf format.
Completed and digitally signed Submission Release form and Schedule A for each script. These can be downloaded from the link above the document upload section.
COMPLETE YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION:
Beginning July 1st, you can start your application for the Nickelodeon Writing Program. Submissions must be uploaded before 11:59pm PT on August 1st.
All submission materials should be completed and uploaded to the Nickelodeon online submission platform Coverfly. All necessary forms can be downloaded via links embedded in the application.
Once in the platform, fill in the form with your “Project Info” about your spec from the Accepted Shows List.
Projects written by writing teams should only be submitted once. On the first page of the checkout form, writers will have the option to add one additional writer by clicking on the plus sign (+) next to the name fields.
Upload a .pdf of your spec script following the provided instructions. Leave off all identifiable information. At this stage, you will be asked to provide a few additional details about the script.
Choose the Program “Package” and “Add to Cart.”
Give us some “Additional Info” including your contact details, a signed Schedule A form, and a signed Release form (one for each member in the case of writing teams) for each script you submit (spec and pilot). Both forms can be downloaded from the link above the document upload section.
We’ll also need a resume in .pdf format. Please be sure to fill out all required fields and answer all questions or you will not be able to submit your application.
Finally, “Check Out” (at no cost) to complete your submission.
Don’t wait until the last minute! We advise that you give yourself at least two weeks prior to the August 1st deadline to complete your submission. No exceptions will be made for late submissions regardless of the circumstances.
If you are experiencing problems with the online application, please contact the technical support team at Coverfly by scrolling to the bottom of their site homepage and clicking “Contact.”
IMPORTANT DATES:
November 15, 2023 - Submission Period Closes
February 15, 2024 - Semi-Finalists Notified
March 1, 2024 - Chosen Writers Notified
nickanimation.com/programs/writing-program/
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Cassian Elwes Independent Screenwriting Fellowship AT SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL
The Black List
DEADLINE: November 20, 2023
INFO: The Cassian Elwes Independent Screenwriting Fellowship is an annual program designed to encourage and identify new talent in the field of independent cinema by awarding one screenwriter each year with an all-expenses paid trip to the Sundance Film Festival with producer Cassian Elwes (MUDBOUND, Lee Daniels' THE BUTLER, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB).
Unrepresented feature writers with an independent sensibility who have made less than $5,000 in aggregate in their film or television writing careers will be able to opt into consideration via the Black List website until November 20th, 2023. At that time, the Black List will choose ten screenplays imbued with an independent spirit by unrepresented screenwriters, which will be sent on to Mr. Elwes for his consideration. Up to two fellowship recipients will be selected by Mr. Elwes by calendar year's end.
REQUIREMENTS:
Entrant must host a script on blcklst.com for at least one week during the submission period.
Entrant must be the sole and exclusive author of the screenplay submitted.
Entrant agrees to the terms of the submission agreement.
Entrant must be over the age of 18 and competent to contract.
Entrant must not have earned more than $5,000 in the aggregate in connection with any prior film or television writing work.
If selected, Entrant is available to be flown to Salt Lake City, UT from a major American airport in order to attend the Sundance Film Festival on or about January 18, 2024, pending COVID-19 travel restrictions. Please note, in the event Entrant is selected but is not able to attend the Sundance Film Festival on such date, Mr. Elwes will have the right, but not the obligation, to award the Fellowship to the runner up.
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2024 NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship
The Black List
DEADLINE: November 27, 2023
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, and The CAA Foundation to launch the third annual NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship.
AWARD: 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 prominent studios, agencies and/or production companies including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Hyperobject Industries, NBCUniversal, Participant, United Talent Agency (UTA) and WME among others.
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 in addition to a revised version of their script including an overview of the changes they made during the revision process.
Writers that 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. Fee waivers must be requested no later than November 27, 2023.
Writers who are interested in submitting to the 2024 NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship may do so via this link. 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.
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.
There have been few climate stories in mainstream entertainment, especially considering the scale of the crisis. Many 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, satires, 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 long list must also provide a long synopsis or treatment describing the primary story arcs and how the climate themes will be developed throughout the show.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
Writers who meet the submission requirements will be able to opt into consideration via the Black List website until midnight on November 27, 2023 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 long list will be invited to submit a one-page personal statement and professional resume. Short listed writers may be asked to conduct a short interview and three fellowship recipients will be selected no later than April 15, 2024.
IS MY SCRIPT ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION?
ELIGIBILITY:
Scripts that have been previously reviewed on The Black ListScripts by international writersScripts of any genre (as long as they include climate!)Pilots for episodic series or feature scriptsAdapted work, although we recommend securing an option or permission for the original material
NOT ELIGIBLE:
Content created as part of a commercial campaignIncomplete scripts—please upload a completed draft of an original feature film script or pilot teleplayStage plays or musical scriptsNovels
WRITER’S RESOURCES:
Rewrite the Future: Learn more about Rewrite the Future, NRDC’s initiative to help Hollywood take on the climate crisis. Watch their Sundance panels (presented by NRDC and the Black List) for tips and resources to guide your writing.
