OPEN CALL FOR MEDIA MAKERS
Black Public Media
APPLICATION OPEN: August 2023
INFO: Each year, BPM issues an open call for feature-length documentaries and shorts (nonfiction or scripted) that are currently in pre-production, production, or post-production and intended for public media distribution. In addition to feature length documentaries and shorts, we accept proposals for pilot episodes of a broadcast length or shorts limited series. The limited series must be 3 to 5 episodes. Selected projects will receive production funding to advance the work. The submission dates and specific content priorities for the 2023 Open Call will be announced in August. Awards will be announced in December 2023.
OUR FUNDING PRIORITIES:
1) Climate Change
2) Environmental Justice
3) Democracy
Projects will receive funding as follows: One broadcast-length project will receive up to $100,000. One short project will receive up to $50,000. In addition, BPM may award invitations to participate in our 360 Incubator+, a hybrid professional development program or PitchBLACK, a forum to compete for up to $150,000 in production funding. Please note that all Black Public Media (BPM) funding awards are licensing agreements for public media distribution.
ELIGIBILITY:
To be eligible for the Open Call:
The applicant must (a) be the project’s producer or director, (b) be a US citizen, (c) have a minimum of three years professional producing and/or directing experience, or have a senior producer attached to the project;
Key creative personnel (producer, director, writer, or editor) must include a person of color;
The proposed content must be either a short (scripted or nonfiction) or broadcast-length documentary for public media distribution;
The project must be completed within 36 months of receiving the award;
The applicant must hold artistic, budgetary and editorial control, and must own the copyright of the proposed project;
Projects or production entities that are foreign-based, owned or controlled are NOT eligible. Neither are industrial, promotional or student films.
DEADLINE: Our deadlines are strict. We highly recommend that you start your application in plenty of time and “save” to complete your submission over time. As soon as the application window closes, a panel of media professionals across the industry will evaluate the proposals in a two-tier review process. The deadline for this year’s Open Call will be announced in August.
REVIEW CRITERIA:
The review panel will evaluate each proposal using the following guidelines:
The subject/story meets BPM’s mission to engage audiences around a critical social issue.
The synopsis demonstrates a compelling narrative that is unique and original.
The treatment clearly describes the visual and audio approach, narrative structure and overall style.
The team’s production experience will support the execution of the project.
The budget and production timeline matches the scope of the project presented.
The video sample demonstrates skill, creativity and ability of production team to execute the proposed project
The overall application is a professional proposal that demonstrates project readiness.
RIGHTS + RELEASES:
Projects selected for funding will receive a BPM funding contract. The contract is not a grant but a licensing agreement in which BPM is granted exclusive or shared domestic public television distribution rights as well as the exclusive or shared right to package, schedule and promote the program through public broadcasting. BPM makes no expressed or implied commitment to financially support a project until an agreement is signed by both the applicant and BPM. As a condition of the funding contract, producers must agree to BPM’s standard terms and conditions, including the following:
For broadcast projects, assignment to BPM of public television broadcast rights for four (4) years over national public television, off-air record rights, and internet streaming rights;
For web projects only, assignment to BPM of streaming rights for four (4) years;
Funding and/or Presentation credit to BPM and Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB);
Net revenues must be shared with BPM from the exercise of subsidiary or ancillary rights over a 15-year period;
Financial books and records related to the production must be maintained for three (3) years following the receipt of funds or net revenues by the producers.
Producers must comply with all equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination laws and policies, payola/plugola requirements and other applicable federal and state rules and regulations.
blackpublicmedia.org/for-media-makers/open-call/
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OPEN CALL
ITVS
DEADLINE: August 11, 2023 by 11:59pm PT
INFO: Open Call gives independent producers up to $350,000 to complete production for a standalone broadcast length documentary to air on public television. The documentary can be on any subject, viewpoint or style as long as it is in active production already, as evidenced via a ten to fifteen minute work in progress sample. For pre-production nonfiction projects, see Diversity Development Fund or Short-Form Open Call.
Open Call is not a grant. You will receive funding in the form of a co-production agreement that assigns ITVS certain broadcast and streaming rights to your project during the term of the contract.
