NBC TV WRITERS PROGRAM
NBC Launch
SUBMISSION PERIOD: June 3 - 23, 2024
INFO: The NBC TV Writers Program is our premier program for emerging episodic television writers with the goal of creating the next generation of showrunners and content creators.
The program, which replaces the long-standing Writers on the Verge, develops writers whose distinct points of view and lived experiences provide unique perspectives to the writers’ room.
During the eight-month program, writers develop an original pilot to which they retain all rights. They are paired with NBCUniversal programming executives from the NBCU Television and Streaming portfolio and Universal Studio Group who mentor them, as they write their original pilot and polish samples for staffing consideration.
Writers also attend weekly evening workshops to enhance their creative and professional skills, including branding, pitching, and interviewing, as well as expand on their knowledge of the ever-changing television landscape. Additionally, they have opportunities to learn from and build relationships with industry professionals, including network and studio executives, showrunners, agents, and managers.
At the conclusion of the program, participating writers will be considered for available staff writer positions on NBCU Television and Streaming as well as Universal Studio Group series.
Applicants are encouraged to review the FAQs carefully as they are designed to guide you in creating a strong submission.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must be authorized to work legally in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not offered to program participants.
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age as of January 1, 2025.
Entertainment industry experience is not required.
While in the program, applicants must reside in Los Angeles as weekly workshops are in-person.
Writers who have received a staff writer credit on more than one streaming, cable, or broadcast television scripted series are ineligible and cannot apply.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Those applying must submit a complete application package, which includes the following items:
APPLICATION must be completed in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
2 ORIGINAL PILOTS that capture the writer’s unique tone, style, and point of view. Applicants retain ownership of these 2 pre-existing pilots which will be used solely for review and evaluation purposes, as part of the application process.
Applicants must select and designate one pilot to prioritize for the first round of review and consideration. Should an applicant proceed to the next round, their second submitted pilot will be reviewed.
Submitted pilots should adhere to the following:
(1) For comedy pilots, follow a four-act structure or Cold Open + three-act structure; for drama pilots, follow a six-act structure or Cold Open + 5 act structure;
(2) Must be between 25-45 pages in length for 30-minute formats (typically comedy) or between 45-60 pages for 60-minute format (typically drama);
(3) Have a clear beginning, middle, and end.
The applicant must be the sole owner of all original material submitted.
All script reads are blind so only provide the title on the title page of the pilots. The applicant’s name, email, address, phone number, or any other identifying information should not appear in the filename, on the title page, or any other page of the script.
RELEASE FORMS must be completed, signed, and dated, in order for submissions to be accepted. Incomplete release forms will result in disqualification. Digital signatures are accepted.
RÉSUMÉ outlining chronological paid employment history (may include entertainment and non-entertainment positions) and any writing-related honors/awards. Positions must have been held within the past 15 years (two pages or less). Only list compensated positions with the exception of entertainment industry internships and full-time volunteer work at non-profits. If listing writing projects, only include projects that were produced and/or optioned. The applicant’s résumé will provide us an understanding of their work history and insight into their individual life experiences.
PERSONAL ESSAYS articulate the applicant’s unique perspective and background as it relates to their storytelling. Applicant must answer both (2) essay questions, and each essay must not exceed 400 words.
(OPTIONAL) LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION from entertainment industry professionals who have read the applicant’s material and can comment on the applicant’s writing ability. Letters of recommendation are strongly encouraged, but not required. Acceptable letters must be on business or personal letterhead, dated in the current calendar year and include the author’s title and/or industry affiliation. No more than two letters per application will be accepted. Letters must accompany the submission and may not be submitted separately via email or mail. Any recommendation letters emailed or mailed to the Program separate from the writer’s application will not be accepted. Letter(s) from agents, managers, attorneys, etc. are considered a conflict of interest and will not be considered.
Any candidate who does not meet the aforementioned criteria will be disqualified.
NOTIFICATION: Due to the volume of submissions received, only those applicants who are selected to participate in the program will be notified. Applicants who are not selected will not be notified. Please check our social media pages for updates on the selection process. Selections will be announced a few weeks before the Program commences.
nbcuniversallaunch.com/tv-writers-program
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North Star Fellowship
BlackStar / Points North Institute
DEADLINE: June 3, 2024 at 11:59pm
INFO: Presented in collaboration with BlackStar, the North Star Fellowship supports four innovative Black, Brown and Indigenous media artists and filmmakers who are developing projects that span the latitudes of creative nonfiction. These might include film, video installation, audio and photo-based work, immersive experiences, performance, or other modes and genres. The North Star Fellowship convenes on two occasions; The Camden International Film Festival and The William & Louise Greaves Filmmaker Seminar.
Leading up to the 20th edition of the Camden International Film Festival, fellows gather for one week on the coast of Maine. A series of workshops, screenings, meals, and excursions create time and space for an ongoing critical dialogue about expanded documentary aesthetics, multidisciplinary creative processes, collaborative practices and more.
Fellows are joined by curators, critics, filmmakers, multidisciplinary artists, and industry professionals, each of whom provides new perspectives on the Fellows’ creative process and the evolving universe of nonfiction.
The first part of the fellowship culminates during 4 days of CIFF, where North Star Fellows plug into a global community of storytellers and artists, attending screenings, artist talks, panel discussions, industry meetings, and special events.
The fellowship recommences in the spring during the William & Louise Greaves Filmmaker Seminar, a gathering for Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists working in cinematic realms, proudly presented by BlackStar Projects. Fellows will explore the technical and creative aspects of media-making, while having honest conversations about the successes and pitfalls of their work. The environment considers the intersection of cinema and visual arts, and is exclusively designed for people of color to focus and not manage the added burden of representation.
The Seminar is named after visionary filmmakers William and Louise Greaves, who together co-produced landmark documentaries such as Symbiopsychotaxiplasm and Ralph Bunche: An American Odyssey.
ELIGIBILITY:
The North Star Fellowship is open to all Black, Brown, and Indigenous filmmakers and media artists worldwide, regardless of nationality or citizenship status.
We’re looking for artists developing projects across a range of disciplines or modes of documentary, including film, video installation, audio and photo-based work, immersive experiences, performance, and others.
The 2024 North Star Fellowship will take place in person in Maine from September 9-15 (exact dates to be confirmed closer to the festival but please hold these dates for now) followed by virtual 1:1 industry meetings on 9/26 & 9/27. Dates for the The William & Louise Greaves Filmmaker Seminar will be published once confirmed.
If you have questions about the program or the application process, please contact artistprograms@pointsnorthinstitute.org
NORTH STAR FELLOWS WILL RECEIVE:
At The Camden International Film Festival, North Star Fellows will receive:
(1) Round-trip flight* to Camden, including ground transportation from Portland or Bangor, Maine,
(1) All Access pass to the Camden International Film Festival and Points North Forum,
(7) nights of accommodations for one during the festival and fellowship.
At The William & Louise Greaves Filmmaker Seminar, North Star Fellows will receive:
(1) Round-trip flight* to location of Seminar in 2025, TBD*
(1) Pass to the William & Louise Greaves Filmmaker Seminar
(3) nights of accommodations for one during the seminar.
(1) Pass to the BlackStar Film Festival in 2025
Following the week in Maine, Fellows will have an opportunity to schedule online meetings with funders, distributors, and other industry decision makers. In 2023, these meetings included representatives from Sundance, Firelight, Ford Foundation, Field of Vision, CAA, Cinetic, POV, ITVS, NBC, Netflix, HBO, NEON, and dozens of other major platforms.
