0 2 · P R O G R A M · ANNUAL APPLICATION
INDIEWOOD SCREENWRITING FUND
Direct financial support, mentorship, and community for emerging and low-income screenwriters — breaking down the barriers between new voices and the industry.
How It Works
Submit a completed screenplay or TV pilot, plus application essays.
Program director and guest mentors review for craft, story, and fit.
Seminars, mentorship, and peer collaboration run May through July.
Entry fee covered for one major competition; standout scripts get a live reading.
Who It's For
Open to emerging and low-income screenwriters, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and writers with disabilities. Applicants must be 21+, based in North America, with one completed feature screenplay or TV pilot.
Up to 20 writers are accepted per cycle, each covered for one major competition's entry fee and paired with an industry mentor.
Personal Information
- Full Name
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Mailing Address
- Gender (Optional)
- Ethnicity (Optional)
- Pronouns (Optional)
- Short Biography
- Headshot
Screenplay Submission
- Title
- Logline (50 words max)
- Synopsis (500 words max)
- Upload (PDF format)
Essay Submission
- What does screenwriting mean to you? (250–500 words)
- How has writing helped you overcome obstacles? (250–500 words)
- What do you hope to achieve in screenwriting? (250–500 words)
- Share a story that positively impacted you. (250–500 words)
- Explain financial need and reasons for support. (200 words min)
Competition Selection
Select one eligible competition for financial support:
- Austin Film Festival
- Slamdance Competition
- Final Draft Big Break Contest
- Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting
Program Details
What does ISF provide?
Entry fee coverage for one major screenplay competition, three group seminars, at least one 1:1 industry mentor session, and a cohort of up to 15 writers.
When does the program run?
Educational sessions run May through July, with an introductory cohort session in May.
What do I need to submit?
One completed feature screenplay or TV pilot, plus a completed application with written essay responses.
Which competitions are covered?
One of: Austin Film Festival, Slamdance Competition, Final Draft Big Break Contest, or the Academy Nicholl Fellowships.
Am I eligible if I already have an agent or manager?
No — writers with existing industry representation aren't eligible.
Can I submit a script that's already optioned or sold?
No — scripts that have been optioned, sold, or are currently in production aren't eligible.
Can I use AI-generated writing?
No — scripts generated entirely or partially by AI tools aren't eligible.
What happens if I miss program sessions?
Writers who miss too many sessions may not be offered a 1:1 mentor meeting, since attendance is how we learn each writer's needs.
Can I reapply if I'm not accepted?
Not with the same script — but new material that meets eligibility criteria is welcome in a future cycle.
Is anything required after the program ends?
Yes — a short outcome report covering competition results, personal growth, and next steps.
APPLICATIONS OPEN JANUARY 1, 2027
BE NOTIFIED →From ISF Writers
"Acceptance into this grant program was truly the catalyst for me to hone my craft — being part of a real community of writers made my work feel legitimate for the first time."
Makisa Francis"This program helped me move from knowing theory to applying it. I no longer believe the limiting thoughts I had about my writing."
Tamia Harvey-Martin"It validated my potential and gave me the tools and support I need to advance. Every week I felt like I was leveling up."
Heather Alexander
