Screenwriting Lab

THE SCREENWRITING LAB is a two-week workshop, offered all year, is designed to provide individualized story and career development for emerging screenwriters with a fiction feature screenplay.

“Designed to hone a writer’s unique voice through the development of a single feature screenplay.” – Marc Ford, Teacher

Each Student will work one-on-one and in group sessions to further develop their project over the course of the program. The Screenwriting Lab also helps to further the careers of its Students by introducing them to film industry veterans who can offer guidance on both the craft and business of screenwriting. A variety of guest speakers may screen and discuss their own films and offer career insights, and a final pitch event offers further opportunity for individualized feedback, and discussion with industry executives.

For more information on the application deadline please visit our applications page.

WHO CAN APPLY?

The Screenwriting Lab is open to any writer applying with an incomplete draft of a feature-length project they wish to workshop during the program, with an eye toward completion for production. More details available in the FAQ section below.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must submit the following materials for consideration:

• A cover letter detailing what drew you to apply to the Screenwriting Lab and why this is the right time for you to participate in the program (one page or 500 words max)
• One complete treatment (on page or 500 words max)
• An artist statement explaining the genesis of the story, your creative vision, and intentions for the film (one page or 500 words max)
• A logline (35 words) and synopsis for the film
• Project status and history, including any relevant development history, awards received or labs and/or markets attended with the project

Applicants must be the original author and owner of the Project they submit. Applications submitted via email will not be considered.

FAQ

• The Screenwriting Lab is for writers only; other collaborators are not invited to participate.
• Writing partners/teams are welcome to apply and need only submit one application.
• We are open to filmmakers at any level of experience.
• International applicants are eligible; the script must be translated into English for consideration.
• Adaptations are eligible; the applicant must retain rights to the underlying material.
• At this time, documentary, short film and television projects are not eligible to apply.
• We will reconsider projects that have previously been submitted, provided the writer(s) can demonstrate progress on the project and/or professional development.
• Filmmakers may apply to multiple Tipstor® Filmmakers Labs and there is no requirement to have participated in any one program before another.

WORKSHOP FEE

Each applicant must be the original author and owner of the script they submit.

THE FINE PRINT

Tipstor® Membership is not required when applying to the Screenwriting Lab.

Applicants who are accepted to participate in the program should plan to be in Lisbon or on Zoom for the duration of the Lab. Tipstor® is unable to subsidize any travel, lodging and/or visa expenses for any participants attending from outside of Lisbon. Participants are expected to attend all sessions.