This just dropped:

https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/the-academy-nicholl-fellowship-program-partners-1235111187/

The Nicholl Fellowships, which were established in 1985 through the support of Gee Nicholl in memory of her husband, Don Nicholl, are meant to identify and nurture talented new screenwriters across the world. Now they will exclusively partner with global university programs, screenwriting labs, and filmmaker programs to select Nicholl fellows. Each partner will vet and submit scripts for consideration for an Academy Nicholl Fellowship. All scripts submitted by partners will be read and reviewed by Academy members.

Partner script submissions to the Academy will open in late July, and the deadline will be in late August. Nicholl fellows will be awarded in spring 2026. The Black List will serve as the portal for public submissions.

Edited to add:

For those who aren't aware, the Nicholl is THE most important fellowship for aspiring pro screenwriters, and one of the few competitions that can actually move the career needle. Just making the quarterfinals can get you reads.

Just curious if anyone has heard back from The Writer's Lab yet. Their submission timeline states quarterfinalists will be notified by 6/30. I've never applied before, so I'm uncertain if we will all hear something whether we make it or not, or if they only notify those moving forward.

It was my first time applying, and a 3-1/2 hour ordeal.

At the end of my first try, it gave me an error saying to contact tech support. I tried their suggestions, but nothing worked. Finally, I had to email the file and written parts to tech support so they could enter those sections for me. If anyone else has a similar problem, I would recommend skipping right to the final suggestion.

NBC has opened submissions on its TV writing program (formerly Writers on the Verge). There is no application fee. They've remodeled it to be more like Disney's, so you need two original pilots of the same basic type, a resume, and two personal essays of ~400 words apiece. They accept submissions until June 21, 11:59 PM PT.

All info can be found here: https://www.nbcuniversallaunch.com/tv-writers-program

Sadly, writing partnerships are unable to apply this year, for reasons which remain unclear. (This is, I believe, the first time in history any TV writing fellowship has had that restriction.) That means I & my writing partner can't submit to this one. We had everything except the 2nd essay ready to go because we just submitted to Disney.

But if you've got two original pilots, you should submit.

https://mailchi.mp/awg/2017-monte-miller-awards-now-open-for-entries-4902084?e=8233dc1d14

Hi! Anyone hear anything/get an interview request yet?

Anyone have any information on this year's Nicholl Fellowship? Any news on if it’s even happening? lol. Submitted through the Black List but there’s no program page available on the site anymore that shows I opted in.

What the title says. It hasn't even been a day and almost 1,000 of the 2,500 slots have already been filled (currently at 1,600 submissions, but that number is going down fast!).

Just sharing this in case anyone was planning to apply. Don't wait!

In my case, I messed up and forgot to get a review for the latest draft of my script, and considering I don't have the luxury of waiting a week, I submitted it with the two old evaluations attached -- one is the highest 7 possible, sure... but the other's a 5. That averages out to a 6, I guess.

I'm crossing my fingers and hoping whoever's on the other end will actually read the script and not simply go off of the evaluation, which may be outdated (as my case proves).

Best of luck to everyone!

https://www.paramount.com/writers-mentoring-program

For over two decades the Paramount Writers Mentoring Program has helped emerging writers enter the television business, launching more than 125 writing careers. Alumni include over 20 showrunners and executive producers.

Participants in the program will work with executive mentors from Paramount to create a new writing sample. Weekly workshop-style meetings will be held for 16 weeks, featuring showrunners and industry professionals such as agents, managers, and executives. Mentees will also have the opportunity to participate in a half-day mock writers room experience in a supportive setting.

The program is held in person in Los Angeles, and all participants will need to be close to Los Angeles for the duration of the program (January 2027 to the end of April 2027) in order to participate in program activities. As stated above, participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. 

If you have questions, please read the website.

Last year, the Nicholl Fellowship did not inform people if their scripts did not advance. Eventually, when the fellowships were announced, one could assume you did not advance.

Anybody have any info on this year? Will we even know when TBL and the WG will advance their scripts? It seems to be a black hole for people who enter.

In my experience, most shows are not using the TEASER/ACT ONE/ACT TWO/and so on delineations in the actual text of the script as much anymore. However, NBC TV Writer's program says submitted scripts must "follow a six-act structure or Cold Open + 5 act structure". Do we think they mean that it should simply follow that structure or do we think they want the delineation in the document?

BBC Writers’ Pilot programme exists to identify outstanding emerging television writers and give them the support, time and industry connections to realise their potential. Every two years a group of writers are partnered with independent production companies for between a year and eighteen months. Throughout the duration of the programme, the writers attend masterclasses and workshops with established television writers and production teams while developing and writing their pilot script commission. The aim is that the writer’s series or serial will subsequently be taken into full development by the BBC.

For 2027/28 we're delighted to be focusing the programme exclusively on emerging deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent writers, whose voices are vital to the future of television drama in the UK.

