Indiewood Screenwriting Fund Application

The Indiewood Screenwriting Fund (ISF) by Cinematography for Actors Institute is dedicated to breaking down financial and systemic barriers faced by emerging screenwriters. By offering direct financial support, mentorship opportunities, and community-focused initiatives, ISF strives to give new voices equal opportunity for success, help them refine their craft, and connect writers with a broader creative network.

Application Window
Opening Date: January 1, 2026
Closing Date: March 15, 2026

PROGRAM GOALS

ISF seeks to create meaningful pathways for emerging screenwriters by addressing key challenges in the industry. The program provides financial accessibility through competition entry fee coverage for approved applicants. With a strong emphasis on career development and industry education, ISF offers seminars, networking events, and 1:1 mentorship sessions designed to equip writers with the knowledge and connections needed to advance their careers. To foster long-term relationships, ISF builds a sense of community through cohort-based collaboration and partnerships with industry leaders. These initiatives collectively aim to empower screenwriters with the tools, connections, and confidence to navigate the industry and build sustainable careers.

The program’s educational sessions will commence in May and conclude in July. Writers accepted into ISF must make themselves available for these sessions, as participation in workshops and cohort-based events is essential to gaining the full benefit of the program. These sessions help us learn more about a writer’s needs, so we may be unable to offer 1-on-1 industry mentor meetings for those writers who miss too many sessions.

PROGRAM OFFERINGS

Financial Assistance: ISF will typically grant one award per accepted project, covering the early-bird or regular entry fee for one major screenplay competition via reimbursement.

Cohort Model & Networking: Participants will join a cohort of up to 15 screenwriters, creating a collaborative environment for shared learning and support. ISF will host a dedicated introductory session in May at the start of the program. This session will provide a foundation for building relationships, exchanging script feedback, and maximizing the program’s benefits through peer collaboration.

Seminars and Workshops: ISF will host a minimum of three group seminars focused on screenwriting craft and career development (rather than individual script feedback). 

Access to Industry Mentors: Each selected screenwriter receives at least one personalized 1-on-1 session with an industry mentor. This session can be used as a career guidance meeting or a Q&A session tailored to the writer’s professional goals. Writers must attend a majority of the weekly education program session to be eligible for these mentor meetings.

Live Script Readings: Screenwriters in the program who advance to the semi-final or final rounds of screenplay competitions may have their scripts read by talent at the CFA Studio. These readings will be performed in front of a live audience. ISF handles casting, audience invitations, and event management. For those outside Los Angeles, the readings will be live-streamed, ensuring accessibility for all participants, regardless of location.

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Writers from emerging communities, including but are not limited to:

 - BIPOC

 - LGBTQIA+

 - Writers with Disabilities

 - Low-Income Applicants

Submission of one completed feature screenplay or TV pilot.

Commitment to career development outlined in a short essay.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.

The program will accept a maximum of 20 participants based within North America. The fund is open to U.S. residents as long as they meet all other eligibility criteria.

Applicants are responsible for reviewing the ISF Program Page for updated application dates, deadlines, and announcements regarding program openings.

Unsuccessful applicants may not reapply with the same script in future cycles, but they are welcome to submit new material that meets the eligibility criteria.

 

To support ISF’s mission of fostering a more inclusive screenwriting community, program participants will be required to submit a brief one-page, double-spaced progress report (Times New Roman, 12pt font) at the conclusion of the program. This report should include:

Competition Outcomes: How the awarded funds and program support impacted submissions and competition results.
Personal Growth: Insights into mentorship, workshops, and cohort participation’s impact on professional development.
Future Goals: Next steps in the screenwriting journey inspired by the program experience.

By applying, applicants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to these terms.

Eligibility: Applicants must meet all outlined eligibility criteria to qualify for the fund. Failure to meet these criteria at any point may result in disqualification.

Accuracy: All information submitted must be truthful and accurate. Any false, misleading, or incomplete information may lead to disqualification, and any awarded funds must be returned.

Selection Process: All decisions made by the selection committee are final and cannot be contested or appealed. The selection process is confidential and will not be disclosed.

Participation Requirements: Recipients are expected to actively engage in all required program activities, including workshops, networking events, or script development sessions. Failure to participate may result in forfeiture of funds or removal from the program.

Use of Materials: The fund reserves the right to use applicants’ names, project titles, and brief descriptions for promotional purposes, including marketing materials, press releases, and social media campaigns.Full screenplays will remain confidential and will not be used or shared without prior written consent.

Intellectual Property: Applicants retain all rights to their submitted work. However, by participating, applicants grant the fund a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use project descriptions, loglines, and other non-script materials for promotional purposes.

Confidentiality: The fund will take reasonable precautions to maintain the confidentiality of submitted materials. Screenplays will not be shared with third parties without explicit consent from the applicant.

Liability: The fund and its affiliates are not responsible for any claims, losses, damages, or expenses arising from participation in the program or the use of awarded funds.

Disbursement of Funds: Awarded funds will be distributed according to the terms outlined in the recipient agreement. The fund reserves the right to withhold or reclaim funds if the recipient violates program rules or misuses the funds.

Program Modifications: The fund reserves the right to modify, postpone, or cancel any aspect of the program, including timelines, activities, and funding amounts, at its sole discretion.

Non-Endorsement: Participation in the program does not constitute an endorsement of the applicant or their work by the fund or its affiliates.

Disqualification: The fund reserves the right to disqualify any applicant at any stage for failing to comply with these terms and conditions or for engaging in misconduct.

Governing Law: These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of California, and any disputes arising under these terms will be resolved exclusively in California.

Acceptance of Terms: By submitting an application, applicants agree to these terms and conditions in full.

Prohibited Use of Funds: Awarded funds may only be used for the designated purpose of competition entry fees or activities directly related to screenwriting development. Funds may not be used for personal expenses or any purpose unrelated to the program.

Taxes: Recipients are solely responsible for handling any personal tax liabilities associated with receiving awards from the ISF. It is recommended that recipients consult a tax professional to understand their obligations.