• What’s the difference between the Screenwriters Lab and Screenwriters Intensive? 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. Additionally, the intensive is held online.

• Am I eligible for future Sundance Institute support if I am selected for a development track program or fellowship?

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), Catalyst Forum, and ongoing creative and strategic support from Feature Film Program staff.

• How do I submit an application?

Applications for the 2025 Screenwriters Lab and Screenwriters Intensive will be available online from April 11, 2024, through May 16, 2024, and can be accessed at apply.sundance.org. 

• 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 10 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 are U.S.-based, but international artists may be considered for both programs. 

• What are the dates of the 2025 Screenwriters Lab and Screenwriters Intensive?

January Screenwriters Lab: January 2025, exact dates TBD

Screenwriters Intensive: March 2025, exact dates TBD

• Is it possible to get an extension? What’s the final final deadline for the first round of the development track application?

Unfortunately, we cannot grant extensions; you must submit your online application by 4:59 p.m. PT on May 16, 2024.

• 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 two projects, but we strongly 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 reapply with material we’ve considered previously ONLY if you’ve made significant revisions to the script. 

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

While there is no “correct length,” the industry standard length of a screenplay is 90 to 120 pages. While we strongly suggest you submit a draft within that page count, as a development program we do offer some flexibility. However, you should not submit (and we will not consider) a draft shorter than 75 pages or longer than 130 pages unless you have gotten prior approval from Feature Film Program staff. 

• 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 30, 2024. Second-round notifications about final selections for development track programs will be made by December 13, 2024.

• 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 shares your script only with a small group of trusted readers, and, if you advance in the selection process, with a small external selection committee. 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 utilize its registration service.

• 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. 

• 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 development track lab, intensive, or fellowship, you will be asked to continue the spirit of giving back. We request that lab alumni whose projects are produced contribute to the Institute’s work to support new generations of emerging filmmakers.