Last updated on January 29, 2023.
This is a list of screenwriting opportunities that I believe are worthwhile. However, I don’t have personal experience with most of them.
Here are some thoughts on whether screenwriting contests are worthwhile in general — and why.
I define “worthwhile” as providing one or more of the following:
- industry-recognized validation of script quality that can help a writer get a script read and/or help a writer get represented
- effective promotion of top scripts, leading to read requests
- professional mentoring
- script feedback and workshopping (more than just written notes)
- introductions to industry professionals
- professional training programs
- entry-level screenwriting jobs
Anything that’s free to enter may also be worthwhile, if you qualify.
The best opportunities are highly selective and can have thousands of applicants for a handful of slots. It’s usually a waste of time and/or money to enter a first draft.
Most programs in the US are open to writers all over the world. Most programs outside the US are only open to people in those countries/regions.
Some programs (including the Nicholl) offer script feedback, but most don’t. If you want to see if your script is competitive before entering, you could consider getting free peer feedback from a site like Zoetrope, reddit, CoverflyX, etc. You can also pay for professional reviews from a site like The Black List or hire someone like me to help make your script better.
Many for-profit contests (most of which I don’t list) offer only a very small chance at a monetary prize (in exchange for a hefty entry fee) and maybe a spam press release (deleted, unread, by industry recipients) announcing the finalists/winners. However, winning one of these for-profit contests may sometimes advance a writer’s career.
Reddit/TVWriting has a well-curated list of TV-related fellowships, along with updates, tips, and resources for applicants.
For additional resources, see the Sundance Inclusion Resource Map and the list here.
To suggest edits, additions, or deletions, please contact me with the details.
Programs may be changed, discontinued, or not offered every year.
Some programs have early, regular, and late deadlines with increasing fees, so you can sometimes save money by entering early.
Check websites for the current deadlines. Many of the dates listed below are from previous years and may not be valid for 2023.
“?” means I’m guessing about deadlines based on previous years’ programs.
Check requirements early as some applications will require multiple essays and a lot of time to complete.
“New” means that a program is new to this list, but the program itself may or may not be new.
If you see a shadow when viewing the chart on your handheld device, try turning the screen from vertical to horizontal.
| Deadline | Program | Details |
| JAN | FORMAGINATION
new |
For non-scripted concepts.
1st place winner will receive up to $25,000 US Deadline: Jan. 1 No fee. |
| JAN | 2023 BLACK LIST X WIF EPISODIC LAB
|
The Lab will begin with a weekend-long intensive and then run twice weekly for four weeks and will consist of script development, peer workshopping sessions and Master Classes with established writers and industry executives. Lab participants will have their final pilots read by agencies and networks.
Opens: Jan. 5 for 2024? Evaluation Deadline: Dec. 9, 2023? Deadline: January 8, 2023 Applicants may enter via the Black List or via Women in Film. WIF has an earlier deadline (See November). WIF members can apply for membership rates and non-members can apply for $40 per application. |
| JAN | BFI Flare x BAFTA Mentoring
new |
BFI Flare x BAFTA in partnership with BFI NETWORK is a professional development programme that showcases and supports six LGBTQIA+ filmmakers each year working in film and television, with opportunities including mentoring, wellbeing and career coaching, festival access and membership to BAFTA’s year-round programme of events.
For UK residents. Deadline: Jan. 6 No fee. |
| JAN | Film Independent Amplifier Fellowship
|
Direct support to six emerging and mid-career Black American filmmakers working as writers, directors and/or producers. The program takes place over a period of nine months each year, during which Fellows will receive creative and strategic support that furthers their professional ambitions and propels a selected project forward.
Fellows will receive a $30,000 unrestricted grant and meet bi-weekly with a professional coach. Deadline: Jan. 9 Fee: $45 |
| JAN | Native Filmmakers Lab in partnership with Sundance Institute
|
This opportunity is available to one Indigenous storyteller based in Canada.
This is a year-long fellowship starting with a two-week lab, during which Fellows will hone their storytelling and technical skills in a hands-on and supportive environment, including one-on-one feedback sessions with advisors and roundtables. After this there will be check-ins via Zoom once a month. The two week lab will take place in early May (date TBC). The first week will be virtual and the second week will take place in person in Sante Fe, New Mexico. Travel, accommodation, and food costs will be paid for. The fellow will also receive a $10,000 USD grant as part of the lab. Deadline: Jan. 4 No fee. |
| JAN
|
Hamptons Film Screenwriters Lab
|
The Lab fosters emerging talent by pairing selected fellows with established writers and creative producers for a weekend of one-on-one mentorship. Over the course of the weekend, these film industry veterans advise the participating fellows on their feature length projects in a series of individual and group development sessions.
Additional events include nightly salons, roundtables, master class, and happy hours with industry guests, board members, alumni of the Lab, and members of the local artistic community. Opens: Nov. 3 Early deadline: Nov. 17 Extended deadline: Jan. 17 Fee: $85 for extended deadline |
| JAN | BBC Comedy Collective Bursary
new
|
The scheme is open to anyone who has had at least one previous credit in writing, producing or directing in any genre, across any platform – such as radio, theatre, podcasts, stand up or commercials.
Each bursary winner will receive up to £10k worth of paid shadowing on a BBC Comedy production, along with an allocated production mentor, plus a £5k development grant to put towards new material at the end of their placement. Opens: Jan. 9 Deadline: Jan. 30 No fee. |
| JAN | Television Academy Foundation Summer Internships
new |
Paid, eight-week, full-time internships in various disciplines across the television industry to students currently enrolled in colleges/universities nationwide.
