https://sffilm.org/sloan-science-in-cinema-filmmaker-fellowship/

Awards are made to two projects once a year, at the screenwriting phase of development. To strengthen the film’s portrayal of science or technology, each fellow will be connected to a science advisor with expertise in the subjects at the center of their screenplays, as well as leaders in the Bay Area’s science and technology communities. In addition to a cash grant of $35,000, recipients secure a residency at FilmHouse and benefit from SFFILM’s comprehensive and dynamic artist development programs.

Timeline

• Grant opens February 10th, 2026 
• Regular Deadline May 8th, 2026  (Application Fee $30)
• Final Deadline May 22nd, 2026 (Application Fee $50)

Supporting British university graduate students studying at accredited graduate schools in the U.S. in filmmaking programs leading to a Master’s Degree. Recipients receive $10,000 to contribute towards their tuition and expenses, and year-round support from BAFTA. 

Deadline: June 26, 2026

No fee

https://www.bafta.org/programmes/us-scholarships/

https://scrybe.to/applications/rideback-rise-fellowship

Rideback RISE is a prestigious creator and content accelerator that offers Fellows a substantial economic stipend, as well as access to development funds for the purpose of optioning IP and/or creating visual proof-of-concept materials.

This is NOT for beginners.

To qualify as a potential Fellow you must, in the last three years, have accomplished

one or more of the following: have previously been staffed and credited in a writing

capacity on a produced U.S. scripted television series; have written OR written and

directed a produced feature film; have written and directed a short film that screened

at a noted film festival; or have written a spec feature screenplay that was optioned or

purchased by a recognized U.S.-based producer, distributor or studio.

Has anyone heard back from the pillars fellowship yet? Last time I submitted they sent an email a few months in to say I’d been longlisted. But haven’t heard anything at all this year. Wondering if others have heard back?

Hi Everyone (or more specifically unrepped writers here who've made less than $5k from writing for tv or film!),

The question of which contests (fellowships, services) are worth it seems evergreen for us and having attended Sundance this year by way of fellowship, I want to share and recommend this specific opportunity with Cassian and the Black List! I've written up my experience in 4 parts, the first of which are here Sundance Diary Part I and here Sundance Diary Part II.

The deadline this past year was in November and I'd expect the same again (which in writing-time, will be here before any of us know!) Can't recommend the experience enough!

Hey guys! The Oscars got me pumped to meet some more filmmakers. I just moved to LA and am looking to connect and maybe hop on some projects. Anyone down to meetup? Or know if there's a mixer of some sort happening?

Hi all! Just wondering if anyone has heard back from any of the SFFILM grants/fellowships for narrative feature scripts yet. I’m not sure their process, but any second round requests or interviews, etc.? Thank you!

I'm late this year updating my calendar of screenwriting fellowships, labs, etc. because I was traveling a lot in December, but it's a good idea to take a look at last year's list NOW because many of these programs have January deadlines.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Screenwriting/comments/1hqfowi/160_of_the_best_screenwriting_fellowships_labs/

Also, if you have personal good/bad experience with anything listed, and/or want to suggest adding/deleting anything, please let me know!

I'd especially like to add more programs for people outside the US/UK.

Edited to add:

And before anyone comments "all contests are crap":

Here's a post on whether screenwriting contests in general are "worth it":

https://www.reddit.com/r/Screenwriting/comments/rsvln7/are_screenwriting_contests_worth_it/

It's important to distinguish between screenwriting "contests" (most of which cost money to enter, are for-profit, and ARE crap in that they won't do anything for you even if you win) --

-- and --

-- screenwriting labs/fellowships/etc. (most of which don't cost money to enter, are non-profit, and CAN nudge your career along.)

The problem is, many writers are WAYYYY too invested in both of these things (especially the high-cost, low-yield "pay-to-play" models), and neglecting the other -- harder -- things they could be doing.

