*Please note that our eligibility requirements may have changed

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The Fellowship focuses on self-identified POC storytellers.
1. Applicant must be at least 21 years of age before the start of the Fellowship Program (i.e., before Dec 5, 2025).
2. Applicant must be a writer and may or may not also be a director, actor, performer or producer.
3. Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, or a Permanent Resident with unrestricted authorization to work in the United States of America.
4. Applicant must have representation with a guild-registered talent agency and/or management company.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To qualify as a potential Fellow, an Applicant must, in the last three years, satisfy one or more of the following conditions:
–Has previously been staffed and credited in a writing capacity on a produced U.S. scripted television series;
AND/OR
–Has either written OR written and directed a produced feature film;
AND/OR
–Has written and directed a short film that screened at a noted film festival—e.g., Sundance, Berlin, Cannes, Toronto, Venice, SXSW, Telluride, etc. in the last 3 years;
AND/OR
–Has written a spec feature screenplay (either original or based on underlying material) that was optioned or purchased by a recognized U.S.-based producer, distributor or studio;
AND/OR
–Has been in or is currently in active development on a project with a WGA-signatory organization (such as a mini major, studio, network, etc.) 

APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants must submit a complete application package by June 30, 2025 that includes the following:

1. A complete APPLICATION FORM. Incomplete or illegible application forms will not be accepted.

2. A WRITING SAMPLE, screenplay or teleplay. The title page of your script sample should show only the name of your script (and a WGA registration number, if applicable), i.e., do not include your name, your representative’s name or any contact information either on the title page itself or anywhere within the script. The writing sample must be written solely by you, the Applicant, i.e., no shared credits or writing teams, and script cannot have already been produced. Please submit your Writing Sample in the section designated “Sample PDF” on the first page of the application process. (Your 3 Project Ideas will be submitted later in the application process)

3. THREE (3) IDEAS in one-pager format, either original or IP-based, that you aspire to develop into either a feature film or television series. We are genre agnostic. A maximum of one of these ideas can already be in screenplay form as long as the rights to the screenplay are free and clear, has not previously been exposed to the marketplace, and is WGA registered. (Aforementioned writing samples may be WGA registered but are not required to be.) We encourage you to have at least one of the ideas above be IP-based (a novel, comic book, video game, remake, etc.). For any IP that you are planning to option using the RISE IP Fund, before sending in your application, please make sure that either the rights are available or that it is in the public domain. Include a brief explanation on how you plan to adapt it. ANY ONE-PAGER SUBMISSION LONGER THAN ONE PAGE WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE DISQUALIFIED.

4. The RELEASE FORM must be completed, signed, and dated in order for an application to be accepted.

5. A RESUME outlining your professional writing credits and other experience. Please do not enclose resumes that are longer than two pages.

6. A PERSONAL ESSAY on life experience(s) you’ve had that have influenced your writing and the stories you want to tell. 500-word maximum.

7. Contact information for THREE (3) entertainment industry professionals you have worked with who can provide a recommendation for you. TWO (2) must be supervisory (supervisors, managers, showrunners, etc. that you reported to) references and ONE (1) can be a direct report (someone you have supervised) or peer reference. Please DO NOT include contact information for agents, managers, or lawyers. 

After the Rideback RISE Selection Committee has reviewed all the applications, we will narrow it down to a smaller group. If you make it to that group we will contact you to re-confirm both your availability for the Fellowship (Dec 5, 2025 - Dec 4, 2026) and to organize an in-person interview. We will select the Fellows at the end of the interview process. 

Applicants can only submit their application package once. 