Writing Interns will be placed at a television series or network. They will gain insight into an overview of the writing process. Duties may include idea inception, story meetings, revision and production. Interns will have opportunities to shadow the writers and staff in the room to gain a better understanding of how writers rooms are organized and run. Internships may be in-person, hybrid or remote, depending on the opportunity. There’s also a special summer program in TV development for Foster Youth who are undergraduate and graduate college students in the Greater Los Angeles area. Deadline: Jan. 19 No fee. |
| JAN | Northwestern MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage
new |
“Northwestern offers one of the best dramatic writing graduate programs in the country – a fully-funded immersion in the art, craft, and business of playwriting and screenwriting in one of the most exciting and creative cities in the world. Over two years, you will write multiple full length scripts for screen + stage, collaborate with MFA actors, directors, and designers, connect with industry professionals in New York, LA, and abroad, and see your own work produced at our brand new downtown Chicago theatre center. Your time at Northwestern will be tuition free and provide you with health insurance and a living stipend so you can focus entirely on your creative work.”
Deadline: Jan. 15 Fee. |
| JAN | Peter Roth Internship Program @Paley
new |
Interns will meet and interact with top TV executives, the most respected showrunners, renowned writers, talent, and others through guest lectures, red carpet events, and Q&A sessions, fostering the art and craft of storytelling.
Students will work for the Paley Center and visit TV networks and high-end production studios, providing practical experience and valuable understanding of the television and streaming industries. Deadline: Jan. 16 No fee. |
| JAN | MGM + THE BLACK LIST FEATURE PARTNERSHIP (FILM & STAGE PLAYS)
new
|
MGM seeks to work with creative partners who want to tell original stories with universal, all-audiences appeal for the big screen. The studio is genre-agnostic and aspires to work with great talent to join the ranks of MGM’s historic studio. Stage play (plays and musicals) samples will be considered for this opportunity along with feature film samples – no pilots or webseries, please.
Deadline: Jan. 23 Entrant must host a full-length feature screenplay or stage play (play or musical) on blcklst.com for at least one week during the submission period. |
| JAN | The Writers Lab – Europe
|
You are eligible if
· you are a woman-identifying writer (cis, trans, binary) · you are over the age of 40 (born on or before June 10, 1982) · you submit a completed narrative feature or pilot (half-hour and/or one-hour) · you are based in the EU (including Ireland) Up to 15 screenwriters will be mentored by some of the industry’s best writers and producers. Deadline: Jan. 31? Fee: £25 |
| JAN | WIF Shorts Lab supported by Google
|
Provides three filmmaking teams with grants of $30,000 and the support needed to produce a short film. Key team members (writer, director, producer, line producer) must identify as women or gender non-binary.
Opens: December 1? Deadline: Jan. 4? $40 fee. |
| JAN | Circle of Confusion Writers Discovery Fellowship
|
Circle of Confusion will provide an immersive introductory experience to the world of professional screen and television writing to a diverse group of aspiring writers who have not yet been employed or represented by the industry.
Opens Dec. 15. Deadline: Jan. 6. No fee. |
| JAN | QALAMBAAZ
new |
QALAMBAAZ is Pakistan’s first professional development program for screenplay writing.
Open to writers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. More info on Facebook. Open: December to ?? No fee? |
| JAN | MPAC Hollywood Bureau’s Black Muslim Filmmaker Grant
|
This award seeks to promote and elevate Black Muslim creatives as they work to tell intersectional stories with nuanced depictions of Black Muslims on screen. One filmmaker will receive a $10,000 grant.
Deadline: Jan. 28? No fee. |
| JAN | WBD Access x Canadian Academy Writers Program
|
The WBD Access x Canadian Academy Writers Program is a professional development initiative focused on experienced Canadian writers from underrepresented communities. This program will support a maximum of 10 individuals seeking to advance their careers in episodic television through the development of a specific project; mentorship and community-building opportunities; and connections to and industry knowledge from Warner Bros. Discovery executives and creators.
Opens: Jan. 26 Deadline: Feb. 16 No fee. |
| JAN
|
Nantucket Film Festival Tony Cox Screenplay Competition
|
One of the prizes in the feature category is this screenwriting residency:
Each year the Screenwriters Colony brings four emerging screenwriters together during the month of October to live and work together at picturesque Almanack Farm, perched on the edge of Nantucket’s cranberry bog conservation land. To ensure a comfortable and inspiring work environment, the Screenwriters Colony is an all-expenses-paid residency. Writers are provided with round-trip transportation to the Colony, a chef, shared car, bicycles, and private workspace. Early: Nov. 10 Regular: Jan. 12 Final: Feb. 16 Extended: Mar. 9 Fee: $45 and up |
| JAN
|
Native American TV Writers Lab
|
The NATIVE AMERICAN TV WRITERS LAB is an intensive scriptwriters workshop that prepares Native Americans for writing careers at major television networks.
The lab is for seasoned Native American writers who have written feature, short or television scripts. Each selected participant is expected to complete a draft of a pilot script by the end of the five-week session. Early Deadline: Jan. 16 Reg. Deadline: Jan. 30 Final Deadline: Feb. 13 No fee. |
| JAN | Stowe Story Labs Fellowships
|
Writers’ retreats and labs; some online.
Early Bird Deadline ($42):Nov. 21 Regular Deadline ($48): Jan. 5 Final Deadline ($50): Jan. 15 |
| JAN | Sesame Street Writers’ Room
|
Writers must come from an underrepresented racial group.
Emerging storytellers who are selected to join the Writers’ Room fellowship will receive hands-on writing experience guided by Sesame Street veterans and other media industry leaders. Opens: Nov. 22 Deadline: Jan. 10 No fee. |
| JAN | The Script Lab’s FREE Screenplay Contest
|
Accepts features, TV pilots, and short screenplays.
Deadline: Jan. 31. No fee. |
| JAN | The Orchard Project Episodic Lab
|
The Orchard Project’s TV/Episodic Lab, allows a cohort of writers to work together and interact with industry guests to advance the development of their pilots, in a virtual setting via teleconference.
Applications open: Nov. 1 Deadline: Jan. 2 No fee. |
| JAN | Norman Jewison Film Program – Writers’ Lab
|
Applicants must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
Full-time, 5 ½ month professional accelerated film program for emerging to mid-level Canadian filmmakers. Tuition is $8,000. Scholarships are available. Deadline: Jan. 31 Fee: CAD$100. |
| JAN
|
WeScreenplay Diverse Voices Screenwriting Lab
|
A screenplay contest and lab that strives to encourage stories that are told from perspectives that are often underrepresented in Hollywood today. This includes writers of color, women writers, writers with disabilities, writers over 40, writers in the LGBTQ+ community, and any other voices that have historically been ignored by Hollywood.