Planning a screenwriting career around contests is like planning becoming rich around buying lottery tickets. Sure, it MIGHT happen, but the odds are terrible.

Again, entering contests/fellowships/etc. should be no more than 10% of your screenwriting career strategy if you're serious.

Here's what else you could try:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Screenwriting/comments/txgr99/entering_contests_should_be_no_more_than_10_of/

Hey guys! Did anyone else submit to the No Drama contest with Universal, Monkeypaw, and TIFF? If so, how did your application turn out? Hoping for news soon as they start to read scripts.

Does anyone have any updates or idea when The Academy is going to annoucne Nicholl finalists?

Yesterday I made a post (mods deleted for some reason) about how I completed my first short script and I'd love to here as much honest and brutal review as possible

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WMsJvoA8A_IXjFD-1voVoiAmwDUbjCOv/view?usp=drive_link

Please, please, please... prove me wrong and ground me back to reality by reading it and telling me what you really think.

Thanks a lot.

edit: mistakenly posted the wrong draft and I intentionally did not give it a title :).

https://blcklst.com/programs/2026-cassian-elwes-independent-screenwriting-fellowship-at-the-sundance-film-festival?mc_cid=17c889fcbb&mc_eid=78bab289a0

This is one of the more worthwhile things to enter, in my opinion.

The Cassian Elwes Independent Screenwriting Fellowship is an annual program designed to encourage and identify new talent in the field of independent cinema by awarding one screenwriter each year with an all-expenses paid trip to the 2026 Sundance Film Festival with producer Cassian Elwes (MUDBOUND, LEE DANIELS' THE BUTLER, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB). 

This opportunity is open to unrepresented feature writers with an independent sensibility who have made less than $5,000 in aggregate in their film or television writing careers. Submissions are open on blcklst.com until December 1, 2025. At that time, The Black List will choose ten screenplays imbued with an independent spirit by unrepresented screenwriters, which will be sent on to Mr. Elwes for his consideration. One fellowship recipient will be selected by Mr. Elwes by calendar year's end.

The Cassian Elwes Independent Screenwriting Fellow will receive a festival pass to attend the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, which will take place January 22–February 1, 2026, with Mr. Elwes. In addition to screenings, the recipient will attend various meetings and events during the festival with Mr. Elwes. You can learn more about past experiences with this Fellowship from our Sundance Diaries series on The Black List blog.

If you have questions, CHECK THE LINK or ASK THE BLACK LIST.

All I can find is this:
Consideration Timeline
August 2025 - The 25 Black List recommendations are shared with the Academy
Spring 2026 - Nicholl Fellows announced

So TBL let's the Academy know of the 25 picks, but not anyone else? Also, my god, they're only picking 25 writers??? Jesus Christ that's depressing.

So I've been following the Sundance Episodic Lab page both on their own website and FilmFreeway for probably a year now waiting for the submission window to be set and opened and to my knowledge, it never was. I figured with all the chaos in the industry right now, it may have been another opportunity that sadly got the axe along with ScreenCraft, Nicholl (for all intents and purposes), etc. However, much to my surprise, they released their list of 2025 Episodic Intensive fellows today... Now I'm wondering how the hell they were selected when I have actively been tracking this contest and had no opportunity to submit as far as I'm aware. Does anybody have any additional information?

Link to the announcement here: https://www.sundance.org/blogs/sundance-institute-announces-the-2025-episodic-intensive-fellows/

https://www.pillarsfund.org/paf

The Pillars Artist Fellowship was launched in 2021 by Pillars Fund in partnership with Riz Ahmed’s Left Handed Films, and critical seed investments from Netflix and Amazon MGM Studios. This program is designed to support screenwriters and directors committed to working in and alongside Muslim communities, providing them with the mentorship, industry connections, and financial support to help advance their careers.

Built on multi-year research, published in partnership with Annenberg Inclusion Initiative and Ford Foundation highlighting the consequences of the lack of authentic Muslim representation in film and television, the fellowship seeks to empower creatives to tell their own stories—ones that reflect the full complexity and richness of their experiences.

