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.
Apply Now
Join us for a virtual information session on Monday, September 16 at 12 PM PST to learn more about the application process for the STARZ #TakeTheLead Writers' Intensive and ask our staff your application questions!
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.