Storytellers Initiative: Wondaland Pictures
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SeriesFest
Storytellers Initiative: Wondaland Pictures
2022
Reads in Coverfly
Active Since 2022
SeriesFest & Janelle Monáe & Wondaland Pictures are looking for episodic content featuring radical and rebellious stories.
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About
The Storytellers Initiative aims to discover and celebrate bold new series with a strong point of view and bold characters from the next generation of storytellers. This Initiative cultivates lasting relationships between emerging creatives and industry executives, focused specifically on supporting diverse voices, championing marketable, unique storytelling, and pushing independent projects into production. Writers are invited to submit their pilot script for a chance to participate in a writers workshop, a live read of their script with professional actors, and a year-long development deal.
For Season 9, SeriesFest is partnering with Janelle Monáe and Wondaland Pictures to discover episodic content featuring radical and rebellious stories. The script competition provides artists the opportunity to share diverse ideas through visual media and create groundbreaking television. The winning artist(s) will receive the opportunity for a development deal with Wondaland Pictures.
The Wondaland Pictures team is looking for radical & rebellious stories that feel disruptive + sticky + buzzy. Stories that are elevated and fun, odd/left of center, and culturally relevant. Compelling characters from marginalized POVs. We see a pressing need to tell stories that center on Black and Queer people and explore race, class, and gender in fresh ways. Shifts how people see each other and the whole world around them. Thematically it should be saying something timely; medicine we aren’t hand fed. — The pill inside the apple sauce. Grounded Afro-futurism. Elevated true crime. Elevated comedy. Most importantly, Does it spark joy?
For Season 9, SeriesFest is partnering with Janelle Monáe and Wondaland Pictures to discover episodic content featuring radical and rebellious stories. The script competition provides artists the opportunity to share diverse ideas through visual media and create groundbreaking television. The winning artist(s) will receive the opportunity for a development deal with Wondaland Pictures.
The Wondaland Pictures team is looking for radical & rebellious stories that feel disruptive + sticky + buzzy. Stories that are elevated and fun, odd/left of center, and culturally relevant. Compelling characters from marginalized POVs. We see a pressing need to tell stories that center on Black and Queer people and explore race, class, and gender in fresh ways. Shifts how people see each other and the whole world around them. Thematically it should be saying something timely; medicine we aren’t hand fed. — The pill inside the apple sauce. Grounded Afro-futurism. Elevated true crime. Elevated comedy. Most importantly, Does it spark joy?
Benefits
Three Finalists will take part in a two-day creative workshop with industry experts, which includes sessions on 'how to pitch' and mini writers rooms for all 3 scripts. The goal of this workshop is to further get to know the creators and their skill levels as well as determine the Season Nine Winner! This workshop will take place virtually the week of March 29th, 2023.
The winning artist(s) will receive an exclusive development deal with the presenting partner. The winner will also be flown out to Denver, CO for SeriesFest: Season Nine, and participate in a Storytellers Initiative Live Read Presentation of their script with professional actors.
Announcements
No announcement dates listed.
Rules
The Wondaland Pictures team is looking for radical & rebellious stories that feel disruptive + sticky + buzzy. Stories that are elevated and fun, odd/left of center, and culturally relevant. Compelling characters from marginalized POVs. We see a pressing need to tell stories that center on Black and Queer people and explore race, class, and gender in fresh ways. Shifts how people see each other and the whole world around them. Thematically it should be saying something timely; medicine we aren’t hand fed. — The pill inside the apple sauce. Grounded Afro-futurism. Elevated true crime. Elevated comedy. Most importantly, Does it spark joy?
Pilot scripts with episodes running between 30- 60 minutes (Not to exceed 80 pages in length)
Genres: Diverse content, culture piercing, commercial dramas, and comedies.
Must also include a Series Format Deck to be uploaded to the application. The Series Format Deck is a 2-15 page document that includes a logline, series regular and recurring character descriptions, and Season One story arch or future episode descriptions. (See Full Guidelines Below)
Must also include a Series Format Deck to be uploaded to the application. The Series Format Deck is a 2-15 page document that includes a logline, series regular and recurring character descriptions, and Season One story arch or future episode descriptions. (See Full Guidelines Below)
To be eligible for the contest, entrants must be aged 18 years or older. Limit one entry per person. Each entry must include only one (1) script. Entries must be written in English. Scripts must not be encumbered by any obligation to, or option held by a third party.
Unregistered submissions will not be reviewed! If you are having trouble with the online form, please e-mail us at info@seriesfest.com and we will be glad to help guide you through the process.
Unregistered submissions will not be reviewed! If you are having trouble with the online form, please e-mail us at info@seriesfest.com and we will be glad to help guide you through the process.
Official Sponsors
Wondaland Pictures