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Program Description

SPRING 2025 SEASON

 Looking for representation or to connect with working directors or producers? Get on the Fast Track! 

 For 21 seasons, the ISA Fast Track Fellowship has been the premier screenwriting fellowship for writers on the rise.

Fast Track Fellows have:

*Signed with major agencies like CAA, Paradigm and ICM.
*Been introduced to and then signed with management companies.
*Had their scripts optioned, leading to development deals.

Two ISA Fast Track Fellows meet with eight top level agents, managers, producers and executives during a whirlwind week of career acceleration with guidance from an ISA Development Executive.

Past seasons' executive meetings include writers, producers, directors and execs from WandaVision, Dear White People, Ted Lasso, LA LA Land, Whiplash, Harriet, Lessons in Chemistry and What Women Want among others. Fellows are then accepted onto the ISA Development Slate for a minimum of one year. Throughout the year, ISA development executives champion and pitch these writers and their projects to our industry partners actively looking for material to produce.   

Seven Category Selections will receive $500 cash each, be evaluated for acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate and go on to be considered for the two Fast Track Fellowships. We are looking for the freshest, most original, and most personal writing in all of these categories:
 
Action/Adventure
Comedy
Drama
Historical/Biographical
Sci-Fi/Fantasy  
Suspense (Mystery, Crime, Horror, Thriller)  
Spec Scripts ----> NOW ACCEPTING SPECS!

Please note: We define a spec script as an episode based on an existing television show. If your script is not based on existing IP, please submit to the television category.

 

 

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View the International Screenwriters’ Association 2024 Annual Transparency Report in association with the Women of Color Unite Transparency Initiative.

Deadlines and Fees

Mega Early
Oct. 17, 2024
Early
Nov. 21, 2024
Final
Feb. 13, 2025
Feature
Standard Fee
$39
$59
$79
ISAConnect Fee
$34
$54
$74
Television
Standard Fee
$39
$59
$79
ISAConnect Fee
$34
$54
$74
Spec Script (Based on Existing IP)
Standard Fee
$39
$59
$79
ISAConnect Fee
$34
$54
$74

Program Benefits

All applicants also receive one free year subscription to the Digital Edition of Videomaker Magazine. 

 2 Fast Track Fellows Receive

  • 8 general meetings with studio / development executives & literary reps
  • Opportunity to pitch at a live pitch panel
  • A pitch practice session
  • Pre Fast Track Week prep session with Suzanne Gundersen, Inner Story Consultant
  • Year-long script development and guidance
  • Acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate
  • A 12-Month ISAConnect Membership
  • Fellowship announcements to media outlets
  • Selected from 7 Top Category Selections

7 Category Selections (Listed in Program Description Above) Receive

  • $500 cash each
  • Consideration for acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate
  • Selected from Top 50

Top 50 Receive

  • The Craft Course in Screenwriting
  • 6-Month Trial for Videomaker Plus 
  • A 3-Month ISAConnect Membership
  • Consideration for the 7 Top Category Selections

All writers at every level are welcome to apply. Our mission, as always, is to shine a light on writers looking to open new doors. We have our eye on the future of this industry and are genuinely looking to amplify unique stories. 

All general meetings with executives are online.

 

Success Stories

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Pilot Optioned by Company with First Look Deal at Streamer

Ned Farr - Screenwriter
Ned Farr, an ISA Fast Track Fellow and Development Slate Writer, recently optioned his award-winning series TIN KICKERS to a company with a first-look deal with a major streamer. More details to be announced as the project goes into development.
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Repped At APA.

Nick Hagen - Screenwriter
ISA Development Slate Writer Nick Hagen, is now repped by David Saunders at APA based off the strength of his screenplay, FLU GAME.
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Repped

Rachael Kelechi Caulker - Screenwriter
ISA Top Screenwriter to Watch in 2023 Rachael Kelechi Caulker is now repped at Kaplan Stahler.
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Writer Frank Anthony Polito now repped by Zero Gravity

Frank Anthony Polito
Lambda Literary Award-winning author of Band Fags! and Drama Queers!, Frank Anthony Polito, is working with Joe Riley of Zero Gravity Management. Polito's coming-of-age rom-com, PEASANT RIDGE, is a modern-day take on the classic John Hughes story Pretty in Pink -- but featuring a trans Molly Ringwald, an actual gay...
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TWO IN A MILLION Optioned/Oscar Producer in Development

