Perhaps one of the best ways to break in to the screenwriting industry is through participating in a contest or fellowship program hosted by a network, studio, or organization. Getting accepted into one of these programs—or even moving on to the final stages of the application process—is a HUGE deal. While there are no guarantees of getting staffed or securing representation by landing in a writing program cohort, these opportunities are within reach if you’re accepted.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of verified fellowship programs below and check out this blog post and this recent WGFestival video featuring program alums for helpful application tips we’ve compiled from talking to lots and lots of writing program representatives. Good luck!
Please note that all summary details should be reviewed in full on the official fellowship program website as changes to the program requirements occur every year.
APPLICATION DATES: Typically open at the start of the year; closes May 1.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: Each year, the Academy Nicholl screenwriting competition awards up to five $35,000 fellowships to amateur screenwriters. The fellowship is open for screenwriters who have not earned more than $25,000 writing fictional work for film or television. Entry scripts must be the original work of one writer, or of two writers who collaborated equally, and must be written originally in English. Adaptations and translated scripts are not eligible.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: You will submit an application that includes an original feature film screenplay (no shorter than 70 pages and no longer than 160 pages) in PDF format only. The entry fee varies depending on which deadline you are submitting to.
APPLICATION DATES: Typically open at the start of the year; closes in May.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: All scripts must be submitted in English. Scripts must not have been optioned or sold prior to a certain date. Scripts that have reached the Semifinalist level or above in previous years within the Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition or Digital Series Competition are not eligible for resubmission.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Submission details vary depending on genre/category you are submitting to.
APPLICATION DATES: Typically open from June-August.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: The Black List and Women In Film will invite six to eight promising non-professional television writers who identify as women to the Lab. You must be competent to contract and over the age of 18. You must not have earned more than $25,000 in the aggregate in connection with any prior television writing work.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Submission requirements are laid out extensively on their website.
APPLICATION DATES: Submission opens on October 16.
ELIGIBILITY: The CAPE New Writers Fellowship discovers and nurtures emerging writers launching their careers in television and film. This unique, immersive Fellowship arms each participant with the practical and business knowledge they need to succeed as a professional writer in the entertainment industry. Writers must be 18 years or older; must not have been a staff writer on an episodic nor have had a feature worth over $1 million budget produced, regardless of which category they are applying for; must be able to work in the United States; and, if selected, must attend every single session in-person (no exceptions). All sessions take place in the Los Angeles area. Writers must provide their own transportation and lodging for the duration of the program. CAPE is unable to offer any financial or other assistance regarding accommodations. The CAPE New Writers Fellowship is open to writers of all race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability and sexual orientation.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Submission details vary from year to year.
APPLICATION DATES: Deadline for 2024 program is November 17, 2023.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Submission details vary from year to year and all application links, instructions, and additional information are managed solely through their Facebook page.
APPLICATION DATES: The Screenwriting Lab typically closes in October. The Episodic Lab typically closes in February.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: The Screenwriting Lab is open to any writer applying with a completed draft of a feature-length project they wish to workshop during the program, with an eye toward production. The Episodic Lab is open to any emerging writer applying with a completed draft of a half hour or hour-long television pilot they wish to workshop during the program. Each applicant must be the author of the script he or she submits. The submitted pilot cannot have been pitched at any point to a studio or network.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Submission details vary based on which lab you are applying to.
APPLICATION DATES: Typically opens in the beginning of the year; closes in July.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: The Big Break Screenwriting Contest offers film and TV writers in 11 genres the chance to win up to $100,000 in cash and prizes. Grand prize winners also get flown to Los Angeles to meet with managers, producers and executives. Any writer over the age of 18 whose screenplay or teleplay is not currently optioned is eligible.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Submission details vary from year to year.
APPLICATION DATES: First quarter of 2023
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: The 1497 Features Lab is designed to elevate and develop screenplays by writers of South Asian descent, while providing career support. They believe in a holistic approach to foster writers' creative and career journeys. As a result, each selected Mentee will move through a multi-tiered process: Script Development, Mentorship, and Connect with the Industry. The 2023 Lab will be held in person. To be eligible, applicants must be of South Asian descent, over 18 years of age, must reside in the United States, and have a completed narrative feature script.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: All applications must be submitted through our partner Coverfly, which requires applications to be completed in one sitting. Applicants will submit links to past work, an artistic statement, logline, script synopsis, and the first 10 pages of the screenplay as a PDF.
