CREATIVE CAPITAL GRANTS
Creative Capital
DEADLINE: April 4, 2024
INFO: For our 25th Anniversary, Creative Capital welcomes innovative and original new project proposals in visual arts, performing arts, film/moving image, technology, literature, multidisciplinary, and socially engaged forms.
The Creative Capital Award provides unrestricted project grants which can be drawn down over a multi-year period, bespoke professional development services, and community-building opportunities.
Grants are awarded via a democratic, national, open call, external review process. Our goal is to fund individual artists creating conceptually, aesthetically, and formally challenging, risk-taking, and never-before-seen projects.
GRANT APPLICATION DETAILS:
Creative Capital is committed to groundbreaking ideas that challenge what art can be. As Creative Capital Awardees have demonstrated, socially impactful ideas are embedded in a myriad of artistic forms and practices. We invite artists to propose experimental, original, bold projects in the visual arts, performing arts, film/moving image, technology, literature, multidisciplinary, and socially engaged forms which push boundaries formally and/or thematically.
We invite artists to select a primary discipline for their proposals based on which experts are most suited and qualified to review the project proposal, with the understanding that radical art is often by nature interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, or antidisciplinary. By choosing to apply within a certain disciplinary category, we are asking you to choose how you want to frame the discussion around your work and to indicate which experts are most qualified to evaluate your project proposal.
2025: 50 Grants
Visual Arts: including painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, architecture, design, multimedia, installation, video art, performance art, new genres, craft, and socially engaged, and/or sustainable visual art-based practices
Performing Arts: including dance, theater (new theatrical work, playwriting), jazz, music, opera, singing, and socially engaged and/or sustainable performing arts-based practices
Film/Moving Image: including experimental film, short film, animation, documentary film, narrative film, and socially engaged and/or sustainable film/moving image-based practices
Technology: including augmented reality/virtual reality, bio art, data visualization, hardware, software, digital media, internet art, and socially engaged and/or sustainable technology-based practices
Literature: including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, and socially engaged and/or sustainable literature-based practices
APPLICATION CYCLE:
ROUND I: Tell us your idea. Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
Along with your project title, one line project description (25 words max), project description (250 words max), resume (1 page max), and artist website (if applicable), please answer the following questions:
How does your project take an original and imaginative approach to content and form? Please be as specific as possible. (150 words)
Please place your work in context so we may better evaluate it. What are the main influences upon your work as an artist? How does your past work inform your current project? Please use concrete examples, which may include other artists’ work, art movements, cultural heritage, science, philosophy, research/work from outside the arts field, etc. (150 words)
What kind of impact—artistic, intellectual, communal, civic, social, political, environmental, etc.—do you hope your project will have? What strategies will you employ to achieve the desired impact? (100 words)
Who are the specific audiences/communities that you hope to engage through this project? Please think beyond the broader art community where possible. How are you hoping to reach them? (100 words)
How might your proposed project act as a catalyst for your artistic and professional growth? In what ways is it a pivotal moment in your practice? (100 words)
In addition to funding, Creative Capital also provides scaffolding and support services for awardees (such as expert consultations, gatherings, alumni network, workshops). How would our non-monetary services help you to realize your goals for this project and/or your long-term artistic and professional growth? (100 words)
ROUND II: Project Details
Project itemized budget (1 page)
Project timeline (1 page)
Work samples (see application handbook for guidelines)
ROUND III: Final Panel Review
Submit proof of eligibility.
Confirm collaborators (if applicable)
Project updates (optional, 100 words max)
Full application guidelines are outlined in the Application Handbook.
All applications are reviewed by external reviewers who are scholars, curators, artists, past awardees, and experts in the field. The final recommendations for the awards are reviewed and then ratified by our Board. Awardees are announced in January 2025. Under no circumstances will the reasons for the rejection of an application be provided.