Note: The North Star Fellowship can only support one person per project and is intended to foster a space for individual artists as much as their projects.
pointsnorthinstitute.org/artist-programs/north-star-fellowship/
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LATINO MEDIA ACCELERATOR
The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP)
DEADLINE: June 4, 2024
INFO: The NALIP MEDIA ACCELERATOR is open to creative teams of directors and producers developing their 1st or 2nd feature film and episodic projects. The program is focused on film projects - fiction, creative documentaries, experimental, animation - at an early and advanced stage of development.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
Must be a NALIP Member.
The project must be the director’s 1st or 2nd feature film or developing their first episodic series.
Each team must apply with either a completed feature OR pilot screenplay OR a 10 page treatment OR a documentary proposal.
Applicants must confirm their full availability for the in person Market day and the NALIP Media Summit.
Each project must have either a director, producer or story of LatinX/e origin.
HOW TO APPLY:
The requested materials – to be submitted all together in 1 single PDF and send to latinolens@nalip.org with the subject line: LATINO MEDIA MARKET - title of your project
NARRATIVE FEATURE:
Technical Information (title, language, genre, running time, anything that might be relevant or specific to your project)
Logline
Short Synopsis (Up to 60 words)
Long Synopsis (Up to 500 words)
Director(s)’s bios (if available)
Producer’s bios (if available)
Director’s Statement
Financial Plan (if available)
Budget Top Sheet
Visual Deck
Director’s Previous films (if available)
Script in English or Spanish, to be attached as the last element at the end of the dossier, or 10 page treatment
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE:
Technical Information (title, language, genre, running time, anything that might be relevant or specific to your project)
Logline
Short Synopsis (Up to 60 words)
Director(s)’s bios (if available)
Producer’s bios (if available)
Director’s Statement
Community Engagement statement - tell us about your relationship with your subject.
Financial Plan (if available)
Budget Top Sheet
Visual Deck
Director’s Previous films (if available)
EPISODIC SERIES:
Technical Information (title, language, genre, running time, anything that might be relevant or specific to your project)
Logline
Short Synopsis (Up to 60 words)
Long Synopsis (Up to 500 words)
Writer(s)’s bios (if available)
Producer’s bios (if available)
Writer’s Statement
Series proposal
Financial Plan (if available)
Budget Top Sheet
Visual Deck
Director’s Previous films (if available)
Pilot Script in English or Spanish, to be attached as the last element at the end of the dossier, or 10 page treatment
nalip.org/mediaaccelerator_apply
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2024 Black Cinema Collective Filmmaker Microgrant
Black Cinema Collective
DEADLINE: Extended to June 9, 2024 by 11:59pm PST
INFO: The purpose of this grant is to support two (2) Black filmmakers with film projects that are in the post-production stage. This juried grant will award each grantee $7,500; a bi-coastal opportunity for public film screening and promotional support provided by the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) and Northwest Film Forum (NWFF) (if film is ready to screen within 1 year of this call date); and a 6-month subscription to MUBI’s expansive selection of indie films.
Film projects must be in post-production and can be a short or feature length film in any genre (art film, comedy, documentary, drama, fantasy, horror, musicals, mystery, rom-com, science fiction - you get the picture).
BCC’s second microgrant will be juried by award-winning film artists; documentary filmmaker Ania Freer, composer, intermedia artist and performer Chari Clogovac-Smith, and actor and film producer, Zainab Jah.
Since 2019, Black Cinema Collective (BCC) has offered multiple programs, interactive film screenings and artist talks with filmmakers from the US, Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. This has been possible through our determined efforts to support Black+Brown artists and now we want to deepen our support for your work!
GRANT AWARDS:
BCC Microgrants are project-based and will distribute $15,000 in funding to two (2) filmmakers as follows:
(2) $7,500 awards each (Solo Filmmaker or Filmmaker Collaborative)
(2) 6-month subscriptions to MUBI
(2) opportunities for bi-coastal screenings with Northwest Film Forum and New York African Film Festival. This is subject to anticipated film completion by Feb 2025 (Must provide 3- 4 month minimum notice to be included in May - June 2025 screening schedules at each film space).
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Have a film project that is currently in or will be in the post-production stage at the time of submission.
Reflect the work, stories, and communities Black Cinema Collective serves. Black identifying, Afro-Descendant applicants of all genders and marginalized groups including differently-abled, non-binary, non-gender conforming, queer, trans, straight peoples are encouraged to apply.
Active, emerging, or prior experience in filmmaking, with demonstrated interest in Black cinema studies, Afro-Diasporic stories, film criticism, and production.
Applicants must be 18 years or older
Must be a US resident or currently reside in the US. We define U.S. residents to include U.S. citizens living in the U.S., U.S. green card holders living in the U.S., and those living in the U.S. with valid work authorization from the USCIS (such as O-1 and H-1 visa holders), and able to provide a W9 form for award funds. [BM4]
Matriculated students in certificate or degree studies are not eligible to apply
Current contractors, team, and staff members of Black Cinema Collective (BCC), MUBI, New York African Film Festival (NYAFF), and Northwest Film Forum (NWFF) are not eligible to apply.
Note: All applicants need to fill out an Eligibility Form on Submittable in order to submit their application.
APPLICATION ITEMS:
To facilitate an accessible process for applicants, we've kept the process as simple as possible. To be considered, applicants must submit an application in full via Submittable by Sunday, June 9th 2024 at 11:59 pm PST and must include:
an artist statement (500 words max -OR- link to a video file with no password, 3 mins max)
a synopsis of your film (300 words max)
details about the stage of film project and how a post-production grant will serve your project (400 words max)
a CV/filmography (1 page max, .pdf format)
one (1) - two (2) work samples (one required, one optional)
(REQUIRED) - A work sample of your current project. It must be a video submission of up to 5 mins, as an upload no larger than 800 MB (format .avi, .m4v, .mov, .mp4). Film reels are not eligible.
(OPTIONAL) - The second (optional) work sample may be submitted. This can be up to three (3) film stills/images (format .jpg, .jpeg), a related project clip, or, a film reel.
(Please note: a film reel is only eligible as your second optional work sample). Videos for your optional samples should be no longer than 2 mins, shared via link with no password.
PROJECT CRITERIA:
Projects must be a short or feature length film work in post-production stages
Projects must not be in pre-production development, or current production where scheduled film shoots are still taking place
Applicant must be the primary creator/director/producer of the project, with creative control and rights of the proposed film project
Projects must be intended for public/audience access
Proposals must be for the completion (post-production editing), and/or presentation of a film project (press kits, trailers, merch creation, marketing, film festival submissions, premieres, etc)
Applicant can only submit one project per grant cycle
Collaborators may apply to complete the same film project, as long as their collective efforts are key to the project’s completion and hold specific credits to their contribution (screenwriter, producer, director, etc.)
Funded projects must be completed by Spring 2025 to be granted screenings and promotional support by our partners. (This has no bearing of receiving grant funds or MUBI subscription awards)
SUBMITTABLE CRITERIA:
You will need to create a free Submittable account or sign in with Google or Facebook credentials in order to submit these forms.
You can save a draft of your work if you would like to finish filling out the form at a later date.