Be sure to allow sufficient time (2-4 weeks) to complete the application. ITVS has adopted the Non-Fiction Core standards as a foundation for our funding applications. Much of the Open Call application has been aligned with this model, however, there is additional production detail required to complete the application as ITVS funds documentaries for public television.
WHO WE FUND:
Open Call supports:
Single, non-fiction projects of standard broadcast length (30, 60, or 90 minutes) that aren’t intended solely for theatrical or SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) release. We do not accept live-action drama or fiction.
Broadcast distribution for feature length programs on public television are very limited. ITVS may require you to deliver a one-hour version of your program.
Works in progress.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Review Process
After you submit your application, you will receive notification of your status within 16-20 weeks. If you are among a small group of finalists who advance through a series of peer reviews, you will be asked to submit additional materials for a feasibility review.
Decisions are final and may not be appealed. However, unsuccessful applicants are welcome to apply again in the future. Reviewer feedback will only be provided to those applicants that make it to panel review or, based on staff capacity, for those applicants from Phase One.
Production and Distribution
ITVS doesn’t just fund your film. We provide you with creative development and feedback, and, depending on the broadcast outlet, with marketing, publicity, and audience engagement services. You own copyright and maintain full editorial, creative, and financial control.
Funded projects will be expected to acknowledge the production support from ITVS in all program and publicity materials; cooperate with ITVS’ publicity protocols; provide timely information to ITVS about project activities, including notification of and request for approval of any major changes to the project; and submit contract deliverables, including final financial reporting at the conclusion of the project. Failure to submit the final financials will preclude applicants from eligibility to apply for future funding.
When your program is at or near completion, we offer it to and work closely with public television programmers across the U.S. to secure a sublicense of public television broadcast rights and ensure the broadcast of your program. ITVS will enter into a license agreement for exclusive domestic television rights.
Most ITVS-funded programs air on PBS series such as Independent Lens, POV, American Masters, FRONTLINE, and America ReFramed. Our programs also have success in the festival, educational video, home video, SVOD and foreign broadcast markets.
ELIGIBILITY:
You are eligible to apply if you are:
The owner of the copyright of your production and maintain editorial control of the story. If more than one applicant is included on the application, both applicants must be copyright owners.
Not employed full-time as a producer or director by a broadcast entity or film studio.
Someone with previous film or television production experience in a principal role: director, producer or first-time filmmakers with an experienced producer attached to the project.
Graduate thesis are eligible as previously completed work. Undergraduate student work will not be reviewed
Applying to only this ITVS funding initiative at this time – we won’t review projects already under consideration for other ITVS funding.
A citizen or legal resident of the U.S. or its external territories age 18 or older.
Individuals can only submit one application per round, as either an applicant or a second applicant. However, an applicant can be a member of the key creative personnel on multiple projects.
Seeking funding for only production activities that support the completion and delivery of a program for broadcast.
Submitting a project that is in production or post-production. Projects that are early in production may not be as competitive unless you have demonstrated access, strong storytelling in your treatment and work sample, and an urgency to the story.
You are not eligible to apply if you are:
Currently enrolled student.
Current signatories of any ITVS production contracts who have not yet completed delivery.
Producers representing foreign-based production entities.
Persons employed full-time as producers/directors by a public or commercial broadcast entity, including public access stations.
Organizations including universities, foundations, and nonprofit organizations.
Your project is too advanced (e.g. at fine cut or festival submission cut).
Programs that have been previously broadcast, or distributed publicly (including theatrical, festivals, educational, community screenings or online platforms).
Former employees who have worked for ITVS within the past 12 months.
itvs.org/funding/open-call/#who-we-fund
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2023 SDF Production Grant
Southern Documentary Fund
DEADLINE: August 18, 2023
INFO: Applications are now open for the 2023 SDF Production Grant for Southern filmmakers living and working in the American South.
GRANT ELIGIBILITY:
Project Directors should reside or have deep roots in one of the following twelve Southern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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.
*NOTE: If your project has special circumstances regarding eligibility, please feel free to reach out: sdfgrants@southerndocumentaryfund.org
WHAT WE FUND:
This program is for Southern makers. We seek to bring visibility to makers and communities who are oftentimes overlooked. 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.
