The Writers Lab International

Link: Full TWL International FAQ's

HOW DO I APPLY?

• Click on the APPLICATION FORM.

• You will be routed to The Writers Lab page on the Scrybe website. (Scrybe hosts this contest and you will need a free Scrybe account to submit. You will be able to restrict Scrybe contact to correspondence from The Writers Lab if you wish.)

• Choose one of the Entry packages for our contest and follow the prompts.

• Complete all fields of the application.

• When prompted, upload your script as a PDF labeled with the project TITLE ONLY. DO NOT include the name of the screenwriter(s) ANYWHERE on the PDF.

• Click the SUBMIT box

• After you finalize payment and submission, you will receive a confirmation from Scrybe that you have successfully entered The Writers Lab contest.

Additionally, prior to submission, writers in the U.S. should register their script for copyright.

• Register your script with either The Writers Guild or the U.S. Copyright Office. Registration is quick and easy, and will protect you and TWL’s staff and volunteers. (The Writers Guild of America, East, has offered the discounted price of $17 to TWL applicants who are not members of the Guild. Click HERE to register through the WGA. Choose the Student and NYWIFT/The Writers Lab option.)

• If you are entering from outside the U.S., check whether you have natural copyright - your script may not require registration. For example, the E.U. and UK have natural copyright laws. If you do not have natural copyright, please register your script with your local Writers Guild or U.S. copyright office. TWL also recommends THE SCRIPT VAULT for those outside the U.S.

What information will I need for the application?

• Basic contact and biographical information (name, email address, contact phone number, mailing address, birth date).

• Script log line and genre.

• Full-length narrative feature script, in PDF format, preferably no more than 130 pages long and/or pilots, preferably no more than 40 pages (half-hour) or 70 pages (hour-long), in PDF format. Script lengths beyond the number of pages listed will incur a per-page surcharge.

• Registration of your script with an appropriate copyright agency. (See “How do I Apply” above for further details.)

• Credit/Debit Card for payment.

What are the submission deadlines?

Submission windows and fee structures are below. Please note, there are no deadline extensions.

• SUBMISSION DATES

  • Thursday, February 12 – Early Submissions OPEN

  • Thursday, March 12 – Early Deadline

  • Thursday, April 9 – Regular Deadline

  • Thursday, April 30 – Late Deadline

• NOTIFICATIONS

  • Quarterfinalist: by July 15

  • Semifinalist: by July 30

  • Final: by August 17

• DISCOUNT Details
  Members of WGAE, Film Fatales, The Independent Writers’ Caucus, NYWIFT and any other WIF organizations can use a discount code at checkout. Please ask your organization to share the Discount Code with you.
  All membership claims will be verified with these organizations, and any falsified applications will result in disqualification.

Why does the application ask for my birthday?

Your birthdate is necessary for us to confirm age eligibility, as outlined in the previous question. This year, your birthday must be ON or BEFORE October 1, 1986, to be eligible.

Why must I register my script for copyright before applying?

We ask Int’l writers to register your scripts to prevent infringement, which will protect your work as well as The Writers Lab staff and volunteers. It is a standard industry practice in the U.S. to register any professional script with the U.S. Copyright Office or The Writers Guild in your home area (U.S. citizens use WGA East or West) or with your country’s equivalent Writers Guild.

The WGA East has generously offered a discount to The Writers Lab applicants. (See “How do I Apply” above for further details.)

What if I can’t pay by credit card?

You may pay by check. Please email us at [email protected] to discuss the process.

What if I can’t afford the application fee?

Please email us at [email protected] with “Proof of Need” in the subject line to discuss the process. You will need to provide proof of public assistance or SSI with your application.

Is it possible to submit an updated draft after I’ve applied?

Scrybe offers the option to upload a revised draft of your script after you have applied, for a small surcharge. If you have questions on how to do so, please email [email protected]. However, once our evaluation process is underway your initial submission might have already been read by our evaluation team. If you are considering submitting a revision, keep in mind that our jurors are very experienced and thoughtful. A strong, carefully crafted script will stand out—even a script that needs work.