This platform works best on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Please make sure you are using a supported browser, and that the files are valid file types.
You can find the acceptable file types under the "Choose File" button on the application.
Note: We are being hosted on NWFF’s Submittable account.
blackcinemacollective.org/2024-bcc-microgrant-call
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DISNEY LAUNCHPAD SEASON THREE
Disney
DEADLINE: Extended to June 9, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PDT
INFO: With a focus on building a more inclusive entertainment industry, Disney is looking for experienced writers and/or directors from underrepresented backgrounds or those with unique perspectives to produce a short film for the Disney Launchpad: Shorts Incubator program.
As part of Disney Launchpad, writers and/or directors will be paired with Disney creative executives who will serve as mentors as they embark on a training program centered on creative collaboration within the Disney Studio system. Under the purview of the Disney Launchpad Producer, three (3) writers and/or directors will work to deliver three (3) live-action short films for possible exhibition on Disney+.
Select shorts may be considered for further feature-length or episodic development, based on the short’s quality, performance on the platform, future arcs, and other factors, though future development is not guaranteed.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
Launchpad is a minimum twelve (12) month program that will include the following (please note that timeframes and program parameters are subject to change):
Three (3) months of script development and professional development classes, specifically designed to strengthen professional and storytelling skills.
Classes for the writers and/or directors led by educational partner, the American Film Institute (AFI), as well as The Walt Disney Studios, held once or twice per week on the Disney studio lot in Burbank, California from 6:30-10 p.m. PT. Please note: these classes are mandatory for directors.
The production schedule will include up to eight (8) weeks of pre-production, four (4) weeks of principal photography, and up to twelve (12) weeks of post-production. Please note: program timelines are subject to change.
HOW TO APPLY:
When applying, you will need to provide the following:
Three (3) essays
One (1) directing sample if applying as a director, one (1) short film script if applying as a writer, and both if applying as a writer/director.
One (1) resume
Signed legal agreements
One (1) professional reference (optional)
APPLICANT CRITERIA:
To qualify for Disney Launchpad, applicants must:
Be from an underrepresented background and/or have a unique perspective.
Have the unrestricted right to be employed in the United States throughout the duration of the Launchpad program and throughout the term of any additional post-term obligations in connection with the Launchpad program. (Disney will not sponsor work visas for individuals employed for Launchpad.)
Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age as of December 1, 2024.
Have completed at least one (1) scripted, live-action narrative work (e.g., a short, feature film, webisode, or episodic program) of at least five (5) minutes in length within the past eight (8) years if applying as a director.
Demonstrate a shared history of co-directing, if applying as a directing team of two (2), which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please see the FAQ for more information.
Co-wrote the submitted script together, if applying as a writing team of two (2).
You are NOT eligible to apply either as a director, writer, or writer/director, if you’ve done any of the following:
Directed a theatrically distributed, scripted, non-documentary feature film.
Directed two (2) or more scripted, non-documentary episodes of a network television, cable television, or premium streaming series.
Directed two (2) or more scripted, non-documentary films, distributed on network television, cable television, or premium streaming service.
Written a theatrically distributed, scripted, non-documentary feature film.
Written more than two (2) episodes of an aired and/or released network television, cable, or premium streaming series.
Written a scripted, non-documentary film, distributed on network television, cable television, or a premium streaming service.
launchpad.disney.com/#howToApply
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Artist in Residence Program
Headlands Center for the Arts
DEADLINE: June 10, 2024
APPLICATION FEE: $35
INFO: The Artist in Residence (AIR) program awards fully sponsored residencies to approximately 50 local, national, and international artists each year. Residencies of four to ten weeks include studio space, chef-prepared meals, housing, travel and living expenses. AIRs become part of a dynamic community of artists participating in Headlands’ other programs, allowing for exchange and collaborative relationships to develop within the artist community on campus. Artists selected for this program are at all career stages and work in all media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, film, video, new media, installation, fiction and nonfiction writing, poetry, dance, music, interdisciplinary, social practice, arts professions, and architecture.
All Artist in Residence applicants are also considered for the following awards:
McLaughlin Foundation Award
McLaughlin Children’s Trust Award
Henderson Award
Project Space
PROGRAM GOALS:
To invest in individuals at the cutting edge of artistic fields and whose work has potential to have significant cultural and social impact.
To support artists to explore and experiment in order to take their work to the next level.
To build a nurturing and dynamic community of local, national, and international artists and thinkers.
To encourage artists to develop ideas and work within the context of the Marin Headlands, a part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
To bring national and international artists to the Bay Area to engage and have cross-cultural exchange with local artists and audiences.
PROGRAM DETAILS:
Fully sponsored 4- to 10-week residencies
Paid roundtrip airfare, and up to $1,000 a month of either a stipend or reimbursed expenses
100- to 2000-sq.-foot studios
Private bedroom in shared house
A maximum two week stay for families in the Family House (by request only and subject to availability)
Five chef-prepared meals per week
Access to vehicles on-site
Facilities access: Basic woodshop; audio/video equipment; artists’ library with computer, scanner, and printer • Wi-Fi in designated spaces
Up to 15 Artists in Residence living on-site
Participation in monthly “Show & Tell” nights
Participation in seasonal Open House
Access to Headlands Public Events
Field trips to Bay Area museums, galleries, and cultural venues
Become part of Headlands Alumni Network
ELIGIBILITY:
Artists not currently enrolled in an academic program at the time requested residency would take place. Eligibility of artists enrolled in PhD programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Former Headlands’ Artists in Residence (AIR), and any recipients of Alumni New Works, Chamberlain, Chiaro, or Tournesol Awards may not apply within five years of previous Residency.
All other Alumni of Headlands’ Programs are eligible to apply for the AIR Program at any point.
Must be able to speak basic English.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Merit of past work.
Readiness to engage with and benefit from the residency experience at Headlands (see program goals). • Potential to develop creative practice and impact the community at Headlands and beyond.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Headlands’ staff reviews applications to ensure completion and eligibility
Submissions are reviewed by a jury of knowledgeable and esteemed artists and arts professionals
The jury evaluates each artist’s materials and selects finalists
Finalists are invited to talk about their work and ideas a 20-minute Zoom interview to determine the final award selection
WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY:
A full application includes the following:
Please note that all applications and work samples must be submitted in or translated to English.
Resume or curriculum vitae
Letter of interest, outlining your specific interest in working at Headlands and how program participation will affect your practice
The names and email addresses of three personal or professional references; please note, we do not want letters of reference.
Documentation of recent work (see specifications below for guidelines according to discipline) • Please note: we’ll start accepting applications for 2025 residencies on April 1, 2024.
Documentation of recent work (see specifications below for guidelines according to discipline)
**Artist collaboratives should apply together by submitting ONE application per group, specifying the number of individuals on the application form. For live-in Artists in Residence, Headlands can accommodate no more than three total artists in a collaborative group.
DOCUMENTATION:
Please select from the following list materials appropriate to your practice. The category headings are guidelines; please submit whatever type of materials best represent your work.
Visual (painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, installation, conceptual)
Applicants may submit up to 12 work samples, which can be a combination of images, video, or audio files (maximum of 30 minutes of video and audio).
Submission of an image list with title, date, size, media, and, where applicable, conceptual intent, is optional.
Writing (poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, screenwriting, graphic narrative)
Submission of an image list with title, date, size, media, and, where applicable, conceptual intent, is optional.
