The Catapult Research Grant
Catapult Film Fund
DEADLINE: November 13, 2024 at 5pm PT
INFO: The Catapult Research Grant is accepting LOI. Selected projects will be invited to submit full applications in early December 2024.
Launched in 2020, the Catapult Research Grant expands upon our mission to provide early support to nonfiction filmmakers and films. This intensive program offers grants of $10,000 USD and dedicated mentorship to U.S.-based filmmakers in the early conception phase of a documentary feature or short. We do not support docuseries at this time. Learn more about previous Catapult Research Fund grantees»
Our latest program seeks to address filmmaker sustainability and diversity in the field, with a focus on artists from systemically marginalized communities. In 2025, we will support a cohort of three (3) mid-career filmmakers who share a desire to deepen their craft and an ongoing commitment to the art of nonfiction storytelling. The grant can be used for a variety of needs for developing new nonfiction film ideas including: research, writing, travel, crew, identifying and gaining access to protagonists, and any preliminary production costs associated with shaping the artistic vision or capturing early footage. Learn more about Frequently Asked Questions»
KEY DATES:
The Catapult Research Grant is a two-step application process. Applicants must review Guidelines and Eligibility» and Procedure and Checklist» in order to submit the Letter of Intent (LOI). After an internal review, selected projects will be invited to submit the full application for funding consideration.
November 13, 2024: LOI Deadline at 5 p.m. PT
Early December: Full Application Invitations Sent
February 2025: Grantees notified
March 2025: Grantees announced
March - September 2025: Program commitment
catapultfilmfund.org/how-to-apply/research/?
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open call: Filmmaker Fellows Program
The Artemis Rising Foundation (Barnard College)
DEADLINE: November 15, 2024
INFO: The Artemis Rising Foundation Filmmaker Fellows (ARFFF) Program at Barnard College is now accepting fellowship applications for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Each year, Barnard welcomes up to six established film/video makers as Artemis Rising Foundation Filmmaker Fellows. During their fellowship time, fellows teach courses of their own design on Barnard’s campus. These courses, which can be either mini-courses or semester-long, could explore aspects of film/media production including content development, writing for screens, camerawork, directing, and editing.
In the 2025-2026 academic year, we are soliciting applications from makers interested in teaching a course in one of the following areas: writing for television, animation, sound design, directing, production (lighting theory and practice) and post-production (video editing, color correction), as well as the future of the field.
Mini-courses are either 2 or 4 weeks (usually in September/October in the fall, or January/February in the spring). Semester-long courses are also offered in both the fall and spring.
Barnard seeks a diverse pool of applicants and it especially welcomes those from underrepresented backgrounds. At this time, international applicants are only being considered for mini-course appointments; Fellows selected for semester-long appointments must have US work authorization.
Fellows must be available to be in-person on campus in New York City during the term of their appointment. Fellows receive a competitive salary as well as a travel and accommodation stipend, and have access to an office space at Barnard during the term of their appointment.
Examples of prior Fellows are listed on the ARFFF website here.
athenacenter.barnard.edu/arff/opencall25-26
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MOONSHOT FEATURE ACCELERATOR
Moonshot Initiative
DEADLINE / FEE: November 15, 2024 ($110)
INFO: Are you an emerging screenwriter with a powerful voice and a unique story that increases the representation of women and non-binary people on screen?
Moonshot is thrilled to announce our brand-new Feature Accelerator, designed to elevate and spotlight talented writers like you! Eight fellows will be selected to receive 3 weeks of virtual training before pitching one-on-one to major studios, production companies, reps and more.
We're expanding our support to the world of feature films as a way of building on the success of our acclaimed Moonshot Pilot Accelerator. Over the past three years, we’ve helped 24 emerging TV writers craft and polish their pitches and learn about the industry from experts in their fields. We then set them up on one-on-one meetings with major players like HBO, Netflix, Hulu, Starz, Showtime, and many more. Now, we’re bringing that same opportunity to feature film writers!
WHY APPLY?
Amplify Your Voice: We’re on the lookout for distinctive stories from diverse voices that increase the representation of women and non-binary people on screen.
Perfect Your Pitch: Fellows will receive expert guidance on crafting and polishing their pitches, so they’re ready not just for today’s opportunities but for future ones as well.
One-on-One Meetings: Fellows receive exclusive pitch meetings with production companies, agents, managers, producers, financiers, studios, and streamers. Your script could catch the eye of those who can take it to the next level.
Achieve Your Goals: Our accelerator is geared toward helping our fellows reach significant milestones in their careers, such as securing representation, attracting financiers, landing general meetings, and gaining industry connections.
Build Lasting Connections: Fellows will forge relationships with industry executives and other writers that will support their careers for years to come.
Gain Industry Knowledge: Fellows will learn from in-depth workshops with experts such as an entertainment lawyer, agent, manager, and coach to master both the creative and business aspects of screenwriting.
Ready to get your work in front of industry leaders? Don’t miss this chance to take your feature film writing career to new heights. Apply now and join a community dedicated to helping emerging writers like you succeed!
BENEFITS:
Fellows receive a range of benefits designed to propel your career and enhance your craft — and even at the semi-finalist level, you'll gain visibility for your work and build your community. Here’s what you can gain from participating:
Elevated Exposure
Each semi-finalist will have their script read by two industry judges, including major screenwriters, producers, and development executives.
Expert Guidance
Pitch Perfection: Each fellow receives personalized feedback on crafting and refining their pitch to ensure it stands out and resonates with decision-makers.
Career Advancement
Opportunities for Development: Increase the chances of your script being bought or optioned, attract interest from financiers or producers, or secure representation from an agent or manager.
Future Projects: Open doors to potential writing assignments or IP projects with companies interested in your work.
Networking and Community
Build Relationships: Join a community of emerging writers who are dedicated to uplifting each other and sharing valuable insights. Forge long-term connections with industry execs and fellow writers, creating a supportive network that can lead to future opportunities. This community-building starts even before the program begins: All semi-finalists are invited to a virtual networking event, and past semi-finalists have shared that they're still in touch with the writers they met!