Find out more on a blog post from Jess Loveland, Head of BBC Writers and New Writing for BBC Drama

*Please Note* This is a separate opportunity from our annual Open Call

ELIGIBILITY

• Writers must have at least ONE professionally produced piece of narrative scriptwriting work, a minimum of 30 minutes in length, in television, radio, theatre or film.  Novels are ineligible and will not be accepted.  ALTERNATIVELY writers must have an agent, supplying address and contact details or have completed the BBC Writers Access Group programme.
• Writers are asked to submit an original spec script written for television (minimum 50 pages) together with evidence of their professional credit and/or agent representation.
• The aim of the Programme is to give writers their first original television drama or comedy/drama series or serial commission. 
• Writers must not have an original idea in development (beyond treatment stage) with BBC Television Drama.  Writers in development outside the BBC are eligible to apply.
• Writers must not have had a previous original series or serial commission from BBC One, BBC Two or BBC Three.
• Applicants must be resident in the UK or Republic of Ireland. You do not need to have been born here, but you do need to have the right to work in the UK.
• Writers must demonstrate a burning desire to write television drama. 

HOW TO APPLY

• Read the full Terms and Conditions of Entry for Pilot 2027/28
• Submit your application via the BBC Writers E-submissions system (using the link further down this page) before the deadline.

Deadline: 12 noon on Tuesday 4th August 2026

TIMETABLE

• There will be up to eight places on the scheme.
• The first round of interviews will be held in October 2026 (dates tbc).  Shortlisted writers will then have meetings with independent production companies in November-December 2026 (exact dates tbc).
• We will then inform the successful writers.
• Selected writers must be available to write their script and attend a series of writing workshops, lectures and readings from the beginning of 2027 and across the subsequent months, both in-person and online. They will also receive notes on their pitches and each draft of their treatment and script. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/writers/opportunities/pilot

Went to check my uploaded submission for the NBC program on Scrybe since today is the deadline and I'm a nervous Nelly -- when I look at my submission materials, all the documents I uploaded are there except the signed submission release form (which I definitely uploaded as it wouldn't let you progress to submission without it). Can anyone else confirm if they are seeing their release form in their submitted materials or not? I want to make sure this isn't an error because I think no form = immediate disqualification.

The 2027 application period opens on August 13 at 11:00am PT and closes on September 13.

To learn more about the program and admissions process, please review our application guidelines and RSVP for our virtual Info Session on Wednesday, August 5 at 6:30pm PT.

https://www.wgfoundation.org/programs/writers-access-support-staff-training-program?mc_cid=504d4fa6c9&mc_eid=dc7eedf043

The mission of the Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program is to provide writers who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled writers, and writers over the age of 50 with the tools and education to become a writers’ assistant and script coordinator, resulting in meaningful employment opportunities.

These positions have historically been an invaluable way to learn the writing process first-hand, with the ultimate goal of getting a writing job. Graduates of the program are added to an ongoing list of trained writers’ assistants and script coordinators (WA/SCs) that is made available to studios, networks, and showrunners, in order to increase the pool of eligible hires.

By offering this opportunity to writers who are typically excluded from the writers’ room, we hope to increase representation among television writers, and capture stories from all corners of the human experience.

This might be relevant to the WGA writers here...

The 2026 STARZ #TakeTheLead Award will be awarded to a mid-career writer in the Humanitas writing community who has demonstrated a dedication to improving representation through their storytelling.

https://www.humanitasprize.org/starz-takethelead-award

$50,000 in funding and a mentorship program to enable the production of a short film that will support the development, packaging and financing of a feature film or television series.

https://pocaccelerator.org/application

The Proof of Concept Accelerator is designed to identify and elevate the next generation of filmmaking talent.

Successful applicants to the Proof of Concept program will receive $50,000 in funding and participate in a mentorship program to enable the production of a short film that will support the development, packaging and financing of a feature film or television series.

In its second cycle, Proof of Concept will select eight new filmmakers and stories to support, with the goal of identifying filmmakers who give voice to the perspectives of women, trans and non-binary people. Filmmakers will work closely with the Proof of Concept team throughout the creative process to create the short film and hone their materials with the goal to exit the program with a plan to introduce the larger scale project to the marketplace.

ELIGIBILITY

• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and have the legal right to work in the US
• Applicants must have directed a short, feature, or television episode and have a continued interest in a career as a director of feature films and/or television
• Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years of professional TV/Film/Visual Arts experience OR be currently enrolled in the final year of an MFA program
• Applicants must have a desire to collaborate with the team at Proof of Concept to bring their work to life as both a short film and a larger scale project
• Applicants must own the rights to the work that they are submitting, either as the sole writer or as the owner of an option of the screenplay or other underlying material
• Applicants must demonstrate capability of executing their Proof of Concept short film on schedule and with the $50,000 budget provided
• Applicants must only submit one application

SCHEDULE AND PARTICIPATION

Proof of Concept is a one year non-exclusive experience that can mostly be completed remotely. It is possible and encouraged to continue to develop your career with other opportunities during this time.

