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.

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.

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.

Please note: Writing sample requirements are subject to change prior to the 2024-25 submission period.

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.

If you do not have any experience writing for the screen, you may submit a sample in an alternate format that best reflects your personal style and narrative ability. 

We will also accept samples formatted as such:

– Documentary 
– Graphic Novel 
– Short Story (prose) 
– Book or Manuscript (excerpt) 

We do not accept academic papers or news articles.

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.

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.