The next Screenwriters Lab is scheduled for January of 2010 and will accept a maximum of ten participants. It runs for six weeks, meeting in the evenings and led by South Florida-based professionals, then culminates in a final seventh week with a full-time intensive with a visiting nationally recognized screenwriter. Next year’s Screenwriters Lab submissiion dates and mentors will be announced shortly. Lab participants must attend the full seven-week program to remain in the Lab in good standing (exceptions may be made in special cases with out-of-town applicants who cannot be present in Miami for the full six weeks).
To be eligible for the Screenwriters Lab, applicants must already have a well-written, compelling, draft of their screenplays that nonetheless is not fully polished and show evidence that they have the talent and skill to benefit from the Lab. This Lab focuses on moving each script forward to the point where it is ready to be taken on by a director and producer (which in some cases may be the screenwriter as well), through feedback and rewriting. A submitted screenplay may not be based on pre-existing literary works unless these are the original works of the author(s) of the screenplay or a currently existing option is in force. (Please note that, at this time, screenplays must be written in English as their primary, though not exclusive, language, in order to fully benefit from the program).
The selection process is based on the script, the unique voice of the screenwriter, the ability of he or she to benefit from the Lab, and format and geographic and diversity goals of the Labs. Decisions will be made by a panel of local and national professionals.
To Apply Complete and print the downloadable application form (as a Word document on which you can type your information or, if this does not work for you, as a PDF you can print and fill out). THIS YEAR'S SUBMISSION DEADLINE HAS NOW PASSED - PLEASE DO NOT SEND SUBMISSIONS TILL A NEW LAB IS ANNOUNCED.
and send it in a packet with the following materials to the address below:
•A $35.00 non-refundable processing fee per application, payable by check or money order only to Entertainment Industry Incubator.
•A cover letter introducing yourself and your project (e.g.: Why are you applying to the program? Are you collaborating with anyone on the project? What is the status of the project? How do you envision the realization of the script? etc.)
• Two copies of one feature-length script and two copies of a short synopsis of the script (no more than two pages double-spaced). Screenplays must be written in screenplay format standard to the United States motion picture industry. Screenplays should be suited to feature film production in their conception. They should be typed or printed on white, three-hole paper and bound with two or three metal fasteners (brads, no staples or other methods). Text must only be on one side of paper. Card-stock covers are required to protect the script. Pages must be numbered. No additional materials should be attached to the script (e.g. letters of recommendation, story synopsis, alternate pages, character list, mention of awards or production, etc.).
You can find out more information on standard U.S. screenplay format at numerous websites including here and here and/or use one of the professional screenwriting computer programs readily available, such as Final Draft.
•Resume/bio (including name, address, and telephone) of the writer, and any other key personnel involved with the project (i.e.: director, producer, etc.). It is not necessary to have anyone other than the writer attached.
All applicants will be notified by email when their applications are received. Submitted scripts, applications, and other materials will not be returned. Candidates may submit more than one application – please complete a separate application and send an additional payment for each project submitted. Lab participants however may only work on the script for which they are accepted. We do not routinely provide coverage of submitted screenplays.
Submitting to the Lab constitutes permission to use the entrant’s name and likeness for publicity and promotions. Although not necessary at time of entry, we strongly encourage writers to register their material with either the Writers Guild of America or The U.S. Copyright Office. U.S. Copyright information 202.707.3000 or www.copyright.gov/eco/index.html ; Writers Guild East 212.757.4360 or onlin at www.wgaeast.org/script_reg ; and Writers Guild West 323.782.4500 or online at www.wgawregistry.org/webrss
All applicants will be notified by email at least three weeks prior to the Lab start date.
Send Materials to: Miami Filmmaker Project Entertainment Industry Incubator 1521 Alton Rd., #79 Miami Beach, FL 33139