Comprehensive Education
Industry Insights: Fellows learn from seasoned professionals about industry trends, pitching strategies, and career management, ensuring you’re well-equipped for both creative and business challenges.
Long-Lasting Impact
Career Momentum: Benefit from ongoing support and relationships that could lead to continued opportunities and collaborations in the future.
Placing in our accelerator is not just about getting your script noticed—it's about building a foundation for a successful and sustainable career in the film industry.
writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/moonshot-feature-accelerator#prices-deadlines
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REPARATIVE FUTURES: OPEN CALL FOR SHORT DOC FILM PROPOSALS
Multitude Films / Brown Girls Doc Mafia
DEADLINE: November 15, 2024 at 11:59pm ET
INFO: The award-winning team at Multitude Films, in association with BGDM and executive producer J Wortham and in collaboration with BLIS Collective, is seeking proposals for a new reparations-focused short documentary series: REPARATIVE FUTURES. It builds on the model that Multitude Films initiated with QUEER FUTURES (The Criterion Channel, 2024).
Four short documentary film proposals will be selected for the series. Multitude Films will produce each short, as creative collaborators with the directors, and will lead in the distribution and exhibition strategy. Each project will work with the Multitude team on a $20K–$35K production budget and schedule a 4-week edit. Each project will also receive a $7K director’s fee. Directors will retain the right to non-theatrical screenings of their films, in community and educational venues, in addition to any other distribution avenues. We’re looking for films that have a clear, creative vision with demonstrable access to the story and an ethos of care.
ELIGIBILITY:
Film directors must be a member of BGDM or otherwise must submit an application to become a BGDM member (BIPOC woman, nonbinary, gender-expansive, agender or trans person working in the nonfiction space). Filmmaking teams are welcome to apply if at least one director meets the eligibility requirements.
Stories must be U.S.-based or -focused. Filmmakers do not have to be based in the United States. (In alignment with the Black-led movement for reparations and the Indigenous-led land back movement, we're focusing on U.S. voices and stories given the unique history of Black and Indigenous communities in the United States the movement seeks to address and redress.)
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Only one proposal per applicant will be accepted.
Works in progress may be considered, if the filmmaker is open to a collaborative process with BGDM and Multitude Films. Please indicate if your proposed film is already in progress when submitting your application.
ETHOS:
Inspired by the Black-led movement for reparations and the Indigenous-led land back movement, REPARATIVE FUTURES explores reparations beyond the financial models most often covered in mainstream media, viewing reparations as a transformative and worldmaking process that seeks to reshape our political, economic, and cultural realities. Just as QUEER FUTURES showed how queer and trans perspectives lend creative thinking to imagining liberatory futures, conversations about reparations — financial and relational — will be fed and nurtured by Black, Brown, and Indigenous visions for our future.
The films in REPARATIVE FUTURES aim to embody a range of creative imaginings of reparative initiatives, relationships, policies, and other sites of healing. They offer provocations, rallying cries, blueprints, unearthing of histories, experiments toward collective liberation, and more. They engage with the case for reparations; explore the possibilities for material restitution and spiritual renewal, and imagine speculative visions of a post-reparations society.
We hear objections from those who benefit from the status quo, who cannot imagine a different world, or who think the obstacles are too high. But a culture of repair is the only way to upend the exploitation and devaluation of Black, Brown, and Indigenous lives, and to reconcile the fact that most of us live on stolen land from Indigenous people. We hope the series inspires viewers to critically examine how they can drive systemic repair in the institutions, communities, and social structures they engage with. Everyone has a unique role in transforming systems of harm into systems of care, contributing to collective healing, and building foundations for a just future.
Restorative justice is inherently a collaborative, prefigurative process wherein the method mirrors the world we dare to dream. Our filmmaking process will do the same, prioritizing care, transparency, and equity in our collaborations with participants, crew, and stakeholders. We will produce and distribute the series in collaboration with movement leaders, so that the cultural change work of REPARATIVE FUTURES can tangibly support longstanding organizing efforts toward reparations.
RESOURCES:
For more information on existing narrative work relating to reparations and additional context on the larger movement landscape that this series would be a part of, please visit this document.
QUESTIONS:
For questions, concerns, or accessibility adjustment to submit via an alternate way, please reach out to kitty@browngirlsdocmafia.org and sweta@multitudefilms.com.
airtable.com/appYlofvByApMoxCh/pagmfZkr8ZEi2umNo/form
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UpTilt Film Fest
DEADLINES:
Regular - November 15, 2024
Late - December 15, 2024
INFO: UpTilt Film Fest champions the voices of women filmmakers and those who identify with womanhood, offering a dynamic platform to showcase their short films. Beyond screenings, UpTilt fosters growth through educational programs, networking opportunities, and scholarships designed to support and empower the next generation of creative talent.
Our 3-day festival in Wilmington, NC showcases short format films of all genres from all over the world! Films must be written and/or directed by women or gender-nonconforming individuals, who identify with womanhood OR 50% of the following positions must be women/gender-non-conforming: writer, director, cinematographer, editor.
We accept narratives, docs, experimental, animation, and any genre – we want to see it all! Join us as we celebrate the power of women filmmakers!! This three-day festival is all about films made by women (and gender nonconforming folks) who identify with womanhood.
filmfreeway.com/uptiltfilmfest
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2025 Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival
Inside Out
DEADLINES:
Earlybird - November 18, 2024
Regular - December 16, 2024
Late - January 13, 2025
INFO: Founded in 1991 Inside Out has grown to become the largest 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival in Canada. For over three decades, Inside Out has united Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ communities to celebrate the best in queer cinema from Canada and around the globe. Through our annual festival in Toronto, filmmaker initiatives, youth engagement, and year-round events and screenings, Inside Out remains committed to challenging attitudes and transforming lives.
The 2025 Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival will feature a competitive film program with four juried awards: Best First Feature, Emerging Canadian Artist, Best Canadian Feature, and Best Canadian Short. Additionally, cash prizes will be awarded for three Audience Awards: Best Short, Best Narrative Feature, and Best Documentary.
