Film Independent’s Episodic Lab
Opportunity type: Fellowship
For: Writers
Deadline: 02/02/2026
Rewards: $20,000 + mentorship + pitch opportunity + more
Location Eligibility: Worldwide
About this opportunity
Film Independent’s Episodic Lab supports emerging writers developing original long-form episodic projects. The program selects 6–8 writers or writing teams with completed half-hour or hour-long pilots and provides them with intensive creative and professional support to revise, refine, and pitch their work.
Fellows receive personalized mentorship from experienced showrunners, creative producers, and industry executives. Each participant is paired with a Creative Advisor for one-on-one and group sessions throughout August, focused on strengthening both craft and career strategy. The Lab culminates in a networking and pitch event with studio and network executives, offering Fellows direct industry exposure.
One participant will also be selected to receive the Alfred P. Sloan Episodic Lab Grant, awarded to projects that meaningfully engage with science, technology, or mathematics.
Rewards
- $20,000 Alfred P. Sloan Episodic Lab Development Grant
- One-on-one mentorship with an assigned Creative Advisor
- Group sessions with industry professionals and showrunners
- Final networking and pitch event with studio and network executives
Eligibility
- Open to emerging writers worldwide
- Applicants must submit a completed draft of a half-hour or hour-long episodic pilot
- Applicants must be the author and rights holder of the submitted script
- Writing teams may apply with a single joint application
- The submitted pilot must not have been pitched to a studio or network
- Fictional episodic projects only
- Documentary series and short-form digital series are not eligible
For the Alfred P. Sloan Episodic Lab Grant:
- Project must meaningfully engage with science, mathematics, or technology
- May include a scientist, engineer, or mathematician as a lead character
- Science fiction projects are not eligible for the Sloan grant
Entry Fee
- FREE for Filmmaker Pro Members (limited to one waived fee per Membership year)
- $45 for Film Independent Members
- $65 for non-Members
How to Apply
Apply using the link: Film Independent’s Episodic Lab
All questions regarding this award should be sent to artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org
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