Any awarded projects which are directly related to any of the 17 UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals will have the opportunity to have the “Way” or the icon of that UN Sustainable Development goal attached to their project on the Creative Capital website in effort to advance the global dialogue around these critical issues impacting the future of our communities, our planet, and beyond. In keeping with the spirit of the 17 UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, we too have an expansive definition of “sustainability” that goes far beyond climate change and the environmental challenges we face—including: good health and wellbeing, affordable and clean energy, reduced inequalities, life on land, and peace, justice, and strong institutions.
2025 CREATIVE CAPITAL GRANT TIMELINE:
These dates may change.
March 4 to April 4, 2024: Letter of Inquiries (LOI) accepted
April 4, 2024 4:00 PM Eastern Time / New York Time: LOI deadline
June 2024: Notification of advancement to Round II
September 2024: Notification of advancement to Final Panel Review
January 2025: Public announcement of 2025 Creative Capital Awards
ARTIST ELIGIBILITY:
US citizen, permanent legal resident, or O-1 visa holder
At least 25 years old
Working artist(s) with at least 5 years of professional artistic practice
Applicant may not be enrolled in a degree-granting program
May not apply to the Warhol Foundation Arts Writers grant program in the same year
May not have previously received a Creative Capital Award
May not be an applicant or collaborator on more than one proposed project per year
Projects that are not eligible
Projects whose main purpose is promotional
Project is to fund ongoing operations of existing business
Curation or documentation of existing work
Projects that will be completed before January, 2025.
JUROR INFORMATION:
Creative Capital invites regional, national, and international experts in a wide range of disciplines to serve in our review process. External reviewers are offered honoraria for their time and expertise. All external reviewer names are confidential until the awards are announced.
creative-capital.org/about-the-creative-capital-award
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SESAME WORKSHOP WRITERS' ROOM
Sesame Workshop
DEADLINE: April 8, 2024 by 12pm EST
INFO: Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room is a writing fellowship from the creators of Sesame Street.
Fresh new writing talent that reflect the diversity of our vast audience. Emerging storytellers who are selected to join the Writers’ Room will receive hands-on writing experience guided by Sesame Street veterans and other media industry leaders. Each participant will develop and write a pilot script for their own original kids concept. Past fellows have gone on to develop their own original content with Sesame Workshop, as well as write for Sesame Street and various programs at Nickelodeon, Disney, DreamWorks, and more! Learn about the 2023 fellows and speakers below.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
Up to 8 writers will be selected
Sessions are expected to take place virtually from July to August 2024
Learn from industry writers, producers, agents and executives
Learn and complete all steps of creating an original pilot episode script
Includes eight, three-hour sessions on creating original children’s content
Up to two participants will have the opportunity to receive creative development deals and further mentorship
APPLICATION CHECK LIST:
Application form: Application must be submitted by April 8th, 2024 12PM EST.
Original script sample: 11-page maximum; should NOT contain Sesame Street elements, characters, or intellectual property; can be an excerpt from a larger piece wholly written by the applicant; must model a 3 act story structure; and be kid-friendly content for viewers up to age 12…we’re looking for great characters and stories that inspire kids to be smarter, stronger and kinder!
Resumes: 2-page maximum. Anything longer will be disqualified. More info on your script: what’s the bigger picture/idea of your script sample? (up to 100 words)
Personal statement: tell us about yourself, for example, why you want to write for children’s educational media, how your experiences influence the stories you tell, why you value diversity/representation in children’s media, etc. (up to 250 words)
ELIGIBILITY CHECK LIST:
Participants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
No extensive media writing experience, such as having written more than six episodes for a network or cable scripted/narrative series
Participants must be 21+ years old
Participants must be able to attend and complete writing assignments for all 8 sessions, which will be held virtually from June to August 2024
sesameworkshop.org/our-work/fellowships/writers-room
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2024 LFI WORKS IN PROGRESS
The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF)
DEADLINE: April 8, 2024
INFO: In its second year, LFI Works in Progress sponsored by Amazon Studios, supports independent US based Latino filmmakers in the completion of a feature film (fiction or documentary). The program grants finishing funds towards the final stages of post-production. The fund supports films with high production value, a distinctive directorial voice, culturally significant and commercially viable.
