Brought to you be Universal, Malcom D. Lee, and Tribeca Film Festival, Love & Laughs seeks to amplify dynamic filmmakers with a passion for telling comedic and romantic stories. Applicants must be writer-directors who’ve directed at least one short film, 10 minutes or longer. Winners will receive $50,000 to produce a short film as a proof of concept for a feature-length film.

This program aims to increase the representation of women and gender-expansive people on screen and in writers rooms. 6-8 fellows will receive three weeks of industry training before having the opportunity to pitch to major studios, production companies, representatives, and producers. The entire accelerator, including training and pitching, will occur online.

RISE supports and empowers mid-career POC creators and artists to make commercial film and television across genres that reflects our multicultural society. The year-long fellowship offers unparalleled access to key economic, creative, and business resources. Through tailored sessions and workshops led by top industry leaders, Fellows gain the tools, confidence, and network to bring viable, original commercial projects to life and to market.

Black Film Space is collaborating with cliveRd. to support and fund projects made by independent Black filmmakers. The Proof of Concept Short Film Grant is seeking one short film script under 20 minutes/pages that aims to serve as a teaser/preview for a feature film with narratives that feature a nature element. The grant total will be $8,000, in addition, the winner will have the option to shoot at a private estate in Jamaica—an exclusive, complimentary location provided by cliveRd.

The Disney Entertainment Television (DET) Writing Program is a highly selective, annual TV staffing program. The goal is to staff emerging and diverse television writers on DET scripted series. Program Writers receive mentorship, professional development, and unprecedented access to the company and its creative executives, producers, showrunners, and program alumni.

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. Inter-generational stories are not only welcome—they’re encouraged!

Short Film Reading | May 17, 3-5PM PT

Virtual Table Read

Join FirstFifteen to hear two new short films, with feedback from professional writers, Stephanie MacFarlane (FBI) and Rochee Jeffrey (grown-ish).

Perfect Pitch Deck | May 23, 11AM-1PM PT

Online Class

A pitch deck is an essential tool to share with studios, executives, or indie financiers. In this class you’ll learn how to craft an engaging deck in order to turn your script into reality. Taught by NAACP-award winning writer and professor, Kristina Thomas (HBO).

Before You Submit | Starts June 13

4-Week Virtual Intensive

Four-day clinical intensive designed for writers who want to move past the fear of the "Send" button by running their 90-page screenplay through a professional-grade stress test. Led by Aeryn Williams—a writer and director with credits as a Co-Executive Producer on series like The Umbrella Academy (Netflix) and Harlem (AmazonPrime). Don't gamble on another writing program submission fee; learn from an expert.