Four winners will be flown out to LA for mentorship and meetings with industry professionals. Includes free feedback. $35 and up. |
| JAN | Realness Episodic Lab
new |
The Episodic Lab, presented by the Realness Institute in partnership with Netflix, invites writers from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with authentic and original stories of all genres, to apply to the Episodic Lab. The lab will take place online from 30 April – 30 July 2023, where selected writers will work on developing pitch documents for their story concepts. Six writers will be chosen to spend 3 months in a ‘writers room’ where they will work with a story consultant and a creative producer to fully develop their story concepts into an episodic pitch. Along with creative training, writers will receive feedback from the Netflix team. A monthly stipend of 33 000 ZAR will be paid to participants to cover living expenses as they dedicate their time to the process. For the last week of the lab, writers will gather at the Coot Club in Stanford (South Africa) to pitch their incubated story to Netflix for possible further development. Opens: Oct. 26 Deadline: Jan 3 |
| JAN | BBC Studios Writers’ Workshop
new |
Applicants must be resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Republic of Ireland.
The BBC Studios Writers’ Workshop gives writers the chance to develop their own original drama series with the help of acclaimed screenwriting expert and drama producer, John Yorke, and pitch that series to some of the British television industry’s top executives. Selected writers will be given the financial and editorial support to write a pilot script and a mini series bible over the course of six months. Throughout this process, writers will have access to a series of lectures, workshops, and networking opportunities with leading writers and key industry figures, designed to give writers a head start on becoming a commission-winning series creator. At the end of this six-month writing and workshopping process, writers will have a finished pilot script, a series bible, and the chance to pitch their original series for development with either BBC Studios (Good Omens), or one of the BBC’s affiliated independent production companies. This is not an entry-level opportunity – to be eligible to apply, applicants must have written at least two hours of scripted TV over the course of their careers so far. No fee. |
| JAN | NIPKOW PROGRAMM
new |
Media professionals from all over the world such as writers, directors, producers and animators submit their current feature film projects which they want to develop with the aid of the NIPKOW PROGRAMM through individual consultations with script consultants, potential producers/co-producers and through tailor-made workshops.
Three-month residency in Berlin between June and November. Monthly stipend of 1.500 Euro. Opens: Oct. 4? Deadline: Jan. 10 No fee. |
| FEB | ATX Television Festival Pitch Competition
|
Anyone with an idea for a new show and a five-to-ten-page script sample may submit. Also requires a pitch video.
Opens: Nov. 10 Regular Deadline: Jan. 29 Late deadline Feb. 5 $45 and up. |
| FEB | Moving Picture Institute’s Hollywood Career Launch Program
new |
Many of our Hollywood Career Launch Program interns are students or recent graduates, but in some cases we extend advanced internships to intermediate-level filmmakers. Internships typically last for 12 weeks. Most placements are in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, DC. Though we consider applications on a rolling basis, it is best to apply for summer internship positions as early as possible, usually in February.
No fee. |
| FEB | ISA Fast Track Fellowship
|
Gives two screenwriters the opportunity to be mentored by eight top executives in LA.
Early deadline: Dec. 1 Late deadline: Feb. 16 Fee: $49 and up |
| FEB | Screencraft Screenwriting Fellowship
|
Up to four winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles for meetings with agents, managers, screenwriters and studio executives.
Deadline: Feb. 28 Fee: $59.50 and up |
| FEB | Yes, And… Laughter Lab
|
Open only to US residents.
The Lab will select ten original comedy projects from the pool of applicants. Winners will present their original projects either in New York City or Los Angeles to a curated room of traditional and digital media platforms, grantmakers and investors, leading NGOs/nonprofits, production companies, and other select industry players. Opens: Jan. 20 Deadline: Feb. 18? No fee. |
| FEB | BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Competition
|
For UK passport-holders and residents only.
Children, Family & YA Media Selected script extracts are performed by a professional cast to an audience of producers, development executives, directors, actors and literary agents, aiming to give a platform to emerging writing talent from across the country. Opens: Jan. 23 Bursary closing: Feb. 20 Closing: Feb 27 Fee: £42; fee bursaries available |
| FEB | Film Independent Episodic Lab
|
Lab will accept a diverse group of 6–8 writers or writing teams and provide them with critical support and mentorship.
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation will award one participant of the Film Independent Episodic Lab a $10,000 development grant. The teleplay should have a scientific, mathematical and/or technological theme and storyline or have a leading character that is a scientist, engineer or mathematician. Non-member deadline: Feb. 10 $45 and up |
| FEB | Serial Eyes
|
Applicants must be from the European Union, Iceland, Norway, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Republic of Serbia, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, or Tunisia. Applicants from other countries may apply for a very limited number of places on the programme.
Serial Eyes is a full-time course based in Berlin. The program normally costs €4.500 but three full scholarships for residents of certain countries are available. |
| FEB | The Veterans Writing Project
|
The mission of the Writers Guild Foundation’s Veterans Writing Project is to identify emerging writers from United States military backgrounds and provide them with the tools and insights to nurture their passion for writing and successfully navigate the entertainment industry.
Opens: Jan 19 Deadline: Feb. 20 No fee. |
| FEB | Sundance Full Circle Fellowship
|
This fellowship is open to Native youth ages 18-24 based in the United States from communities in Michigan, New Mexico, and Mississippi.
No fee. |
| FEB | BBC World Service | The International Radio Playwriting Competition
new
|
The global competition, hosted by BBC World Service and the British Council, offers the unique opportunity for writers from outside the UK to use the medium of audio drama to tell stories for an international audience.