Emily Wahlund - Screenwriter
TWO IN A MILLION was put on a shopping agreement with Creative Screenwriter Productions, and as a result has lead to further development meetings with Academy Award winning producer Lisa Bruce at Salt Pictures.
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THE BLACK STUFF Optioned by Extranormal

Tray Epps - Screenwriter
Extranormal (Derry Girls) has optioned ISA Top 25 Screenwriter to Watch in 2023 & Development Slate writer Tray Epp's screenplay, THE BLACK STUFF
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GRAND & HUMBLE has been optioned

Brent Hartinger - Screenwriter
Brent Hartinger's teen thriller, GRAND & HUMBLE, based on his award-winning novel, has been optioned by Ginome Productions.
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ALMA optioned by Umbrelic Entertainment w/ April Moreau directing

Derek Weissbein - Screenwriter, Script Consultant
Umbrelic Entertainment has optioned ISA Development Slate writer Derek's sci-fi romantic drama/thriller, ALMA, with April Moreau attached to direct.

This Season's General Meetings:

Desa Larkin-Boutte - Development Executive, Third Rail Productions

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Desa began as a PA on THE WALKING DEAD and worked her way to writer on WESTWORLD. A Development Exec for Third Rail Productions, Desa is co-writing THE GETAWAY, produced in collaboration with Don Cheadle's This Radicle Act, in development at Sony.

Darcy Donelan - Vice President of Development and Production, Voltage Pictures

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Before returning to Voltage Pictures as Vice President, Development and Production, Donelan worked in New York at HBO, where she was a marketing manager, focusing on International Original Programing, and at CAA, as coordinator in the Books Dept.

Kevin Chesley - Screenwriter

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Kevin wrote for two seasons on MTV's THE HARD TIMES OF RJ BERGER and recently served as Executive Story Editor for BLOOD & TREASURE for CBS, Amazon, and Paramount+.

Mark Maley - Producer, Big Swell Entertainment

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Mark produced indie films THE LAST DEAL, recently premiering on STARZ, and THE BUNKER, with Tobin Bell (SAW) and Tony Todd (CANDYMAN). He was previously at Atlas Entertainment (OPPENHEIMER, THE DARK KNIGHT) and Storied Media Group (THE MULE, MODERN LOVE).

Past General Meetings Have Included:

Pen Densham - Producer / Writer (Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Harriet, Twilight Zone)
Damien Chazelle - Oscar Winner, Writer and Director (LA LA Land, Whiplash, Babylon)
Elissa Karasik - Producer / Writer (The Marvels, Lessons in Chemistry, WeCrashed)
Cherry Chevapravatdumrong - Producer / Writer (Crazy Rich Asians, Awkafina is Nora From Queens, Joy Ride)
Diane Drake - Producer / Writer (What Women Want, Only You)
 

What Past Fellows Are Saying

Sean Collins-Smith has also been staffed on the the Peacock limited Series FIELD OF DREAMS, Michael Schur's reboot of the beloved original. 

ScreenwriteNOW with Suzanne Gundersen

The two Fast Track Fellows will have a prep session with Suzanne Gundersen, Founder of ScreenwriteNOW. Suzanne mentors screenwriters and industry creatives to clear the path that lets their writing flow. Since 2015, she has skillfully helped screenwriters overcome fears & writing blocks, get focused, build tremendous confidence, and transform their own hero’s journey into writing.

Feedback Options

Announcement Dates

Second Round Selections

Mar. 06, 2025

Top 50

Mar. 27, 2025

Category Selections

Apr. 09, 2025

Fellow Selections

Apr. 09, 2025

Sponsors

ISAConnect ISA Development Slate Screenwritenow Videomaker

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the general meetings with and what can I ask them?
All executives will be listed on the home description page as they are announced, and you can ask them anything you like in the meetings. The time is yours, what you make of it is up to you, so plan ahead. You'll spend about 30 minutes with each executive over a 5 day period.

Can I pitch my project in the meetings?
These are not pitch meetings. Unless they request you to pitch them, it is your time to ask question about the industry and build relationships rather than sell your work. You will know after the meeting (or maybe even during) if the executive is interested in working with you further.

When are the deadlines?

Mega Early: October 17th, 2024

Early: November 21, 2024

Final: February 13, 2025


What are the announcement dates?

Second Round Selections: March 6, 2025

Top 50: March 27, 2025

Category Selections and 2 Fellows: April 9, 2025

When is Fast Track Week?
November 11, 2025

Are the meetings in person or virtual?
All meetings will be virtual. 