“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.
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 guideon how to incorporate climate and environmental stories into content.
blcklst.com/programs/2024-nrdc-climate-storytelling-fellowship
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Mesa Refuge Residency
DEADLINE: December 1, 2023
APPLICATION FEE: $50
INFO: Mesa Refuge welcomes a diverse community 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, activists and artists whose ideas are “on the edge,” taking on the pressing issues of our time including (but not limited to): nature, environment and climate crisis; economic, racial and gender equity; social justice and restorative justice; immigration; health care access; housing; and more.
We especially want writers of nonfiction books, long-form journalism, audio and documentary film. Occasionally we accept poetry, fiction (Young Adult/Adult Literary), screenwriting and playwriting, photojournalism, personal memoirs (as a vehicle to tell a larger story) and graphic narrative. We tend not to accept academic writing. 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 ability. Please see our DEI statement for more information about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
We typically have one application deadline during the year: December 1. Applications received in December will be considered for residencies throughout the following year.
As a small nonprofit, our application fee of $50 helps underwrite the cost of application review. However, we do not want the application fee to be a barrier to apply. To request a fee waiver, please email us directly here.
Our application process is anonymous, and the questions are mostly short answer. We require one writing sample (max 2,000 words or 10 pages), a current resume, headshot photo and two references (we do not require letters of recommendation). Applicants will be contacted approximately 8-10 weeks after the application deadline.
Our residencies are two weeks long and there is no residency fee. Additional residency expenses like travel, transportation and food are your responsibility. Our facility accommodates three residents at a time.
2024 RESIDENCY DATES:
Session 1: March 1-March 14
Session 2: March 15-28
Session 3: March 29-April 11
Session 4: April 12-April 25
Session 5: April 26-May 9
Session 6: Oct 18-Oct 31
Session 7: Nov 1-Nov 14
Session 8: Nov 29-Dec 12
mesarefuge.org/residencies/application/
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WAVE GRANT
Wavelength Productions
DEADLINE: December 1, 2023
INFO: The WAVE Grant is devoted to helping emerging female and non-binary filmmakers of color tell their own “great f**king story.” This year we will select five recipients to receive a $5,000 seed grant for the production of their short film. Recipients will also receive mentorship from our award-winning team with development, production, and distribution strategies.
AWARD:
Recipients will receive a $5,000 seed grant for the production of their short film.
Recipients will receive a mentorship program. The Wavelength team will assist with development, production, and distribution strategies.
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 2024. Production cannot begin before Feb. 2024.
This project must be the applicant’s directorial debut. Student films do not count as prior work. Applicants may have prior experience in film industry apart from directorial role.
Applicants must own the copyright of their production and have budgetary and editorial control.
Applicants must identify as a member of the BIPOC community and identify as woman or non-binary.
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.
REQUIREMENTS:
Treatment (one-page max) – include a brief outline of the story and tone
Script (optional) – a script is not required but preferred if you have it.
Budget & Schedule – work-in-progress budget at development stage only and your production schedule. (A note on film financing: Wavelength partners with Seed & Spark as a platform tool for grantees to utilize. If the budget exceeds $5,000, must include information on how you plan to raise the additional funding.)
Resume – include a PDF of your CV. A link to your personal portfolio is also welcome.
Video pitch (3 minutes max) – 1-3 minute video introducing yourself and the project (private Vimeo or YouTube link is preferred)
Signed release form – we will not be able to review your application without this release.
If currently enrolled in university, must be graduating in or by 2024.
TIMELINE:
Applications open: October 1, 2023
Applications close: December 1, 2023 at 11:59pm PT
Interviews with finalists: January 2024
All applicants will be notified by January 31, 2024 of the status of their submission
WAVE Grant program begins: February 2024
wavelengthproductions.com/grants
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WINTER '23 GUEST RESIDENCY
Woodward Residency
DEADLINE: December 1, 2023
INFO: Woodward Residency is announces that applications are now open for its Winter '23 Guest Residency in Ridgewood, Queens.
Established/emerging creative professionals in the fields of literary arts, design, music, film, visual arts, architecture, multi-disciplinary and other arts are all encouraged to apply. They also have two pianos in the space for musicians and composers.
RESIDENCY DATES: January 8 — March 29, 2024
ELIGIBILITY: Established/emerging artists and creative professionals in the fields of literary arts, visual arts, design, music, architecture, multi-disciplinary and other 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, 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 resident gatherings.
A supportive and engaged community of working creatives.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:
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.
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.