Frequently Asked Questions – US

While there is no correct length, features are generally between 80 and 120 pages; half-hour pilots are 22-44 pages; and hour-long pilots are 45-75 pages (depending on genre and other factors).

Please note that feature screenplays longer than 130 pages, and pilots longer than 44 pages (half-hour) or 75 pages (hour-long), will incur a per-page surcharge to the application.

The Writers Lab has no software preference, as long as the script uses industry standard formatting, and is converted to a PDF before submission.

The Writers Lab is a screenplay development lab. We are not a producing lab, nor do we offer any kind of production funding. However, in addition to connecting participants with a peer group of driven and talented writers, the Retreat offers access to, and interaction with, a range of other film industry professionals.

Any script accepted to our Lab will benefit from further development. That is the primary focus of The Writers Lab, and all selected writers should expect to revise their winning work. Beyond script development, the Lab offers a unique chance to connect with a supportive community of peers and industry professionals.

The Writers Lab offers additional development support for selected writers in the months following the lab, as well as a range of programs and resources for all lab alumni. When possible, we also plan follow-up networking events every year.

Your birthdate is necessary for us to confirm age eligibility, as outlined in the previous question.

Yes. Keep in mind that we do not cover transportation to/from New York City for selected writers.

Yes. Citizenship and country of residence do not affect eligibility for the US lab. However, your narrative feature script or pilot must be in English. Additionally, keep in mind that selected writers are responsible for their own travel to/from New York City for the Lab Retreat (and related passport/VISA requirements), and are expected to be in New York by the day before the Lab begins.

The Writers Lab U.S. is open to ALL international applicants. The Writers Lab UK & I is open only to eligible writers living in England, Northern Ireland, The Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Additionally, please see the previous question for information on travel and Visa considerations.

No, you do not need to submit these documents with your application. However, accepted writers will need to provide these documents in order to sign the Lab Contract, which finalizes acceptance.

Absolutely not. The Lab seeks to foster exciting voices, regardless of professional experience. However, The Lab does NOT teach screenwriting basics. Submissions must exhibit knowledge of screenwriting formatting, standards, technique and style.

While there is no correct length, features are generally between 80 and 120 pages; half-hour pilots are 22-44 pages; and hour-long pilots are 45-75 pages (depending on genre and other factors).

Please note that feature screenplays longer than 130 pages, and pilots longer than 44 pages (half-hour) or 75 pages (hour-long), will incur a per-page surcharge to the application.

The Writers Lab has no software preference, as long as the script uses industry standard formatting, and is converted to a PDF before submission.

The Writers Lab is a screenplay development lab. We are not a producing lab, nor do we offer any kind of production funding. However, in addition to connecting participants with a peer group of driven and talented writers, the Retreat offers access to, and interaction with, a range of other film industry professionals.

Any script accepted to our Lab will benefit from further development. That is the primary focus of The Writers Lab, and all selected writers should expect to revise their winning work. Beyond script development, the Lab offers a unique chance to connect with a supportive community of peers and industry professionals.

The Writers Lab offers additional development support for selected writers in the months following the lab, as well as a range of programs and resources for all lab alumni. When possible, we also plan follow-up networking events every year.

While there is no correct length, features are generally between 80 and 120 pages; half-hour pilots are 22-44 pages; and hour-long pilots are 45-75 pages (depending on genre and other factors).

Please note that feature screenplays longer than 130 pages, and pilots longer than 44 pages (half-hour) or 75 pages (hour-long), will incur a per-page surcharge to the application.

The Writers Lab has no software preference, as long as the script uses industry standard formatting, and is converted to a PDF before submission.

All scripts must be submitted as PDF files. All film industry professionals expect scripts in PDF format, so this is a good opportunity to format your script to industry standards.

Although your script may include other languages, the predominant language must be English. Providing translation for passages in other languages can help, but we don’t recommend translating every non-English line, as doubling up can slow the pace – and is often unnecessary.

We welcome re-submissions, as long as the script has undergone a substantial revision that has addressed the following:

• Are all characters clearly introduced, established, and fully realized, with a defined need and arc?
• Is every line of dialogue necessary, either revealing character or moving the plot along?
• Are the descriptions well written, specific and succinct?
• Will this story speak to a wide audience?
• Is this story right for this Lab? Does it tell a story from a POV not generally seen, or for an under-served audience?
• Does the script follow standard formatting protocols? Has it been carefully proofread so that readers will not struggle with typos, long paragraphs, or confusing scenes?

Yes, we will consider scripts based on prior works as long as you have secured the underlying rights to the material. We ask for proof of rights, in the form of a contact, e-mail, or letter, if your script reaches the Finalist level in the selection process.

No. The Lab is for completed feature and television pilot scripts only.

While the Lab will consider scripts at various stages of development, the draft submitted must meet the following standards of completion:

• Scripts must be either feature-length polished drafts, in the 80-to-120 page range, OR polished pilots that are 22-44 pages (half-hour) or 45-75 pages (hour-long).
• We will not consider screenplay fragments, treatments, synopses, book excerpts, or stage plays.
• Scripts should show a strong understanding of screenwriting technique and style.
• Scripts should present a fully realized story, with identifiable concept, world, characters and genre.

We will make all reasonable and customary efforts to protect your ideas. Additionally, we request that you copyright your submission. (Please see “Why must I register my script for copyright” under The Application.)

Yes. We have no restrictions on material that has been to, or developed through, other labs, workshops or programs.

Proofread, proofread, proofread. It matters.

World needs to be clearly, economically, and cinematically established (especially in genre scripts).

Choose a main story and set it up clearly for your audience. Many scripts take on too much and lose their way.

​​Clearly establish your protagonist’s need and obstacles, and make sure you see it through, so your audience cares.

Most film stories can be told in well under 120 pages. Every line or sentence should add to the story, not repeat or distract. Cut what you can, and keep your story moving.

​​Ask yourself: Is that line essential? Is it stating subtext or exposition that can be SHOWN? Does it successfully build conflict? Does it reveal character through wit and/or texture?

Have you written too little? (Set your scenes! Introduce your characters! Include important visual details!) OR, do you have way too much? (Don’t describe characters’ feelings, camera shots, or back story.) And, break up blocks of description into easily digestible bites.

Old or new, your story must stand out, with new insights into universal themes or compelling characters or perspectives. At the same time, know your cliches and tropes, and when to use or lose them.

Make sure your story effectively uses the visual and auditory aspects of storytelling for the screen. (Note: use music references with care; referencing unlicensed songs can reveal lack of screenwriting savvy. Suggest only, i.e. “She sings something like [song name]…”)

TWL doesn’t require a woman protagonist, but we definitely notice scripts that pass the Bechdel test, and wince when female characters are introduced solely as “gorgeous/hot/pretty/curvy.” This applies to gender across the spectrum. TWL isn’t interested in gender clichés, tokenism or stereotypes. We champion complex and compelling characters, and stories that provide an authentic experience and point of view.

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