Applications are open until 11:59pm PT July 31, 2020. Ten semifinalists will be notified on August 4; the three final Mentees will be notified August 17.

In the name of transparency, all first round applications will be scored in a blind review process (with name, gender, nationality, and other identifying features removed). The ten semifinalists will also receive feedback from our Selection Committee on their scripts after the three Mentees are announced.

Please read the following eligibility criteria before submitting an application. In order to be considered for the 1497 Writers Lab, all applicants must:

Self-identify as South Asian or South Asian American
Must be 18 years or older
Understand all scripts are targeting the American film market
Commit to the Lab timeline (listed below) - due to the current global pandemic, all Lab events will take place online
Submit one application along with the $25 application fee (paid via PayPal to info@1497.org; fee waived for applications submitted July 10-24). Note: the application asks that you confirm acceptance of the terms of the 1497 Writers Lab Submission Agreement.
Have at least one full draft of a feature-length screenplay and submit the first 10 pages
If screenplay advances to the semifinals, submit full draft and participate in an interview
If accepted as a Mentee, sign agreements with the Mentors and Advisors, as well as an NDA

1497 Writers Lab Timeline

August 24: Mentee Orientation
August 28-30: Peer-to-Peer Feedback
Week of August 31: Deep Dive #1 with Script Coach
September 18: Script Coach Homework due
Week of September 21: Deep Dive #2 with Script Coach
October 9: Rewrite due
Week of October 19: Mentor Session #1
November 2: Rewrite due
DATES TBD based on avail/needs: Mentor Session #2
Week of November 9 or 16: Advisor one-on-one meetings
OPTIONAL: following the lab, if any finalist would like a table read of their script, 1497 can help facilitate

Ready to apply to the 1497 Writers Lab?

WANT TO APPLY TO THE 1497 WRITERS LAB?

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