SUMMARY
– Rideback RISE will provide each of the selected Fellows with a substantial economic stipend paid over the course of 12 months. In return, for the duration of the Fellowship, each Fellow agrees to work on generating a market-ready project (e.g., screenplay, series pitch and bible, pilot script, etc.) and meet certain milestones along the way which will vary depending on the Project.
– Each Fellow may be granted access to our IP and Visual Development Fund in order to option IP or create proof of concept materials.
– Rideback RISE does not take ownership in any Fellows’ screenplay or any other materials created under the Fellowship. Fellows remain the sole owner of their projects.
– At the end of the Program, Fellows will work with Rideback RISE to choose the next steps for their project. The overarching goal of the Fellowship is to support the Fellow achieve their best version of success with their work.

KEY DATES
June 1, 2025 – Application Period Opens
June 30, 2025 – Application Period Closes
September – Finalist Interviews
October - Fellows + Circle notified
Dec - Y3 Kickoff 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What makes someone a good candidate for the Rideback RISE Fellowship?
We are seeking experienced, commercially-minded storytellers who are enthusiastic about creating fresh, compelling content that can be released to a wide audience. You will have already developed a vision of your own, but you will be open to input from mentors and peers and keen to benefit from their counsel. You are self-disciplined and ambitious about bringing your project to market, and you are willing to function as part of a group and share your experiences. Timing plays a role: the ideal Fellow is ready to take the year to invest in themselves and their career.

How is the Fellowship helping them?
If you think of Hollywood development as a funnel, the RISE Fellowship is operating at the narrower end, focusing on creators who have a higher level of experience who can maximize the resources of the Fellowship and develop market-ready projects in terms of their scope and commercial appeal. The Fellowship is designed to circumvent the risk aversion that often sidelines the development of diverse TV and films. By focusing the Fellowship here, we are closest to our goal of getting mainstream projects sold, into production, and widely distributed where they can impact culture and make a difference in driving narrative change.

Why is the RISE Fellowship described as an accelerator?
The RISE Fellowship is a content accelerator in that it seeks to help experienced creators further develop their pre-existing film and television ideas, pitches, treatments and/or scripts into market-ready condition and then help them transition their projects into “go” projects with networks, streamers, studios and production companies.

Shouldn’t the program focus on getting more new people into the industry?
Many programs for creators entering the entertainment industry already exist, and they play a vital role in improving representation on screen (both in front of and behind the camera). 

What makes a project idea suitable for the Fellowship?
Ideas should be built on an applicant's strong voice and specific point of view while bringing new perspectives on concepts, characters, themes, genre and/or worlds. Ideas should feel commercial yet distinct from what has already been done.

Any one-pager submissions that are longer than one page will automatically be disqualified. 

Do I need to reimburse Rideback RISE for its investment?
No.

Are Fellows employees of Rideback RISE?
No.

Does Rideback RISE take any ownership of my script or project?
No. Rideback RISE does not take ownership of any scripts, outlines, treatments or other materials that are either submitted as part of your application or subsequently created as part of the Fellowship.

Does Rideback RISE act as a producer?
No. Rideback RISE is neither a production entity nor a guild signatory. RISE assists Fellows in connecting their projects to appropriate production and distribution entities. RISE hopes that produced projects will offer a small passive royalty or tax-deductible contribution to RISE that will fund future Fellows and RISE programming.

What is Rideback’s role in Rideback RISE?
The production company known as Rideback is separate from Rideback RISE, which is an independently-led 501c3 non-profit. Rideback has granted RISE the use of its name, but does not operate Rideback RISE, nor does it receive any direct benefits or considerations from RISE. RISE is currently headquartered at Rideback Ranch as a paying tenant. RISE is not subject to or liable for any of the obligations of Rideback or Rideback Ranch.

What is the RISE Circle?
The RISE Circle is a large invitation-only network of POC writers, filmmakers and creative talent, who are selected from among the highest-scoring applicants to the RISE Fellowship. Circle members are part of the larger Rideback RISE cohort and are supported in their careers by access to RISE programming and networking events at Rideback Ranch, provided at no cost. Circle members are eligible and encouraged to reapply to the RISE Fellowship.

May Fellows work on other projects during the RISE Fellowship?
Yes. Fellows are non-exclusive and have the option to develop other projects as long as they are able to fulfill their commitments to the Fellowship.

