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Program Description

The International Screenwriters’ Association’s Diversity Initiative strives to elevate writers from underrepresented and marginalized communities. We are seeking writers with unique perspectives based on race, sexuality, gender, neurodiversity, disability, economic inequality, age and other. Our aim is to break down barriers and celebrate authentic narratives. 

SUCCESS STORIES
Three writers from the most recent season Selections and Honorable Mentions secured general meetings!

 

 

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View the International Screenwriters’ Association 2023 Annual Transparency Report in association with the Women of Color Unite Transparency Initiative.

Deadlines and Fees

Program Benefits

3 Selected Writers Will Receive:

Exceptional writers will be considered for acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate, the top tier of ISA writers. The ISA supports, applauds and promotes these writers to producers, managers and agents in Hollywood and beyond, forging relationships and building careers. 

Selected Projects to Be Considered By: 

  • Rola Bauer (Head of Pan-English Scripted TV) Amazon MGM Studios
  • Nick Pepper (Head, US SVOD TV Development & Series) Wholly Owned
  • Mark Maley Big Swell Entertainment
  • Gabrielle Utsey (VP of Development) POV Entertainment
  • Morgan Begg (Creative Executive) LuckyChap Entertainment
  • Kathryn J. Smith-Forge (President) This Radicle Act
  • Partners in Kind Productions
  • Creative Cypher

More partners to be announced.

Consideration for Option

  • Consideration for option from Creative Cypher 
  • Mentorship from Creative Cypher and their industry partners
  • Strong consideration for the Creative Cypher XLerator

Development Slate Invitation

  • Up to 3 writers will be invited onto the ISA Development Slate, where our team of development execs will champion them and their work to industry partners. Industry partners include but are not limited to: Harpo Productions, Max, Lifetime, Unanimous Media, ABC Signature, MGM, ICM, LakeShore Entertainment, Lucky Chap Entertainment, Miramax, Disney+, CAA, Nickelodeon, POV Entertainment, Big Swell Entertainment, Paramount Players and more.

Career Consultation

  • Selected writers will have a career consultation session with Felicity Wren, the ISA's VP of Development. 

Additional Benefits

  • A 12-Month ISAConnect Membership

Success Stories

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Signed with Literary Manager Bryan Brucks @ 831 Entertainment

Minda Wei - Screenwriter
Minda Wei has been working with Bryan Brucks at 831 Entertainment for the past year on the talent side, they had a general where he read her adult animated pilot and asked to sign her on the literary side. Minda said "I've been grateful to grow and be challenged as...
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ISA Development Slate Invitation

Kaisha Bicknell - Screenwriter
Kaisha recently submitted her original feature script THE PAST to the ISA Diversity Initiative and was honored to be chosen as one of the top three finalists. After meeting with the ISA Development Team, and discussing her work, she has now been invited on to the ISA's Development Slate of...
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ISA Development Slate Invitation

pp Hsiung - Screenwriter
Pp recently submitted JADED for the ISA Diversity Initiative. As the only Asian American girl growing up in her suburban town, there are stories she feels the need to tell. She’s thrilled to be selected as one of the writers and will work and write hard to prove she’s worthy...
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Jason Lubin of First Story Entertainment signs writer, Alan Mah Baxter

Alan Mah Baxter - Screenwriter
Lit Manager, Jason Lubin of First Story Entertainment discovered Baxter’s dark, twisty pilot, GLACIER POINT and quickly signed him for representation. Jason’s clients have been staffed on shows for HBO, Apple TV+, Netflix, NBC and more. Alan is an ISA Top 25 Screenwriter to Watch in 2022.
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ISA Diversity Initiative Top 3 Selection

marcus stricklin - Screenwriter
Marcus Stricklin submitted his script ALONE TOGETHER, for the 2021 ISA Diversity Initiative. He felt inspired to enter because he wanted his diverse voice and perspective to be heard. Marcus is absolutely thrilled to have been one of the three selected writers to be chosen for the Initial ISA Diversity...

Supporters Include:

Rola Bauer

Head of Pan-English Scripted TV - Amazon MGM Studios

Gabrielle Utsey

VP of Development, POV Entertainment

Nick Pepper

Head, US SVOD TV Development & Series - Wholly Owned

Mark Maley

Big Swell Entertainment

Karyn J. Smith-Forge

President of This Radicle Act Productions

Morgan Begg

Creative Executive - LuckyChap Entertainment

Partners in Kind Productions

Production Company

Creative Cypher

Production Company

Top Rated Feedback Available

Add ISA Script Notes to your submission. More details below.