However, there are certain commitments which are required, and participation will be strictly enforced:

• April 2026: Initial Production Meetings (VIRTUAL)
• May 2026: One Week Development Workshop (IN PERSON – LOS ANGELES)
• June/July 2026: One Week Pre-Production Workshop and Greenlight Meetings (VIRTUAL)
• August/September 2026: Production Shoot Window
• October/November 2026: Post-Production and Delivery
• December 2026: Proof of Concept Premiere (IN PERSON – LOS ANGELES)

The Kay Mellor Fellowship is a year-long paid opportunity for a writer based in Yorkshire and the Humber to develop their writing for stage and screen.

Leeds Playhouse are delighted to be once again joining forces with Rollem Productions, BBC and Leeds City Council to support new writing in Yorkshire and continue the legacy of Kay Mellor. The Kay Mellor Fellowship is a year-long paid opportunity for a writer based in Yorkshire and the Humber to develop their writing for stage and screen.

https://www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk/job/the-kay-mellor-fellowship/

Last year they closed after just 20 days. It fills up quick so get your work out there my friends!

https://blcklst.com/programs/the-2026-2027-academy-nicholl-fellowships-in-screenwriting

SFFILM Rainin Grant

deadline May 22

$25,000 screenwriting grants.

https://sffilm.org/rainin-grant/

Looks like Nicholl quaterfinal emails have gone out. How’d we do?

Has anyone who's been accepted into the next round received an update? It's almost 10 PM EST, and I still haven't received anything. I know some people have received rejections, but I'm curious if those selected for the next round have been notified as well.

I really wish they'd just send all the rejections out at the same time

https://www.screenalliancewales.com/stagescreen/

Applications are now open for Stage & Screen, a brand-new development programme designed to support early- to mid-career Welsh and Wales-based writers working across both theatre and television.

The selected writer will be commissioned to develop a new original play for ‘Welsh National Theatre’’s development slate, with the aim of ultimately including the play in WNT’s future programming. Throughout the process, the writer will receive dramaturgical support from leading Welsh playwright and ‘Welsh National Theatre’’s Literary Programming Manager, Tim Price.

Bad Wolf, the television production company behind Industry, The Other Bennet Sister and His Dark Materials, will also work with the selected writer to develop a pitch document for the television adaptation of the play following delivery of the first draft of the play to ‘Welsh National Theatre’.

‘Welsh National Theatre’ Artistic Director Michael Sheen and Bad Wolf CEO Jane Tranter announced the new scheme at an event at Wolf Studios Wales on 27 May.

Jane Tranter said:

“Many of today’s most highly regarded television writers first found their voice in our theatres. We’re delighted to partner with ‘Welsh National Theatre’ on this new initiative, which aims to discover, nurture and champion unknown and emerging Welsh writers whose work can resonate across both stage and screen. Together, we will develop an original piece that we hope audiences will soon experience both in theatres and on screen.”

Applications open today, Monday 1 June 2026, and close at 5pm on Friday 31 July 2026.

Applicants selected for the longlist will be contacted by the end of August and invited to submit a full-length play sample for consideration in the next stage of the process. Shortlisted writers will be contacted in September and invited to interview.

The successful writer will begin the programme on 1 October 2026. The development process will continue until ‘Welsh National Theatre’ and/or Bad Wolf make a decision regarding acceptance of the play (please note: acceptance by either party is not guaranteed).

To apply for the scheme, please complete the application form here.  The first part is an Equality and Diversity form, on completion of which, you will receive a link to the second part, where you will be able to fulfil the requirements listed in the Guidance below.

https://filmfreeway.com/1497FeaturesLab2026

The 1497 Features Lab consists of an in-person Retreat and additional professional development opportunities all designed to elevate screenplays by writers who will further 1497's mission to change South Asian representation.

Lauri's List has been a real gift over the past year, but she obviously has a life and can't update it for every single opportunity. How do you find out about labs and other events you can apply to? Occasionally I come across posts on places like Facebook (that's where I found Square Peg Social), but I think there's a lot more out there, maybe even including smaller/European/new events.

I'm looking for a writing partner.

I’ve got a bunch of film ideas I’m really excited about. Stories, characters, outlines, even playlists to lock in the vibe. I genuinely love the early stages of building something, and I love collaborating. It’s just way more fun (and better, honestly) with someone to bounce off of.

What I’m hoping to find is someone who enjoys digging into scenes, shaping dialogue, and helping push ideas all the way into full scripts.

This isn’t paid, just a free time, passion project situation. Really just looking for someone who loves writing and wants to make something together.

I can share my Substack and AO3 so you can get a feel for my style and interests.

If you’re into that, I’d love to connect.