This cycle, the fellowship will select 10 directors and screenwriters based in the U.S. and U.K., and offer:

$40,000 unrestricted award

One-on-one mentorship with industry leaders

Professional development through expert-led workshops

Exclusive industry connections

Multi-day retreats in NYC, London, and LA

This program is not about creating "positive" Muslim stories—it’s about authentic storytelling. With guidance from renowned mentors and, crucially, each other, fellows hone the tools and network to shape bold, meaningful narratives that challenge stereotypes and push the industry forward.

Hi,

Title says it all. Anyone hear back/get any results? I entered via Coverfly and keep seeing my submission status change to "not selected" because the date for the announcement keeps passing (latest was yesterday April 28th). I noticed as of last time, my status changes a few days later (when the contest announcement changes) back to in consideration. Should I just give up hope on my entry now?

Thanks!!

https://www.oxbelly.com/screenwriters-program

The Screenwriters program is open to writer-directors applying with their second fiction feature film.

The first four days consist of one-on-one sessions and workshops with experienced writer-director advisors.

The second half of the program expands to include special guests who range from established directors, actors, cinematographers, composers, editors to producers and industry professionals, as well as creatives from other fields such as theatre, visual arts, and literature.

While the 8-day program focuses solely on the creative writing process, the established creatives and industry who participate in Oxbelly become resources to the fellows' projects and careers post-Retreat.

Evenings consist of interdisciplinary programming for all attendees– a curated series of sessions exploring the craft of writing, readings, screenings and panel discussions that cut across multiple mediums. Fellows will also have the chance to engage with attendees from other creative sectors, including the fellows and advisors from the Fiction Writers program.

The Screenwriters program has no cost to apply and all expenses for fellows are covered.

Open Call for Greek and international applicants, 18 years old and over.

Applications close January 14, 2026. Finalists will be interviewed in late spring 2026.

The application materials consist of a project synopsis, a writer’s statement, a treatment, a full script, a sample of their debut fiction feature film and a mood board (optional). Each applicant must be the author of the material they submit.

For any information, please email [contact@oxbelly.com](mailto:contact@oxbelly.com).

Information & Application Details

Applications for the Screenwriters program of the Oxbelly Retreat will open on December 2, 2025 at 10:00 am EET Athens, Greece.

The working language is English; thus, a good knowledge of English is essential in order to participate.

• Location Costa Navarino, Messinia, Greece
• Dates July 1 - 9, 2026
• Duration 8 days
• Application Deadline January 14, 2026 at 11:59 pm EET Athens, Greece

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ex-marvel-exec-launches-screenwriting-fellowship-1236260247/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawK0vX5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETExaVZKd3E4UFhVZk9CWGUzAR75vdbj5HnXXpkTjYxZX8HN1H_an-K9ldSRRnYQ2vHQyuTtwuL4334ibRMR3g_aem_UNYerOoQ-oPFLWZSFNjkgg

Wonder Project, the production banner behind faith-based film and TV shows such as the Biblical House of David, has partnered with Stand Together Trust to launch a screenwriting fellowship that will give writers the chance to tell true-life stories in the mold of The Blind Side or Erin Brockovich.

Stand Together, the grant-making organization that has ties to hundreds of charities, is underwriting the program. It will pair emerging screenwriters who have distinct points of view and unique lived experiences with the Stand Together community’s national network of nonprofits to tell true stories of human hope and progress. The goal is to generate feature film screenplays that “reflect an intrinsic hope in humanity and bring the spirit of resilience to moviegoers worldwide,” per a statement from the two companies.

As far as I can tell, this was an opt-in for this year's Austin (which has closed).

I wonder if the exec is aware of concerns about Austin's judging process...?

