ITC Come Up Newsletter | Fellowships, Grants & Events For Screenwriters & Directors


Fellowships & Grants

SeriesFest x NextGen 50

LATE DEADLINE: JULY 14

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 Seeking series that move beyond outdated or one-dimensional portrayals.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.

Academy Nicholl Fellowship

DEADLINE TO APPLY: JULY 20

Each year, the Academy Nicholl screenwriting competition awards up to five $35,000 fellowships to amateur screenwriters. Fellowship winners are invited to participate in awards week ceremonies and seminars, receive individualized Academy member mentorship and are expected to complete at least one original feature film screenplay during their Fellowship year.

NHMC Series Scriptwriters Program

DEADLINE TO APPLY: JULY 27

Aspiring Latine writers with a strong desire to write for streaming & television are encouraged to apply for this virtual program. Participants will receive tools and guidance from industry mentors, simulate a writers room, build a community, and make industry executive connections, all while developing their script idea by the end of the program. Alumni of the program have gone on to work on series produced by Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, AppleTV, Hulu, HBOMax, NBCUniversal, Paramount, and more.

NAACP Creative Fellowship

DEADLINE TO APPLY: JULY 24

The NAACP Creative Fellowship program, in partnership with Adobe, is a 14-week paid program designed to equip emerging post-production professionals with skills in video editing, motion graphics, sound design, and social media content creation. This next-level opportunity is open to individuals with some editing experience who are ready to launch their careers in post-production.

Short Animation Fellowship

DEADLINE TO APPLY: JULY 31

The “Short Animation Fellowship” is a collaborative initiative by the Titmouse Foundation and warrior Art Camp aimed at early-to-mid career animation filmmakers. This program supports animation professionals in expanding their expertise and creating original animated shorts. They are looking for projects that explore ancient myths across all genres and cultures.

AXS Film Fund

DEADLINE TO APPLY: JULY 31

The AXS Film Fund provides funding to documentary filmmakers and nonfiction new media creators with a focus on those of color living with disabilities. Awards are up to $10,000, depending on project need.

Cinepacks Short Film Fund

DEADLINE TO APPLY: AUGUST 1

The CinePacks Short Film Fund is a production initiative for emerging writer-directors who have a story to tell and need the resources to tell it. One filmmaker will be selected to receive a $10,000 production grant, access to CinePacks' professional cameras and lighting packages, use of available CinePacks filming locations in Los Angeles, and direct hands-on producing support from CinePacks.

HBCU First Look Festival

DEADLINE TO APPLY: AUGUST 28

​The HBCU First LOOK Film Festival & Tour is an innovative annual HBCU initiative that focuses on Diversity and Inclusion opportunities that brings together HBCU student graduates with African American creators and leaders in film, TV and broadcast industries. The competition is open to U.S citizens that are actively enrolled in an Historically Black College or University (HBCU), or recent HBCU graduates within the last 3 years.

FCC Global Short Film Fund

DEADLINE TO APPLY: SEPTEMBER 5

​FFC Global Short Film Fund Package supports women and non-binary filmmakers globally. The winner will receive: €10,000 to Fund Your Short Film, €15,000 post production value from Disauthority to complete your Short Film and €8,000 Mo-Sys Virtual Post Production Support for the Winning Film which includes consulting and support, plus studio rental for production. Applicants are encouraged to apply worldwide.

Pandora Short Film Grant

DEADLINE TO APPLY: OCTOBER 1

​The Pandora Short Film Grant is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that awards an annual $12,000 Grant to an early-career US filmmaker for the production of their short, narrative film. In addition, the Grant winner and three Finalists receive camera rental discounts from Panavision & Kodak, plus mentorship from award-winning filmmakers.

Upcoming Events

The Rise of Vertical Series

July 14, 4PM PT | Webinar

Vertical storytelling is changing the way content is consumed, created, and monetized. This panel explores whether it's a passing trend or the future of entertainment. Presented by Black Film Space.

Short Film Success Strategies

July 25, 11AM PT | Free For ITC Premium Members

With thousands of film festivals operating worldwide, developing a successful festival strategy can feel overwhelming. Many filmmakers spend significant time and money submitting to well-known festivals, only to overlook other opportunities that may be a better fit for their film and career goals.

Film Scheduling 101

July 26, 12PM PT | Free Webinar

Writing a script is one thing. Breaking it down into a shootable schedule is another. This workshop takes you inside the scheduling process with 1st AD Ross Novie who’s worked on shows like Arrested Development, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and currently St. Denis Medical. Presented by Shamel Studio.

Directing: Building an Intentional Frame

Two-day Bootcamp, July 26 &27 | 6PM-8PM PT

In this class, you'll learn to see scenes the way skilled directors do: as a system of interlocking tools working together to move an audience. Over two sessions, we will break down the full visual and sensory toolkit available to you as a director: including: Shot List & Camera; how angle, distance, and movement shape feeling, Production Design; using space and environment as storytelling, Lighting; mood, subtext, and what shadows can say, Directing Actors; getting the performance your scene actually needs and more.

Creative Sync

August 2 1PM PT, In-person event | $10 (Free for ITC Premium Members)

Join ITC Founder Rae at LORE Leimert Park as she leads a creative writing exercise designed to push through blocks and find inspiration anywhere, anytime. Afterward, we'll have a brief networking mixer designed to build intentional community with BIPOC writers.

Do you have an opportunity or event you'd like to share in our newsletter?

Nearly 10,000 emerging writers and directors read this newsletter to learn about grants, fellowships, jobs, workshops, and events. Forward this email to a friend that’s looking for a creative come up.

Stay Creative


Follow In the Cut on socials for daily tips and resources

600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246
Unsubscribe · Preferences

In the Cut

Subscribe to the mailing list to learn about grants, mentorship opportunities, fellowships, and events for TV/Film writers and directors each week. Founded by Rae Benjamin.

Read more from In the Cut

DOWNLOAD ELEMENTS OF STORY WORKBOOK Stay Creative Follow In the Cut on socials for daily tips and resources 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246Unsubscribe · Preferences

Stay Creative Follow In the Cut on socials for daily tips and resources 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246Unsubscribe · Preferences

Fellowships & Grants Accelerate Fellowship for Disabled Writers DEADLINE: JUNE 17 APPLY NOW The Accelerate Fellowship is a four-month rewriting sprint that gives disabled film and television writers $30,000 in funding and bespoke mentorship to develop a spec script to market. Through writers groups, one-on-one mentorship, guidance from the Inevitable Foundation staff, and access to leading film and television writers, the program offers disabled writers everything they need to get their...