The fund allocates $50,000 between three projects selected through an open call. A jury of industry professionals divides the funds among the projects, based on their post production needs.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
Open to USA productions directed by a filmmaker who identifies as Latino.
The applicant (director or producer) must be 18+ years of age.
Directors need to reside in the USA (including continental USA, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands).
Applications can be completed by:
Individuals
Production companies based in the USA
Projects must submit a fine cut. Funds will be awarded for final stages of post-production (VFX, color correction, sound design, final sound mix, packaging, deliverables).
Projects must be independently produced.
Projects must be feature length (minimum 70 min), fiction or documentary.
Selected projects commit to completion within 8 months from fund allocation.
If the funds allocated are not enough to cover the cost of finishing the project, the awarded funds will be released upon submission of proof of additional funding.
Student films or TV/Web pilots are not eligible.
The awarded funds CAN be used for:
Costs associated with color correction and final grading
Costs associated with sound completion (including soundtrack)
Costs associated with master outputs and deliverables
The awarded funds CANNOT be used for:
Above the line fees
Costs not directly associated with post-production as described above
Legal and accounting costs
Re-shoots, stock footage
Capital expenditure
Film festival submission or screening costs
Retroactive costs (already endured by the film)
If you have any questions email us at wipcoordinator@latinofilm.org
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PILOT ACCELERATOR
Moonshot Initiative
DEADLINE: April 14, 2024
INFO: In this highly competitive virtual accelerator program for TV writers, 6-8 fellows will receive three weeks of industry training before having the opportunity to pitch to major studios, production companies, representatives, and producers. The entire accelerator, including training and pitching, will occur online.
The goal of this program is to launch the careers of our fellows, which could take the form of selling their TV pilot; securing follow-up meetings with executives; getting hired as a freelance writer, staff writer or writing support staff on an existing series; and/or making valuable industry contacts. This program aims to increase the representation of women and non-binary people on screen and in writers rooms.
WHO HEARS THE PITCHES?
For every accelerator, we get over 20 studios and production companies on board to hear pitches. Fellows typically receive 6 to 10 requests for pitch meetings. These pitch meetings are all one-on-one, and 85% of the meetings end with a request to read the full script. Here is a list of the companies we have worked with in the past:
WHO READS THE SCRIPTS?
Semi-finalists' pilots will be read by an incredible group of judges, including showrunners, executive producers, series creators and TV writers. This panel of judges will help us select the finalists, who will then go through a virtual interview before the 6-8 fellows are selected. Even if you are not selected as a fellow, there is still a chance you might be contacted if one of these judges likes your script enough to interview or refer you for a writing position.
Before getting to the semi-finalist stage, all scripts are read at least twice by our internal team, volunteer readers and former fellows.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE ACCELERATOR
The accelerator sessions take place on June 18, 20, 25, 26, 27 and July 9, 10, 11 and each session is three hours long. Pitch week if from July 15 to July 19. Here are more details about the sessions:
Perfect the pitch
You'll meet with a development executive (Jasmine Russ, VP of Development at Fabel Entertainment) and a showrunner (Elle Johnson of Netflix's "Self-Made") to get feedback from the perspective of the people who buy and sell stories.
Have fun with it
We'll have a mock writers room with a showrunner to prepare you for life as a tv writer. We'll also have a session with a speech coach, Samara Bay, to make sure you can express yourself fully.
Career Advice
You'll meet with an entertainment lawyer (Rebecca Neipris of 1st Gen Law), agent (Rukayat Giwa at CAA), and manager to discuss how to best protect yourself as a writer and have a long, lucrative career.
Pitch Week
The 25 companies that have agreed to hear pitches will review the loglines we send them. Each company will select at least 3 people to hear pitches (this way you're only pitching to companies who are interested in your work). Each fellows pitches to 4-8 companies on average.
moonshotinitiative.org/accelerator
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DIVERSE VOICES LAB
WeScreenplay
DEADLINE: April 15, 2024
FEES:
Standard Entry with Feedback: $74.99
Standard Entry with Upgraded Feedback: $129.98
INFO: Diverse Voices is a dynamic virtual screenwriting lab with a proven track record of helping elevate stories that are told from perspectives that are often underrepresented in film and TV today. This includes writers of color, women writers, writers with disabilities, writers over 40, writers in the LGBTQ+ community, and any other voices that have historically been ignored by Hollywood.