What if I can’t submit online? Can I deliver my application in person?

If you are NOT able to submit electronically, please email s[email protected].

Why do you charge an application fee?

We use application fees to pay our independent readers, who carefully evaluate hundreds of scripts, through multiple rounds. The contributions of our primary donors cover only the Lab Intensive.

Should I have industry contacts call or e-mail with references?

No. Our final decision is based on the material alone. Your work will speak for itself.

Link: Full TWL International FAQ's

Am I eligible to apply?

The Writers Lab is open to ALL women and non-binary writers over 40. We honor the fact that gender is personal and specific and seek to create an inclusive and supportive community. In addition, for BOTH 2026 U.S. Lab Intensives, applicants must be 40 or over by this year’s cutoff date of October 1, 1986. That means that your birth date (and that of any cowriters on your project) must be ON or BEFORE October 1, 1986, to be eligible.

Can writing partners apply?

Yes. Both writers must meet eligibility requirements (See Eligibility Requirements section below). Please designate one writer as the primary contact/potential attendee, and list that writer first in the writing credits on the application.

I am an American living abroad. Am I eligible to apply?

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

I am not a U.S. citizen and/or live outside the U.S. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes! Citizenship and country of residence do not affect eligibility for the The Writers Lab Intensives. 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 or Los Angeles for the Lab Intensives (and related passport/VISA requirements), and are expected to be in New York City or Los Angeles by the day before the Intensive begins.

I don’t have much experience. Does this affect my chances for acceptance?

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

Will you consider scripts not written in English?

Although your script may include other languages, the predominant language must be English. (Tip: 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.)

Can I reapply with the same script as last year?

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 underserved 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?

Can I submit a script based on a book or an adaptation?

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.

How many scripts can I apply with?

Writers may submit up to three (3) complete scripts. Each script requires a separate completed application, and a separate non-refundable application fee paid by credit card.

Link: Full TWL International FAQ's

What are the benefits to submitting?

• Practicing writing to deadline

• Honing your competitive edge

• Joining an incredible community

• Receiving our free newsletter

• Potentially placing in the contest, and

• Possibly being invited to join the cohort

In 2026, we are offering three free virtual workshops to our community, where you will learn more about The Writers Lab work and strengthen your submission. The three workshops will be in February and March, ALL on Zoom. Instructions below workshop descriptions.

WORKSHOP ONE
Free and open to all. Use this LINK.
Wednesday, Feb 11th, 3pm ET
Recorded and shared on our website. Submissions open February 12.
Join us to meet the team, learn about TWL, and get tips about what makes a script stand out. With Q&A.

WORKSHOP TWO
Open to Early Bird Applicants

Thursday, Feb 26th, 3pm ET
Join us for tips about what makes a script stand out. With Q&A.
After submitting as an Early Bird applicant, you will be able to update your script one time based on learnings from the workshop! Deadline to UPDATE your script: Tuesday, MARCH 12th.

WORKSHOP THREE
Open to Regular Applicants
Thursday March 19th, 3pm ET
Join us for tips about what makes a script stand out. With Q&A.
After submitting as a Regular applicant, you will be able to update your script one time based on learnings from the workshop! Deadline to UPDATE your script: Thursday, APRIL 9th.

Link: Full TWL International FAQ's

Are there additional fees associated with attending the Lab Intensive?

Writers selected for either of the two Int’l Lab Intensives are responsible for travel to and from New York City or Los Angeles. The Writers Lab organization covers food and accommodations during the Intensive.

Is it true that when you enter a contest late, your script doesn’t have a chance?

False! You might have heard that the judges get tired of reading, or the winners have already been chosen. Quite the opposite. Every submitted script is read—multiple times—with the same care and rigor. Our readers are paid for their work and are always eager to find talented writers and exciting projects.

How will I be notified about acceptance?

All notifications will be made via email. You will hear from us, whether you place or not, on or before August 17, 2026.

I haven’t received notification about my acceptance, but I know others who have? Why is that?

Notifications may be made on a rolling basis. Final decisions will be made on or before August 17, 2026.