FAQs
How do I submit my film?
All submissions must be made via FilmFreeway. We do not accept submissions by email. A separate entry form is required for each film being submitted.
Are rough cuts accepted?
Works-in-progress and rough cuts are accepted but a completed exhibition copy should be available for final approval by February 9, 2025. We encourage you to submit your film as close to completion as possible.
Do you require captions to submit?
Captions are not required when submitting your film for consideration. However, all films selected to screen at Inside Out must include captions or subtitles in English. While we cannot offer caption creation services, we’re happy to provide recommendations.
What films are eligible for submission?
We are seeking films that are inclusive of—and of interest to—the 2SLGBTQ+ communities. This includes narrative, documentary, experimental, and animated films, both feature-length and shorts. Films with a completion date no more than 18 months before the festival dates are eligible. Films completed after the previous year’s festival will be given preference.
Are there submission fees?
Yes. Submission fees help us provide filmmaker support during the festival so every dollar goes back into creating the best festival experience for you and our community.
We aim to eliminate as many barriers as possible, so if you need assistance with fees, please reach out to us at programming@insideout.ca.
filmfreeway.com/InsideOutToronto2SLGBTQ
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Social Justice Now Film Festival
DEADLINE: November 20, 2024
INFO: The Social Justice Now Film Festival (SJNFF) is an annual event showcasing content that confronts the social and economic issues today facing Black and Brown communities in the United States. Its mission is to amplify the voices of the marginalized, focusing on the imperative of social change.
This year's festival will take place in Los Angeles and includes screenings of documentary features, shorts and narrative films on subjects related to racism, equity, education, healthcare, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights, as well as moderated conversations with activists, authors and academicians. The SJNFF is presented by Film Life Foundation, in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, its founding sponsor. The third annual SJNFF will take place in Los Angeles, February 2025. Exact dates to be announced.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Films MUST have themes of social justice, racial injustice, implicit bias, Black identity or human rights.
Open to U.S. citizens who reside in the United States and are over the age of 21.
Films must be submitted by the Director, Producer or person authorized to submit on their behalf.
Films may be documentary features, narrative features, documentary shorts and narrative shorts (animation included).
Running times must be as follows:
Documentary Feature Films: minimum of 40 minutes
Narrative Feature Films: minimum of 50 minutes
Documentary Short Films: 30 minutes maximum
Narrative Short Films: 20 minutes maximum
Films must be original and owned by the entrant(s).
Films must have completed post-production on or after January 1, 2023.
Films must be in the English language or contain English-language subtitles.
Films must not have any exclusive distribution deal, or license, for broadcast, cable, streaming or other entity for online exhibition.
Filmmakers may submit no more than four entries.
Each entry must include a signed release form and be received no later than the deadline of November 20, 2024, at 11:59 PM PST.
Films will be screened live in Los Angeles.
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
All films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. No other formats will be accepted.
Each submission must include payment of a $25 fee to be considered an official entry.
In the case of multiple of submissions (up to four maximum), a separate submission, with submission fee is required for each submission.
All submissions must be uploaded by the regular deadline of November 20, 2024.
Upon festival acceptance on or before January 10, 2025, you will have up to 48 hours to provide any additional electronic press kits materials and signed release form as
requested by the festival, and filmmaker must deliver their film in the requested
screening format by the date specified below.
IF YOUR FILM IS ACCEPTED:
You will be required to deliver a final version of your film (format to be announced) to the festival by no later than January 15, 2025.
You must be available to attend the Social Justice Now Film Festival in Los Angeles, California.
The festival will provide the film's director with the following:
One (1) round-trip domestic economy airline ticket from home city within the U.S. to Los Angeles, California
One (1) standard hotel room for two (2) nights
A one-time $150 meals and incidentals honorarium for the entire stay
Festival credentials for the film’s director (plus one (1) guest upon request)
You may also be required to participate in additional press activities.
Checklist for all official selections of items you must provide the festival:
Finished Film
Logline
Short Synopsis
Film Credits
Photo Stills from the film (2-3 images, minimum 300 dpi, landscape orientation)
Director’s Bio
Director’s Headshot
filmfreeway.com/SocialJusticeNowFilmFestival
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2025 CASSIAN ELWES INDEPENDENT SCREENWRITING FELLOWSHIP AT THE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL
The Black List
DEADLINE: November 22, 2024
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 2025 Sundance Film Festival with producer Cassian Elwes (MUDBOUND, LEE DANIELS' THE BUTLER, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB).
This opportunity is open to unrepresented feature writers with an independent sensibility who have made less than $5,000 in aggregate in their film or television writing careers. Submissions are open on blcklst.com until November 22, 2024. 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. One fellowship recipient will be selected by Mr. Elwes by calendar year's end.
The Cassian Elwes Independent Screenwriting Fellow will receive a festival pass to attend the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, which will take place January 23–February 2, 2025, with Mr. Elwes. In addition to screenings, the recipient will attend various meetings and events during the festival with Mr. Elwes. You can learn more about past experiences with this Fellowship from our Sundance Diaries series on The Black List blog.
Check out our FAQ for more information on how to obtain hosting and evaluations at no cost, and for more details on the 2025 Cassian Elwes Independent Screenwriting Fellowship.
REQUIREMENTS:
Entrant must post an original screenplay on www.blcklst.com and opt-in to the Program during the Submission Period.
Entrant must be the sole and exclusive author of the screenplay submitted for consideration.
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.
Entrant must not be represented by an agent or manager in the film or television industry at the time Entrant opts into this program.
If selected, Entrant is available to be flown to Los Angeles, CA or New York, NY from a major American airport in order to attend the Sundance Film Festival on or about January 23, 2025. 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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The Antigravity Academy Screenwriters Camp
DEADLINE: November 22, 2024
SUBMISSION FEE: $0
INFO: The Antigravity Academy Screenwriters Camp is a program designed to help up to six emerging filmmakers (or writing teams) develop and package their first features.
