Launching the Unique Lens Table Read Program to Amplify & Celebrate Underrepresented Voices

For too long, we’ve watched Hollywood movies through a certain lens. That lens often represented a particular perspective while ignoring most others.  

At Project Write Now’s Screenwriting Academy, we are committed to supporting and amplifying the voices of underrepresented writers. This includes writers of color, women writers, writers with disabilities, writers over 40, writers in the LGBTQIA+ community, and any other voices that have historically been ignored by Hollywood.

“The purpose of the Unique Lens Program is not to fill quotas but to discover and celebrate the authenticity, brilliance, and beauty that comes when we expand our reach and embrace divergent voices,” said Lizbeth Finn, manager of the Screenwriting Academy. “Instead of championing the same or imitative stories, we are looking for fresh takes from storytellers who have a unique lens and a bold perspective to share with the world.” 

Things are shifting in Hollywood and gates are opening to demand more diversity, inclusion, and equity.  In June 2020, the Writer’s Guild of America released an Inclusion Report that indicated: “A look at hiring over the last 10 years reveals a trend of steady gains made by women and people of color.” However, the report also went on to say: “In spite of this progress, systemic discrimination against writers from underrepresented groups remains pervasive in the entertainment industry.”

The Screenwriting Academy will showcase Unique Lens writers in our upcoming Table Read Program throughout 2022. The table reads provide screenwriters with an exciting opportunity to hear their pages read aloud by professional actors. Afterward, the writer takes part in a lively Q&A discussion with the cast and audience.

In addition to the table read, the selected screenwriters will be provided with in-depth notes from our development team via five virtual one-hour meetings prior to the table read.

We accept feature-length screenplays (under 120 pages) and original TV pilots (under 65 pages). There is no fee to submit your work and you can submit up to three different scripts. 

For more information or to submit a screenplay for consideration, visit:
https://projectwritenow.org/writers-institute/screenwriting-academy/

Project Write Now’s Screenwriting Academy is dedicated to growing a creative community and supporting screenwriters in their pursuit of artistic excellence and commercial success. Launched in November 2019, the Screenwriting Academy provides classes, workshops, and events connecting students and instructors from all over the country, including New York City and Hollywood. All experience levels are welcome.

“News” is Now “The Imprint” And We’ve Moved to Substack!
June 30, 2026

Celebrating AAPI Writers
May 13, 2026

Four Rules That Changed How I Write Poetry
April 2, 2026

It’s More Than Just Cringe…
March 25, 2026