Industry programs and workshops
An empowering program aimed at nurturing new voices in television, this initiative provides emerging writers the opportunity to refine their skills and develop original spec scripts with hands-on guidance from top-tier mentors, executives, and experienced writers. Application period: Summer More info
Supported by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, the LFI Inclusion Fellowship supports emerging filmmakers in bringing live-action narrative short films to life by offering a production grant, individualized mentorship, and strategic industry connections. Fellows work within a studio system as they continue to develop their skills, and advance their film industry careers. Application period: TBD More info
The Sundance Institute Episodic Lab is a six-day program that offers writers the opportunity to workshop a pilot script, while developing their writing. Working with accomplished showrunners, Fellows will participate in one-on-one story meetings, craft workshops, and simulated writers’ rooms. Together, these meetings provide an elevated creative strategy for artists to advance their projects. Application period: Summer More info
The Documentary Film Program (DFP) believes nonfiction filmmaking is a collaborative art form. We provide artist-centered, process-driven support in the form of creative labs that support directors, producers, and editors. DFP currently hosts the Documentary Producers Lab and the Documentary Edit Residency annually in the summer. Labs are unique residential workshops that provide catalytic support for feature nonfiction projects and producers in production and post-production. Following the lab, projects receive ongoing customized creative and strategic support throughout the life of a project. Application period: Spring More info
The Sundance Institute Labs are a series of intensive, mentor-driven workshops operated by the nonprofit Sundance Institute. They provide emerging independent filmmakers and storytellers with creative support to develop projects across film, episodic, and new media formats. The labs are known for nurturing distinctive voices and shaping the global independent film landscape. Application period: Spring More info
The Big Break Screenwriting Contest only accepts online entry of feature film, television (original pilots scripts only), and short film screenplays. Spec TV screenplays of pre-existing shows (for example, a spec script of an episode of The Office) are not eligible. Application period: Spring More info