Is it one Feature writer and one TV Pilot writer that is chosen?
No, TV Pilots and Features run together. We are looking for the best writers overall, so feel free to submit both types of scripts as one writer.  


Do you accept submissions via snail mail?
No. In an attempt to be green, we’re not accepting hard copies via the postal service. We’re accepting online submissions and online payments via the ISA website. This includes all major credit cards.


Do I have to submit my script as a PDF?
Yes, and if you aren't sure how to create a PDF our staff is happy to help.


Should I include my title page with my screenplay?
Yes, you should include your title, your name, telephone number and email address.


Can I submit a screenplay under a pen name?
Yes. 

Can I submit with a co-writer?
Yes. Prizes will be issued per project, not based on the number of writers.

Does my script have to be registered?
No, but we DO recommend registering your work with the WGA and/or the Library of Congress Copyright office.

Does the writer maintain rights to the screenplay?
Yes, always!

Do I receive feedback with my submission?
You can order feedback for an additional fee. Choose your FEE TYPE to make your feedback selection at the bottom of the submission form.
- 1st 20 Pages: $39
- Full Feedback: $69
- Deep Dive: $99 
- Development Evaluation: $99 (Normally $199)

When will I receive my feedback?
Your feedback will be emailed to you within 90 days of submitting your script, usually much sooner.

Can I re-submit a rewrite or corrected versions of my script if I haven't ordered feedback?
No, you must submit your screenplay as a new submission for the price of the current deadline fee.

What if I make a mistake and send the wrong script?
If you make a legitimate mistake applying and recognize this within 24 hours, email us here, and we'll send you instructions on replacing your screenplay: FastTrack@NetworkISA.org

Do I need to submit a logline? Synopsis?
Logline: YES / Synopsis: NO

Do you accept short screenplays?
No, not at this time.

Will my screenplay be accepted if it’s not in the traditional format?
Scripts should be written in standard spec screenplay or teleplay format, set in 12-point Courier font. Scripts should be standard length. 

What's the minimum/maximum permitted page length?
Features: 70 - 120 pages.  TV Pilots: 10 - 70 pages.

My screenplay is longer than 120 pages. Will it be disqualified?
No, but we urge you to stay within the guidelines. It’s rare that a good screenplay requires more than the standard number of pages. 

If I'm over 120 pages and receiving feedback, will my full script be read?
A $1 per page fee may be charged separately over 120 pages (not including the Title Page) on feedback orders, or the reader may only read the first 120 pages.

What genres do you accept, and can I submit with more than one?
We accept all genres. We understand scripts can be categorized in many genres. You are welcome to submit in more than one genre, but another submission fee is required. These are the more common genres: Action/Adventure, Thriller, Animation, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Comedy, Drama, Family, Historical, and Horror.

Do you accept novels, short stories, stage plays, musicals, treatments or synopses, reality show concepts or documentaries?
No, we’re sorry; we do not. We accept ORIGINAL narrative feature length screenplays and narrative half-hour or hour-long TV pilots only.

Can I submit an adaptation of a book or play?
Absolutely, as long as you have full rights to the material and either are the author or have a written agreement with the author allowing this script to be written and marketed.

Can I apply with multiple scripts?
You may apply with as many scripts as you like to this fellowship, but the submission process is limited to one script per transaction on the ISA.

Will applying early increase or decrease my chance of being a finalist?
Applying early will neither increase or decrease your chance of being chosen, but it will save you money!

How will I know if you received my script?
You will receive an email confirming your submission immediately upon completing form and payment. If you do not, please email us here: FastTrack@NetworkISA.org

What if my script is optioned or sold after I submit to Fast Track?
As long as your script was not optioned or sold prior to the date you submitted, you are still eligible.

I don’t live in the United States. Can I still enter?
Yes, and we look forward to reading your work. Please just make sure it’s in English. No other languages are accepted at this time.