The program will be run by Abiram Brizuela, former Director of Artist Community at the Sundance Institute. It will consist of a week-long residential intensive in May, followed by five virtual workshops and a period of industry exposure. Upon completion, participants will have a new draft of their screenplay, a first-look deal for production financing from Unapologetic Projects and a commitment from Antigravity Academy to help them usher their projects into the market. The program will be produced by Antigravity’s Head of Production, Valerie Bush, with creative development led by Antigravity founder, Carlos López Estrada, and Head of Film & TV, Winsor Yuan.
The 2025 edition will be the second edition of this program.
Who are we?
Antigravity Academy is a multi-hyphenate creative home for emerging artists across mediums. We develop and produce projects for film, television, short form and beyond. Additionally, Antigravity's various educational and community initiatives aim to make filmmaking accessible to all. Antigravity’s debut film, DÌDI (弟弟), written and directed by Sean Wang, premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, winning the Audience Award and opening globally later that summer via Focus Features.
What happened at last year's Camp?
Last year, we selected 6 amazing filmmakers from all over the country who joined us in Lake Arrowhead in May.
At the in person intensive, the filmmakers participated in individual and group development sessions with mentors and Antigravity staff, exclusive screenings and panels, and developed lifelong friendships through bonding camp activities. Mentors and speakers included Marcus Gardley (THE COLOR PURPLE), Greg Kwedar (SING SING), Pam Ribon (MOANA, RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET), Sean Wang (DÌDI (弟弟)), and multi hyphenate artist George Watsky.
After the Camp, aside from the monthly workshops, we continued to develop the projects and helped the filmmakers package their projects to take them out to market. Additionally, the screenwriters have been selected for different screenwriting programs, competitions, and some have also gotten representation.
BENEFITS:
What will each filmmaker (or filmmaking team) earn from going through this program?
Each filmmaker (or filmmaking team) will enter a 7 month development deal with Antigravity Academy starting with the intensive in May and concluding with the period of industry exposure/project presentation. Each filmmaker (or filmmaking team) will be paired with industry mentors and the development team at Antigravity Academy for the duration of the program. Each filmmaker (or filmmaking team) will have around-the-clock development support from our team and will be able to schedule check-in meetings on an as-needed basis.
writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/antigravity-academy-screenwriters-camp
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2025 CAPE New Writers Fellowship
CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment)
DEADLINE: November 25, 2024
INFO: The CAPE New Writers Fellowship (CNWF) discovers and nurtures emerging Asian and Pacific Islander writers launching their careers in television and other entertainment mediums.
The 2025 CAPE New Writers Fellowship will be a hybrid program with in-person and virtual sessions. Sessions will be held in April-May 2025 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.
Please prepare or complete the following application components prior to beginning the application form (full preview here):
General Release Form (PDF Format Only)
Non-Refundable $65 Application Fee via PayPal
Please save receipt as PDF or screenshot for proof of payment. PDFs of email receipts or confirmations are also accepted.
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 2025 CAPE New Writers Fellowship will be a hybrid program with in-person and virtual sessions. Sessions will be held in April-May 2025 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 or story editor 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 2025 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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHO IS THE CAPE NEW WRITERS FELLOWSHIP FOR?
The CAPE New Writers Fellowship is for writers who are looking to launch their careers in television and other entertainment mediums. The Fellowship arms writers with the practical and business knowledge they need to succeed as a professional writer in the entertainment industry.
For the first time in 2025, previously staffed writers at the staff writer or story editor level who are currently unstaffed - in addition to writers who have never been staffed in a writers’ room - may apply. CAPE is expanding this year’s program to address the current challenges in the industry and include a wider variety of pathways to becoming a professional writer in Hollywood, which may include opportunities in animation, video games, indie films, narrative podcasts, short form digital content, and more.
Note that you must already be a strong writer to be considered a competitive applicant for the program. The CAPE New Writers Fellowship is a professional and career development program that focuses on the business aspect of the writing profession. Potential applicants are encouraged to wait until their scripts are strong enough technically before applying.
WHAT IS A PROFESSIONAL WRITER AS DEFINED BY THE CAPE NEW WRITERS FELLOWSHIP?
A professional writer:
Can write on a deadline
Can write to someone else's vision
Can work collaboratively
Can take notes / critiques on their work
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT FOR THE CAPE NEW WRITERS FELLOWSHIP?
The CAPE New Writers Fellowship will take place from April to May 2025. Fellows are required to commit to:
Saturday in-person Fellowship Orientation in Los Angeles
Monday & Wednesday evening sessions (in person or via Zoom): 6:30 - 10 PM PT
You must be able to attend all in-person sessions in Los Angeles.
Session prep and homework
Script rewrites and mentor meetings on own time
WHAT WILL I NEED FOR THE CAPE NEW WRITERS FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION?
Original and complete episodic pilot script (half-hour or hour long)
Any identifiable information (name, contact information, etc.) must be stripped from the script to ensure fairness and anonymity in the judging process.
Live action or animation accepted. All genres accepted.
Scripts must be in industry format.
Spec scripts will not be accepted.
Decks or outlines submitted alongside your script will not be considered.
Script logline
Personal statement responses to the following questions:
How do you or your writing align with CAPE's mission to champion Asian American and Pacific Islander representation in the entertainment industry?
Where would you like to be in your career 5 years from now? In 10 years?
Professional writing resume
Non-refundable application processing fee ($65) paid via PayPal
WHAT SCRIPT SHOULD I SUBMIT TO THE CAPE NEW WRITERS FELLOWSHIP AND HOW WILL IT BE JUDGED?
The submitted script should be your strongest writing sample and reflect the genres and content you would like to write. Selection for the CAPE New Writers Fellowship includes multiple rounds of anonymous judging. Criteria include (but are not limited to):
Concept - What makes it special? Does the world make sense?
Story - Is the plot clear and entertaining? Does the story have a theme?
Structure - Is the arc clear and interesting? Is there an act structure? Are you allocating time correctly?
Character - Are characters unique, likable, and active?
Dialogue - Does it sound distinct, believable, and purposeful?