APPLICATION DATES: For 2024, deadline to apply is January 19.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: The FOX Writers Incubator is a highly selective initiative designed to nurture and provide training to four (4) writers of all genres (comedy, drama, animation, etc) who have diverse voices, backgrounds and life experiences. Writers will have a chance to work intensively on their scripts with the support of established writers, executives, directors and producers. The initiative offers trained writers a rigorous three-month workshop focused on rewriting their material, honing writing skills, and exploring the business of media and entertainment. Upon successful completion of the FOX Writers Incubator, writers will receive priority in staffing meetings on FOX television shows.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Applicants will submit one original pilot script; a script synopsis; script genre; a logline; two additional original loglines of unproduced material; two names of recommendations; a resume/CV, bio, and personal statement; and a submission agreement. Writing teams have additional submission rules.
APPLICATION DATES: Final deadline is April 15, 2024.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: The New Voices Fellowship is a four-month mentorship program for emerging television and screenwriters. The program is committed to identifying and empowering five writers each year who are unrepresented and are currently working on a 30- or 60-minute pilot or feature film screenplay that upholds the mission of Humanitas .
To be eligible, applicants must be emerging television and screenwriting who are unrepresented (with no current manager, agent, or attorney acting in this capacity), have not be staffed as a writer, and have not received payment for screen or television writing services prior to the submission period.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Alongside a general application and a $45 entry fee submitted through Coverfly , writers will submit an original 30-minute pilot, 60-minute pilot, or feature film screenplay as a writing sample, a brief synopsis, a bio, a résumé, and a short artist statement that speaks to professional aspirations.
APPLICATION DATES: No deadline, on a rolling basis.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: Inevitable Foundation started the Screenwriting Fellowship to substantially increase the number of disabled screenwriters working in film and TV. The Fellowship is for disabled screenwriters working in the industry with ample talent and ambition. Fellows receive $25,000, which is meant to cover 4-6 months of living expenses, and the money is unrestricted—you can use it to cover living expenses and other project-related fees.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: You will submit an application that includes an original feature film or pilot, a project synopsis and logline, a personal statement, a resume, and a list of other projects you are working on.
APPLICATION DATES: The Fast Track Fellowship runs twice a year and is typically open from April through August and September through February.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: The Fast Track Fellowship is open to any writer applying with a completed draft of a feature or tv pilot script. The Fellowship offers 2 writers per season a week of meetings with 8 industry professionals and acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate to receive consultation and access to industry partners. The ISA Fast Track Fellowship has been instrumental in discovering and elevating writers on the rise. Fellows have signed with major agencies like CAA, Paradigm and ICM. Many have been introduced to and then signed with management companies during their Fast Track week and had their scripts optioned, leading to development deals. Writers must own the script, and it must not already be sold, produced for a profit, or currently under option.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Applicants must submit an original feature script or TV pilot script and answer a couple of brief questions on the application.
APPLICATION DATES: The ISA Diversity Initiative is typically open from January through March and is free to apply.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: The ISA Diversity Initiative seeks writers with unique perspectives including but not limited to race, sexuality, gender, neurodiversity, disability, economic inequality, and age. The focus of the Initiative is to break down barriers and celebrate authentic narratives. Up to 3 writers will be invited onto the ISA Development Slate and receive consultation and access to industry partners. Writers may submit a completed draft of a feature or tv pilot script. Writers must own the script, and it must not already be sold, produced for a profit, or currently under option.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Applicants must submit an original feature script or TV pilot script.
APPLICATION DATES: Typically opens and closes in the spring.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: Ten diverse Latinx writers nationwide are selected for a 7-week intense writers lab. At the end of the program, these writers will have either a half-hour or hourlong original series pilot, which they will pitch to Industry leaders, beginning with our partners at ABC and NBC. Over the 7-week duration writers work with a professional writing mentor, meet and speak with professional industry writers, and build a community of Latinx writers. The program is officially conducted virtually. You must be 18 years or older, live in the United States, and must have access to reliable internet connection to participate in daily video conferencing.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Complete an online application, submit one properly formatted script (half-hour, 1-hour, or features are accepted), logline, resume, bio, and statement of purpose.
APPLICATION DATES: Typically opens and closes in December.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: The NBCUniversal Late Night Writers Workshop is a multi-day program focused on exposing talented sketch and comedy writers to NBCUniversal’s late night & alternative line-up and readying them for a staff writer position. We are looking for writers who are “almost there,” but need that final bit of preparation and exposure to key industry players. We particularly encourage female writers and those of diverse backgrounds to apply.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Participants will submit a sketch packet with three elements: 1-2 pages of topical monologue jokes, 1-2 pages of original ideas for refillable late night “desk bits,” and 2 SNL-style sketches (no more than 5 pages EACH).