There are two categories: English as a First Language and English as a Second Language. Winners will attend an award ceremony in London and see their plays being recorded for broadcast and streaming on BBC World Service. Deadline: Feb. 12 No fee. |
| FEB | Monte Miller Awards
|
The Monte Miller Awards are the premier awards for unproduced scripts in Australia, dedicated to uncovering the best new scripts and talent among AWG’s Associate and Student Membership.
Categories are open to short and long form work across all genres and formats including film, television, theatre, and interactive media, with the shortlisted and winning projects inducted onto AWG’s prestigious Pathways Showcase. Opens: Jan/Feb 2023 Deadline: ? No fee. |
| FEB | Humanitas New Voices
|
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 currently working on a 30- or 60-minute pilot or feature film screenplay that upholds the mission of Humanitas.
Also includes $7,500 stipend. Fee: $100 |
| FEB | WGSA INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE SCREENWRITING PROGRAMME
new |
THE WRITERS GUILD OF SOUTH AFRICA (WGSA) IS CALLING FOR APPLICATIONS TO ATTEND THE WGSA INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE SCREENWRITING PROGRAMME.
Deadline: Feb. 15 No fee. |
| FEB | Elevate Collective
new |
Elevate Collective empowers mid and upper-level disabled screenwriters with mentorship, coaching and connections they need to level-up their careers. The Collective, which is made up of Elevate Award recipients who each get $5,000 professional development grants, helps mid-level disabled writers get in front of creative executives and showrunners, build community and sharpen their writing skills. Application is free, and applications are open continuously throughout the year.
Deadline: Feb. 5 |
| MAR | BBC Studios Writers’ Academy
new |
Applicants must be resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Republic of Ireland.
Writers’ get 3 months paid training in the classroom, the opportunity to pitch to write for BBC Studios shows, and 6 months script development. They come out with 3 new scripts. No fee. |
| MAR | Summer Lab for Entertainment Professionals with Disabilities
|
6-week, 12-session Lab for people interested in – and with experience in – development, production and post-production, including careers as writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, animators and other production roles.
Opens: Jan. No fee. |
| MAR | Sundance – Episodic | Lab program for original pilots.
Opens: Feb. 9? Deadline: March 9? $40 fee. |
| MAR | Djerassi Resident Artists Program
new |
Each year, artists from around the world are awarded the gift of time + space—a one-month residency on our 583-acre ranch in northern California’s Santa Cruz Mountains.
Fee: $45 |
| MAR | CineStory Feature Retreat and Fellowship Contest
|
The CineStory Feature Retreat takes place over four days in the beautiful mountains of Idyllwild, California. Attendees receive three 90-minute one-on-one sessions with CineStory mentors. During these sessions, attendees can discuss anything from the script(s) they submitted for feedback to jump-starting their writing careers.
The Grand Prize for the competition is the CineStory Feature Fellowship, a 12-month mentorship program, during which the Feature Fellow works with 2 Hollywood professionals hand-picked to help the Fellow advance his/her craft and career. The Feature Fellow also receives $10,000 as well as free tuition and housing for the retreat. Early deadline: Feb. 6 Regular deadline: Mar. 6 Late deadline: April 3 Extended late deadline: May 1 Fee: $50 and up |
| MAR | Propelle Content Accelerator for Women
|
The goal of the program is to further develop the careers of up-and-coming female creators by pairing them with female-owned production companies and female CEOs for project workshopping and mentoring. Everywoman Studios will select and announce one winning project to receive up to US $20,000 to further develop their project into production.Opens: Jan?Deadline: March 11?No fee. |
| MAR | Black Writers in Focus
Apply here
|
A paid summer fellowship program for Black student screenwriters.
Selected students will receive a $6,000 stipend to support a full-time commitment over 10 weeks. Opens: Jan. 17? Deadline: Mar. 4? Sign up for newsletter for updates. Fee: $25; fee waivers available |
| MAR | Realness African Screenwriters Residency
|
Comprised of two six-week sessions, as well as a market experience, the programme provides screenwriters with the space and support to hone their skills and refine their projects.
All expenses are paid, including travel, accommodation, and meals. You are eligible to apply for the residency if:
Deadline: Mar. 7? Fee: 30 euros. Not yet confirmed for 2023. |
| MAR | The Writers Lab – US
|
Four-day script development program for women over 40, sponsored by Meryl Streep and NY Women in Film & Television.
Submissions open: Feb. 15 Deadline: Mar. 30? Fee: $40-60. |
| MAR | Talents Durban
|
Talents Durban is the Durban FilmMart’s annual 5-day training and development programme, that brings together Africa’s rising film professionals.
Opens: December Deadline: March 17 Fee? |
| MAR | NBC TV Writers Program
|
During the eight-month program, writers will create and workshop an original pilot to which the writer retains all rights. They will be paired with programming executives who will mentor them, as they write their original pilot and polish samples for staffing consideration.
The program also consists of weekly evening workshops, focused on developing craft, soft skills, and the business of TV writing. The goals of these workshops are to enhance writers’ creative and professional skills, such as self-branding, pitching, and interviewing, and to increase writers’ knowledge of the TV, streaming, and studio landscape. Throughout the program, selected writers interact with industry professionals, including network and studio executives, showrunners, agents, and managers. At the conclusion of the program, program writers will be considered for writing positions on NBC broadcast, cable, streaming, and Universal Studio Group series. Opens: Feb. 15? Deadline: March 7? No fee |
| MAR | Black List/Women in Film Feature Residency
Via Black List
|
The Black List and WIF will invite six promising non-professional screenwriters who are of underrepresented genders (women, NB/GNC, and/or trans, and others) to participate in a one-year residency, kicking off with a long weekend intensive in the Los Angeles area. Over the kickoff weekend, writers participating in the Residency will workshop one feature screenplay through one-on-one sessions with screenwriting mentors and in peer workshops. Throughout the following 12 months, writers will be supported through additional events as well as arranged meetings with representation, production companies, and fellow writers to elevate their projects and career trajectories.