CAN I RESUBMIT A SCRIPT TO THE CAPE NEW WRITERS FELLOWSHIP?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: While we accept resubmissions, we do not encourage reapplying with a script you have submitted before without making substantial changes and ensuring that your new submission is distinct and unique from previous versions. Due to volume of submissions and bandwidth, CAPE is unable to provide feedback on submissions.
WHEN WILL I FIND OUT IF I HAVE MADE IT TO THE NEXT STAGE OF THE CAPE NEW WRITERS FELLOWSHIP?
Applicants who have been invited to the interview stage of the CAPE New Writers Fellowship will be notified in late February or early March. Due to volume of inquiries and bandwidth, CAPE will not answer emails regarding application status.
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BBC writers open call
BBC
DEADLINE: December 3, 2024
INFO: Our Open Call is not a competition but a means by which the BBC seeks out the best writing talent. We look for writers with the strongest potential to be developed and produced for BBC broadcast. You could be new to writing or new to the BBC but equally, you may be a playwright looking to write for TV, or you’ve written for radio drama and would like to try your hand at writing for CBBC. We understand that carving a career as a writer takes time and that each writer’s development needs will be different. We receive many thousands of scripts every year and can only focus on the writers who we feel have the most potential.
WHAT DO WE LOOK FOR?
In our Open Call we are not looking for projects to commission or produce. We are looking for writers to develop rather than specific projects. We look for what the script tells us about the writer. We see all scripts as a calling card to showcase a writer’s talent, ability, and voice.
We are especially looking for distinctive voices - and scripts that express those voices. We do not look for more of the same – we look for the writer’s ability to pull an audience into a world and hold them in it. It’s not necessarily about finding precincts or situations that have ‘never been done before’ but having an original take on stories that have the potential to have wide breadth of appeal.
We are looking for characters who are well rounded and consistent and who drive the narrative rather than serve it. We are looking for a sense of storytelling ability - handling of pace, climax, mood. We are looking to unearth the treasures, the page-turners, the new perspectives, the engaging dialogue and the surprising character creations.
We want to find that special something that makes us want to read more.
We look for what a writer can deliver in script form rather than unscripted ideas. We want to see the best possible draft you can achieve. We are not looking for early/first/rough drafts of scripts. Only submit a script to our Open Call when your script is ready, even if it means waiting for a later submission window.
We may also consider whether a script has real potential to be developed further towards production. If we believe a script could be developed further by a BBC department, we will send it to them with the writer's knowledge. Original scripts written “on spec” are produced extremely rarely, and writers should not send them in with the expectation that they will be produced. However, original spec' scripts are the means by which writers get noticed, so you should always write your script with the same level of commitment as if it were for production.
WHAT SHOULD YOU SUBMIT?
In our Open Call we accept:
Drama or Comedy/Drama scripts written for Film, TV, Radio, Stage or Children’s TV/Radio scripts which are a minimum of 30 pages long (excluding title/character pages).
Scripts will be read anonymously i.e. without a name attached, until after the full-read stage so please remove any personal details (name, address, contacts etc) from the front page of the script or within the document itself.
A paragraph about your writing history (max. 250 words). You do not need to have any credits or professionally produced work, we just want to understand your passion for writing.
A paragraph on what you hope to get out of our writer development programme (max. 250 words).
To help writers prepare their Open Call application before submitting, we’ve provided a downloadable document detailing the steps of the process. Click on the link below:
Please note this list is only for reference. You’ll still need to complete your application via the BBC E-Submissions system which also includes sections on data usage and equality monitoring. To see a preview of how the application form looks within the E-submissions system please watch the video available on our E-Submissions: Help & FAQs page
Entries must be written in English. If you submit any part of a script in another language you must also include your own translation of this into English. Your application must be legibly typed and formatted.
Read the Medium and Format guidelines for more guidance.
Please note: All writing software will come with its own user guidelines. We cannot offer technical support for third party software.
Read the Open Call Terms and Conditions for further details on what we accept.
WHAT DO WE NOT ACCEPT?
We do not accept any of the following:
Scripts from overseas – we are looking for writers with whom the BBC can develop a strong working relationship and who have something to say that will appeal to British audiences. You may be a non-British-born writer, but you must be resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Republic of Ireland.
Scripts from writers under the age of 18.
Submissions by email or post – when our Open Call is open for submissions, we can only accept scripts online via our E-Submissions system. Postal submissions are not possible under any circumstances.
Scripts previously submitted to our Open Call (or Script Room) opportunity, including resubmissions of work which has since been re-written and further episodes of a series or serial which has previously been submitted. This also covers submissions sent when we were previously branded 'BBC Writersroom'.
Ideas, pitches, outlines, synopses, or treatments on their own – we must always receive a script with every submission. Samples or extracts from scripts are not eligible either. We want to see a full script or episode.
Multiple episodes or separate short scripts which together add up to 30 pages or more of script.
Multiple submissions from an entrant.
DVDs, videos, CDs, audio tapes, or any video/audio material (whether it accompanies a script or otherwise). Any links to video/audio content will not be considered in the reading process.
New scripts written for existing or previously produced shows and/or characters (for example scripts of Doctor Who, EastEnders, Sherlock or using characters from these shows).
(Visit the BBC Studios TalentWorks website to find out more about opportunities to write for one of the BBC's Continuing Dramas or cosy crime shows.)
Short stories, novels, unpublished prose manuscripts, poetry or work you wish to have adapted into a script.
Adaptations for broadcast of another writer’s idea (including adaptations of other writers’ novels).
Comedy sketch shows and pure narrative comedy series or sitcoms.
Please see BBC Comedy Commissioning’s website for the latest updates on Comedy opportunities.
Read the Open Call Terms and Conditions for further details on what we do not accept.
bbc.co.uk/writers/opportunities/open-call
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literary arts grants
South Arts
DEADLINE: December 4, 2024
INFO: As part of its Literary Arts Initiative, South Arts is excited to announce grants for literary arts projects for writers and publishers. These grants deepen our commitment to amplifying literary traditions and practices of the American South through directly funding the initiation, development, and completion of literary arts projects in poetry, fiction, creative or literary nonfiction, young readers’ literature, and drama (playwriting and screenwriting).