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.
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
REVIEW CRITERIA:
Project falls within the scope of SDF’s mission and values.
Primary team members have a strong connection to the story.
Proposal is well-researched and clearly presented.
Project has a feasible budget and fundraising plan.
Project Director and collaborators possess the skills necessary to successfully complete the project.
The applicant shows an understanding of their intended audience and how to reach them.
A completed application and all requested documents.
A fulfillment of eligibility requirements.
GRANT INFORMATION SESSIONS:
Info Session #1: July 31 @ 1PM ET – RSVP
Info Session #2: August 15 @ 4PM ET – RSVP
southerndocumentaryfund.org/programs/filmmaking-grants/
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screenwriting lab
Film Independent
DEADLINES / FEES:
Non-Member: August 28, 2023 / $65
Member: September 11, 2023 / $45
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.
ELIGIBILITY:
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.
Please note: Each applicant must be the author of the script he/she submits.
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 $95.
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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TV PILOT COMPETITION
ScreenCraft
DEADLINES:
Regular - August 31, 2023
Final - September 30, 2023
INFO: Our TV Competition has a history of getting writers signed, staffed, and have helped them land development deals for their own projects. It's one of our most successful competitions, period. Winners and finalists have signed with 3Arts, Management 360, CAA, Verve, Zero Gravity, and more.
MENTORS: We welcome Emmy-winning writer, creator, showrunner Damon Lindelof (WATCHMEN, THE LEFTOVERS, LOST) as our Grand Juror. Damon will meet with the grand prize winner of the program.
A Note To Entrants And Those Considering Entry During The WGA Strike:
At ScreenCraft, we stand in solidarity with the Writers Guild of America and its efforts to ensure fair compensation for writers.
ScreenCraft has publicly committed to pausing the sharing of writers’ work with struck companies and, if needed, coordinating with finalists and winners to see what alternate outreach they are comfortable with.
We’re all hoping the strike will be over soon, but if it isn’t, ScreenCraft will offer alternatives, postpone announcements, or otherwise work with writers to ensure they’re staying within the rules of the WGA strike.
GRAND PRIZE WINNER:
The overall grand prize winner will be welcomed to the ScreenCraft Writer Development Program and receive personal introductions and phone calls with one or more top Hollywood literary manager(s) who are looking for talented emerging Film & TV screenwriters.
ScreenCraft's relationships include companies like Blumhouse, Netflix, HBO Max, AMC, and over 150 other Hollywood managers, agents, producers, and development executives.
ScreenCraft has a proven track record for getting writers signed with managers, agents, and staffed in writing rooms.
Personal Introduction to industry professionals
Accepted into the ScreenCraft Writer Development Program
$1,000 Cash
An exclusive invitation to a Finalist+ workshop to position yourself and your writing to the industry
Free 6-month membership to The Tracking Board
RUNNER-UP PRIZES:
Winner:
$500 cash award
Accepted into ScreenCraft Development Program
An exclusive invitation to a Finalist+ workshop to position yourself and your writing to the industry
Free 6-month membership to The Tracking Board
Finalists:
An exclusive invitation to a Finalist+ workshop to position yourself and your writing to the industry
Free 6-month membership to The Tracking Board
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FALL 2023 CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
A Gathering Together Literary Journal
DEADLINE: September 1, 2023
INFO: A Gathering Together welcomes previously unpublished essays, short stories, poetry, reviews, visual art, and film. If you have other kinds of submissions in mind please let us know.
The journal is published bi-annually, with special features published between issues. Our deadline for submissions for our spring issue is March 1st and for our fall issue, September 1st.
Please take some time to review our content so that you can get a feel for what we would like to publish. The About Us page is also a great starting point for determining if your work is a good fit. As well, the essay, “Inauguration,” in which our founding editors frame what we are trying to accomplish with this space.
A Gathering Together is unable to compensate writers at this time.
All submissions will undergo a blind review. Please remove all identifying information from your submission–with the exception of the title page, which should include your name, a brief bio, and any other information you would like the editorial team to know. Please submit all text in .doc or .docx format, double spaced, size twelve font (unless your poetry or other creative submission requires otherwise). We welcome simultaneous submissions, but please let us know if your work has been accepted elsewhere during the process of reviewing.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Features are generally published January-March or July-September. Our interviews usually consist of a conversation with the artist whose work illustrates the immediately preceding issues, but we are interested in featuring projects, initiatives, and works of all kinds.
