Women Write Now Fellowship Open for Submissions

Women Write Now is a partnership between Hartbeat and the Sundance Institute designed to champion and elevate the voices of historically underrepresented Black female comedy writers through a fellowship that provides: mentorship, advocacy, production, and exhibition.

Currently entering its 3rd year, this immersive script-to-screen fellowship will support three (3) talented writers—selected by a panel of award-winning filmmakers, industry leaders, Hartbeat executives, and partners from the Sundance Institute—in developing short comedic scripts while being advised and mentored by some of the most influential Black women in comedy.

The resulting scripts will be produced by Hartbeat and directed by celebrity Black female directors. The three (3) short films, which will be staffed above and below-the-line by traditionally underrepresented talent, will premiere at a special screening during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and may be distributed by Hartbeat and partner(s). Travel to the 2024 Sundance Film Festival will be provided. Following the fellowship, the selected writers will also receive a twelve (12) month first look deal with Hartbeat to submit original projects for consideration for production and distribution with Hartbeat.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN WOMEN WRITE NOW?

Participation in the fellowship with individualized mentorship and creative and professional development opportunities

A stipend for the duration of the fellowship which shall include:

US$5,000 upon acceptance into the fellowship
US$5,000 upon delivery of final approved script
Writing and Creative Producing credit in the writer’s respective short film
Virtual or in-person set visit (as determined by Hartbeat) and a four-night trip to the 2024 Sundance Film Festival (provided that such festival is in-person) including flight, per diem, accommodations for writers only, and festival tickets.
A First Look Deal with Hartbeat

SUBMISSION OVERVIEW AND ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must fill out the online application and submit a short screenplay between 5-10 pages (page count does not include the title page). When produced, each short film will be approximately 10 minutes in length.

Women Write Now is looking for applicants who meet the following criteria:

Identify as Black or African American
Identify as female
Be 18 years or older at the time of application
Be an emerging non-union writer
Be based in the United States and legally authorized to work in the United States

Applicants will be evaluated on the strength of the submitted material, which will include a statement of interest and an original short comedic screenplay.

Approximately ten (10) finalists will be interviewed by Hartbeat staff, with final decisions made by the panel of award-winning filmmakers, industry leaders, Hartbeat executives, and partners from the Sundance Institute. Three (3) finalists will be selected to take part in the fellowship.