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SCREENWRITING LAB SUBMISSIONS

OUTFEST SCREENWRITING LAB TIMELINE:

Thursday, December 19
Submissions open on FilmFreeway – ROUND 1 (first 10 pages)

Tuesday, December 24
Early deadline

Friday, January 31
Regular deadline

Friday, February 21
Final deadline – Script submissions will not be accepted after this date!

Friday, April 17
ROUND 1 NOTIFICATIONS ARE SENT OUT.

If your script is selected for the second round of the selection process, you will receive an email with a request to submit a PDF of the COMPLETE SCRIPT; you may also be called for an interview.

Monday, May 18
ROUND 2 NOTIFICATIONS ARE SENT OUT. Five Screenwriting Lab fellows are selected.

Monday, June 22 – Wednesday, June 24 (DATES TBD)
The Outfest Screenwriting Lab takes place in Los Angeles.

SUBMIT NOW

ALL SCRIPTS SHOULD HAVE AN LGBTQ PROTAGONIST.

Do NOT submit a complete script. The following needs to be submitted as a single, combined PDF file:

– THE FIRST TEN (10) PAGES OF YOUR SCRIPT, not counting the title page.
– A synopsis of the script (750 words maximum), i.e. a summary of the entire story, including the ending; not a pitch or a teaser. Episodic entries must include a series and/or season synopsis.
– A statement (750 words maximum) of your career history and objectives, as well as what you hope to gain from participating in the Lab.

If your project is already set up on FilmFreeway as a complete script, you can either replace the file, or add a second file, or create a new project for Outfest and submit that.

The Outfest Screenwriting Lab does not accept scripts based on a pre-existing work, unless the writer has the rights to that work.

You may only submit the same screenplay for two consecutive years. Screenplays submitted for a third time will not be considered.

 

The Screenwriting Lab was originally designed for early career writers who have not received screenplay credit on a feature film, but as the lab’s reputation has grown, more established writers may be considered. Individuals are eligible to enter regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Lab is not open to individuals in the following categories, nor to their immediate family members: employees of Outfest, members of its Board of Directors, and the Lab Selection Committee.

Submitting to the Lab constitutes permission to use the entrant’s name and likeness for publicity and promotions.

Although not necessary at time of entry, Outfest encourages writers to register their material with either the Writers Guild of America or The U.S. Copyright Office.
– U.S. Copyright information: 202-707-3000
– Writers Guild East: 212-767-7800
– Writers Guild West: 323-951-4000.

Any disputes or questions regarding the application or effect of these rules shall be resolved by the Board of Directors of Outfest, whose judgment shall be binding and final on all parties.

 

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We are currently exploring new ways of meeting the growing needs of our LGBTQ, non-binary, indigenous, women and people of color communities through our career development programs. Make a donation to support the future of Outfest whose programs empower artists to transform the world through their stories.

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