Artists: Artists who want to be featured in our upcoming issues are invited to send us a letter of interest, brief bio, and a sample portfolio. See additional guidelines below.
Interviews: Writers who want to conduct interviews are welcome to send us pitches letting us know how the interview and interviewee (artist, performer, community initiative, archive, etc.) would be a good fit for our journal.
GENERAL SUBMISSIONS:
Essays and Creative Nonfiction: Essays should address issues of relevance and import. We are looking primarily to use this space to engage ideas that are not normally considered in popular media or ways that they might be considered differently. If necessary, we encourage the use of either footnotes or hyperlinks. If you would like to skip these, please add a further reading list, so that our readers can engage your ideas in depth. We do not impose a word count, as long as there is a convergence between the idea and its proper elaboration.
Poetry: Poetry submissions should engage issues of enduring consequence. Please submit between three and five poems that reflect your style. We will choose up to three if we accept your work for publication. Submit all poems in one document using a page break between each poem.
Short Stories: The short story form continues to represent an important format for intellectual production. We seek compelling narratives that tell stories that rebel against master narratives of our existence be it by use of plot, narrative structure, characterization, or another device. Tell us a story we’ve never heard before, or an old one with an ending we’ve not yet dreamed.
Reviews: William Cooper Nell once wrote that “we must be a reading people.” A Gathering Together is above all a place guided by the written word. We are interested in books that may not have gotten the attention they deserved. Less concerned with engaging the “hot new book,” the reviews section will feature works that strike us as necessary reads, regardless of the date of publication. In addition to books, we offer space for reviews of music, independent film, museum exhibitions, and theater. We will accept both essay reviews and standard reviews. There is no word limit—so the same principles about length outlined in the guidelines for essays holds here.
Visual Art: There are limits to words. Art submissions must do the same kinds of work that we expect in other forms. We accept all kinds of submissions. Please ensure that whatever you submit is of publishable quality. Image resolution should be a minimum of 72dpi and the file should be no larger than 2MB. We prefer that they be submitted in .eps, .jpg, .tiff, or .png file formats.
Film: The moving image, too, is a striking way to articulate meaningful ideas. Films should be no longer than 30 minutes. If we decide to share your work, we will require you to upload it to a third-party site, such as Youtube or Vimeo, so that we can embed it on our site.
SUBMISSIONS PROTOCOL:
All submissions should be sent as attachments to submissions@agatheringtogether.com. In your email, please briefly indicate the nature of your submission and whether you would like it to be considered for our biannual issue or for a special feature.
agatheringtogether.com/how-to-submit/
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TV RETREAT & FELLOWSHIP
CineStory Foundation
DEADLINES & SUBMISSION FEES:
Regular Deadline: September 4, 2023 ($65)
Late Deadline – October 1, 2023 ($75)
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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Writer-Driven Shorts
The Black List
DEADLINE: September 15, 2023
INFO: The “Writer-Driven Shorts” program, presented by the Black List x General Motors Marketing and Media Incubator Fund, will grant two emerging filmmakers with $100,000 in production funds to shoot a short film based on their feature scripts.
The short films that are produced as part of the program will aim to have a successful festival run and compete for awards consideration in 2024. GM will provide picture cars to the two filmmakers to use in their short films (if needed).
All genres are encouraged to submit for the Writer-Driven Shorts program, ranging from romantic comedy, action adventure, grounded dramas, fantastical sci-fi and more. In alignment with GM's sustainable, all-electric future and aspiration to be the most inclusive company in the world, films showcasing sustainability, electrification and/or diversity will be highly considered. Scripts with scenes of excessive violence, illegal drug or substance abuse, car crashes, unsafe driving and/or explicit sexual acts will not be considered.
Scripts are not required to include scenes with vehicles.
