The Writers Lab for Women Screenwriters Over 40 Expands Labs to Los Angeles

Women over 40 wrote on only 12% of movies in 2025,
Overall, 79% of movies studied had male screenwriters, most of whom also directed

The Writers Lab celebrates its 12th year supporting women and nonbinary film and television writers over the age of 40, with an expansion of the in-person laboratory immersive program in Los Angeles.  The only program of its kind in the world, The Writers Lab opens for international submissions February 12th for both development labs, New York and Los Angeles, doubling our impact in the U.S. With increasing need for stories by, about and for women, TWL will once again accept pilot scripts as well as narrative features. This program is unique in that attendance at both the 3-day Intensive and 6-month incubation is once again free for selected fellows. 

New this year, The Writers Lab will hold the two Intensives, in Manhattan and Los Angeles, enabling more film industry leaders than ever to play a major role in both Intensives. Feature and pilot writers selected for the fall 2026 Intensives will work one-on-one and in group sessions with acclaimed screen industry leaders to develop their scripts and their craft, and to build tools and strategies to to develop their projects and navigate the ever-shifting landscape of professional opportunities, thus expanding the range of new content. Submissions are open February 12 through April 30, 2026. Learn more and apply at twlstories.org. 

Also new: The Writers Lab did an original study of over 500 movies made in the U.S. and discovered two standout facts: Women over 40 wrote on only 12% of movies - no increase from 2024 - which has a direct effect on who we see on screens. Conversely, 79% of movies studied had male screenwriters, most of whom also directed, perpetuating the “auteur” model and handing roles, jobs and control to men.

Additionally in 2026, TWL expands support for its global community and pool of applicants with free workshops during the submissions period to help writers strengthen their applications. There will be more virtual programming throughout the year, and additional rewards from partner organizations to applicants who place. Partners include the Writers Guild of America East, New York Women in Film & Television, The Black List, Falco Ink, Film Fatales, Final Draft, Independent Writers Caucus and Roadmap Writers.

“We’re doubling our efforts to support women screenwriters in the U.S. during this year of continued industry contraction and national strife. Fortunately, writers have a superpower: They can and will continue to create, whatever the barriers to entry,” says TWL Founder Nitza Wilon.

In 2025, The Writers Lab worked with 30 writers, bringing the TWL Alumnae total to 231.  Of the projects to come through TWL programs, 11 have attached producers, 4 have attached directors, 24 have been optioned, and 3 have been released. Alumnae count 115 placements in major competitions, including 8 for the Nicholl Prize, 12 for the Page Award, 3 in Sundance competitions, and 4 on The Black List, with 3 Nicholl Winners, 3 Page Awards, 2 Goyas, an AFI Screenwriting Award, and a Writers Guild Award. And, 49 alumnae (24.4%) have representation, well above the industry average for this demographic.

TWL has set over 500 meetings for writers with more than 200 production companies, agents, directors & commissioners, including Amazon Studios, Disney+, StudioCanal, BBC Films, Element Pictures (Normal People), Dark Ways (Dark), Steve McQueen’s Lammas Park, and Sister (Black Doves).

Established in 2015, The Writers Lab is the only program in the world devoted exclusively to script development for women writers over the age of 40. Produced by co-founders Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon, the Lab is supported by Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman, the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, the Lynch Hall Charitable Fund, and the Lisa Cleff Kurtz & Michael Kurtz Foundation. 

Since 2021, the founders have partnered with Untamed Stories, created by Julia Berg and Ruth Spencer, to produce labs for residents of the UK & Europe. And, as of 2024, TWL partners with the Female Eye Film Festival and Firecracker Department to produce a lab for Canadian writers, which is already preparing for a third edition.

The Writers Lab will offer an expanded roster of influential, experienced filmmakers to mentor participants in development sessions, panels, and story-breaking workshops. Mentors in 2025 included:

ABOUT THE WRITERS LAB
Co-Founded by Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon, The Writers Lab is dedicated to igniting the power of women screenwriters over 40 and activating the media industry to broaden the range of storytelling across visual platforms. With industry veterans, TWL elevates the work of women screenwriters in their prime through mentorship, advocacy and exposure. Alumni have been staffed in writers rooms, signed with managers and agents, landed deals and moved their scripts into production. In addition to the flagship International Lab, TWL has produced six intensives for women writers over 40 residing in the UK and Europe and two in Canada.