Submit up to 20 pages of poetry, 30 pages of prose or one to two full-length plays/scripts.
Performance / Dance **
Submit 30 minutes of video, along with any other material that adequately describes your work.
Please note: the first 10 minutes will be used for primary review unless the artist directs otherwise.
Film / Video / New Media**
Submit up to 30 minutes of video.
Please note: the first 10 minutes will be used for primary review unless the artist directs otherwise.
Music / Sound**
Submit up to 30 minutes of audio and/or video.
Please note: the first 10 minutes will be used for primary review unless the artist directs otherwise.
Arts Professionals (art writers, administrators, and curators)
Submit sufficient material to evidence the breadth of your work and interests, including reviews, essays, and catalogs.
Architecture / Environment
Review documentation requirements for Visual Artists.
Interdisciplinary Arts**
Review other categories to determine what materials you should submit.
headlands.org/event/artist-in-residence/
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THE DISRUPTORS FELLOWSHIP
The Center For Cultural Power
DEADLINE: Extended to June 14, 2024
INFO: The Disruptors Fellowship is an annual program for emerging television writers of color who identify as trans, nonbinary, disabled or undocumented/formerly undocumented immigrants.
Culture is power–it shapes us, sets the terms of the world we live in, and informs how we perceive issues, stories, and each other. Yet, white supremacy holds so much power as culture makers, reinforcing and perpetuating systems of oppression and preventing racial and gender equity from becoming the norm. The Disruptors Fellowship aims to change that.
The Disruptors Fellowship builds new pathways for Artist Disruptors, enabling them to generate more narratives that inspire and define their experiences on their own terms. As artist disruptors increase their power and impact, they accelerate narrative change and shift culture.
#OscarsSoWhite, #MeToo, and #TimesUp disrupted cultural norms around racial and gender justice, taking aim at the structures that normalize abuse and oppression, and catalyzed an effort to bring more diverse narratives to the forefront. The Disruptors Fellowship continues to build on this momentum and energy and chart new ways forward.
Artists Disruptors are dedicated to their craft and committed to creating a more just and harmonious world.
PROGRAM DETAILS: During this 3-month program, fellows are provided with mentorship, professional development, master classes and an opportunity to build community with other writers of color, both emergent and leaders in their field. Each fellow will receive a $10,000 stipend!
FELLOWSHIP SCHEDULE:
APPLICATION DEADLINE - June 14, 2024
2024 FELLOWS NOTIFIED - Late July 2024
TUESDAY & THURSDAY SESSIONS* - August 8 - October 17
In-person Sessions: 6PM-7:30PM
Online Sessions 7PM-8:30PMFELLOWSHIP KICK-OFF PARTY - August TBD • 6PM-9PM PST (In-Person)
Los Angeles, Location TBDDISRUPTORS SHOWCASE - November TBD (In-Person)
CLOSING CELEBRATION - November TBD (In-Person)
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FALL 2024 & WINTER 2025 RESidency
Vermont Studio Center
DEADLINE: June 15, 2024
APPLICATION FEE: $25
INFO: Applications are now being accepted for fall 2024 through April 2025 residency at Vermont Studio Center. Nestled in the Green Mountains, VSC hosts an inclusive, global community of artists and writers. Enjoy private studios and lodging, fresh - local meals, and a vibrant Visiting Artists & Writers Program.
VSC’s residency program welcomes artists and writers working across all mediums and genres for two, three, and four week sessions.
Residents enjoy well-lit, private studios within a short walk to residency housing, dining hall, and local amenities. Studio spaces range from 170 - 300 square feet. Accommodations include a private room and shared common areas. The campus features include a print shop, digital lab, and metal, wood, ceramic facility. Studios are open 24 hours a day.
A VSC residency provides artists and writers the time and space to focus on their creative practice in an inclusive, international community within a small Vermont village. Residents can explore swimming holes, hiking and biking trails, as well as the rural charm of neighboring towns, while expanding their creative potential and building a solid network of friends and mentors.
PROGRAMMING
During each session, Visiting Artists and Visiting Writers are invited to join us for presentations, craft talks, one-on-one manuscript consultations, and individual studio visits. Residents can also enjoy open studio nights, resident presentations, and exhibition openings. All scheduled activities are optional. Residents are encouraged to unplug, completely immerse themselves in their work, and work at their own pace.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION
VSC is committed to community building both locally and on campus. Every resident has the opportunity to participate in our Community Contribution Program for 3 hours per week, by assisting in one of these areas: Kitchen, School Arts Program, Visual Arts, and the Writing Program. No prior experience is necessary.
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Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award
NYFA
DEADLINE: June 18, 2024 at 5:00pm EST
INFO: The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award is an annual $8,000 cash grant awarded to one (1) New York State-based playwright or screenwriter who self-identifies as LGBTQ+. The Award honors the life and work of Ryan Hudak. Ryan was a gay playwright, theater maker, filmmaker, and a valued member of NYFA’s staff who served on the executive and development teams. Tragically, Ryan passed away in May 2022 after a long battle with Leukemia at the age of 32. The Award is open to playwrights and screenwriters who live in New York State, including those who live within the five boroughs of New York City.
Applicants will need to be practicing playwrights or screenwriters and be able to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to their creative practice and career. Applicants will be required to share a statement on how this Award will impact and catalyze their artistic work and practice. Applicants must self-identify as LGBTQ+. Only those who are at least 25 years of age and current New York State residents and have maintained residency for a minimum of 12 months by the application deadline will be considered.
Funding for this award is generously provided by Ryan’s parents, Pat and Tom Hudak; individual donors; and the philanthropic community.
nyfa.org/awards-grants/the-ryan-hudak-lgbtq-dramatic-writing-award/
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WBD Access Unlock Unscripted Program 2024
Warner Bros. Discovery
DEADLINE: July 23, 2024 at 11:59pm PST
INFO: The WBD Access Unlock Unscripted program aims to identify high-performing, mid-level unscripted producers from across the globe who have had barriers getting to the next level or gaining exposure in different genres of reality. Producers will be given tools and training to expand their skill set and gain exposure to WBD executives and production companies to cultivate relationships for future opportunities. Through this program, WBD is supporting diverse producers, opening doors for them within the WBD ecosystem globally. Ultimately, these producers would start the pipeline to create the next generation of Showrunners in the years to follow.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The application is open to unscripted producers who have already been staffed as mid-level producers (ex. field producer, segment producer, challenge producer or story producer). These candidates are nearly ready to go to the next level in their producing careers. The application is open to everyone, and we highly encourage producers from underrepresented groups to apply. This year, a select number of unscripted producers will be selected to participate in a 1-week intensive, to be held in New York City in the late summer 2024. They will learn all aspects of producing Unscripted lifestyle content from US-based production companies, producers, and network executives, among others and will consist of workshops, panels, networking opportunities, and more. The content will focus on building their producer capability, equipping them with leadership skills and exposing them to the nuances of other unscripted genres of interest. Upon successful completion of the program, participants may be considered for staffing opportunities on WBD unscripted shows.
PROGRAM CRITERIA BY TERRITORY (USA, Canada & UK):
UNITED STATES
To be eligible, applicants must:
Have at least two credits as a mid-level producer (Producer, Field Producer, Segment Producer, Challenge Producer, Story Producer) in unscripted (home renovation, food & lifestyle programming preferred).