Applications accepted via the Black List and WIF sites. WIF has a different deadline (see Nov. listing). Opens: Oct. 3? Evaluation deadline: Feb. 5 Deadline: March 5 WIF Fee: $40 |
| MAR | HBCU Fellowship Program
new
|
This paid, 8-week professional development program will prepare and empower 15 HBCU students (and soon-to-be graduates) for careers at DreamWorks Animation.
This program will operate virtually. A stipend will be provided to all fellows who complete the program. Opens: Feb. 1? Deadline: March 1? No fee. |
| MAR | SFFILM Rainin Grant
|
Screenwriting Grant: These grants are open to filmmakers anywhere in the US, as well as internationally, and range between $10,000 and $25,000. The funds allow filmmakers to devote dedicated time to furthering their work, and the grant includes a two-month FilmHouse residency in the Bay Area to further develop the screenplay, and have access to both peer and established mentorship engagement. The screenplay must explore issues pertaining to social justice.
Regular deadline: Mar. 24 Final deadline: Apr. 28 Fee: $25 and up |
| MAR
and SEP |
The Jeff Sagansky Harvardwood TV Writers Program
new
|
For Harvard students and graduates. Held twice a year.
The Jeff Sagansky Harvardwood TV Writers Program uses peer review, guest speakers and workshops to foster a motivating and supportive environment for each participant’s writing. Participants of the TV Writers Program may be considered for the annual Harvardwood Most Staffable TV Writers List. Deadline: Sept. 2 and Mar. 11? No fee to apply. Program fee: $100 |
| MAR
and AUG |
Hedgebrook Screenwriting Residency
new |
Fully-funded residency, offering two to four week residencies to women-identified writers. Hedgebrook is on Whidbey Island, about thirty-five miles northwest of Seattle.
Opens: Feb. 15 for Winter/Spring Deadline: Mar. 14 Opens: Aug. 15 for Summer/Fall Deadline: Sep. 11 Fee: $45 and up; fee waivers available |
| APR | BBC Writers’ Access Group
new |
For residents of the UK or Republic of Ireland.
The programme aims to support the next wave of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent writers to hone their craft, deepen their industry knowledge and provide a pathway for talented writers to grow and progress. Deadline: Apr. 18 No fee. |
| APR | Austin Film Festival
|
Accepts screenplays, teleplays, stage plays, and digital series. Feedback available.
Opens: Dec. 7 Early deadline: March 23 Regular deadline: April 18 Late deadline: May 25 $45 and up. |
| APR | Television Academy Foundation Fall Internships
new |
Paid, part-time internships for full-time students who will be enrolled in college/university in the Greater Los Angeles Area.
2023 Internships may be in-person, hybrid or remote, depending on the opportunity. Opens: April No fee. |
| APR | NHMC Series Scriptwriters Program
|
Ten diverse Latinx writers nationwide are selected for a five-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 & NBC.
No fee. |
| APR | Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting
|
Considered the most prestigious fellowship for amateur screenwriters.
Up to five $35,000 fellowships are awarded. Fellows are invited to participate in awards week ceremonies and seminars in LA in November. Early deadline: March 2? Regular deadline: April 2? Late deadline: May 2? $50 and up. |
| MAY | Sundance Screenwriters Lab
|
Five-day writers’ workshop in Utah.
Fellowships are also available for Comedy, Horror, Asian American, and Latine writers. Fee. |
| MAY | Sundance Screenwriters Intensive
|
Online workshop. The program supports 10-12 writers or writer/directors from underrepresented communities who are developing a fiction feature screenplay.
Fee. |
| MAY | Sloan Science in Cinema Filmmaker Fellowship
|
Winners of the Sloan Science in Cinema Filmmaker Fellowship will receive a $35,000 cash grant and a two-month residency at FilmHouse, SFFILM’s suite of production offices for local and visiting independent filmmakers.
Fee. |
| MAY | CBS Writers Mentoring Program
|
For diverse writers. Eight-month structured program of career development, support, and personal access to executives and the decision-making processes, with the goal of preparing aspiring writers for later employment opportunities in television.
Opens: April 1 Deadline: May 1 No fee. |
| MAY | Disney | ABC Writing Program
|
12-month program. Pays $50,000 per year.
May Follow on Facebook to receive updates and alerts about the submission period. No fee. |
| JUN | The Prince William BAFTA Bursary
new |
The Prince William BAFTA Bursary is a fund to help assist junior creatives with the costs of progressing their career in film, television or games.
Up to £2,000 towards specific costs such as a training course (including driving lessons), the costs of equipment or software, or relocation costs; as well as a contribution towards living expenses whilst working or doing work experience. For UK citizens only? Opens Summer 2023 No fee. |
| JUN | THE THOUSAND MILES PROJECT
new |
Open to writers who are passionate about telling Asian and Pacific Islander stories.
The program will provide up to 20 writers/writing teams the opportunity to learn about television writing and the industry through panels and lectures with writers, development execs, managers, and agents in a two-day intensive virtual workshop. After the workshop, participants will be invited to apply for a 24-week development lab by submitting a series idea for further development. Opens: June 11? Deadline: June 18? No fee? |
| JUN | Sir Peter Ustinov Television Scriptwriting Award
|
The competition is for non-American novice writers under the age of 30. Entrants are asked to create a completed half-hour to one-hour English-language television drama script.
The winner will be flown to New York City to be presented with an award and a USD $2,500 prize at the International Emmy® World Television Festival. Opens: April 20? Deadline: June 29? No fee. |
| JUN | THE 2023 GEORGIA LIST (SCRIPTS, PILOTS, & THEATER)
new |
The Georgia List is a new opportunity for all writers with close ties to the state of Georgia to submit their feature scripts, pilots, plays, and musicals.
The writers on the Georgia List will meet with managers from 3Arts and Content Talent South for possible representation, and executives from Fifth Season for a potential development deal. The Alliance Theater will mount a staged reading of one of the scripts on the List. Two writers from the List will also become Artists in Residence at the Art Farm at Serenbe. These two writers will each receive a $10,000 grant and mentorship from Jamie Linden (WE ARE MARSHALL, DEAR JOHN). Opens: Oct. 20? Evaluation deadline: May 14 Deadline: June 15 Scripts must be hosted on the Black List. Writers who are new to the Black List may request a fee waiver for one free month of hosting and one free evaluation. 75 fee waivers will be distributed in order of request. |
| JUN | Black List Feature Lab | The Black List will invite six to eight promising non-professional writers to a weeklong, intensive writers workshop in Los Angeles, CA.