6 Fellows will be selected to participate in this career-changing lab!
Plus, all entries receive one page of feedback from a professional reader from a diverse background.
BENEFITS
VIRTUAL WRITING LAB
The top 6 writers will be invited to WeScreenplay’s Diverse Voices Virtual Writing Lab! This multi-day lab will be PACKED with workshops to hone craft, mentorship calls with working writers, and general meetings with studio execs, literary reps, and more.
Winners will also receive:
A copy of Final Draft screenwriting software
Guidance for drafting query letters, research methods for finding the right representation, and insights for career next steps.
KEYNOTE MENTORS
Keynote mentors will participate in the Diverse Voices Fall lab group sessions and select at least one writer for a one-on-one coaching session, tailored to the selected writer.
NICEOLE LEVY
After growing up near China Lake Naval Weapons Center in the middle of the Mojave Desert, Niceole escaped to the bright lights of Los Angeles. While studying acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she realized her true love was writing stories, not playing them out. She worked as a police dispatcher to pay her way through USC undergrad and then completed the Master of Professional Writing program, also at USC. An alum of the CBS Writers Mentoring Program, NBC's Writers on the Verge, and the WGAW Showrunner Training Program, Niceole has written on “Ironside,” “Allegiance,” “The Mysteries of Laura,” “Shades of Blue,” "Cloak & Dagger," “Fate: the Winx Saga,” “S.W.A.T,” and “The Recruit.” She also co-wrote a feature, "The Banker," with former “Allegiance” showrunner and director George Nolfi, available on AppleTV+, and recently finished writing “Spark,” a film inspired by the life of Claudette Colvin. Niceole currently has several TV and feature projects in development. Her first book, “The Writers’ Room Survival Guide,” was released in October of 2022.
PRINCE BAGGETT
Prince Baggett leads the charge at Confluential Films & Black Love, steering a diverse film slate from development to production. In his role as Head of Film, he blends a discerning financial acumen with a dedication to inclusive storytelling, championing studio projects that amplify and support underrepresented voices. In January, his strategic efforts were instrumental in presenting three standout Sundance features, including Young. Wild. Free with Sanaa Lathan, and an acclaimed documentary, cementing the company's status as a powerhouse for diverse talent. Particularly noteworthy is "Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project," generating Oscar buzz and set to captivate HBO audiences post its theatrical run. Additionally, Confluential's production, "The Perfect Find," premiered on Netflix in 2023. Before joining Confluential, Prince held the reins at Genius Productions, overseeing Marsai Martin's first-look deal with Universal Pictures and playing a pivotal role in development on projects like "Little" “Saturdays” and "Amari and the Night Brothers." A fervent advocate for mentorship, Prince previously was a mentor in the Universal Pictures Writers and Director Programs and played a key role in co-founding the Diverse Representation Black Entertainment Executives Pipeline Program.
writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/wescreenplay-diverse-voices#prices-deadlines
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SHORT SCRIPT LAB
WeScreenplay
DEADLINES / FEES:
Early - April 15, 2024 - $39.99 (Standard Entry with Feedback) / $94.99 (Standard Entry with Upgraded Feedback)
Regular - May 15, 2024 - $49.00 (Standard Entry with Feedback) / $104.99 (Standard Entry with Upgraded Feedback)
Late - June 15, 2024 - $59.99 (Standard Entry with Feedback) / $114.99 (Standard Entry with Upgraded Feedback)
Final - July 15, 2024 - $69.99 (Standard Entry with Feedback) / $124.99 (Standard Entry with Upgraded Feedback)
INFO: Short scripts are a fantastic way to get your screenwriting feet wet, explore a new genre, hone your craft, and gain recognition within the entertainment industry!