Be able to work in the US and be 18 years of age or older.
Be available for an in-person, 1-week intensive in the late summer in New York City (targeting between August 23-30, 2024).
CANADA
To be eligible, applicants must:
Have at least one credit as a mid-level producer (Producer, Field Producer, Segment Producer, Challenge Producer, Story Producer) in unscripted (home renovation, food & lifestyle programming preferred).
Have a referral from an Access Canada Community Partner Organization or Canadian Production Company.
Be able to work in Canada and be 19 years of age or older.
Be able to travel to the US and be available for an in-person 1-week intensive in the late summer in New York City (targeting between August 23-30, 2024).
UNITED KINGDOM
To be eligible, applicants must:
Have at least two credits as a mid-level producer (Edit Producer, Senior Producer, Series Producer, Story Producer, Producer/Director) in unscripted/factual programming (e.g. Antiques & Auctions, Crime, Extreme Medical, Extreme Jobs, Salvage and Restoration, Motoring, Documentary preferred).
Be able to work in the UK and be 18 years of age or older.
Be able to travel to the US and be available for an in-person 1-week intensive in the late summer in New York City (targeting between August 23-30, 2024).
wbdaccess.submittable.com/submit/294547/2024-wbd-access-unlock-unscripted-program
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UNSCRIPTED PITCH ACCELERATOR
NBCUniversal LAUNCH
DEADLINE: June 30, 2024 by 11:59pm PST
INFO: NBCUniversal LAUNCH, in partnership with NBCU Entertainment, is looking for the next, big unscripted idea through its first-ever UNSCRIPTED PITCH ACCELERATOR.
The NBCU LAUNCH UNSCRIPTED PITCH ACCELERATOR provides access for independent producers and content creators to get their projects in front of our unscripted teams for potential development across our various platforms. The conventional pathway to pitching a project typically requires one to come in with representation or an established production company/studio attached. This Accelerator eliminates that requirement in the hopes of expanding our consideration pool to include anyone with a great idea.
The participating NBCU Entertainment networks/platforms are: NBC, cable networks Bravo, E!, Oxygen, USA, as well as our streaming platform Peacock.
Up to five pitches will be selected to receive a $20,000 development deal with NBCU Entertainment to further develop the concept for possible greenlight consideration.
We are open to unscripted pitches in the following categories:
Shiny-floor/in-studio formats
Structured competition formats
Premium documentary series
Social experiments
Dating/relationship formats
Game shows
Character-led docu-soaps, occu-soaps, and docu-series
Lifestyle formats
True crime series
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must be legal residents of the United States. Applicants must be authorized to work legally in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not offered to Accelerator participants.
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age as of June 30, 2024.
Material submitted to other competitions or contests are eligible.
Material must be submitted by the creator of the concept.
Material can be submitted by a team.
Submitted pitches and material must not be encumbered by any obligation to or option held by a third-party prior to applying to the Accelerator.
If the project is talent-led or based on protected IP, written agreements and/or attachments must be secured with the proposed talent and/or IP rightsholders by the time of submission.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Submissions are accepted via electronic submission only.
Those applying must submit a complete application package which includes the following required items:
APPLICATION must be completed in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
SHOW TITLE AND LOGLINE (One to three sentence description that succinctly conveys the concept)
ONE-PAGE PITCH DOCUMENT
This one-sheet may include the following:
The premise and overall description of the project
Overall style and feel of the series
Format beats (if concept is a formatted show)
Gameplay (if concept is a gameshow)
Description of the world and possible storylines (if concept is a docu-soap or docu-comedy)
List of key characters (if concept is talent-led)
TREATMENT/DECK is a more in-depth version of the one-page pitch going into more detail about the overall concept of the show(not to exceed 10 pages).
In addition to the details outlined in the one-page pitch above, this treatment/deck may also include:
Detailed key character descriptions (for talent-led concepts)
Description about one’s connection, inspiration, and intention for the concept, as well as one’s access to the story
Description of the concept’s cultural relevance (e.g., why tell this story now?) and the concept’s originality/uniqueness
If the project is talent-led or based on IP, indicate whether you have secured written agreements or attachments with the proposed talent, their story, or the IP, as that is required.
If the project is a true crime series or premium documentary series, indicate who you have access to and who can help tell the story.
Description of the creative or creative team involved in the project
RELEASE FORM must be completed, signed, and dated for submissions to be accepted. An incomplete release form will result in disqualification. Digital signatures are accepted.
RÉSUMÉ outlining chronological paid employment history (may include entertainment and non-entertainment positions) and any entertainment-related honors/awards. Positions must have been held within the past 10 years (two pages or less). Only list compensated positions with the exception of entertainment industry internships and full-time volunteer work at non-profits. If listing entertainment projects, only include projects that were produced and/or optioned. The applicant’s resume will provide us an understanding of their work history and insight into their individual life experiences.
CHARACTER REELS are REQUIRED for talent-led series, such as docu-soaps, occu-soaps, or docu-series that center around a specific family, group of friends, or business. Character reels are short videos about 3-5 minutes in length, featuring the proposed talent of the show and showcasing the world they live in. Character reels must be in .mov format to be accepted. Talent-led pitches without character reels will not be considered.
Any application that does not meet the aforementioned criteria will be disqualified.
ADDITIONAL INFO: There is no limit to the number of concepts an individual may submit. However, a separate application must be submitted for each individual pitch.
NOTIFICATION: Due to the volume of submission received, only those applicants who are selected to participate in the Accelerator will be notified. Applicants who are not selected will not be notified. Please check our social media pages for updates on the selection process.
We reserve the right to amend the Program at any time.
nbcuniversallaunch.com/unscripted-pitch-accelerator
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RIDEBACK RISE 2024
DEADLINE: June 30, 2024
APPLICATION FEE: $0
INFO: Rideback RISE is soliciting applications for the second year of the Rideback RISE Fellowship. Based in Los Angeles, Rideback RISE is a prestigious content accelerator that offers visionary POC film and television creators (“Fellows”) a $40,000 stipend, and access to a development fund for the purpose of optioning IP and/or creating visual proof-of-concept materials. The 12-month Fellowship also provides expert in-depth mentoring, resources and benefits to the Fellows while they develop and refine a specific television or feature film project before it is taken out to market. In a supportive and collaborative environment, Fellows work closely with the RISE team and receive counseling from notable industry luminaries and experts, all while getting to know each other and becoming familiar with each others’ projects. This is an opportunity for exceptional storytellers who desire to tell mainstream stories aimed at a wide audience, but who still possess their own distinct voice, point of view and perspective.
MISSION: Rideback RISE was founded in 2022 by Dan Lin (THE LEGO MOVIE, IT, ALADDIN, SHERLOCK HOLMES, WALKER). Rideback RISE is a 501c3 non-profit organization with backing from leading partners such as the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Doris Duke Foundation, Zelnick Belzberg Charitable Trust, Comcast NBC Universal, UTA Foundation, Horn Foundation and the Murphy Family Fund.
Rideback RISE’s core mission is to support and empower selected POC creators from the world of entertainment who aspire to make commercial, mainstream content that is reflective of our multicultural world. Rideback RISE believes that entertainment can bridge cultures, unite people, and be a catalyst for social change. By advancing racial equity, we contribute to the creation of a more empathetic world.