GM is committed to fighting climate change and achieving carbon neutrality in their operations and products by 2040. As such, the Writer-Driven Shorts program is particularly interested in identifying and supporting filmmakers whose scripts include compelling and optimistic climate storytelling. This opportunity is ideal for writers whose scripts promote hope and idealism–stories about characters who dream of and fight for a more sustainable and equitable future.
These kinds of stories can include (but are certainly not limited to!):
Rom-coms about rival chefs in the slow food movement
Family comedies about a sustainable road trip
Satires about the cutthroat world of local composting organizations
An imagined biopic about a scientist who stops the polar ice caps from melting
Action movies with electric car chases
As part of a broader commitment to a more equitable Hollywood, the Black List and the GM Incubator Fund will also grant fee waivers for one free month of hosting and two free evaluations on blcklst.com to the first 200 writers from traditionally underrepresented communities. Fee waivers will be distributed at the discretion of the Black List and GM - submitting writers will be asked to elaborate on why they qualify for a fee waiver during the final stages of the program submission process.
Writer/directors and writer and director teams are welcome to submit for this opportunity. A link to your project’s directing sample will be required when you submit for the opportunity. If you are a writer who has paired with a director for this project, you must submit a directing sample for your attached director. Please note that only filmmakers who have directed at least one narrative short film will be considered eligible. If you are a writer submitting for this opportunity who has not directed a short film, you must attach an eligible director to your project.
When the submission period ends, a short list of 20 filmmakers will be invited to submit additional materials. These materials include prior directing samples, production plans, lookbooks, and budgets so please be prepared with these materials should you make it to the next round and do not submit for this opportunity if you will not be able to provide any of the above.
Only feature-length scripts will be considered for this program. All shorts will be excerpts and/or adaptations of the selected feature-length scripts. The Black List does not accept short film scripts on the website. Only full-length, completed feature scripts will be accepted for consideration. Do not submit your short film script.
You must have at least one evaluation attached to your script to submit to this program. If you are unable to purchase an evaluation, please check if you qualify for a GM fee waiver for one free month of hosting and two free evaluations. You can read more about the Black List's evaluation requirements here.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Long List Notified: October 16, 2023
Short List Notified: November 15, 2023
Filmmakers Announced: December 15, 2023
REQUIREMENTS:
You must post an original screenplay on www.blcklst.com and opt-in to the Program during the Submission Period. Ideally, you will have directed at least one short film previously.
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 script 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:
A professional resume and personal statement;
Samples, production plan, look book and short script; o Contact and other personal information; and
Executed originals of the Submission Agreement.
If selected by Company for the Program, as a condition of your participation, you must agree to Company’s terms of such participation, which shall include, without limitation:
The selected candidate will receive a $100,000 grant to produce a short film based on candidate's feature screenplay or other submitted material.
If the candidate does not deliver a completed short film on schedule or otherwise fails to meet their obligations, which will include but will not be limited to identifying and detailing a budget for the use of the grant in the production of the short film (which budget shall be subject to Company's approval), providing a timeline for production (which timeline shall be subject to Company’s approval), and clearing all rights necessary for Company to exploit the short film free and clear of all obligations to third parties, Company shall be entitled to a refund of the grant money.
Company will receive "Producer" mentions in the short films produced in connection with the Be Unstoppable Film Project Program, and Company's name and/or logo will be included in each short film and in promotional communications about each short film.
If selected for the Program, the candidate will grant to Company the necessary rights, permissions and authorizations for Company to use the candidate's name, likeness and the short film produced in connection with the Program (including but not limited to stills, key art, and clips therefrom) in Company advertising, marketing, and promotional material in all media.
All rights or benefits granted by the candidate to Company or services provided by the candidate in connection with the Program shall be non-union.
At Company's request, you may be required to enter into a more formal agreement with Company regarding your participation in this Program, provided that until such time as a more formal agreement is entered into, these Submission Requirements shall remain binding.
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 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/writerdriven-shorts-presented-by-the-black-list-x-the-gm-incubator-fund
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NICKELODEON WRITING PROGRAM
Nickelodeon Animation
DEADLINE: [Postponed - please check back for updates]
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:
August 1 - Submission Period Closes
October 30 - Semi-Finalists Notified
November 15 - Finalists Notified
December 1 - Chosen Writers Notified