6 winners will be invited to take part in our exclusive Virtual Shorts Lab to help define the next steps in their projects journey – whether that’s self-producing, crowdfunding, or connecting it with producers looking for short content.
Plus, every entry receives one page of feedback from a professional reader!
BENEFITS:
Grand Prize Winners:
6 winners will be selected to participate in this game-changing virtual lab. This lab will be PACKED with virtual meetings with industry professionals, workshops, and more so you can learn, network, and gain exposure.
Winners will also receive:
A copy of Final Draft screenwriting software
Guidance for drafting query letters, research methods for finding the right representation, and insight for career next steps.
Finalists:
Finalists will be invited to a special virtual group mentor session with an industry professional!
Select finalists will have a 1:1 virtual meeting with a member of the WeScreenplay team to discuss you and your work.
writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/wescreenplay-shorts
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Jerome Hill Artist Fellowships
Jerome Foundation
DEADLINE: April 15, 2024 BY 4:00PM CT / 5:00PM ET
INFO: Jerome Hill Artist Fellowships support early career Minnesota- and New York City-based generative artists who take creative risks in exploring, expanding, imagining, or re-imagining creative practices and experiences; reclaiming or reviving traditional forms in original ways; and/or questioning, challenging, or disrupting cultural norms.
Jerome Foundation seeks to support artists who are creating, developing, and presenting imaginative work that is deeply considered, presented with technical skill, is compelling, and offers a distinctive vision and authentic voice. This three-year Fellowship supports artists who embrace their roles as part of a larger community of artists and citizens, and consciously work with a sense of service and responsibility.
Support is directed to early career artists, which Jerome Foundation defines as within their 2nd–10th year as a generative artist.
Fellows receive $60,000 over three consecutive years ($20,000 each year) to support their time and expenses for the creation of new work, artistic development and/or professional artistic career development. The Foundation expects to award a total of 45 fellowships across 7 artistic fields.
jeromefdn.org/jerome-hill-artist-fellowship
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CATAPULT DEVELOPMENT GRANT
Catapult Film Fund
DEADLINE: April 15, 2024
INFO: Launched in 2010, the Catapult Development Fund provides early-stage support to documentary filmmakers when funding is hardest to find. For this cycle, we will offer fifteen (15) grants of up to $25,000 USD to filmmakers in development with a documentary feature or short. We do not support docuseries at this time.
Our flagship program is geared toward independent filmmakers who have a strong story to tell, have secured access, and are ready to unlock critical production funding. This grant can be used for a variety of development needs and must result in the creation of a fundraising piece as the final deliverable. We prioritize artful, moving storytelling and are not tied to any specific social issue agenda. Learn more about Frequently Asked Questions»
KEY DATES:
March 11, 2024: Application Opens on Submittable
April 15, 2024: Application Closes at 5 p.m. PT
September 2024: Grantees notified
October 2024: Grantees announced
ELIGIBILITY:
Applicants (Project Director) must be 18 years or older and cannot be enrolled in an academic institution.
Documentaries must be in development or early production with an intended length of 28 minutes or longer.
Grant funds must specifically be used to create a fundraising piece, which may include writing, shooting and editing once story and characters are in place.
Applicants must own the copyright of their production, and have artistic, budgetary, and editorial control over their project.
Applicants should have previous film or television production experience in a principal role (director, co-director, producer, co-producer) as demonstrated via previous work samples. Applicants who do not meet this criteria should demonstrate how they will be working with experienced filmmakers as key creative personnel.