RISE offers financial, creative and strategic support to each of our participating creators customized to their specific discipline. RISE equips Fellows/participants to create commercial content that can enter the cultural zeitgeist and ultimately reshape majority opinions. Our aim is to make mainstream entertainment more inclusive by enabling POC creators to tell stories that have broad audience reach.
Through telling new stories, we can come to appreciate other cultures and ways of life. Reality is socially constructed through narrative. A small shift in someone’s mindset can often lead to a cascade of meaningful change.
BENEFITS: The RISE Fellowship runs for a concurrent twelve months and covers creative, business and practical elements. Each of the Fellows will be paired with a high-level mentor (e.g., an experienced showrunner, filmmaker, producer, executive, etc.) that they will work with for the duration of the Program. Fellows will be selected based on their storytelling and writing abilities, the authenticity of their voice, the strength and commercial viability of their ideas, their willingness to maximize the impact of the resources provided, and their overall suitability for the program.
Program activities will include, but will not be limited to, the following:
Creative development on each Fellow’s project, including in-depth work on story and character
Advice on how to attach cast and other talent
Navigating possible financiers and securing distribution
Assisting Fellows with identifying possible buyers for their projects and facilitating meetings with executives
Expert guidance and background on the state of the industry
In-person lectures and appearances by industry luminaries in a variety of fields, including acting, directing, producing, legal, casting, etc.
General career coaching
Help with the transferring of projects at the end of the Program to a studio, production company or other collaborator who is best positioned to help the Fellow continue to advance it
A more detailed curriculum and calendar will be provided upon commencement.
Fellows will be based at Rideback Ranch, a creative campus in LA’s Historic Filipinotown that provides a dedicated workspace and amenities, and is home to several leading entertainment companies. There will also be a number of creators who will be invited to join the RISE Circle, enabling them to attend certain events and presentations.
As stated above, the Fellowship also provides access to the Rideback RISE IP and Visual Development Fund, which Fellows can tap to option underlying rights (novels, remakes, podcasts, documentaries, newspaper or magazine articles, true stories, short films, video games, graphic novels etc.) or create proof-of-concept materials—e.g., concept art, visual teaser for their project or even a short.
The curriculum will focus on and emphasize collaboration, mentorship, networking, industry access and community. A key feature of RISE is community: Fellows will familiarize themselves and share their feedback on each others’ projects. Our goal is to create market ready content that will attract financing and be produced, and to help Fellows build sustainable careers.
writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/ridebackrise
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The Muslim List
Muslim Public Affairs Council / The Black List
DEADLINE: July 1, 2024
INFO: For the third year in a row, the Black List has partnered with the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) to create The Muslim List, highlighting the very best unproduced scripts written by at least one Muslim writer.
Writers, filmmakers, and creators are invited to submit an original feature film or pilot script for consideration by uploading it to The Black List website beginning on February 28, 2024. Submissions will remain open until July 1, 2024. Features and pilots in any genre are eligible for Muslim List consideration - at least one writer of the project must identify as Muslim in order to submit.
Writers selected for the Muslim List will be notified of their placement in late summer 2024 with a public announcement to follow.
When submitting your script for diversity list consideration, you will be able to apply for one fee waiver per submitting writer (which includes one month of hosting and one evaluation). We will approve and reject fee waivers on a weekly basis, so please account for that when waiting to hear back from us.
While a writer may be eligible for multiple diversity lists, only one fee waiver application is necessary, even if submitting work for consideration on multiple diversity lists - writers will only be eligible for one diversity list fee waiver even if they have more than one eligible project to submit, as we hope to provide fee waivers to as many submitting writers as possible. The month of hosting and reader evaluation included in the fee waiver package will allow writers to submit their script to any diversity list (or any other Black List program) for which they are eligible.
Fee waivers will be equally distributed across all 2024 diversity lists and distributed at the discretion of diversity list partners, AMC Networks and the Black List. Please check out our FAQ for more information about how to apply for a diversity list fee waiver. Until your fee waiver application status has been determined, you are not able to apply for another diversity list fee waiver - thanks so much for your patience in the meantime!
The Black List is proud to partner with MPAC for the third annual Muslim List and celebrate the most exciting emerging Muslim storytellers! For more information, please read the Muslim List FAQ or email support@blcklst.com
REQUIREMENTS:
Submitted scripts must be written by a Muslim screenwriter, or a screenwriting team with at least one member who is Muslim
Writers should identify as Muslim. While writers can be from any country of origin, they must currently reside in the US.
Any kind of story is eligible and will be considered
Feature film scripts, half-hour scripts and one-hour scripts will be considered for this partnership
All levels of experience considered for submitting writers
blcklst.com/programs/2024-muslim-list
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The DESI List
The Salon / The Black List
DEADLINE: July 1, 2024
INFO: The Black List is proud to partner with The Salon on the first ever Desi List, highlighting the very best unproduced scripts written by South Asian writers.
Writers, filmmakers, and creators are invited to submit a feature film or original pilot script for consideration by uploading it to The Black List website beginning on February 28, 2024. Interested writers should identify as South Asian. Additionally, all submitted scripts must have at least one South Asian character in a prominent, lead role. Submissions will remain open until July 1, 2024.
Writers selected for the Desi List will be notified of their placement in late summer 2024 with a public announcement to follow.
When submitting your script for Desi List consideration, you will be able to apply for one fee waiver per submitting writer (which includes one month of hosting and one evaluation). We will approve and reject fee waivers on a weekly basis, so please account for that when waiting to hear back from us.
While a writer may be eligible for multiple diversity lists, only one fee waiver application is necessary, even if submitting work for consideration on multiple diversity lists - writers will only be eligible for one diversity list fee waiver even if they have more than one eligible project to submit, as we hope to provide fee waivers to as many submitting writers as possible. The month of hosting and reader evaluation included in the fee waiver package will allow writers to submit their script to any diversity list (or any other Black List program) for which they are eligible.
Fee waivers will be equally distributed across all 2024 diversity lists and distributed at the discretion of diversity list partners, AMC Networks and the Black List. Please check out our FAQ for more information about how to apply for a diversity list fee waiver. Until your fee waiver application status has been determined, you are not able to apply for another diversity list fee waiver - thanks so much for your patience in the meantime!
The Black List is thrilled to launch the inaugural Desi List with The Salon to celebrate the most exciting emerging Desi voices! For more information, please read the Desi List FAQ or email support@blcklst.com
REQUIREMENTS:
Writers should identify as South Asian. The UN defines South Asia as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
While writers can be from any country of origin, they must currently reside in the US. Citizens, residents, visiting students, and undocumented individuals who reside in the U.S. are welcome to apply.
Writing teams are eligible as long as one member of the team identifies as South Asian
Scripts can be multilingual as long as they are written primarily in English
Feature films, half-hour TV pilots, and one-hour TV pilots will be considered
All genres are eligible and will be considered
All scripts must have at least one South Asian character in a prominent, lead role
blcklst.com/programs/2024-desi-list
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The CAPE List
Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment / The Black List
DEADLINE: July 1, 2024
INFO: For the fourth year in a row, the Black List is proud to partner with CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) to create the latest edition of the CAPE List!
Writers, filmmakers, and creators are invited to submit a feature film script for consideration by uploading it to The Black List website beginning on February 28, 2024. Submissions will remain open until July 1, 2024.