APPLICATION DATES: Typically opens in February.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: Formerly NBCUniversal’s Writers on the Verge, NBCU’s Launch TV Writers Program develops diverse 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. Writers must be at least 21 years old, authorized to work in the United States, must reside in Los Angeles during the program as workshops are in-person, and can not have received a staff writing credit on more than one broadcast, cable, or streaming scripted series.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Participants will submit a general application, two original scripts, a resume, a legal release form, and personal essay.
APPLICATION DATES: Application opens in October. Deadline is November 15.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: While in the Program, writers meet our series creators, work in writers’ rooms, and receive hands-on experience writing spec scripts and pitching story ideas in both live action and animated television. There are two creative avenues to pursue: the General Track (12-months) and the Preschool Track (6-months). The Preschool Track was created to develop writers specifically interested in writing and/or creating shows for the preschool demographic. You must be 18 years or older to participate. If you have previously applied to the Program and were not selected, you are welcome and encouraged to apply again. However, you must submit a different spec script for each new submission period.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Participants will submit a general application that includes one spec script in PDF format (this applies to both individual writers and writing teams), a one-page resume in PDF format, a short biography (500 words or less), two essay questions (each 75 words or less), and a completed and digitally signed Submission Release form and Schedule A
APPLICATION DATES: Typically open from June-July
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: Established by Universal Content Productions and writer/producer Tanya Saracho (Vida), the Ojalá Ignition Lab is committed to empowering Latine creators by offering a nurturing artistic space to hone their voice. The Lab will serve as a culturally safe creative environment for writers to gain industry insight from established showrunners and producers, all while developing a television pilot script from start to finish. The Lab aims to give development access to TV writers who haven’t yet been staffed or whose careers have been stalled by repeating lower staffing levels, as well as storytellers from other disciplines who desire to enter the television space. Five writers will be selected to write a new original television project from story idea to finished pilot script. UCP will compensate the writers for this pilot.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application and legally authorized to live, work and participate in the Lab in the United States. Applicants of diverse backgrounds and all Latinidades are encouraged to apply, including Afro-Latine and Indigenous writers.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: You will submit an application, a one-page television proposal of the pilot you will be developing during the lab, a full writing sample along with an excerpted 10 pages from the full writing sample, and signed submission release agreement.
APPLICATION DATES: Typically open from April - May
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: Formerly the CBS Diversity Writers Mentoring Program, the focus of this eight month program is on opening doors for talented and motivated diverse writers: providing opportunities to build relationships with network executives and show runners; to support new and emerging writers in their efforts to improve their craft; and to develop the interpersonal skills necessary to break in and succeed. Aspiring diverse writers with a strong desire to write for Paramount television series are encouraged to apply. You must be 21 or older to be eligible.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: You will submit an application, letter of interest, a work resume or bio, and two writing samples: one half-hour or one-hour episodic spec script based on a current prime time television series which aired, or was released, during the years’ season on any network or cable channel, including Netflix, Hulu or Amazon; and one original work of writing (original pilot, stage play or short fiction story). Short film scripts or feature screenplays will not be accepted. Original material should match in tone the spec script. A signed Submission Release form for the writing samples is also required.
APPLICATION DATES: Typically opens in the Fall.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: The ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship identifies three (3) fellows who participate in seven days of intensive professional meetings with award-winning screenwriters, studio executives, and industry representatives. Fellows will also participate in mentorship meetings with industry heavyweights which have previously included Oscar and Emmy winning writers and showrunners. Fellows will receive personalized consultation for three months, designed to curate strategies to craft their branding, portfolio, and soft skills.
All persons from anywhere in the world are eligible; however the material submitted must be in English (occasional dialogue in other languages is acceptable, if subtitle translation is provided).
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Applicants must submit an original feature script or TV pilot script. Submission requirements can be found on the ScreenCraft website.
APPLICATION DATES: May 5 - June 5, 2023
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Applicants are required to submit the application form, a resume, personal statement, original script sample (11 page maximum), and more info on the script.