Literary Arts Grants will be made to writers, independent literary publishers, and small presses:
LITERARY ARTS GRANTS FOR WRITERS: South Arts will award literary grants up to $5,000. Applicants (writers or organizations) must apply through Salesforce and include writing samples and other required attachments specified in these Guidelines.
LITERARY ARTS GRANTS FOR PUBLISHERS: South Arts will award literary arts grants up to $5,000 to support Southern independent publishers and small presses. Applicants must apply through Salesforce and include the publisher’s representative work samples and other required attachments as specified in these Guidelines.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Deadline to Apply: 12/4/2024
Awards Announced: February 2025
Funding Cycle: March 1, 2025 – August 30, 2026 (18 months)
The award announcement may be earlier or later than the date listed above, depending on the number of applications and judging process.
Applicants who are not selected for an award will receive notification via the email on their application form before the award announcement.
South Arts reserves the right to not consider incomplete or improperly submitted applications without informing the applicant.
Judges do not communicate any information or details of their review. Given the volume of applications received, South Arts cannot provide individual feedback on the application and from the panel.
Applicants who move from the South Arts Region after they submit their application are encouraged to notify South Arts and will not be eligible to receive a grant award.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
ELIGIBLE ENTITIES
All applicants are eligible to receive only one grant award.
Current, full-time resident or Headquartered in the South Arts Region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, The Carolinas, Tennessee) both at the time of application and at receipt of the award.
For Writers
One application per artist or arts organization per funding cycle will be accepted.
Applicant artists must be 18 years of age or older.
Applicant artists must not be enrolled in a literary arts/writing academic program at time of application and at receipt of award.
Current, full-time residents for at least the prior 12 months s of the South Arts region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, The Carolinas, Tennessee) both at the time of application during the project period.
Works authored by more than one person are ineligible.
For Literary Arts Organizations
For Publishers: Independent nonprofit publishers and small presses including journals.
Based in the South Arts Region for at least the prior 12 months (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, The Carolinas, Tennessee) both at the time of application and during the project period.
Other non-profit organizations with a literary arts mission.
INELIGIBLE ENTITIES
Units of government
Colleges/Universities are ineligible to apply for this grant.
UNALLOWABLE ACTIVITIES
General operating support.
Support for a full season of programming.
Courses or coursework in degree-granting or continuing education institutions.
Literary publishing that does not focus on contemporary literature and/or writers.
Publication of books, exhibition of works, or other projects by the applicant organization's board members, faculty, or trustees.
Projects for which no curatorial, juried, or editorial judgment has been applied to the selection of artists or art works.
Social activities such as receptions, parties, galas, community dinners, picnics, and potlucks.
Costs of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities and any associated costs are unallowable; generally, this includes activities at venues such as bars, wineries, and breweries where the consumption of alcohol/social activity is the primary purpose of the venue.
Awards to individuals or organizations to honor or recognize achievement.
Commercial (for-profit) enterprises or activities, including arts markets, concessions, food, t-shirts, artwork, or other items for resale. This includes online or virtual sales/shops.
Construction, purchase, or renovation of facilities.
Sub-granting or regranting.
UNALLOWABLE COSTS
Cash reserves and endowments.
Startup costs or other costs associated with establishing new organizations.
Alcoholic beverages or other hospitality costs.
Purchase and/or use of gift cards and gift certificates to support project costs.
Gifts and prizes, including cash prizes as well as other items with monetary value (e.g., electronic devices, gift certificates).
Contributions and donations to other entities, including donation drives.
General miscellaneous or contingency costs.
Fines and penalties, bad debt costs, deficit reduction.
Marketing expenses that are not directly related to the project.
Audit costs.
Rental costs for home office workspace owned by individuals or entities affiliated with the applicant.
The purchase of vehicles.
Costs incurred before the beginning or after the completion of the official project period.
MATCHING REQUIREMENTS
All grants require a 2:1 cost share. South Arts matches $2 for every $1 the applicant contributes towards project costs.
Grants will pay up to 2/3 of the total cost of the opportunity, with a maximum award of $5,000. The applicant must cover remaining expenses, and South Arts requires a 2:1 match (2 South Arts: 1 grantee). Artists may include their own cash in the match. Examples:
Total Project Cost- $6,000, the applicant can request up to $4,000 and contribute the remaining $2,000 of funds through a combination of their own cash and other contributions.
Total Project Costs are $15,000: The applicant can request up to $5,000 and contribute the remaining $10,000 of funds through a combination of their own cash and other contributions.
Toal Project Costs are $3,000: The applicant can request up to $2,000 and contribute the remaining $1,000 of funds through a combination of their own cash and other contributions.
Budget details should identify the source of funds (including self-funding, private contributions, institutional stipends, or additional grant funding) not requested from South Arts.
Total projected expenses must meet or exceed the request by 50%.
Funds can be used for these eligible expenses directly related to participation in proposed activities:
For Organizations: Itemize project personnel costs
Travel (itemize air, ground, lodging, per diem, visa services)
Equipment rental (itemize all equipment rental expenses)
Office expenses (itemize supplies, and shipping/postage)
Services/professional fees (itemize editorial, graphic design, photography/videography, financial, publishing, production, and distribution services, etc.)
Marketing
Facility expenses (itemize rent, space rental, utilities)
Insurance
Childcare or elder caregiver service costs that arise as a result of applicant planning and executing the proposed project
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2025 NRDC CLIMATE STORYTELLING FELLOWSHIP
The Black List / Natural Resources Defense Council
DEADLINE: December 5, 2024
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, The CAA Foundation, and NBCUniversal to launch the fourth annual NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship.
The Fellowship will grant $20,000 each to three writers (or writing teams) 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, Yellow Dot Studios, NBCUniversal, United Talent Agency (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 in addition to a revised version of their script including 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. All qualified submissions will receive a fee waiver; you will receive a notification whether your submission has been approved or rejected for a fee waiver within three weeks of submission. Scripts must be submitted by December 5, 2024.