Selected CAPE List scripts will include a protagonist with Asian and/or Pacific Islander heritage, and must include authentic, accurate and inclusive Asian and Pacific Islander (Native Hawaiian, Pasifika, and Maori included) representation that if removed, would significantly alter or affect the story. Only feature film scripts are eligible for the 2024 CAPE List.
Writers selected for the CAPE List will be notified of their placement in late summer 2024 with a public announcement to follow.
Best of all? 400 fee waivers are available to submitting writers thanks to AMC Networks! When submitting your script for diversity list consideration, you will be able to apply for one fee waiver per submitting writer (which includes one month of hosting and one evaluation). We will approve and reject fee waivers on a weekly basis, so please account for that when waiting to hear back from us.
While a writer may be eligible for multiple diversity lists, only one fee waiver application is necessary, even if submitting work for consideration on multiple diversity lists - writers will only be eligible for one diversity list fee waiver even if they have more than one eligible project to submit, as we hope to provide fee waivers to as many submitting writers as possible. The month of hosting and reader evaluation included in the fee waiver package will allow writers to submit their script to any diversity list (or any other Black List program) for which they are eligible.
Fee waivers will be equally distributed across all 2024 diversity lists and distributed at the discretion of diversity list partners, AMC Networks and the Black List. Please check out our FAQ for more information about how to apply for a diversity list fee waiver. Until your fee waiver application status has been determined, you are not able to apply for another diversity list fee waiver - thanks so much for your patience in the meantime!
The Black List is excited to partner with CAPE for the fourth annual CAPE List and celebrate the most exciting, Asian and Pacific Islander-inclusive projects and emerging creative voices once more. For more information, please read the CAPE List FAQ or email support@blcklst.com
REQUIREMENTS:
Scripts should feature a protagonist of Asian and/or Pacific Islander (Native Hawaiian, Pasifika, and Maori included) heritage.
Scripts must include authentic, accurate and inclusive Asian and Pacific Islander representation that if removed, it would significantly alter or affect the story.
Any genre/kind of story is eligible and will be considered.
Only feature-length scripts will be considered for this opportunity.
All levels of experience considered for submitting writers.
blcklst.com/programs/2024-cape-list
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The LATINE List
The Latin Tracking Board / NALIP / The Black List
DEADLINE: July 1, 2024
INFO: For the fourth year in a row, the Black List has partnered with the Latin Tracking Board and NALIP to create the Latine List, highlighting the very best in Latin-e/a/o/@ storytelling in film, television, and theater.
Filmmakers, writers, and playwrights are invited to submit a script for consideration by uploading it to the Black List website during the overall submission window, February 28, 2024 - July 1, 2024. Feature film, one-hour and half-hour pilot, and theatrical submissions will be considered for the Latine List.
The final Latine List may include a combination of feature films, original pilots, and plays. Scripts from any genre are eligible for this partnership. Selected scripts will be written by at least one Latin-e/a/o/@ writer AND feature a Latine or Latin American character in a prominent role. Please note that the 2024 Latine List will only be open to writers who have NOT been previously selected for a Latine List.
Writers selected for the Latine List will be notified of their placement in late summer 2024 with a public announcement to follow.
While a writer may be eligible for multiple diversity lists, only one fee waiver application is necessary, even if submitting work for consideration on multiple diversity lists - writers will only be eligible for one diversity list fee waiver even if they have more than one eligible project to submit, as we hope to provide fee waivers to as many submitting writers as possible. The month of hosting and reader evaluation included in the fee waiver package will allow writers to submit their script to any diversity list (or any other Black List program) for which they are eligible.
REQUIREMENTS:
Writers should be Latine and currently residing currently in the US - any country of origin or other status is fine
Any kind of story is eligible and will be considered
All scripts must have one Latine character in a prominent, lead role
Scripts can be bilingual as long as they are written primarily in English
Original feature films, half-hour and one-hour pilots, and plays will be considered
All levels of experience considered for submitting writers
Writing teams are eligible as long as one member of the team identifies as Latine
Writers who have previously been selected for the Latine List are ineligible for the 2024 Latine List
blcklst.com/programs/2024-latine-list
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2024 Annual Labs
The Black List
DEADLINE: July 1, 2024
INFO: In order to submit for this program, you must be logged into the website and have uploaded a script.
The Annual Labs support twelve writers in two cohorts: the Writers Lab cohort and the Projects Lab cohort. The Black List will invite six promising, non-professional writers as identified by the Black List to each cohort.
The Labs support writers on two distinct career tracks: those who are interested in being a career writer, with a focus on working within the studio system, and those who are interested in writing and directing their own work in the independent space. The Labs will remain exclusively writing-focused programs in which each participating writer workshops the script that gets them into the Lab.
The Black List is looking for the strongest screenplays for the Labs–material with strong characters and a strong concept–as well as writers who have strong professional instincts and are looking to build long-term careers in the entertainment industry. The goal of the Labs is for all twelve writers to emerge with the strongest possible script and the knowledge of how to move forward in their careers, with Black List support.
The Labs are in-person, weeklong intensive writers workshops. Writers in both cohorts will workshop their feature screenplay through one-on-one sessions with professional screenwriting mentors and in peer workshops. The Labs will also include several story- and industry-related sessions with executives, producers, lit agents and managers.
You must select only which Lab cohort you would like to be considered for when submitting your script. If selected, you will be workshopping the script you submitted and no other. You may submit multiple scripts but you must choose which cohort you would like to be considered for, per script.
THE WRITERS LAB
Those in the Writer Lab will further develop feature scripts that they intend to sell and/or use as voice samples. Writers in this cohort will have strong interest in working within the studio system. The Writers Lab cohort will meet the week of October 14th in Ojai, CA.
THE PROJECTS LAB
Those in the Project Lab will further develop feature projects which they intend to direct. Directing samples will be required for the writer-director track but will not be a consideration in the final selection. The Projects Lab will meet the week of November 11th in Ojai, CA.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process will work like this:
The Writers Lab - Up to 40 writers will be invited, based on the strength of their scripts as determined by the Black List, to submit a one-page personal statement and professional resume. From those submissions, up to 20 writers will be shortlisted and asked to submit additional materials. From the short list, select writers will be chosen to interview, via Zoom, and six writers will be selected by the Black List to participate in the Writers Lab.
The Projects Lab - Up to 40 writers will be invited, based on the strength of their scripts as determined by the Black List, to submit a one-page personal statement, a professional resume, and a link to a previous directing sample.. From those submissions, up to 20 writers will be shortlisted and asked to submit additional materials. From the short list, select writers will be chosen to interview, via Zoom, and six writers will be selected by the Black List to participate in the Projects Lab.
IMPORTANT LAB DEADLINES AND DATES:
Submission Period Opens October 17, 2023
Submission Period Closes July 1, 2024
Long List Writers Notified July 15, 2024
Personal Statements Due July 22, 2024
Short List Writers Notified August 5, 2024
Additional Materials Due August 12, 2024
Interview Candidates Notified September 6, 2024
Interviews September 11-13, 2024
Final Participants Notified September 16, 2024
In-Person Program: Writers Lab October 14-19, 2024
In-Person Program: Projects LabNovember 11-16, 2024
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATIONS:
The Labs are residential programs. If you are accepted into the Labs, you will be required to board in the provided accommodations for the duration of the program and, if air travel is required, must be available to be flown to Los Angeles from a major airport within the continental United States.
