NYSAF's Filmmakers' Workshop
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About
At New York Stage and Film, we believe in the impact stories can have on our world. Our Filmmakers’ Workshop accelerates that impact by giving FILM & TV writers the community and resources needed to advance their craft and careers. As a fellow in our workshop, you'll be surrounded by a team of professionals and peers who believe in you, your story, and your long-term success.
By way of the projects and relationships developed within the Filmmakers’ Workshop, alumni have secured representation, been staffed on TV shows (including Azia Squire, Melody Cooper, Jonterri Gadson) and produced screenplays (Peanut Butter Falcon co-written by Tyler Nilson and The Game by Ana Lazarevic).
As part of our program, writers receive;
Script Support from Industry Mentors
Writers will be assigned 3 mentors to discuss their scripts in depth. Past mentors include Janine Nabers (Atlanta), Halley Feiffer (American Horror Story), and Soo Hung (Pachinko).
Table Reads with professional actors
Writers will see their scripts performed by professional actors. Mentors, actors, and peers sit in on the table reads and provide supportive feedback.
Access to Masterclasses
Writers attend Q&As and lectures with industry leaders. Past teachers include Jim Manos (DEXTER), Frank Pugliese (House of Cards), Alexandra Cunningham (Fatal Attraction) and more.
Timeline of the program;
Application Timeline: Deadline for Early Applications is Jan 18th ($35), Regular Deadline Jan 31st ($45), Late Feb 11th ($50).
SUMMER 2024: Participants will gather for one week as a part of the New York Stage and Film Summer Season in Poughkeepsie, NY, focusing on script and artist development, attending master classes and panel discussions, and receiving personalized mentor support from industry professionals. The session will take place in late July or early August (to be specified in early Spring).
WINTER 2025: Participants will have the opportunity to have at-least one remote follow-up session with a mentor for additional professional support on their updated draft.
In addition to the two primary sessions, writers will meet remotely before the summer season residency to build rapport amongst the cohort and chart goals for the duration of the engagement.
Benefits
Participants are provided with the following support:
2024 SUMMER SEASON RESIDENCY IN POUGHKEEPSIE, NY
$650 stipend; free housing in townhouse-style student apartments on the Marist College Campus in Poughkeepsie, NY (private bedroom, shared bathroom, kitchen, living areas); roundtrip train fare between NYC and Poughkeepsie; airfare and ground transportation for non-NY locals up to $600; access to public programming as a part of the NYSAF Summer SeasonAnnouncements
Rules
Who can apply to this program?
TV writers: those without a WGA writing credit on a TV show.
Screenwriters: no more than one independent film produced.
I have a few scripts. How do I decide which one to submit?
We invite you to submit a singular piece that most vividly showcases your potential as a writer, one that you are not only proud of but also keenly open to and interested in receiving comprehensive feedback on.
Do you consider writing teams?
Writing teams of up to two people are eligible, but both writers must be able to attend the full residency dates. Please note that writing teams will be asked to split the stipend amongst themselves.
Do you own the rights to my script?
No, writers retain all rights. Participants will be required to sign a letter of agreement prior to arrival noting inclusion of an end credit should your screen or teleplay get produced, stating that the project was developed within New York Stage and Film Filmmakers’ Workshop.
When will you let us know?
Finalists will be interviewed on a rolling basis in March. All applicants will be notified of final decisions by the end of April.
Will you consider adaptations of existing material?
We will consider adaptations if you can provide proof that you own the rights to the underlying material. Applicants are responsible for all underlying rights.
My script has a producer attached. Can I still apply?
Attachments must be disclosed in the “Project Status” section of the application and are considered on a case-by-case basis.
I only have a treatment (or a partial script) will you accept that?
No. We only accept completed original pilots or screenplays for consideration.
Do you accept short film scripts?
We only accept completed original pilots or screenplays for consideration.
Why do you charge an application fee?
Our application fee covers the salaries of our script readers and allows every applicant to receive feedback from professional story analysts. We offer fee waivers to support artists with financial need. The form for fee waivers can be accessed here.
Fee waivers cover (75%) of the application fee.