Writers who are interested in submitting to the 2025 NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship may do so below. Scripts submitted 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.
Once their submissions are accepted, qualified screenplays and pilots will receive a fee waiver for one free month of hosting and one free evaluation and automatically be opted into consideration for the program.
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.
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. Shortlisted candidates will be reached out to by March 1, 2025.
Note: To submit an updated version of your script, please upload it to the Black List directly BEFORE December 5, 2024 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 December 5, 2024. All qualifying scripts submitted before the deadline will receive one free script evaluation and one free month of hosting for their 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 by March 2025. From there, a short list will be determined. Writers who make the short list may be asked to conduct a short interview and three fellowship recipients will be selected no later than April 30, 2025.
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
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 Last Laugh: Comedy in the Age of Climate Change (Sundance 2024) featured Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”) in conversation with Mike Schur (“The Good Place,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Brooklyn 99”) about tackling tough topics through comedy, why laughter is the best medicine, and how climate change can unlock creative opportunities.
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 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 apply for a Fee Waiver and submit your script. If you have any questions, please check out our FAQ or email us at support@blcklst.com.
blcklst.com/programs/2025-nrdc-climate-storytelling-fellowship
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Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices
Lambda Literary
DEADLINE: December 8, 2024 at 11:59pm EST
APPLICATION FEE: $30
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.
Since 2007, the Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices has offered sophisticated instruction in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, young adult fiction, playwriting led by the most talented writers working today. In 2022, the Writers Retreat expanded to include instruction in screenwriting and speculative fiction, and in 2025, we will introduce the newest cohort serving writers working in both and between playwriting and screenwriting.
In 2025, as we did in 2024, we are holding our Writers Retreat online. This format allows for us as an organization to continue building our resources while offering the same high-quality programming that remains accessible to folks who may not otherwise be able to attend in-person programs.
We are excited to announce that this year, we will be lengthening the typically week-long program to a 10-day virtual retreat, from Thursday, July 31-Saturday, August 9. In this new model, we will use the first two evenings on Thursday and Friday to build community and hold additional programming. We hope that this new model will build relationships and community, offer more learning opportunities, but we also aim to allow those attending the retreat from home to continue to sustain the elements of their livelihood outside of the Retreat program.
Additionally, we will be adding a brand new cohort to our Writers Retreat: the screen/play/writing cohort. This cross-genre cohort is meant for performance writers who work outside of the stage/screen binary, those who waft between genres, and those who are working in adaptations. We invite all screenwriters and playwrights in this cohort to consider how their work can move between genres, between stage and screen, while centering writing for performance. Coming back for another year after an astounding stint as Playwriting Faculty in 2024, we welcome back Roger Q. Mason to lead this inaugural cohort!
SCHEDULE:
We’ve extended the typical length of the retreat from 7 days to 10:
We will have a mix of synchronous programming and asynchronous programming, and on days when we offer all day programming, fellows can expect to have ample breaks and rest from screens.
Thursday, July 31-Friday, August 1: Programming begins at ~7:00 pm EST/ 4:00 pm PST
Saturday, August 2-Friday, August 8: All day programming
Saturday, August 9: Programming ends at ~6:00 pm EST/3:00 pm PST
APPLICATION DETAILS:
Applications to attend the 2025 Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ* Voices open on November 1, 2024 and close at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time on December 8, 2024. You may apply to more than one workshop, however, each application must be submitted separately and requires an additional fee.
We are offering a number of application fee waivers for the QTBIPOC** (Queer and Trans folks who are or identify as Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color) folks who would be attending the Retreat for the first time. Please email retreat@lambdaliterary.org to request an application fee waiver.
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:
.DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format.
For prose, double spaced, 12 point font.
For Fiction, Nonfiction, Speculative Fiction, and Young Adult Fiction: 15 pages maximum. This maximum applies to cross-genre samples as well as samples in verse.
For Playwriting/Screenwriting and Play/Screen/Writing: 15 pages maximum from a full-length work, short play/script, or piece of theatre/film.
For Poetry: 8 pages maximum.
The sample you apply with does not have to be the same sample you plan to workshop at the Retreat.
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.
If you're applying to scholarships, a scholarship statement (max 500 words).
TUITION + SCHOLARSHIPS:
Writers Retreat tuition is currently set at $1,625. However, we are working on raising funds to lower this price for fellows. This means there is a possibility that the price of tuition will go down, but it will not go any higher than $1,625. All accepted/waitlisted applicants will be notified of the final price of tuition before accepting their fellowship.
Lambda Literary has a host of full and partial scholarships that are available for accepted applicants.
Ability to pay is in no way part of the decision-making process. We have a robust and ever-growing host of scholarships available thanks to our intensive fundraising efforts and generous donors. Lambda also supports fellows in their own fundraising efforts using our fundraising platform. Many fellows who used our peer-to-peer fundraising platform in 2024 raised their entire tuition fee.
The $30.00 application fee is processed through Submittable's online portal. If you wish to pay by cash or check please contact retreat@lambdaliterary.org.
APPLICATION STATUS NOTIFICATIONS:
Writers Retreat Faculty make the final determinations regarding accepted and waitlisted applicants. All applicants will be notified of their application status in April 2025.
lambdaliterary.org/emerging-writers-retreat/
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2025 MediaMaker Fellowship Application
BAVC Media
DEADLINE: December 9, 2024 at 11:59pm PT
INFO: The BAVC MediaMaker Fellowship is a 9-month long intensive 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.
ELIGIBILITY + CRITERIA:
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 eagerness 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.
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. Projects should be in a place to benefit from workshopping (scenes, story, structure, edit, etc.) with the cohort and seasoned guest filmmakers. 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. 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.
OFFERING + STRUCTURE:
$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.