Any other questions feel free to email us here: FastTrack@NetworkISA.org

Rules

  • Until further notice, all general meetings will be virtual.
  • All writers from all countries are welcome to apply to the ISA Fast Track, however all scripts must be submitted in English, and application fees must be paid in U.S. dollars.
  • Previous Fast Track Fellows may not apply in any future ISA Fast Track Fellowship. 
  • Script must be the original work of the applicant and may not be encumbered by any third party.
  • Scripts that have been sold, produced for a profit, or are currently under option are not eligible.
  • Original full-length feature screenplays and TV Pilots only are accepted. Anything else, including but not limited to short scripts or web series, novels, short stories, stage plays, musicals, treatments, synopses, reality show concepts, and/or documentaries are not eligible. Script submissions must be an original screenplay or teleplay.
  • Screenplays adapted from the submitting writer's own self-published books, plays, or other source materials are eligible if the writer retains all rights to the work.
  • Adaptations from other works are permissible provided the writer has written permission by the owner to adapt the material.
  • Adaptations of works in the public domain are permissible.
  • Co-written material will be accepted. However, any and all prizes issued will be based on a single applicant. Both writers can attend and participate in general meetings.
  • Multiple submissions are accepted by one writer, however if one or more screenplays of the same writer tie, only one screenplay (the decided “best”) will be selected to determine the chosen "Fellow."
  • The writer understands that script feedback can take up to 90-days turn-around time and may not be received before the end of the final application deadline.
  • The ISA cannot guarantee feedback for the submitted script will be received within enough time to resubmit during the same season.
  • Applicants must submit materials and payment online only.
  • Once a script has been submitted, substitutions of new drafts or corrections may only be accepted within 24 hours of the original application. A revised draft of a script may be accepted after 24 hours if it is submitted as a new application with the appropriate fee.
  • Promotional discounts or waivers offered may only be utilized at the time of submission.
  • Promotional discounts or waivers offered may not apply on all submission platforms (i.e. Film Freeway)
  • If a writer receives an Application Fee Waiver as part of a Feedback Promotion or otherwise, the waiver is valid only during the current season, unless an expiration date is otherwise specified. Application Fee Waivers will not be honored in subsequent seasons.
  • Writers under the age of 18 years old must have parent or legal guardian’s permission to participate.
  • Fellowship applicants must accept without reservation the decisions rendered by the judges.
  • The writer understands that it is his/her sole responsibility to register material to be submitted with the U.S. Copyright Office and/or with the Writer’s Guild of America or the appropriate agency in his/her country.
  • Applicants awarded a place in the Top 50 or higher understand and accept that the ISA will be free to use his/her name, likeness and voice for advertising or promotional purposes without additional consideration.
  • Writers retain the rights to their screenplay.
  • Applicants are non-exclusive to ISA Fast Track and may submit their screenplay to any other person, competition, producer, agent, publisher, and/or organization.
  • No transfer, substitution or cash equivalent for prizes is allowed.
  • The ISAConnect Membership gift may only be used within 90 days and may not be combined with any current free membership. 
  • ISA will not be held responsible for general meeting cancellations or rescheduling. 
  • If Fast Track Fellows miss or are late to a general meeting, the ISA makes no guarantees to reschedule.
  • Length requirements are as follows: 1). Full-Length Features: 70-120 pages. 2). TV Pilots: Up to 70 pages.
  • If applicant orders feedback a $1 per page fee may be charged separately over 120 pages, not including the Title Page, or the reader may only read the first 120 pages.
  • Standard title pages should be included: listing the script title, name of author(s), telephone number, and email address. Applicants will not be disqualified if it is not included.
  • Under no circumstances should the writer include name or contact information within the body of the script.
  • ISA is not responsible for any applicant errors or omissions on any submitted application materials.
  • Synopses, casting suggestions, letters, resumes and photos will not be considered. TV Pilot submissions may include standard supplementary materials, such as lists of recurring characters and future episodes.
  • The writer accepts, without reservation, that the submitted logline and screenplay will be reviewed by ISA staff and/or panel of Industry Judges for evaluation and that any one of these employees, or judges may have been or may be exploring ideas similar to the submitted material, and the applicant hereby waives any claim that the ISA and Fast Track, its staff or judges may have misappropriated any ideas or portions of the submission, logline or screenplay.
  • There are no refunds for any reason after 24 hours from submission. 
  • The writer understands and accepts without reservation that he/she is an independent contractor and that Fast Track Administrators are not responsible for withholding any taxes or payments to any government agency, at any level, be it state, local or federal.
  • By submitting to this fellowship, the writer's email address will be added to the contest database as well as the International Screenwriters' Association newsletter for weekly updates, contest promotions and other notifications. The writer may unsubscribe at any time. 
  • It is our full intention to fulfill all prizes as posted. However, due to an unlikely event, act of God or other, we reserve the right to update or edit prizes.
  • The Fellow will be recorded during interviews and the ISA has the right to use their name, likeness and voice for educational and promotional purposes.
  • To submit materials and be considered, the writer must agree to the Rules.

Contact Information

FastTrack@NetworkISA.org

+18004725351

8581 Santa Monica Blvd

#438, Los Angeles, California

90069

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