APPLICATION DATES: Typically opens in February.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: Offering one of the few training grounds for independent voices to develop an original series and pilot script, the Sundance Institute Episodic Program provides artists with the tools, training, and industry access to move their projects and careers forward. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at time of application. The project must be the applicant’s original creation or adapted from optioned source material. The project must be written in the English language. The project must be new: not previously submitted to Sundance, not already produced, not already sold to a third party, and not distributed online or otherwise. Applicants cannot have sold an episodic project (pilot or pitch) to a studio or network in the past that has been shot. The project shall not infringe the copyright or any other proprietary right of another individual or entity. The creator/applicant is responsible for all rights pertaining to the project.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: There are two rounds in the application process: in the Round 1, applicants are required to submit the first 5 pages of an original pilot script, their bio, series logline, series overview, personal statement, thematic statement, and (optional) links to samples of previous work, along with a $40 non-refundable processing fee. If selected for the Round 2, applicants are notified by email and have 2 weeks to submit their full pilot script. For further detail on what the application process entails, please see our FAQ section below.
APPLICATION DATES: Typically open from September-November.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: Tribeca All Access® is TFI’s flagship program for scripted and documentary storytellers who come from communities underrepresented in the film industry. Eligibility guidelines depend on whether you are submitting a scripted, documentary, or hybrid film.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Submission details vary based on which category you are submitting.
APPLICATION DATES: Typically opens and closes in October.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: The Universal Writers Program identifies up-and-coming and experienced screenwriters with unique points of view that build upon the Studio’s commitment to telling stories and creating films that reflect the vast diversity of our audiences. The only feature film program sanctioned by the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW), the Program develops storytellers who organically incorporate multicultural and global perspectives in screenwriting. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age before the Program start date and applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Applicants are required to submit a Universal Writers Program application, an original screenplay, an original treatment for a project other than the submitted screenplay, release form for submitted material, a current résumé, and a personal essay. Letters of recommendation are not required but are optional.
APPLICATION DATES: Opens June 6-July 1
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: The Warner Bros. Discovery Access Comedic Voices Program provides historically excluded comedic talent a platform to engage with the late night and unscripted areas of the Warner Bros. Discovery enterprise.
During an intensive multi-day bootcamp, participants of this program will get the opportunity to learn the art of creating late night materials, producing unscripted segments and hearing from creative and executive speakers. Applicants to this program must be at least 18 years old and have the ability to work in the United States.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: The application requires creation of a late-night-style segment in the voice of Samantha Bee, John Oliver, or Bill Maher, as well as jokes/bits submissions for TBS's WIPEOUT and TruTV's IMPRACTICAL JOKERS
APPLICATION DATES: Currently on hold. Details will be posted at a later date.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: For over 40 years, the Warner Bros. Television Writers’ Workshop has been the premiere writing program for new writers looking to start and further their career in the world of television. Every year, the Workshop selects up to eight participants out of more than 2,500 submissions and exposes them to Warner Bros. Television’s top writers and executives, all with the ultimate goal of earning them a staff position on a Warner Bros.-produced television show.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Participants will submit a general application that includes a resume, personal statement, one spec script that is written from the accepted shows list, and a submission agreement.
APPLICATION DATES: Application opens March 8. Deadline is March 21.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: Formerly the HBO Access Writing Fellowship, the WarnerMedia Access Writers Program is a multi-month pipeline program for lower-level narrative TV writers. The objective of the program is to provide marginalized voices a pathway for entry into the television industry through instruction, mentorship and exposure. Up to 20 writers from across various genres will be selected to be a part of the inaugural cycle in 2021. Writers must be 18 years of age or older, have the right to work in the U.S., must not have been staffed on more than one season of episodic television. Writers of historically underrepresented backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.
The virtual program will kick-off in mid-July 2021 and continue through January 2022, meeting 1 – 2 times per week, covering the business of television and the creative process. The final leg of the workshop will focus on script development and the creation of a new sample. At the conclusion of the program, the WarnerMedia Equity & Inclusion group will work with the participants to find potential staffing opportunities within the enterprise.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Applicants will submit a resume or bio, two original samples within the same genre (TV scripts preferred, but narrative writing is accepted within 30-65 pages), and agree to the terms and conditions.
APPLICATION DATES: Typically open from January-March.
FORMAT & ELIGIBILITY: The Writers Lab is presented by New York Women in Film & Television. The Lab is a four-day writers workshop that gives women screenwriters over the age of 40 the opportunity to work intensively on their feature film scripts with the support of established film professionals. The Lab only accepts female writers over the age of 40.
SUBMISSION DETAILS: Participants will submit a general application that includes a script log line and genre, and a full-length feature narrative script, in PDF format, no more than 120 pages long, registered with the WGA or US Copyright Office.
Writers Guild Foundation, 7000 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, United States 323-782-4692 hello@wgfoundation.org
We are associated with, but independent of, the Writers Guild of America West. More information on the WGAW can be found at their website.
