Description
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. 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.
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 will 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.
To submit, email Lizbeth@projectwritenow.org. Please attach the script as a PDF and include:
- a brief bio
- a logline
- an explanation (250 words or less) of why your script is fresh, unique, timely, or innovative
Put “UNIQUE LENS SUBMISSION” in the subject line of the email. Finalists will be sent additional application materials as well as be interviewed.
Project Write Now offers no refunds or credits once registered, except in the unfortunate case a class or event is cancelled. We reserve the right to change instructors if necessary. We reserve the right to cancel, postpone, or reschedule any class, workshop, or event because of low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us at info@projectwritenow.org or call 908.675.0467 for more information. Please note that when you register for a class you are reserving one of a limited number of spots available. Your registration also counts toward our consideration of class minimums.
Our organization was founded to help amplify the voices of those who are often not heard—including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other historically marginalized groups. We have witnessed how writing and sharing stories has the power to effect change by generating greater love, compassion, and empathy in the listener. In all of our programs, we provide an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment. We do not tolerate writing that perpetuates harmful stereotypes or fuels hate. Failure to align with our philosophy can result in your removal from class.
