• What’s the difference between the Screenwriters Lab, Screenwriters Intensive, and FilmTwo Fellowship? Why might I be selected for one over the other?

Each program has its own specific eligibility requirements: The Screenwriters Lab is for first or second-time fiction feature writers, writer/directors, or writer/director teams. The Screenwriters Intensive is for first-time fiction feature writers or writer/directors with priority given to artists from underrepresented communities, including women, artists of color, LGBTQ+ artists, and artists with disabilities. The intensive focuses on supporting artists at an earlier stage of their career and/or at an earlier stage of development with their project. The FilmTwo Intensive is for second-time fiction feature writer/directors or writers working with second-time directors, with priority given to artists from underrepresented communities. Although FilmTwo Fellows are selected with a project in development, the program is designed to support an artist at a specific stage of career development, with primary focus placed on creative and strategic efforts toward professional advancement. All development track program fellows are eligible to be considered for additional Feature Film Program labs and activities, including the Directors Lab (first-time fiction feature directors only), Creative Producing Summit, Catalyst Forum, Women’s Financing Intensive, and ongoing creative and strategic support from Feature Film Program staff.

• How do I submit an application?

Applications are available online between May 4, 2020 - June 11, 2020, for the 2021 January Screenwriters Lab, Screenwriters Intensive, and FilmTwo Fellowship.

• What materials will be requested from me if I advance to the second round? What is the deadline to submit second round materials?

If you advance to the second round of consideration, you will be asked to upload the complete draft of your screenplay along with an updated synopsis. For the Sloan Commissioning Grant ONLY, you may upload a complete draft of your treatment. In addition, you will be given the opportunity to include a link to a directorial sample and/or a PDF of visual materials (e.g., a lookbook or project deck), although this is not required. Typically, you will be given ten days to two weeks from the date of notification to submit second-round materials.

• If I advance to the second round, am I a finalist?

We don’t use designations like “finalist” or “semifinalist.” Approximately 1,000 to 1,200 complete screenplays are considered as part of the second round.

• I’m an international filmmaker based outside the U.S.—how can I apply?

Whether you’re based in the U.S. or internationally, you may apply using the development track application. The January Screenwriters Lab always includes both U.S.-based and international filmmakers. Typically, the majority of artists selected for the Screenwriters Intensive and the FilmTwo Initiative are U.S.-based, but international artists may be considered for both programs. 

• What are the dates of the Screenwriters Lab/Screenwriters Intensive/FilmTwo Intensive?

January Screenwriters Lab: January 15–20, 2021

Screenwriters Intensive: March 2021, exact dates TBD

FilmTwo Intensive: March 2021, exact dates TBD

• Is it possible to get an extension? What’s the final final deadline?

Unfortunately we cannot grant extensions; you must submit your online application by 6:00 p.m. PT on June 11, 2020.

• How can I apply to the Directors Lab?

There is no open application process for the Directors Lab, which is typically populated by projects that have already been supported via a prior Institute program such as a Screenwriters Lab, Intensive, or grant. The Directors Lab supports first-time fiction feature directors; application to the development track is the best way to put your project into the pipeline of eventual consideration for the Directors Lab.

• May I apply with more than one script?

You may submit up to three projects, but we encourage you to choose one project that is your priority in terms of moving forward. Please note that for each script, you must complete a separate application, and submit a separate application fee.

• I have a project I want to submit, but it’s still in treatment form or a partial draft. If I don't think I will be able to have a draft in screenplay format in time to submit, can I submit my treatment or partial draft for consideration?

No. We need to receive a completed draft of a screenplay to consider your project. This does not mean the final draft; however, we do ask that the script is in standard format. The only exception to this rule is the application for the Sloan Commissioning Grant, which will consider treatments.

• May I reapply with a script  I’ve previously submitted to Sundance Institute?

Under certain circumstances, yes. We strongly recommend you only reapply with material we’ve considered previously if you’ve made significant revisions to the script. 

• How long (or short) should my script be?

While there is no “correct length,” a typical screenplay is 90 to 120 pages. In most cases, if your script is significantly longer or shorter than that range, we will suggest that you do more revisions before submitting it for consideration.

• Do you consider scripts written in a language other than English?

Although we will support scripts that will eventually be produced in a language other than English, your script must be translated into English before you submit it.

• Do you consider adaptations?

Yes, we will consider scripts based on existing material, as long as you have secured the underlying rights to the source material.

• May I apply with a script that has been submitted or supported elsewhere?

Yes. We have no restrictions on material that has been submitted to or supported by other artist development programs.

• I don’t have much experience. Does that affect my chances of being selected?

No. We seek to foster exciting emerging voices, regardless of prior professional film experience. 

• How far along should my screenplay be when I submit? Can I submit a rough draft? Are you looking for a polished draft?

You must have a completed draft of your screenplay to apply, but we expect that it will still be a work-in-progress. The ideal time to apply to the lab is when you’ve taken your screenplay as far as you can go on your own and need the fresh, intensive perspective the lab provides to brainstorm solutions to stubborn challenges, get “unstuck,” or take the material to a next level.

• May I submit letters of recommendation? Should I have my industry contacts call on my behalf?

No. Final selections are based on the screenplay and supporting application materials alone, and recommendations will not influence our decisions.

• How should I address my cover letter?

“Dear Sundance” or “To Whom It May Concern” are both fine.

• How will I be notified about acceptance? Will I be notified if I’m not selected?

All lab notifications are made via email. You will hear from us either way, whether selected or not.

• I haven’t received notification yet, but my friends have—what’s wrong? When will I know if I’ve made it to the second round?

Email notifications are made on a rolling basis. You will hear whether you have advanced to the second round of the application by August 31, 2020. Second-round notifications about final selections for development track programs will be made by December 15, 2020.

• Can Sundance Institute help produce my film? What kind of grants/support/production help can I apply for? 

Sundance Institute is a nonprofit organization, and as such, we do not produce or finance films. Feature Film Program grants are reserved for artists already supported by one of our programs such as a Lab or Intensive. The only grant for which there is a public application is the Alfred P. Sloan Commissioning Grant and Fellowship. Applications for this annual grant are accepted through the online application for our development track.

• Will my ideas be protected?

Sundance Institute only shares your script with a small group of trusted readers, and if you advance in the selection process, with a selection committee comprised of Sundance Institute alumni.  Even so, we recommend that all applicants who send their work out into the world register their scripts with the Writers Guild of America for a nominal fee; you do not need to be a WGA member to do so.

• What does the program cost?

Aside from an application fee, we do not charge for participation in our programs. For the Screenwriters Lab in Utah, we cover the cost of travel, accommodations, and food for up to two participants per project. For the Screenwriters Intensive and the FilmTwo Initiative, travel and accommodations are not covered, but we do offer a small stipend to fellows coming from outside Los Angeles to help offset those costs.

• When I apply for or am selected for one of your programs, does Sundance Institute own my screenplay?

No. Sundance Institute does not take possession of any lab fellow's intellectual property. However, in return for participation in a Screenwriters Lab, fellows are obligated to sign an agreement stipulating that (a) they will make a contribution to Sundance Institute of 0.25% of their film's final budget in excess of $1,000,000 (the "Budget Participation"), (b) Sundance Institute will receive 1% of 100% of the film's net receipts, and (c) Sundance will receive a credit line and logo placement in the film's end titles. If a Screenwriters Lab fellow later participates in a Directors Lab and/or receives Sundance-affiliated grant support exceeding $10,000, the budget participation may increase to 0.5% or 0.75%.