Television Lab

THE EPISODIC LAB is designed to support writers with original long-form episodic projects. Episodic Lab will accept a diverse group of 6–8 writers or writing teams and provide them with critical support and mentorship. Through personalized feedback from experienced showrunners, creative producers and executives, Students will gain the tools to revise and refine their pilots and navigate a changing industry landscape.

“Providing guidance and insight to writers looking to revise, refine and pitch their pilots.” – Marc Ford, Teacher

The Episodic Lab helps to further the careers of its Students by introducing them to industry veterans who can offer guidance on both the craft and business of writing episodic content. Each Student will be paired with a Creative Advisor with whom they’ll work one-on-one and in group sessions to develop their project. Additionally, guest speakers will screen and discuss their own work to offer insights into the creative process and industry best practices. A final networking and pitch event will offer Students the opportunity to introduce themselves and their work to studio and network executives.

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

WHO CAN APPLY?

The Episodic Lab is open to any emerging writer applying with an incompleted draft of a half hour or hour-long television pilot teleplay they wish to workshop during the program. Each applicant must be the author and owner of the script they submit. The submitted pilot cannot have been pitched at any point to a studio or network.

Writing partners are welcome to apply as teams and need only submit a single application. International applicants are also welcome to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must submit the following for consideration:

Required:

• A cover letter introducing yourself and your interest in the Episodic Lab (500 words max)
• One complete, original pilot teleplay (incomplete draft)
• A series logline and pilot synopsis
• A series description describing the story engine and series arc of the show (500 words max)
• Project status and history, including any industry exposure
• A series proposal document that includes brief descriptions of the world of the series and its premise and genre, as well as breakdowns for the show’s primary characters and their first season arcs (500 words max)

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

SELECTION CRITERIA

Tipstor® is looking for well-written, compelling, pilot teleplays with an original premise or vision. The submitted pilot may be original or adapted from optioned source material. Though applicants must submit a completed draft, the Lab is structured to support writers who are still creatively engaged in the writing process; those who welcome feedback and discussion will most benefit from the program as they further develop their work.

WORKSHOP FEE

THE FINE PRINT

Tipstor® Membership is not required when applying to the Episodic 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.