The Veterans Writing Project

Application Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in the Veterans Writing Project! We are not currently accepting applications. Please review the following information prior to our next submission period.

The Basics

Mission

The mission of the Writers Guild Foundation’s Veterans Writing Project is to identify emerging writers from United States military backgrounds and provide them with the tools and insights to nurture their passion for writing and successfully navigate the entertainment industry.

We strive to build an inclusive environment where mentees can hone their craft by breaking down each step of the writing process with the support of working writers.

Eligibility 

To qualify for this program, applicants must be:  

  • A U.S. military veteran or active-duty military service member 

  • A U.S. citizen or permanent resident 

  • 21+ years old 

  • Able to demonstrate their interest in the craft and business of screenwriting and storytelling 

  • Committed to completing 1 new screenplay or TV pilot during the program 

  • Open to constructive criticism and respectful to all other participants and mentors 

This program is NOT recommended for applicants who are:

  • Entirely new to writing or writing for the screen

  • Exclusively interested in seeking business contacts or workshopping an existing script or concept

  • Interested in writing a personal or autobiographical story

This program emphasizes the process of writing a script and fundamentals of the craft. For that reason, we do not allow applicants to work on an existing project with their mentors. You must be prepared to develop a new concept from start to finish.

WGF will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or national origin. Participants who violate this rule will be immediately removed from consideration for the program at the discretion of WGF staff. 

Application Requirements 

If you intend to apply, please be ready to share the following information:  

  • A writing sample (see FAQs for details)

  • Sample loglines 

  • A personal statement (500 words or less) 

  • A copy of your DD214 with your Social Security number redacted 

  • Your resume 

Screenwriting experience is strongly encouraged, but not required. 

How To Apply

We are not currently accepting applications. Please return to this page in December 2024 or subscribe to our mailing list for updates.

Timeline

The application window is typically open between mid-January and February each year. Applicants will be informed about their status approximately 2-3 months after the submission deadline.

Info Session

On January 8th, WGF Programs Director Kira VandenBrande, librarian Lauren O'Connor and VWP alumni Sarah Hopkins, Yousif Nash, and Harsha Rao gave an overview of the program and offered tips on how to nail the application. Watch a recording of this session below to learn more.

FAQs

Below, you will find answers to common questions about the application. If your inquiry is not addressed here, please email vets@wgfoundation.org for special assistance.  

Writing Background

The first portion of the application explores your experience and interests as a writer. These questions help us determine if the program is aligned with your long-term ambitions and how we could best serve you, if admitted.

  • Participants are matched with mentors based on a variety of criteria, including format and genre preference, writing goals, and prior experience writing for the screen. In order to accurately assess your needs, we ask that you self-identify your level of screenwriting experience based on the following guidelines: 

    BEGINNER – Little or no formal training in script structure and development. Few completed works (screenplays, short films, TV pilots). Requires lessons on the fundamentals of writing for the screen.  

    INTERMEDIATE – Some formal training in script structure and development. Multiple completed works (screenplays, short films, TV pilots). Would benefit from, but not require, lessons on the fundamentals of writing for the screen.  

    ADVANCED – Extensive formal training in script structure and development. Several years of experience in the industry or related work. Many completed projects (screenplays, short films, TV pilots), some of which have been produced. Very strong understanding of the fundamentals of writing for the screen, lessons would serve as a review of this knowledge. 

    Please note, even if you have extensive experience writing prose or other formats, you would still be categorized in as a “beginner” if you have no experience writing scripts/screenplays.

  • Your format and genre preferences will influence your group placement if you are selected for the program. Your top choices should indicate the format and genre you are most interested in exploring during the course of the program. If you share equal interest in multiple options, select whichever one best reflects the story ideas proposed in the “logline” section. 

  • Yes. Each writer will need to submit an independent application and indicate the name of their writing partner under the “additional comments” section.

Loglines

A logline is a brief one to two sentence summary that paints a broad picture of a story’s concept, characters, plot, and conflict. Unlike a tag line or slogan, a logline should provide a reader with enough information to gain an overall sense of the project’s direction and genre. You must submit three sample loglines to be considered for admission.

  • If you are unfamiliar with formatting a logline, there are a number of free resources and educational materials available online. We recommend sources like screenwriter John August’s blog or Screencraft.

  • Ideally, one of the sample loglines provided in your application will serve as the basis for the project you develop in the program.

  • Yes. If admitted, participants will be asked to complete a survey prior to Retreat. You can submit updated loglines then.

Personal Statement & Essay Questions

The personal statement and essay questions are key components of your application. Unlike a formal cover letter or resume, these should showcase your unique voice and character. Authenticity is strongly encouraged.  

  • Your personal statement is a critical part of your application and serves as a secondary writing sample.

    It should describe who you are, your interest in writing for the screen, and what you hope to gain from this program. We encourage you to describe how your identity, experiences, culture, or background informs your writing.  

    Statements are limited to a maximum of 500 words.

  • The personal statement is one of the most important factors in the review process. This is your opportunity to convey who you are as a writer and what makes you unique. 

    Consider the following prompts as you start writing:

    – Why have you chosen this path? What are some moments that changed your perspective or led you in this certain direction?

    – What challenges have you overcome to get here? 

    – Who or what motivates you? Who or what do you care about?

    – What do you hope to accomplish through this program? How does it align with your future goals?

  • The essay questions demonstrate your ability to work in a collaborative environment and respond to critical feedback. Throughout the course, you will receive notes from mentors that may conflict with your vision. Our goal is to understand how you respond to these situations.

Writing Sample

Your writing sample should effectively capture your voice and style. Regardless of format, strong storytelling ability is essential.

  • Due to the increasingly competitive nature of the program, we now prefer that applicants submit a complete writing sample that matches one of the following formats:

    – Feature 
    – Television (original or spec) 
    – Short film
    – Stage Play 
    – Web Series 

    If your script is partially complete, please submit an excerpt that is a minimum of 10-15 pages (e.g. act one of a TV pilot) and include a note about the length in the “additional comments” section.

  • Yes, complete writing samples are encouraged.

    During initial review stages, the admissions committee will read anywhere from 10 to 20 pages of your sample depending on the overall length. Additional pages will be read during subsequent stages.

  • If you do not have a complete writing sample, please submit an excerpt of your writing. You must share a minimum of 10-15 pages for long-form projects.

Supporting Documents

For the final portion of the application, we will review your work experience and confirm your veteran status. As previously mentioned, you do not need to have previous professional experience in the entertainment industry.

  • We accept any form of identification that shows proof of military service. You may submit any of the following if necessary: 

    – Written statement of verification of military service from member's chain of command  

    – Proof of Service letter 

    – Statement of Service from local personnel office- signed letter confirming military status 

    – VA Issued ID Card for Health Care 

    – Veterans Designation on Drivers License or Veterans ID Card 

    – Veterans Group Membership Card 

  • No, you may submit a standard resume for this program. Previous professional writing experience is not required.

Questions?

Contact our team at vets@wgfoundation.org for assistance. Please be mindful that responses may be delayed due to limited staff availability.

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