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.
TIMELINE
- Call for entries opens September 5th, 2024 at 11 am PT
- Call for entries closes September 25th, 2024 at 3:59 pm PT
- Participants announcement October 11th, 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
Rules
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please refer to the questions below before emailing us at [email protected] with your questions.
Do I have to be a member of NALIP or NFMLA at the time of submitting an application?
Yes, you must be an active member of either NALIP or New Filmmakers LA.
Do I have to live in Los Angeles during the program?
We welcome all applicants from across the USA. There is only one day of in-person meetings, the remainder of the program will be virtual. We will work with fellows traveling from outside of Los Angeles.
Is the script required in the application the same script that will be developed during the program?
Please submit a sample of your own creative property. Fellows will develop a spec script during the second phase of the program.
Does the short or feature need to be fully developed and have been accepted into a festival?
Yes, your project must have premiered at a festival with the applicant as the sole screenwriter credit. Alternatively, applicants must have a credit in the television industry to fulfill the eligibility requirement.
Are you looking for a treatment just of the pilot or of the series as a whole? Also do you have any guidelines on length for the treatment?
The treatment should be a synopsis of a pilot, no longer than 2,500 characters.
How many people are chosen in the first and second stage.
Four fellows will be selected and will remain in the program throughout both phases.
Do I need to be a US Citizen or have a US work permit?
Applicants do not need to be a US Citizen but must have a US work permit to be apart of the program.