During the program, writers develop an original pilot to which they retain all rights. They are paired with NBCUniversal development and current programming executives who mentor them and polish samples for staffing consideration. At the conclusion of the program, participating writers will be considered for available staff writer positions on NBCU Television and Streaming as well as Universal Studio Group series.

The Disruptors Fellowship aims to disrupt the status quo in Hollywood and uplift and normalize narratives that have historically been underrepresented on television. For Disruptors 2026, we've restructured our program. Fellows receive a $3,000 stipend, mentoring from a TV writers, participation in mock writers' room sessions, and access to industry insights.

Grove and Pines Film Festival is proud to present the Erin Carine Grant for Queer Creatives, a $5,000 USD award given annually at the festival. This grant honors the legacy and spirit of Erin Carine, whose unwavering belief in queer artistry, community, and self expression, continues to inspire the mission of GAPFF.

The program is designed to identify emerging creative voices of unscripted storytellers for NBC, Bravo and Peacock. The initiative offers independent creators and producers the opportunity to pitch original concepts directly to NBCUniversal television executives. Applicants do not need representation.

Square Peg Social is a five-day, intimate gathering designed to break down the walls and barriers that too often exist within the film industry. Led by Sqaure Peg (Hereditary, Midsommar, Eddington, and more) there are no awards or prizes by design. Through mentorship, deep industry relationships, and hands-on guidance, the Square Peg team is committed to ensuring emerging filmmakers are truly supported and that their work reaches the people who can help bring it to life.

Founded by George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola, Decentralized Pictures (DCP) is a nonprofit organization created to enable the next generation of independent filmmakers. DCP has partnered with Sofia Coppola to identify and celebrate a filmmaker with a distinct creative point of view, confident visual sensibility, and an instinct for storytelling that feels personal and unmistakably their own. The award Package includes, $20,000 to produce a short film, mentoring support, and distribution of completed film on DCP+.

Each year, 30 filmmakers from diverse backgrounds are given the opportunity to hone skills, form creative partnerships, create short films and gain industry access needed to succeed as working artists. Participants are paired with mentors at the top of their respective fields, and receive personalized guidance to help move their projects and careers forward.

The TV Writing Lab in partnership with the Next50 Foundation seeks unproduced 20-45 minute pilots that challenge the perception of aging and scripts must be void of stereotypes traditionally associated with aging. Seeking series that move beyond outdated or one-dimensional portrayals. Instead of familiar tropes, we’re excited to see nuanced, authentic, and surprising representations of older adults.

The Parenthood Fellowship will support four writers in developing compelling, evidence-informed film or television scripts about parenthood as a transformative human experience. Scripts must focus on the beginning of life, stories about pregnancy and becoming a parent. Each writer will receive a $15,000 grant, creative mentorship, and expert input, with the goal of shifting cultural narratives and inspiring broader recognition of parenthood’s human and societal value.

Selling A TV Drama Pilot | June 6 10AM-12PM PT

Webinar, $15

In this class, BRIDGERTON writer and producer Joy C. Mitchell will teach you how to communicate tone, world, and character arcs clearly, explain the difference between pitching to streamers, networks, and production companies, and more. This is not theory. It is a practical breakdown of how drama pilots move from idea to deal from someone who’s done it before.

WGFest | June 12 & 13

Online & In-person events

Strengthen your writing with hands-on workshops and real-world insights from today's writers and producers at WGFestival, a two-day conference full of educational, insightful, and inspiring sessions for writers of all levels that will invigorate your craft and boost your career. Brought to You buy the Writer's Guild. This year features panelist from shows like Scrubs (NBC), Marvel's Wonderman (Disney+) and more.

Filmpreneurship | June 13 &14 , 11AM-1PM PT

Online bootcamp, $49

In an industry where "no" is the default and gatekeepers hold all the cards, this course flips the script: you become the gatekeeper with the greenlight. In this weekend bootcamp, you’ll learn what investors actually fund, how to package yourself as the artist, and the specific tactics to access decision-makers, audiences, and capital. Taught by Iram Parveen Bilal, whose work has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, BBC, and more.