Shorts Film Lab for Underrepresented Writer/Directors
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Spark of Hudson is hosting a film lab in Sept/Oct for
budding writer directors to hone their screenwriting craft,
writing contained shorts and to be mentored by working
professionals.
One winning contained short script will receive a $10K
production grant for 2027, to be crewed by underrepresented crew
in the Hudson Valley with support from Stockade Works.
This lab was devised to bring opportunities to emerging
filmmakers in this odd time of contraction. Even if you don't
win the grant, we will attempt to get everyone who leaves the
lab as close as possible to write a 'contained' short that they
themselves may be able to afford to shoot.
The relatively straightforward application goes until July
15th but don't wait! And the application is free.
Any questions, please reach out to: [email protected]
(*** This lab is for non-pros who have yet to make over $10K
on their work, either with grants or paid work).
We look forward to your applications:
The Screenwriting Sprint Team
We also hold a monthly SCREENWRITER/FILMMAKER PRO CIRCLE at
Spark of Hudson. Please come join us. The next one is this Weds,
the 10th at 5:30pm,
Calling all Columbia County screenwriters — your story counts!
Spark of Hudson (https://www.sparkofhudson.org/) is hosting Screenwriting Sprint’s launch of the Contained Shorts Writers Lab
— a program designed to get underrepresented emerging writers and filmmakers into production.
Whether you have a killer concept, a short script or short film you know needs elevating, or
feature you're ready to distill into something sharp and contained… we want to hear from you.
The prize? Your short film gets made. One winning contained short script receives a $10,000
production grant and goes into full production in 2027, with support from Stockade Works (https://www.stockadeworks.org/) to
hire underrepresented crew members, right here in Upstate NY. The winner also receives a
$1,000 cash prize, and two runners-up each receive $500.
Columbia County writers get first access. In the spirit of Spark's mission to invest in local
lives and voices, Columbia County screenwriters submissions get first look. Application opens
From May 1–July 15th, Hudson Valley and greater NY.
The Lab unfolds in three phases:
Phase One — 25 selected writers join a month-long online lab: twice-weekly sessions
covering screenwriting structure, guest mentors, and hands-on writing exercises. (Fall 2026)
Phase Two — 10 writers are invited to an immersive three-day in-person lab at The Spark
of Hudson. (Winter 2026)
Phase Three — 1 winner goes into production/cash prizes awarded. (Spring/Summer 2027)
This is a real pathway from page to screen. Don't let it pass you by.
→ APPLY TO WRITERS LAB HERE:
Any questions should be forwarded to: [email protected]
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