The NFFTY Screenwriting Intensive: Story Starts Here
Every great film owes its success to the quality of its story. The NFFTY Screenwriting Intensive: Story Starts Here is an opportunity for tomorrow’s best storytellers to get constructive critique on their script before entering production. This is a unique chance to be sure you are delivering the most resounding story to your audience!
The NFFTY Screenwriting Intensive is open to any screenwriter 24 years old or younger applying with a completed draft of a narrative short (40 pages or less) film project they wish to workshop during the program, with an eye toward production.
Four participants and their projects will be chosen, and then paired with an industry mentor with whom they’ll work one-on-one to further develop their project and refine their voice. The program will culminate at NFFTY 2027, where screenwriters will attend the festival and participate in a table read of their script.
NFFTY 2027 will be held April 1 - 4, 2027 in Seattle, WA.
Timeline
Submission Deadline:
October 23rd
Finalists Notified:
November 6th
Intensive Programming:
Nov - March
NFFTY 2027:
April 1 - 4
Eligibility
All screenwriters must be able to travel to Seattle, WA from March 31st - April 5th, 2027
Travel & lodging provided by NFFTY
All screenwriters must be 24 years old or younger at the time of NFFTY 2027
All screenplays should not yet have entered production, as the purpose of this competition is to help filmmakers improve their story before filming.
All screenplays must be 40 pages or less, not including a title page.
All screenplays must be written in English.
All screenplays must be the original work of the submitter. If the content is based upon another’s life or adapted from another story, the submitter must also attach a statement showcasing any necessary permission to make such an adaptation.
All screenwriters must currently reside in the United States of America.