Catapult does not make grants to individuals. If selected, applicants must be able to accept grants through a 501(c)(3) organization such as a fiscal sponsor. Projects may apply without a fiscal sponsor but must confirm the designated organization in order to receive funding. Learn more in our Frequently Asked Questions»
Catapult does not fund student films, docuseries, fiction projects, or projects that are in production, post-production, or completed. Hybrid and experimental formats will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Artful, compelling storytelling that moves you, with a preference for character-driven narratives over lesson or agenda-heavy projects
Originality of approach, content, and form
Creative and innovative storytelling techniques
Contemporary relevance with a unique perspective, style, and/or tone
Project feasibility with respect to budget, financing, schedule, and scope
Demonstrated ability of the creative team to implement previous projects
Credible access and rapport with the proposed subject(s) of the story, with attention to accountability and ethics
Significant impact of Catapult grant on development stage of the project
Potential of the project to generate public discourse and social engagement
GUIDELINES:
Grant awards range from $5000 to $25,000. If selected, grantees must have a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor to officially accept the award.
Once accepted, Catapult will provide a letter of agreement that clearly outlines use of funds, reporting, and deliverables. Report deadlines are determined by the grantee, based on project goals and timeline.
Grantees must submit two financial reports during the course of the grant period: an interim report, which will accompany a narrative report; and a final financial report to be submitted once the grant is complete.
Upon completion of the award period, grantees must submit the proposed fundraising piece. Grantees agree to return any funds not used for the purpose of the grant.
Grantees will be expected to acknowledge Catapult support with text and/or logo recognition in film credits, publicity, and promotional materials, as well as tickets to the film’s premiere.
Beyond the grant, Catapult serves as an early and engaged champion for our grantees by providing editorial feedback, industry connections, and mentorship based on project needs.
catapultfilmfund.org/how-to-apply/development/
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The Black Film Space Mentorship Program
Black Film Space
DEADLINE: April 24, 2024 by 11:59pm ET
INFO: Black Film Space is elated to launch our second mentorship cohort which offers emerging filmmakers an opportunity to build relationships and develop their skill set alongside seasoned professionals.
The Black Film Space Mentorship Program pairs 10 mentees and 10 mentors together from June 5th to November 22nd, 2024.
Mentees will have (6) 45 minute meetings with their mentor during the program to discuss their work, develop their projects, and careers as it pertains to their short and long term goals.
Mentors will give one round of feedback on the mentees work over the course of the program.
Mentees are selected based on: Quality of work, project goals, personal statement, career objectives and virtual interviews. Mentees must work towards a short term goal over the course of the program.
You must be a Black Film Space member to apply.
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CALL FOR FILMS
The Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series
DEADLINES:
Regular - April 30, 2024
Final - May 24, 2024
INFO: The Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series is an annual film festival founded by African Voices magazine. Established in 1997, Reel Sisters (www.reelsisters.org) is dedicated to providing opportunities for women of color to advance their careers in the film industry. Reel Sisters accepts films written, directed, or produced by women/non-binary filmmakers of color. Reel Sisters is the first Academy Qualifying Film Festival for short narratives devoted to women of color across the globe. Reel Sisters is an IMDb qualifying film festival. Reel Sisters celebrates our 27th Anniversary in 2024.
APPLICATION INFO:
YOU MUST SUBMIT PRODUCTION STILLS/PHOTOS and a TRAILER for your submission to be ELIGIBLE AND COMPLETE. You can screenshot photos from your film if you were unable to hire a photographer.
Reel Sisters is a competitive festival and films are selected by an independent jury. Please submit films early as deadlines are final. The festival provides quality customer service and does not offer fee waivers. The fee covers a small fraction of the administrative costs for running a professional Oscar qualifying film festival.
Reel Sisters accepts all genres and formats with a special interest in submissions from animated and web series producers. Send us films that will make our audience “cry, dance, laugh, sing and explore." The festival curates events throughout the year so all entries will be considered for Reel Sisters Tea & Cinema series. Join our worldwide community of film professionals in celebrating stories produced, directed and written by women of color!
For complete application visit www.reelsisters.org
AWARDS + PRIZES
Reel Sisters screens original films by women across the globe each year — the festival has screened over 5,500 films since its inception. Awards for Best Director, Best Documentary, Best Screenplay, Best Experimental, Best Animation, Best Feature, Best Short, Best Narrative, Best Web Series, Best Original Soundtrack and the Reel Sisters Spirit Award are selected by an independent jury composed of filmmakers, community leaders and artists. Reel Sisters has given over $75,000 in cash awards, fellowships and scholarships since our inception. In 2023, Reel Sisters Micro Budget Film Fellowship provided script to screen opportunities to three women of color filmmakers who received $5K each towards their short film project. Our fellows receive a premiere screening at Reel Sisters, an Oscar Qualifying festival.
