STARZ #TakeTheLead Writers' Intensive
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About
NALIP and NFMLA are excited to once again partner with STARZ to launch the STARZ #TakeTheLead Writers' Intensive. This program offers a unique platform for emerging writers to develop their skills and refine their spec scripts with the help of esteemed mentors, executives, and established writers.
For the 2024 edition, 4 talented writers will be selected for both phase 1 and phase 2 of the program. During phase 1 of the program, writers will have the invaluable opportunity to hear from 15 seasoned industry professionals with an array of backgrounds in the television ecosystem while developing a spec episode treatment. In phase 2 of the program, writers will be paired with mentors as they work to draft a full spec episode script of a current STARZ series.
Submissions open on September 5th, 2024 at 11 am PT, and the deadline to submit is September 25th, 2024 at 3:59 pm PT.
TIMELINE
● Call for entries opens Thursday, September 5th, 2024 at 11 am PT
● Call for entries closes September 25th, 2024 at 3:59 pm PT
● Participants announcement October 9th, 2024
2024 PROGRAM DATES
Selected participants must be available for the duration of the following dates:
● Phase 1: October 14th, 2024 to October 18th, 2024
● Phase 2:October 21st, 2024 to November 4th, 2024
Benefits
● A $5,000 USD grant will be awarded to writers selected for the program
● An opportunity to connect with industry professionals and creatives.
● Obtain feedback on your spec episode script from top executives
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Phase One
(1 week for participants at approximately 32 hours total throughout the week, taking place Monday - Friday)
● A one-week intensive featuring meetings and sessions with industry creatives and professionals.
● Participants receive feedback and support to develop an episode treatment.
● The program culminates with a STARZ jury reading treatments.
Phase Two
(4 weeks for participants at approximately 8 hours each week)
● Meetings with STARZ executives to hone spec script
● Feedback from STARZ mentors to refine spec script
● Final review and final set of notes for spec script
● Presentation of spec script
Announcements
No announcement dates listed.
Rules
At the program's request, Coverfly will automatically remove your title page for you if you include one when submitting to this program.
APPLICATION/APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
● Must be a writer with at least one fully completed short or feature narrative film credited solely to them, which has been accepted into a film festival, OR have a story department-related credit (e.g., writer's assistant, staff writer, showrunner's assistant, script coordinator) on a TV show.
● Must be or become a member of NALIP and/or NFMLA.
● Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application and legally authorized work, and participate in the Intensive in the United States.
● Must come from a traditionally underrepresented background in the TV writing industry.
● Must accept and agree to program rules, terms & conditions, and sign the program release.
● Must be available for all program dates outlined in the TIMELINE.
APPLICATION/APPLICANT MATERIALS
● All submission materials must be in English. If the project is in another language, please include a written English translation.
● The first ten pages of an original episodic ½-hour or 1-hour script.
● A treatment of the original episodic ½-hour or 1-hour script submitted.
● A resume (no more than one page).
● A writer's statement (no more than one page) detailing what inspired you to apply to this program and your professional goals.
● A bio of the writer, including any relevant projects, awards, accolades, festival recognitions, etc.