Elevating
Women Screenwriters
Over 40
2026 Submissions open February 12
The Writers Lab ignites the power of women screenwriters over 40 and activate the media industry decision makers to produce content by, for and about women across visual platforms. Learn More →
The Gap
Hiring Inequity
Women over 40 make up 25% of the global population, yet in 2025 wrote on only 12% of U.S. films released.
Also last year? The numbers of women hired as directors and starring in movies dropped.
The Work
Inside TWL
We offer selective Lab Intensives designed to build craft, community and career. For our global community, there are workshops, residencies, publications and other resources.
The Impact
Proven Results
Since launching in 2015, The Writers Lab has spotlighted hundreds of our alumnae around the world, while also activating an industry that needs to evolve.
Flagship Lab Intensives
2026 Submissions open Thursday, February 12th
The Writers Lab Int’l is our flagship program, founded in 2015 to support women and non-binary writers over 40 through focused script development and mentorship. This year, one application will be used for two identical lab intensives, in New York and Los Angeles, both of which welcome U.S. and international applicants. Learn More →
This year, writers can apply to our two script-development Intensives in the U.S. via one application. In addition, we are hosting three free workshops offering craft and submission support during the 10-week application period.
Other Programs
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The Writers Lab provides practical tools and spirited encouragement for the work of screenwriters whose point of view, fruit of their age and gender, has been consistently undervalued in the marketplace.Meryl Streep
Actor -
The more women’s stories we see, the more women are empowered.Nicole Kidman
Actor
Our supporters
The Writers Lab is made possible through the generosity of individuals and organizations committed to the art of screenwriting.
Meryl Streep
Nicole Kidman
Natalie Portman
The Lisa Cleff Kurtz & Michael Kurtz Foundation
The Cornelia T Bailey Foundation
Lynch Hall Charitable Foundation
The Meg & Alex Weidner Family Foundation
TWL Ambassadors
Julianna Margulies and Nia Vardalos support The Writers Lab mission to elevate women and non-binary screenwriters over 40 and expand opportunities for underrepresented voices in film and television.