CASH AWARDS FOR 2024
Best Narrative Short - $1,000
Best Director - $500
Best Screenplay - $300
Best Animation - $200
filmfreeway.com/ReelSistersoftheDiasporaFilmFestival
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Academy Nicholl Fellowship
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
DEADLINE: May 1, 2024 at 11:59 pm PT
ENTRY FEE: $120
INFO: Each year, the Academy Nicholl screenwriting competition awards up to five $35,000 fellowships to amateur screenwriters. To enter, submit a feature length screenplay and entry fee via the online application. Fellowship winners are invited to participate in awards week ceremonies and seminars, receive individualized Academy member mentorship and are expected to complete at least one original feature film screenplay during their Fellowship year.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Up to five $35,000 fellowships are awarded each year to promising new screenwriters. From the program’s inception in 1986 through 2022, 192 fellowships totaling $5.08 million have been awarded.
FELLOWSHIP OBLIGATIONS:
Up to five fellows in the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competition will be invited to participate in awards week ceremonies and seminars in November.
Fellowship recipients will be expected to complete at least one original feature film screenplay during the fellowship year.
Fellowship payments will be made quarterly subject to satisfactory progress of the recipient’s work, as judged by the Academy Nicholl Fellowships Committee.
The Academy reserves the right to grant no awards if, in the opinion of the Academy Nicholl Fellowships Committee, no entry is of sufficient merit.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Original feature film screenplay (no shorter than 70 pages and no longer than 160 pages) in PDF format only
Completed online application form
Early entry fee of US$50 (by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on March 1) or regular deadline entry fee of US$70 (by 11:59 p.m. PT on April 1) or late deadline entry fee of US$120 (by 11:59 p.m. PT on May 1).
There is a maximum entry limit of 5,500 screenplays for 2024. The competition will close to submissions once the maximum number of entries are received or the final deadline is reached--whichever occurs first.
Writers must create an account at the Nicholl website to enter the competition. PDF scripts must be uploaded and all other requirements met prior to the maximum entry limit of 5,500 screenplays is reached. If the maximum entry limit has not been reached by the final deadline, than PDF scripts must be uploaded and all other requirements met no later than 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on May 1, 2024.
REGISTER AND APPLY
Writers may create an online account at the Nicholl website at any time. When the competition opens each year, they should use that account to enter, following the links to the Log In page. The Nicholl website allows entrants to fill out the required online application form, submit a PDF version of their script and pay the entry fee with a credit or debit card. It also allows entrants to confirm receipt of their entry and to update their contact information at any time during the competition.
Only online applications will be accepted.
SCRIPT SUBMISSIONS
A single entrant or writing team may submit a maximum of ONE script in the 2024 year competition.
The script should be no shorter than 70 pages and no longer than 160 pages. The recommended length is 80 to 125 pages.
Writers must create an account at the Nicholl website to enter the competition.
There is a maximum entry limit of 5,500 screenplays for 2024. The competition will close to submissions once the maximum number of entries are received or the final deadline is reached--whichever occurs first.
PDF scripts must be uploaded and all other requirements met prior to the maximum entry limit of 5,500 screenplays is reached. If the maximum entry limit has not been reached by the final deadline, than PDF scripts must be uploaded and all other requirements met no later than 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on May 1, 2024.
PAYMENT
The entry fee must be paid online via credit card or debit card.
THE COMPETITION
5,599 entries were received in 2023. All scripts are read at least twice in the competition. About 10 percent are read a third time. About 5 percent of entries advance to the competition quarterfinals, about 2 percent advance to the semifinals and about 10-15 entries reach the finals.
READER COMMENTS
Brief reader comments for each entered script are available for purchase but are not required for entry.