If selected for the RISE Fellowship, will I be guaranteed a produced script?
While we will work tirelessly with you to help you advance your project in every way possible, we cannot guarantee that it will lead to a produced project.

Are Fellows allowed to participate in other programs similar to this one in concurrence?
Given the commitment and curriculum offered through the RISE Fellowship, we ask that participants not participate in other similar programs in concurrence.

What is the RISE Fellowship time commitment?
Year 3 of the Fellowship will begin in December 2025 and run through December 2026. Each individual’s hours and activities may vary, but Fellows should expect regular meetings with their mentors, industry professionals, the RISE leadership team, as well as ongoing interaction with other Fellows, and participation in weekly activities which includes a mix of weekday, daytime, evening, and weekend programming. 

What are Fellows’ obligations to Rideback RISE?
Fellows must be available to actively participate in the Fellowship curriculum, attend all scheduled sessions and in general work towards the certain milestones required of them to advance their projects. While the Fellowship is non-exclusive, please inform us of any pre-existing commitments you have that may conflict with it.

When is the application period open?
Submissions open on June 1, 2025 and close at 11:59pm PDT on June 30, 2025.

When and where will interviews be held?
Interviews will be held at Rideback Ranch in Los Angeles and are planned for Fall 2025.

How are the matches made between the Fellows and their mentors?
Matches are made based on career interests, project type and mentor availability.

How will I be informed as to whether or not I have been chosen as a finalist in the Fellowship?
Applicants selected will be notified directly via phone and/or email as well as through their representatives. Those not selected will be notified via email.

If I am selected as a finalist to participate in the in-person interview, will Rideback RISE reimburse my traveling expenses?
We do not reimburse travel expenses related to the in-person interview. If financial circumstances prohibit applicants from attending the in-person interview, we will consider financial support on a case-by-case basis.

If I am selected into the Rideback RISE Fellowship, but do not live in Los Angeles, will Rideback Rise reimburse my relocation costs?
The Rideback RISE Fellowship stipend can be used to cover living expenses, but Rideback RISE does not reimburse relocation costs.

Must I be present for the duration of the Fellowship?
Yes. The Fellowship is an in-person program in LA.

May I apply to the Rideback RISE Fellowship using a script I co-wrote?
No. You must be the sole author of any material submitted with your application.

Do I need to have literary representation (agent and/or manager) to apply?
Yes. Applicants’ agents must be guild-franchised and managers must be with recognized firms in good standing.

May I apply as a non-U.S. citizen or someone who does not possess a U.S. Green Card?
Currently, Rideback RISE is only able to provide Fellowships to creators who have U.S. citizenship or a U.S. Green Card. We are working to include international writers and filmmakers in future cohorts of the RISE Fellowship.

If selected into the Rideback RISE Fellowship, will I need to disclose current projects in development and attachments?
Yes. Any projects in development must be disclosed in writing during the application process.

Are scripts not registered with the WGA prior to submission acceptable as one of my designated Project Ideas?
No. Any script submitted as one of your three Project Ideas must be registered with the WGA prior to submission. Scripts that are only registered with other organizations or affiliations will not be accepted. Scripts submitted as Writing Samples are not required to be WGA registered.

Who will review my submission?
A combination of producers and executives affiliated with Rideback RISE along with experienced professional readers will review all submissions.

If I was a Fellow, can I be a Fellow again?
Fellows may only experience the Fellowship once. However, Fellows are automatically invited to join the RISE Circle for the term following their Fellowship. Circle members may apply for the Fellowship again. They may also be invited to the Circle again if they are among the top scoring applicants — but creators who have already been in the Circle twice may not participate in a third consecutive year as a Circle Member. 

If, for any reason, you are unable to afford the application fee, please feel free to contact us at info@ridebackrise.org. 

*Please note Rideback RISE reserves the right to modify its FAQ at any time.