Opens: Sept. 21 Evaluation Deadline: June 16 Deadline: June 16 Scripts must be hosted on The Black List Site for at least one week during the submission period. NB: I did this and it was great! |
| JUN | Young Films Foundation
|
Seven new screenwriters will have the opportunity to write a TV drama, comedy or feature film script commissioned by one of seven broadcasters over a year long programme.
The programme culminates in a week-long residency in Skye. Applicants must reside in Scotland (resident for two years) Opens: mid-2023 No fee? |
| JUN | Outfest Screenwriting Lab
|
The authors of five scripts will be invited to participate in a lab in mid-June, where they will work closely with Lab Mentors — established writers who will critique and encourage their work.
Opens: May 9? Final Deadline: June 6? Fee: $40 and up. |
| JUN | The Disruptors
|
The Disruptors Fellowship supports emerging television writers of color who identify as transgender, non-binary, disabled, undocumented, and/or formerly undocumented. This 14-week fellowship for LA-based emerging talent includes mentorship, professional development, master classes and a $6,000 stipend.
Applications: May 2 – June 10? No fee. |
| JUN | Netflix/Sky Screenwriters’ Fellowship
|
This fellowship, for each writer, will include a bursary of £22,568 to write a spec script for an original idea over the course of a year, monthly development events and workshops, and a paid placement in a writers room of a Netflix or Sky series.
We are looking for applications from writers of Black, Asian and other racial and ethnic backgrounds that are under-represented in the High End TV and film industry. Deadline: June 18? No fee. |
| JUN | Digital Storytellers Lab
new
|
The Digital Storytellers Lab is an eight-month fellowship that gives digital storytellers the opportunity to kickstart the development of new, narrative, digital audio/visual media exploring Jewish themes. The program provides fellows with a stipend, mentorship, and technical and subject-matter expertise to support the development of their projects.
Each participant will receive a stipend of $20,000 for participation in the program. Deadline: June 1? No fee. |
| JUL | CineStory TV Retreat & Fellowship
|
The CineStory Television Retreat takes place over three days in the mountains of Idyllwild, California.
The Grand Prize for the competition is the CineStory TV Fellowship, a 12-month mentorship program during which the TV Fellow works with 2 Hollywood professionals hand-picked to help the Fellow advance the Fellow’s craft and career. The TV Fellow also receives $1,000 as well as free tuition and housing for the retreat. Early deadline: June 26 Regular deadline: July 31 Late deadline: Sept. 5 Extended late deadline: October 10 Fee: $50 and up |
| AUG | Nickelodeon Writing Program | Paid full-time writing job for six or 12 months, based in LA (Burbank).
Application must include a half-hour comedy spec script from the Accepted Shows List. Opens: July 1? Closes: Aug. 1? No fee. |
| AUG | Women Write Now Fellowship
|
Women Write Now is looking for applicants who meet the following criteria:
· Identify as Black or African American · Identify as female · Be 18 years or older at the time of application · Be an emerging non-union writer · Be based in the US and legally authorized to work in the US Applicants will be evaluated on the strength of the submitted material, which will include a statement of interest and an original short comedic screenplay. Opens: July 8? Deadline: Aug. 5? No fee. |
| AUG | Rogers-Black Screen Office Development Fund
new |
The Rogers-Black Screen Office Development Fund supports Black and people of colour writers to develop original content, from pitch to first draft.
For Canadian citizens or permanent Canadian residents. Selected projects will be granted industry standard fees (CAD$7500 and up). Deadline: Aug. 22? |
| AUG | HBF Script and Project Development Support
new
|
The HBF provides support to talented filmmakers from countries as specified in the HBF list of eligible countries. This list includes countries from Latin-America, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, and is roughly based on the DAC-list of the OECD and the lowest ranking countries on the World Free Press Index.
A Script and Project Development grant can be used for the further development of a script (e.g. research, writing, translation or hiring a coach or script consultant), but can also be used to present a project to financiers or other potential partners at (international) co-production meetings or film festivals. The maximum contribution for Script and Project Development is €10,000. Deadline: Aug 1 No fee. |
| SEP | Berlinale Talents | Participants share their short scripts or feature-length screenplays with a line-up of internationally acclaimed script consultants.
Opens: July Deadline: Sept. (to be confirmed) Fee: 10-25 Euros |
| SEP | Netflix Creative Equity Scholarship Fund
new
|
The Netflix CESF will cover tuition, housing, study materials, and living expenses at selected partner schools in Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Gabon, where beneficiaries have been accepted to pursue a programme of study in the television and film disciplines in the 2022 academic year.
Deadline: Sept. 4? No fee. |
| SEP | Studio21 Drama Series Script Competition
|
The competition connects emerging writers with the global content business, offering the winner a £10,000 development option and unique opportunity to connect with the global drama business through C21Media’s Content London in December.
The Competition is open to Entrants worldwide. Opens: June 23? Deadline: Sept. 30? Fee: £40 |
| SEP/NOV | Athena IRIS Screenwriting Lab
and
|
The Athena Film Festival Writers Lab is a three-day creative development workshop for emerging women and non-binary writers.
Virtual Writers Lab Submissions Open: August 1 – September 12 In-Person Writers Lab Submissions Open: August 1 – November 11 $55 for Lab. The Athena List is an annual script competition that selects exceptional scripts with women leaders at the heart of the story. Submissions are open June 1 to September 15. No submission fee for List. |
| SEP | Nickelodeon’s Content Accelerator Program
new |
Nickelodeon’s Content Accelerator Program joins an industry-wide trend towards leveling the playing field for underrepresented and marginalized early-career content creators.