Mentorship from Creative Cypher

The 3 Selected Writers will receive virtual mentor sessions with showrunners, network executives and producers in partnership with Creative Cypher's XLerator. Previous mentors include Diallo Riddle, Lamorne Morris, JaSheika James, JaNeika James, Brenda Gilbert, and more.

Selected writers will be under considerations for Creative Cypher's Film XLerator.

https://creativecypher.org/cc-xlerator

Feedback Options

Announcement Dates

Sponsors and Associations

Kids in the Spotlight CREATIVE CYPHER Women in Film

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the announcement dates?
3 Selected Writers Announced: June 20, 2024

Do you accept applications via snail mail?
No. In an effort to be green, we’re not accepting hard copies via the postal service. We’re accepting online applications 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 Script Notes with my application?
You can order Script Notes for an additional fee. Choose your FEE TYPE to make your Script Notes selection at the bottom of the submission form.
- 1st 20 Pages: $29 (normally $39)
- Full Notes: $49 (normally $69)
- Deep Dive: $75 (normally $99)
- Development Evaluation: $149 (normally $199)
- Accelerator $599 (normally $699)

When will I receive my Script Notes?
Your Script Notes will be emailed to you within 90 days of submitting your script, usually much sooner. Script Notes are separate of contest judging.

Can I re-submit a rewrite or corrected version of my script if I haven't ordered Script Notes?
No, you must submit your screenplay as a new application. 

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: Contests@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 Script Notes, will my full script be read?
A $1 per page fee may be charged separately over 120 pages (not including the Title Page) on Script Notes orders, or the reader may only read the first 120 pages.

Do you accept novels, short stories, stage plays, musicals, treatments or synopses, reality show concepts, documentaries or spec scripts for existing TV series?
No, we’re sorry; we do not. We accept ORIGINAL narrative feature length screenplays and narrative sitcom 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 enter multiple scripts?
You may enter as many scripts as you like to this competition, but the submission process is limited to one script per transaction on the ISA.

Will applying early increase or decrease my chance of being selected?
Applying early will neither increase nor decrease your chance of being selected. All applications are judged equally.

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

What if my script is optioned or sold after I submit?
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: Contests@NetworkISA.org

Rules

  • Final Deadline: March 14, 2024
  • During Covid and/or until further notice, meetings or consults will be virtual.
  • All writers from all countries are welcome to apply; however, all scripts must be submitted in English, and any fees must be paid in U.S. dollars.
  • Script must be the original work of the writer 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, documentaries, and/or spec scripts for existing TV series 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. 
  • Multiple applications 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.
  • The writer understands that Script Notes can take up to 60-days turn-around time and may not be received before the end of the final application deadline.
  • The ISA cannot guarantee Script Notes for your 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 entered as a new application with the appropriate fee.
  • Promotional discounts or waivers offered may only be utilized at the time of application.
  • Writers under the age of 18 years old must have parent or legal guardian’s permission to participate.
  • Decisions of the Judges are final and may not be disputed. The Judges will adhere to our competition guidelines; however, the competition and its administrators may not be held responsible for any errors or omissions on the part of 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 placement understand and accept that the ISA will be free to use his/her name and likeness for advertising or promotional purposes without additional consideration.
  • Writers retain the rights to their screenplay.
  • Applicants are non-exclusive to this application 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 prize may only be used within 90 days and may not be combined with any current free membership. 
  • Length requirements are as follows: 1). Full-Length Features: 70-120 pages. 2). TV Pilots: Up to 70 pages.
  • If applicant orders Script Notes 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.
  • You accept 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 Diversity Initiative, its staff or judges may have misappropriated any ideas or portions of the application, logline or screenplay.
  • There are no refunds for any reason after 24 hours from application. 
  • The writer understands and accepts without reservation that he/she is an independent contractor and that ISA 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 initiative, your email address will be added to the Diversity Initiative database as well as the International Screenwriters' Association newsletter for weekly updates, initiative promotions and other notifications. You 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.
  • BY SUBMITTING TO THE INITIATIVE YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO THESE RULES.

Contact Information

Contests@NetworkISA.org

+18479223967

8581 Santa Monica Blvd

WEST HOLLYWOOD

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