All Fellowship applicants and Fellowship alum are eligible for five hours one-one-one mentorship through the BAVC MediaMaker Connect Mentorship Program.
forms.fillout.com/t/cgw85YNUmwus
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2025 BLACK LIST X WIF EPISODIC LAB
The Black List
DEADLINE: December 15, 2024
INFO: The Black List and WIF will invite six promising non-professional television writers who are of an underrepresented gender (women, NB/GNC, and/or trans, and others) to the Lab. The Lab will run twice weekly for four weeks beginning March 2025 and will consist of script development, pitching, peer workshopping sessions, and master classes with established writers and industry executives. Writers can also submit their script directly through WIF (submissions are open now). All Lab sessions will be held in-person on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Los Angeles beginning March 4, 2025.
The Episodic Lab will take place in Los Angeles throughout the year and travel will not be provided for any events. If you live outside of the Los Angeles area, we kindly request that you withhold your submission to this opportunity.
LAB DEADLINES:
***Please note that dates are subject to change***
Submission Period Opens - March 13, 2024
Submission Period Closes - December 15, 2024
Long List Writers Notified - January 9, 2025
Personal Statements Due - January 15, 2025
Short List Writers Notified - January 17, 2025
Additional Materials due from Short List writers - January 24, 2025
Interview Candidates Notified - February 7, 2025
Zoom Interviews - February 10-11, 2025
Final Participants Notified - February 12, 2025
Lab Begins - March 4, 2025
Please note, applicants can apply through the Black List and/or WIF, however instructions are different for each platform.
Participants must be able to provide proof of vaccination (including boosters per current CDC guidelines) and willing to test for COVID-19 infection prior to arriving at the in-person portion of the program.
You must have at least one evaluation attached to your script to submit to this program. You can read more about the Black List's evaluation requirements here.
THE SELECTION PROCESS: From the Black List submissions, up to 12 writers will be invited, based on the strength of their scripts, to submit a one-page personal statement and professional resume. In addition, WIF will generate their own short list of up to 12 writers who submitted directly to WIF. From the total of those 24 submissions, up to 15 writers will be invited to interview. From those interviews, 6 writers will be selected by the Black List and WIF to participate in the Lab.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I Apply To The Episodic Lab With My Web Series Or Do You Only Accept Half-Hour And One-Hour Pilots?
Only half-hour or one-hour pilots will be accepted into the Episodic Lab.
Can I Submit A Feature Script To Be Considered For The Episodic Lab?
No, you must submit a pilot script to be considered for the Episodic Lab.
Can I Submit Multiple Scripts To Be Considered For This Program?
Absolutely. But writers will be selected for each program based on a single script; so if you're selected, you must workshop the script that is chosen for the program.
Do I Have To Workshop The Script That Gets Me Selected For A Program Or Can I Workshop Something New?
You have to workshop the script that gets you selected for the program.
How Will The Scripts Be Evaluated For Each Program?
We use the ratings a script receives, both from our paid readers and from industry pros, to determine the short list of writers for each program who will be invited to submit a one-page personal statement. Evaluations initiated before midnight on the stipulated deadline for each program will be guaranteed consideration. You must purchase at least one evaluation to submit for this program. In the event that the purchase of a single evaluation is cost prohibitive, please follow us on social media and the Black List blog where opportunities for free and discounted evaluations appear from time to time.
I Have A Writing Partner Who Identifies As A Cis Man. Can I Still Apply To The Black List X WIF Episodic Lab?
Yes, you are still eligible to apply for all programs, including the Black List x WIF Feature Residency and the Black List x WIF Episodic Lab. In our effort to create equitable spaces in a currently male-dominated industry, should you be accepted into either the Black List x WIF Feature Residency or the Black List x WIF Episodic Lab, your partner would not be able to participate in the sessions directly. However, you would be able to share appropriate script feedback with them.
I Live Outside Of Los Angeles. Can I Still Apply For Any Of The Programs?
You may still apply for any of our programs. However, the Episodic Lab takes place in Los Angeles, CA and you will need to be located in the Los Angeles area by the start of the program, should you be accepted into the program, and decide to participate.
The Lab will take place in Los Angeles throughout the year and travel will not be provided for any events. If you live outside of the Los Angeles area, we kindly request that you withhold your submission to this opportunity.
I'd Like To Be Considered For The 2025 Episodic Lab! How Exactly Do I Do That?
Just opt your script into consideration during onboarding or add it from the My Scripts page!
And please make sure to read the Submission Requirements and the Submission Agreement for each program, which can be found as PDFs on each program's submission page, to make sure you are qualified first. You'll need to meet all of the requirements to participate in the program if selected.
Writers can also apply through WIF (https://womeninfilm.org/programs/writing/). However please note that the procedures and deadlines for applying directly through WIF are different than those for applying through the Black List.
Is This A Case Where The Person Who Buys The Most Evaluations Will Be Invited To The Program?
Not at all. Certainly more data allows us to make more confident decisions about the strength of scripts hosted on the site, but by no means is it necessary or recommended to buy up evaluations to improve your chances of being selected for one of our programs.
My Script Was On The Site Awhile Ago, But I Took It Down To Work On A Rewrite. Does A Script Have To Be Live On The Site To Be Considered?
We recommend reactivating the script for one month at some point between now and a week before the program's opt-in deadline. Additionally, please note that you will need to have at least one evaluation of your script in order to complete the submission process for this opportunity.
What Exactly Happens In These Writing Programs?
We can only speak to ours, but some of the things we do include:
One-on-one sessions with professional writers as mentors
Peer workshopping of each others' scripts
Dinners with special industry guests
Guest lecturers and Q&As
Private film screenings
Sessions with lit agents and managers
REQUIREMENTS:
You are the sole and exclusive author of the pilot screenplay submitted for consideration and you are of an underrepresented gender (women, NB/GNC, and/or trans, and others)
Feature screenplays will not be considered for submission.
You have not received more than $25K in aggregate to date as compensation for television writing work.
If selected as one of the writers invited to submit a professional resume and one page personal statement for additional consideration, you will deliver that personal statement within 5 days of receiving notification of your selection or by the deadline specified when you are notified.
* f selected for participation in the Lab program, you are available to attend all sessions in person during the course of the four-week Lab, COVID-permitting.
https://blcklst.com/programs/2025-black-list-x-wif-episodic-lab