More info here. Deadline: Sept. 30? No fee. |
| SEP | Film Independent Screenwriting Lab
|
The Screenwriting Lab is a two-week workshop designed to provide individualized story and career development for emerging screenwriters with a fiction feature screenplay.
Opens: July 26? Non-member deadline: Sep. 14? $45 and up |
| SEP | The Pitch
|
Offers an array of training and support and £40,000 to spend on two short films inspired by the Bible.
Early Bird – Free – 13 Sep. Standard – £20 – 27 Sep. Late – £50 – 11 Oct. |
| SEP | Cannesfilms Unlimited | Participants in the Residency will develop a new original European film or TV series, in English. Starts with an online workshop, followed by three weeks in Cannes during the Cannes Film Festival or Canneseries Festival. Writers don’t need to be European.
Opens: June/July Deadline: Sept.? No fee. |
| OCT | Channel 4 Screenwriting Course
|
Applicants must be resident in UK or Ireland.
The purpose of the course is to offer 12 writers new to television drama an insight into how the industry works and to provide a “dry-run” of what it can be like to write under a television drama commission, specifically for one hour series and serial drama, and to work with them as they write an original drama script. Writers are paid a fee to participate. Opens: Sept. Deadline: Oct. 3? No fee. |
| OCT | Universal Writers Lab
Apply here
|
The only feature film lab sanctioned by the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW), the Lab develops storytellers who organically incorporate multicultural and global perspectives in screenwriting.
salary of $75,000 Deadline: Oct. 17? No fee. |
| OCT | George RR Martin Sci Fi/Fantasy Screenwriting Grant
|
$5000 grant only available for New Mexico residents who are non-WGA members.
Must be for feature length film or TV Pilot. Must be in the Science Fiction or Fantasy genre. Opens: Aug. 20 Deadline: Oct. 19 No fee. |
| OCT | Universal Animation Writers
|
Applicants have the option to submit writing samples for a program that includes Television for Preschool 3-5 and Kids 6-11 and Feature Film.
Writers selected to participate in the one-year paid program are hired under a writing service agreement requiring an exclusive, full-time commitment of a minimum of 40 hours per week. $75,000 salary. No fee. |
| OCT | NATHALIE YOUNGLAI AWARD
new
|
Must be over 40 years of age who identifies as Black, Indigenous or Person of Colour.
Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident Prize: $2,500 CAD Opens: Sept. 28? Deadline: Oct. 24? No fee. |
| OCT | Four Nations Mentoring Scheme | For mid-career women who are based in the UK.
You are eligible to apply for this scheme if you have five (Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland) or seven (England) years’ experience or more in the film and TV industry. Opens: late summer/early autumn Deadline: Oct. 3? No fee. |
| OCT | Fox Entertainment Writers Incubator
|
Designed to nurture and provide training to four writers of all genres (comedy, drama, animation, etc.) who have diverse voices, backgrounds and life experiences.
Opens: Sept. 15 Deadline: Oct. 3? No fee. |
| OCT |
Cartoon Network Mexico Children’s Animation Writing Program new |
The Cartoon Network Mexico Children’s Animation Writing Program provides Mexico-based writers with resources and instruction to create an original children’s animation television pilot while exposing them to creatives and executives at Cartoon Network. Up to ten writers will be selected based on their material submissions and their ability to write for children’s animation. You can submit your written material in either English or Spanish. The majority of the classes will take place in English. This 12-week program will take place virtually. Deadline: Oct. 5? No fee. |
| NOV | Southeast Asia Fiction Film Lab and Story Editing Lab
|
Nationals of the following countries are eligible for SEAFIC participation: Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Deadline: Nov 11? No fee. |
| NOV | BBC Open Call
|
Open Call is not a competition but a means by which the BBC seeks out the best writing talent.
Must be resident in the UK or Republic of Ireland. Opens: late 2023 Follow on Twitter for updates. No fee. |
| NOV | Ardán’s Script Mentorship Scheme
new
|
Ardán, in association with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) and National Talent Academy for Film & TV (NTA), are pleased to announce the return of the Script Mentorship Scheme for 2022.
The highly regarded scheme is open to applications from emerging and diverse script writers and script editors across the feature film and television drama sectors, who are habitual residents in the regions (outside Wicklow/ Dublin). Three script writers and one script editor will be chosen for this mentorship opportunity. Opens: 3rd or 4th quarter 2023 Deadline: Nov. 1? No fee. |
| NOV | Missouri Stories Scriptwriting Fellowship
new |
Writers do not have to be from Missouri to submit their scripts to the Missouri Stories Scriptwriting Fellowship, but all scripts must be based in Missouri.
Winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to the concentrated fellowship experience, held in Missouri. Early deadline: Nov. 6 Regular deadline: Nov. 20 Late deadline: Nov. 27 Fee. |
| NOV | Feature Film Screenwriting Lab
new
|
For Indian citizens 18 and up.
Early deadline: Nov. 5? Final Deadline: Nov. 25? Application fees: Rs. 3,000 (by Early deadline) Rs. 4,500 (by Final deadline) Lab participation fee Rs. 55,000 Scholarships available |
| NOV | THE MINORITY REPORT
new |
The Minority Report is an industry-vetted fellowship program for the top diverse screenwriters enrolled in undergraduate or graduate educational institutions. Made by students, for students, it’s the first-ever initiative of its kind.
No fee? |
| NOV | Black List/Women in Film Feature Residency
|
The Black List and WIF will invite six promising non-professional screenwriters who are of underrepresented genders (women, NB/GNC, and/or trans, and others) to participate in a one-year residency, kicking off with a long weekend intensive in the Los Angeles area.
Applications accepted via the Black List and WIF sites. (See March listing for Black List.) Applicants will also be considered for the new year-long WIF Fellowship. Opens: Oct. 3? Deadline: Nov. 7? |
| NOV | CAPE New Writers Fellowship
|
Sponsored by the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment
but open to writers of any race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation. Each Fellow is matched with a high-level industry mentor to help them revise their scripts into professional-level writing samples to get them noticed and land that all-important first job. $65 fee. Fee waivers available. |
| NOV | Black List/Women in Film Episodic Lab | The Lab will begin with a weekend-long intensive and then run twice weekly for four weeks and will consist of script development, peer workshopping sessions and Master Classes with established writers and industry executives. Lab participants will have their final pilots read by agencies and networks.
