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Program Description

Get a head start on your career with the ISA Student Fellowship!

There's no better way to launch your screenwriting journey than with an experienced team behind you. We have created this new program in an effort to uplift the next generation of screenwriters by introducing them to the industry and giving them access to resources to build their network. Now accepting features, pilots, web series and shorts in all genres from ALL students, ages 18 and over. 

3 Selected Fellows will be considered for acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate plus receive a $1,000 credit to use on the ISA platform for any ISA resource available! Fellows will also be featured in an article on Creative Screenwriting Magazine, participate in a meeting with an ISA Development Exec, and have their projects shared with our industry partners.

Previous ISA Fast Track Fellows and Diversity Selections 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.

Companies we work with:

Deadlines and Fees

Final
Dec. 12, 2024
Feature
Standard Fee
$0
ISAConnect Fee
$0
Television
Standard Fee
$0
ISAConnect Fee
$0
Short
Standard Fee
$0
ISAConnect Fee
$0
Web Series
Standard Fee
$0
ISAConnect Fee
$0

Program Benefits

Now accepting features, pilots, web series and shorts in all genres from ALL students, ages 18 and over. Fellows will be selected from any of the format categories.

3 Student Fellows Receive: 

  • $1,000 Credit to use on ISA for ISA-run program entries, Development Evaluations, Feedback, Logline Reviews, Pitch Practice and more
  • Featured Article in Creative Screenwriting Magazine
  • Consideration for the ISA Development Slate
  • Industry Exposure when their projects are shared with industry contacts
  • Inclusion in an official press release
  • Meeting with ISA Development Exec to discuss the road map for their career

Top 50 Receive:

  • 3 Month ISAConnect Membership
  • Logline entered into Student Fellowship Audience Award

Success Stories

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Work Ethic Leads To ISA's Development Slate of Top Tier Writers

Coli Sylla - Screenwriter
Coli Sylla collaborated with the ISA Development Team following his Grand Prize win in the Creative Screenwriting Pilot Screenplay Competition. His pilot, PORTER, secured him a position on ISA's Development slate among top-tier writers. Sylla's exemplary work ethic, dedication to the craft, and consistently high-quality writing have impressed the ISA...
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Psychological Thriller in Early Development

Desa Larkin-Boutte - Screenwriter
ISA Development Slate writer Desa has paired with a development executive from a notable production company to develop a psychological thriller. Once the pitch has more traction, she'll let who she's working with Get Out.....
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Brian Schwab Hired to Write Large Budget Action-Comedy For Zero Gravity

Brian Schwab - screenwriter
Following a review of his portfolio, a representative from Zero Gravity's creative department reached out to Development Slate and ISA Top 25 Screenwriter to Watch in 2024 Brian Schwab, offering him a position within their growing production wing as their newest staff writer. Within days, Brian pitched for and was...
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Feature Optioned

Marni Sullivan - Screenwriter, Script Consultant
Development Slate writer Marni Sullivan's contained psychological thriller feature, CONFIDANT, was optioned by a major production company.
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THIS NEVER HAPPENED makes Most Watched List on Tubi

Ted Campbell - Director, Screenwriter
The most recent TUBI ORIGINAL film by director, and ISA Development Writer, Ted Campbell, THIS NEVER HAPPENED, is one of the most-watched horror movies on Tubi in May 2024.
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RANGER CREED Goes Shopping

Travis J. Opgenorth - Screenwriter
Producer Tai Duncan of Biscuit Filmworks has taken Travis J. Opgenorth's latest action thriller RANGER CREED out shopping. This marks Travis' third project in a producer's pipeline. The ISA Development Slate writer's action-thriller DISTORTION is currently set up with Eclectic Pictures, and his limited-location action-thriller DAY OF RECKONING is in...
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TANK 231 shopping agreement

Aaron Mason - screenwriter
ISA Development Slate writer Aaron Mason's WW2 horror thriller TANK 231 signed, along with his co-writer, a shopping agreement with Brian Rogers (Godzilla franchise), Ivor Powell (Alien/Blade Runner) and Jacob Silver (Call of Duty). The producers are currently in early talks with directors.
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ISA Development Slate Writer Developing for Sony Pictures TV

Desa Larkin-Boutte - Screenwriter
ISA Development Slate Writer Desa Larkin-Boutté is reteaming with Denise Thé on The Getaway, the series adaptation of Lamar Giles‘ YA novel. The project is in development at Sony Pictures TV, and produced by Third Rail Productions in conjunction with Don Cheadle's This Radicle Act. Desa and Denise met on...

Top Rated Feedback Available

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

Development Slate Consideration

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

Industry partners: Disney+, Netflix, Harpo Productions, Max, Lifetime, ABC Signature, MGM, ICM, CAA, LakeShore Entertainment, Lucky Chap Entertainment, Paramount+ & more.

Top-Rated Feedback

Announcement Dates

Top 50

Jan. 15, 2025

Fellowship Audience Award

Feb. 12, 2025

Student Fellowships

Feb. 12, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the announcement dates?
Top 50 - Jan. 15, 2025
Fellowship Audience Award - Feb. 12, 2025
Student Fellowships - Feb. 12, 2025

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.

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 fellowship 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

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. Web Series: 5-35 pages. Shorts: 5-25 pages.

My screenplay is longer than the format's standard 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 the page limit and receiving Script Notes, will my full script be read?
A $1 per page fee may be charged separately over the format page maximum (not including the Title Page) on Script Notes orders.

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 submit 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 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.

Must I prove that I am a student? 
Yes. Later in the selection process we will request evidence of enrollment at a school, university, college or online program. If you do not provide evidence in the form or a student I.D., registration card, or enrollment confirmation, you will be disqualified.

Must I be over 18 to apply? 
Yes. At this time, we only accept applicants 18 years of age and older. There is no restriction on an applicant's age over 18 years old. Students later in life are welcome to apply, you will still be required to provide evidence of enrollment.

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

Rules

  • Until further notice, all general meetings will be virtual.
  • All scripts must be submitted in English, and application fees must be paid in U.S. dollars.
  • 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 Student Fellowship 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 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, 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 the ISA is 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

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