Air Travel (coach class round trip flights within the continental United States (if available and if used)), ground transport to and from the airport in Los Angeles and all Lab events, and accommodations (room and tax only)* will be provided by the Black List. Meals will also be provided.
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.
SLOAN FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP:
Writers are also available for consideration for the 2024 Sloan Foundation Fellowship.
The Black List’s 2024 Sloan Foundation Fellow at the Annual Black List Feature Lab will be a science- and technology-focused writer with a science-rooted feature screenplay. Mentoring opportunities for the Sloan Fellow will continue throughout the year following the Lab. Writers will have the opportunity to be considered for this fellowship by selecting the “Sloan Foundation Fellow” option during the opt-in process.
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is a New York based, philanthropic, not-for-profit institution that makes grants in three areas: research in science, technology, and economics; quality and diversity of scientific institutions; and public engagement with science. Sloan's program in Public Understanding of Science and Technology supports books, radio, film, television, theater and new media to reach a wide, non-specialized audience and to bridge the two cultures of science and the humanities.
Sloan’s Film Program encourages filmmakers to create more realistic and compelling stories about science and technology and to challenge existing stereotypes about scientists and engineers in the popular imagination. Over the past two decades, Sloan has partnered with top film schools in the country, supported screenplay development programs, and has helped develop over 30 feature films including Michael Almereyda’s Tesla, Lydia Dean Pilcher and Ginny Mohler’s Radium Girls, Thor Klein’s Adventures of a Mathematician, Jessica Oreck’s One Man Dies a Million Times, Logan Kibens and Sharon Greene’s Operator, Morten Tyldum’s The Imitation Game, and Matthew Brown‘s The Man Who Knew Infinity. The Foundation’s book program includes support for Margot Lee Shetterly’s Hidden Figures, which became the highest grossing Oscar-nominated film of 2017 and a social and cultural milestone.
For more information about the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, please visit www.sloan.org or follow the Foundation at @SloanPublic on Twitter and Facebook.
REQUIREMENTS:
You are the sole and exclusive author of the feature screenplay submitted for consideration.
You have not received more than $100K in aggregate to date as compensation for film or television writing work.
If selected as one of the writers invited to submit a professional resume and personal statement for additional consideration, you will deliver those materials by the stated deadline.
If selected as one of the writers invited to submit further materials for the Projects Lab, you will deliver a director's sample by the stated deadline.
If selected for participation in the Labs, you are available to participate in the Lab cohort for which you are selected: for the Writers Lab, that is in person in Ojai, CA from October 14-19, 2024; for the Projects Lab, that is in person in Ojai, CA from November 11-16, 2024.
Please read both the Submissions Agreement and the Submissions Requirements before opting in.
blcklst.com/programs/2024-annual-labs
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Open Call
ITVS
DEADLINE: July 12, 2024 at 11:59pm PDT
INFO: We’re looking for exceptional storytelling that’s in line with our mission: stories that take risks, tackle important issues, address the needs of underserved audiences, and are seldom seen in public media. We know how hard you’ve worked on your project, and we’ll partner with you to help you finish it, then distribute it across public media platforms.
Open Call provides up to $400,000 of co-production funding to independent producers of nonfiction documentaries, ranging from short films to feature length. The documentary can be on any subject, or any viewpoint or style as long as it is in active production already, as evidenced via a work-in-progress sample. For pre-production nonfiction projects, see Diversity Development Fund.
PLEASE NOTE: Open Call is not a grant. You will receive funding in the form of a co-production agreement that assigns ITVS certain broadcast and streaming rights to your project during the term of the contract.
Be sure to allow sufficient time (2-4 weeks) to complete the application. ITVS has adopted the Non-Fiction Core standards as a foundation for our funding applications. Much of the Open Call application has been aligned with this model, however, there is additional production detail required to complete the application as ITVS funds documentaries for public media.
WHO WE FUND:
Open Call supports:
Single, nonfiction films of various lengths. We do not accept narrative film/fiction projects, pilots, or series.
Projects over 10 minutes seeking production or post-production support.
ELIGIBILITY:
You are eligible to apply if you are:
A citizen or legal resident of the U.S. or its external territories, age 18 or older.
The owner of the copyright of your production and maintain editorial control of the story. If more than one applicant is included on the application, both applicants must be copyright owners.
An individual with previous film or television production credit in a principal role: director, producer, or first-time director or producer with an experienced co-producer or co-director attached to the project. Please review the FAQs for more information on eligible work.
Seeking funding for production activities that support the completion and delivery of the documentary.
Submitting a project that is in production or post-production as evidenced by having a video sample that includes originally-shot footage for this project.
An individual only submitting one application per round, either as an applicant or a second applicant. Note that an applicant can be a member of the key creative personnel on multiple projects.
You are not eligible to apply if you are:
Currently enrolled as a student at a college or university.
In consideration through another funding initiative with ITVS funding at time of submission.
If you have received four declinations since June 2024 on a single project/documentary submission without advancing beyond the Reader Review.
Current signatories of any ITVS production contracts who have not yet completed delivery.
Producers representing foreign-based production entities.
Employed full time as a producer or director by a broadcast entity or film studio, including public access stations.
An organization including universities, foundations, and nonprofit businesses.
A former employee who has worked for ITVS within the past 12 months.
Submitting a project/documentary previously distributed in a public forum, including theatrical, festivals, educational, and communication screenings.
Contracted for premiere commercial distribution with the intended submission.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Review Process
After you submit your application, you will receive notification of your status within 16-20 weeks.
Eligibility Review: All projects are reviewed against the eligibility criteria and for full completion of the application. Ineligible projects will be notified if your project is unable to be considered for funding.
Reader Review: Each complete application is assigned an ITVS staff member and a peer reviewer. Our peer reviewers are ethnically and geographically diverse members of the independent film and public media communities.
Notification of Advancement: A small group of top applicants are chosen to advance as finalists. You’ll receive an email that lets you know if you’ve been selected.
Feasibility Review: Advancing submissions will be asked to submit a full production budget and answer additional production questions for review.
Panel Review: A five-person panel of independent producers and industry peers reviews all treatments, screens work-in-progress samples, and discusses the merit of each project.
Selection and Invitation for Co-Production Funding: Our programming and production department reviews the panel recommendations and feasibility check. A selection is then proposed to the ITVS content strategy team. ITVS President and CEO Carrie Lozano approves the final funding recipients and notifications are made inviting applicants into the contracting process.
Production and Distribution
ITVS doesn’t just fund your film. We provide you with co-production support, creative development and feedback, and public media distribution which can include marketing, publicity, and audience engagement services. You own copyright and maintain full editorial, creative, and financial control.
Funded projects will be expected to acknowledge the production support from ITVS in all program and publicity materials; cooperate with ITVS’ publicity protocols; provide timely information to ITVS about project activities, including notification of and request for approval of any major changes to the project; and submit contract deliverables, including final financial reporting at the conclusion of the project. Failure to submit the final financials will preclude applicants from eligibility to apply for future funding.
When your program is at or near completion, we work closely with public media programmers to ensure the strongest distribution of your program throughout public media. ITVS will enter a license agreement for the exclusive premiere distribution of your documentary.
ITVS-funded programs are presented by PBS series such as Independent Lens, POV, American Masters, Frontline, and America ReFramed on platforms like the PBS App, pbs.org, PBS YouTube, and broadcast. Our programs also have success in the festival, educational video, home video, SVOD, and foreign broadcast markets.