Applicants will also be considered for the new year-long WIF Fellowship. Opens: Oct. 3? Deadline: Nov. 7? Applicants may also enter via the Black List, which has a later deadline (see January) . WIF members can apply for member rates and non-members can apply for $40 per application. |
| DEC | Michener Center for Writers MFA program in screenwriting
new |
Three-year, fully funded residency program in Austin, TX.
Open to students from around the world. Deadline: Dec. 1 Fee. |
| DEC | Sundance Native Lab
|
The Native Lab provides direct support to emerging filmmakers and episodic creators from the U.S.-based Native American, Native Hawaiian, Alaskan Native, and Canada-based Indigenous Canadian (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) communities.
Opens: Dec. 5? Deadline: Dec. 19? Fee? |
| DEC | Black Boy Writes/Black Girl Writes Mentorship Initiative
|
The Black Boy Writes/Black Girl Writes Mentorship Initiative focuses on supplying industry access and resources to preWGA Black screenwriters.
Deadline: Dec. 18? No fee. |
| Varies | The Black List | Offers various labs and other opportunities during the year; see listings above for details and check the Black List site because more are added on a regular basis.
Generally, scripts must be hosted on The Black List Site for at least one week during the submission period. The site charges a monthly hosting fee, but hosting can be paused after a week so that one month’s hosting allows submission to multiple opportunities. |
| Varies | BAFTA
new |
Various bursaries, competitions, scholarships, and mentoring programs from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. See listings below and check site for new ones. |
| TBA | BAFTA UK scholarship programme
new |
The BAFTA UK scholarship programme is open to British citizens in need of financial assistance to study eligible undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the UK. BAFTA Scholars undertaking postgraduate study receive between £5,000 to £12,000 towards their annual course fees (up to a maximum of £20,000 for 2 year courses).
BAFTA scholars also receive mentoring support and free access to BAFTA events around the UK. |
| TBA | BAFTA US Scholarships
new |
Pigott / BAFTA Scholarship
Supporting British university graduate students studying at accredited graduate schools in the U.S. in filmmaking programs leading to a Masters Degree. Recipients receive $10,000 to contribute towards their tuition and expenses, and year-round support from BAFTA. The Fulbright-BAFTA Postgraduate Scholarship Provides funding for UK students to pursue a master’s degree in film, or discipline related to the practical art forms of the moving image, at any accredited US university. |
| TBA | BAFTA Breakthrough
new |
BAFTA Breakthrough showcases and supports the next generation of creative talent in film, games and television in the UK, the US and India.
BAFTA gives talented individuals bespoke support at their critical ‘breakthrough’ career moment, enabling them to build on their success and ensuring their continued development in their chosen field. |
| Varies | Impact Creative Systems
(formerly Imagine Impact)
|
In the past, the program has offered mentorship programs, development partnerships, and open writing assignments in the US, Australia, and Germany. Programs for 2023 haven’t been announced as of this posting. Sign up for their newsletter and follow them on Twitter to be alerted to new opportunities.
No fee. |
| TBA | Warner Bros. Discovery Access Writers Program
|
Formerly the HBO Access Writing Fellowship, the Warner Bros. Discovery Access Writers Program has been expanded to a two-year program for entry-level narrative TV writers. The objective is to provide marginalized voices a pathway for entry into the television industry through instruction, mentorship and exposure.
No fee. |
| TBA | Accelerate Fellowship
|
The Accelerate Fellowship is a year-long program that gives mid-level disabled screenwriters $40,000 in funding, bespoke mentorship, industry connections and community they need to become industry-leading creators.
No fee. |
| Year-round | Pacific Screenwriting Program Story Department Internship
|
The Writer-Intern must be a resident of British Columbia, and a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident.
It is the prospective intern’s job to find a production company willing to work with them before applying to access this funding. Eligible applicants can apply to the PSP for a non-recoupable cash advance of $600 per week. No fee. |
| Year-round | Unfinished Works
|
The Unfinished Works program provides screenwriters with the opportunity to see their work brought to life by Film Lab Actor Directory members and then led through a constructive workshop by the Unfinished Works Coordinator for the Film Lab, at no cost.
The purpose of the Unfinished Works program is to provide (1) screenwriters of color (all colors) or (2) screenwriters writing about diverse and/or Asian American themed stories or with at least one Asian American character to receive honest and practical feedback on their unfinished screenplay through seeing and hearing their screenplay read aloud by professional actors in a table read. No fee. |
| Monthly | Breakthrough Reading Series
|
“We highlight six stellar writers a month at a cold reading event filled with diverse actors” (in LA).
Directors, producers, casting directors, and other friends in the entertainment business will be invited. No Fee. |
| Monthly | Roadmap Writers Diversity Initiative
|
Each month, Roadmap Writers will select up to two writers to participate in the Career Writer Program.
This program is for diverse screenwriters with at least one completed original Feature or TV Pilot. No fee. |
| Monthly | The John Byrne Award
|
Entries are open to everybody over 16 living or studying in Scotland of single pieces of creative work in any medium – Audio, Video, Writing (including Scripts) or Imagery.
No fee. |
| TBA | BBC Studios
new |
Follow BBC Studios on Twitter for news about new opportunities.
A new scheme for writers underrepresented in British TV is planned for 2023. |
| Year-Round | Moving Picture Institute Screenwriting Workshops
new |
In these ten-week virtual workshops, participants develop original concepts under the guidance of award-winning screenwriters and develop them into compelling, pro-freedom scripts for short or feature length films.
Participants receive a fellowship to attend weekly virtual workshop sessions, complete assignments, and present their work to the group twice. Applications may be submitted at any time, but are reviewed on a cyclical basis three times per year. No fee. |