Every screenplay entry will receive at least two comments and may receive as many as six, up to and including the Quarterfinal round. These comments are released on the date specified in the online application.
Not intended as comprehensive notes, these comments offer a peek at readers’ reactions to the entry.
JUDGING
The first and quarterfinal rounds are judged by industry professionals who are not members of the Academy. The semifinal round is judged by Academy members drawn from across the spectrum of the motion picture industry. The finalist scripts are judged by the Academy Nicholl Committee.
To further the Academy’s commitment to encouraging and valuing diversity in the industry, the Nicholl Fellowships Program takes measures to ensure that our selection process is as fair as possible and without bias.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
All entrants will receive email notification of whether they've advanced to the Quarterfinals in early August. Semifinalist notifications are emailed in early September.
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Marble House Project
DEADLINE: May 6, 2024 by 11:59pm EST
INFO: Marble House Project is a multidisciplinary artist residency program that fosters collaboration and the exchange of ideas, by providing an environment for artists across disciplines to live and work together. The residency integrates sustainable practices, including small-scale organic food production and waste conservation. Residents sustain their growth by engaging with the grounds while working on their artistic practice. Marble House Project is founded on the belief that the act of creating, whether in the studio or in nature, is how human potential expands and community thrives.
Marble House Project accepts approximately 60 residents and is open to artists living in the United States and abroad. You must be at least 21 years old. Each session accommodates eight artists and is specifically curated to bring together a diverse group of creative workers, to maximize potential for collaboration and dialogue while in residence and beyond.
All residents live together in the historic, eight-bedroom Manley-Lefevre house, a communal space organized around responsibilities-sharing systems which highlight sustainability and community. The residency is an opportunity to develop and carry out practices of mutual support, group conversation, and to cultivate adaptive relationships with the environment. This can take the form of discussions with guest multidisciplinary artists, thinkers, and activists and other individual and group activities that benefit our community of residents.
Residents will be paired and asked to cook for shared dinners three times over the course of their residency, Monday-Friday. . Each session culminates with a short video interview and artists are invited to share their work with our community and each other. Marble House Project provides private bedrooms, food, private studio space, and artist support. We are not able to cover costs related to travel or materials. There is no fee to attend the residency.
Applications are accepted in all creative fields including but not limited to writing, dance and choreography, performance, music composition and sound, film and video, visual arts, and culinary arts. Applications are reviewed by a jury of alumni and staff. Artists are selected based on quality of work, commitment to practice, and project description. Please choose the application that best describes your work. Two artists may apply together as a collaborative, and should complete one application. Within each application you will be asked to select the session dates best for you.
RESIDENCY DATES FOR 2025
March 11th - April 1st
April 6th - April 29th
May 6th - May 27th
June 3rd - June 24th
July 8th - July 22nd. Parent / Artist Residency
Parent artist residency. This residency is only for parent artists who will be attending with their children. Children must be four years old by the start of the residency. Please note that if you only apply for this residency it is very competitive. If you choose other dates you will also be considered for those as well. To find out more about the family friendly residency please visit http://www.marblehouseproject.org/residencyprograms/
October 7th - October 28th
November 3 - November 24th
marblehouseproject.submittable.com/submit
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CALL FOR ENTRIES: 2024 Twin Cities Arab Film Festival
Mizna
DEADLINE: May 11, 2024
INFO: Mizna’s 2024 Twin Cities Arab Film Festival seeks films for our upcoming festival scheduled for September 25–29, 2024. They accept narrative, documentary, experimental, and animated films of feature and short lengths. They seek films made by filmmakers from the SWANA region and beyond, as well as films relevant to the social realities of the SWANA region.
This year, all accepted submissions will be considered for Audience and Jury Awards.
Submissions are due May 11, 2024. Late submissions are due May 31, 2024.
Mizna strives to make our film festival accessible to filmmakers of all financial backgrounds. Filmmakers in need of a submission fee waiver can email mizna@mizna.org.
mizna.org/event/call-for-subs-aff2024/