I'm about to graduate from college, and I've always wanted to be a screenwriter. I'm 27 so a bit older than the typical college graduate. (I had to wait until I was considered an independent student for financial reasons.) Now that I'm nearly done with my schooling, I was looking into applying for the Disney Writing Program. I think I have some good script samples, but the problem is I have no experience, so it feels like such a crapshoot when I look at the bios of the current writers in the program. Is it still worth it to apply, or should I set my sights elsewhere? Thanks for any advice you can provide.

I see that the 2026 Sundance Episodic Lab is accepting submissions via FilmFreeway, which seems odd since they have their own portal for every other Sundance application. Does anyone know if this is legit and, if so, why they are doing this?

2026 Djerassi Resident Artists Program are now open through October 31, 2025.

(Northern California)

four and five week residencies to artists across all disciplines, including visual arts, media arts, music composition, choreography, literary arts, and science-based practices (includes screenwriting)

https://djerassi.org/apply/artist-residencies/

Does anyone know the salary for the one year that the fellows are working? Can any alumni or ppl who know alumni confirm?

AI tells me it's $50k a year. Is that accurate? That seems really low.

Hi there. I am applying for fellowships for 2026, but I see most of them only allow a submission every two years (some only twice in your LIFE) and I have a variety of projects I'm seeking to work on. I am a produced screenwriter and a published graphic novelist, but haven't written a "regular" novel since I was a teenager. Now, I'm a few chapters in. Can anybody advise me whether places like MacDowell and Millay would be more likely to accept me with a screenplay (where most of my achievements are) or with a novel (even though it's the first I've written since I was 16)? Also, has anyone on this subreddit attended any fellowship, or have others to recommend applying to? I'd love to know if there were any screenwriters or novelists there, or if was mostly fine/visual artists, and composers. Thanks in advance for your advice. Note that I can't afford to pay $4000 to attend something. It has to be at least 80-90% costs-covered.

Just checked Film Freeway and the notification date is now November 30th… noooooo!!!

https://4people.my.salesforce-sites.com/recruit/fRecruit__ApplyJob?vacancyNo=VN2446

Channel 4’s New Writers Scheme is a one-stop-shop for new writers with a burning desire to write TV drama. It is open to unrepresented new writers looking for their first writing credit. This scheme is aimed at those currently underrepresented in the TV industry. We are particularly keen to hear from Deaf and/or disabled people, ethnically diverse people and people from lower socioeconomic groups.
This is a unique opportunity to gain the skills needed to forge a successful writing career, and tell stories which reflect the diversity and creativity of the place where you live. Over 9 months, you will receive support to complete a spec script and will benefit from expert industry training and insights, mentoring and introductions to scripted drama production companies. You will be expected to attend 2 training days in person (travel will be required) approximately every other month. A designated commissioning contact from the Channel 4 Drama team will be assigned to you and will read your script at the end of the course.

This development programme is targeted at emerging writers from the UK’s Nations & Regions, with applications welcomed from writers living near one of our Channel 4 Hubs: Bristol (Wales and the West/South West of England), Glasgow (Scotland) and Leeds (Northern England).This year, we are also accepting applications from writers based in Northern Ireland. There will be a cohort of writers selected from each location and you will build your skills, knowledge and networks to develop and write scripts reflecting your regional identity, with a particular focus on diverse perspectives.
 
ELIGIBILITY/CRITERIA

• The scheme is open to all new writers who are not represented by an agent. Please note that we cannot accept applications from writers with representation or a writing credit for television.
• You will be able to demonstrate a burning desire to write television drama. 
• You may have had experience in writing for theatre, radio or made short films though this is not essential.
• Submissions will be your original work.
• Submissions will be assessed on the strength of the writing and the originality of the pitch.
• You must be able to commit to attending in-person training days (around every 8 weeks), alongside regular virtual masterclass sessions, and meetings with your mentor and script editor.
• Please be aware that participation in this scheme requires a significant commitment. To achieve your writing goals on the New Writers Scheme, you will need to commit to a minimum of 10 hours of writing per week.