STARZ #TakeTheLead Writers’ Intensive

NALIP and NFMLA are proud to partner once again with STARZ for the fifth edition of the STARZ #TakeTheLead Writers’ Intensive, a career-building program designed to champion the next generation of television writers. Through personalized mentorship, industry access, and hands-on development opportunities, the intensive helps emerging storytellers strengthen their craft and bring their creative voices to the forefront. In 2026, four writers will be selected to participate in the program’s two phases. During Phase 1, participants will engage with 15 accomplished television professionals from across the industry while developing a treatment for an original spec episode. In Phase 2, each writer will be matched with an experienced mentor to expand their treatment into a complete spec script inspired by an existing STARZ series.

Phase One (1 week for participants at approximately 32 hours total throughout the week, taking place Monday - Friday)

• A one-week intensive featuring meetings and sessions with industry creatives and professionals.

• Participants receive feedback and support to develop an episode treatment.

• The program culminates with a STARZ jury reading treatments

Phase Two (2 weeks for participants at approximately 8 hours each week)

• Meetings with STARZ executives to hone spec script

• Feedback from STARZ mentors to refine spec script

• Final review and final set of notes for spec script

• Presentation of spec script

Application Related Dates

• Call for entries opens on August 18th, 2026, at 11:00 am PT*

• Call for entries closes on September 15th, 2026, at 10:59 am PT*

• Participants will be announced on October 7th, 2026*

*Dates are subject to change; all revised dates will be updated on this page.

Program Related Dates

• Selected participants must be available for the duration of the following dates:

  • Phase 1: October 12th, 2026 to October 16th, 2026

  • Phase 2: October 19th, 2026 to November 19th, 2026

• A $5,000 USD grant will be awarded to writers selected for the program

• An opportunity to connect with industry professionals and creatives.

• An opportunity to obtain feedback on your spec episode script from leading executives

Application/Applicant Requirements

• Must be the credited sole writer with at least one fully completed short or feature narrative film, which has been accepted into a film festival, OR have a story department-related credit (e.g., writer's assistant, staff writer, showrunner's assistant, script coordinator) on an episodic project.

• Must be or become a member of NALIP and/or NFMLA.

• Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application and legally authorized work, and participate in the Intensive in the United States.

• Must come from a traditionally underrepresented background in the TV writing industry.

• Must accept and agree to program rules, terms & conditions, and sign the program release.

• Must be available for all program dates outlined in the TIMELINE.

Application/Applicant Materials

• All submission materials must be in English. If the project is in another language, please include a written English translation.

• The first ten pages of an original episodic ½-hour or 1-hour script.

• A treatment of the original episodic ½-hour or 1-hour script submitted.

• A resume (no more than one page).

• A writer's statement (no more than one page) detailing what inspired you to apply to this program and your professional goals.

• A bio of the writer, including any relevant projects, awards, accolades, festival recognitions, etc.