The Black List and WIF will invite six to eight promising non-professional television writers who are women, nonbinary, and trans people to the Lab. The Lab will kick off the first week of March 2024, running twice weekly for four weeks, and will consist of script development, peer workshopping sessions, and master classes with established writers and industry executives. Lab participants will have their final pilots read by agencies and networks. Past advisors and master class teachers include Monica Beletsky (“Parenthood”), Carly Wray (“Watchmen”), Sono Patel (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”), Glen Mazzara (“The Dark Tower”), Erika L. Johnson (“The Good Lord Bird”), Kira Snyder (“The Handmaid’s Tale”), Lauren LeFranc (“Impulse”), Jane Becker (“Ted Lasso”) and many others.

All participants of the 2024 Episodic Lab will also be 2024 WIF Fellows. All WIF Fellowships provide year long support.

Eligibility

IMPORTANT: Please note, applicants can apply through either WIF or The Black List, however, instructions are different for each platform. WIF members can apply for membership rates and non-members can apply for $40 per application. Through WIF, applicants can submit up to three scripts. Each script must be submitted through its own application, so fees and/or waivers are applicable per script. For Black List instructions or any other Black List questions, please click here or contact SUPPORT@BLCKLST.COM. To be eligible to apply through WIF:

• You are the sole and exclusive author of the television pilot submitted for consideration.
• You have not received more than $25K in aggregate to date as compensation for  television writing work.
• You will be available for in-person evening sessions during the month of March 2024.
  • Participants must be able to provide proof of current vaccination, subject to CDC guidelines relating to boosters prior to February 20, 2024, and be willing to test for COVID-19 infection prior to each session in March 2024.

Timeline
October 2, 2023 – Applications open

October 20, 2023 — Program AMA (“Ask Me Anything”) Panel

November 13, 2023 – Applications close

Week of January 15, 2024 – Shortlist writers notified

Week of February 5, 2024 – Interviews

Week of February 12, 2024 – Final Participants and all other applicants notified 

March 5, 2024 — Episodic Lab begins

APPLY HERE

FAQs

1. How can I apply to the Feature Residency?
   The Feature Residency is currently on hiatus and will not be running in 2024. We encourage all those who identify as Feature Writers to consider applying for the WIF Writer Fellowship.
2. How are participants selected?
   WIF and The Black List select semifinalists from the initial applicant pool through separate jury processes. WIF’s preliminary jury includes agents, managers, writers, associates, executives, and WIF staff, and each script is guaranteed at least three reads of at least its first 15 pages. Strong scripts will be read in their entirety in order to determine if they advance to the semi-finalist round. Finalists are selected by The Black List and WIF Lab managers and may be asked to progress to the interview round. The participants are selected based on interviews, scripts, and ancillary materials.
3. How many scripts can I submit?
   Through WIF, applicants can submit up to three scripts. Each script must be submitted through its own application, so fees and/or waivers are applicable per script.
4. Can I apply through both WIF and The Black List?
   Yes, you can apply through both, however as noted above, there are separate preliminary processes for the two organizations. If you are applying through The Black List, be sure to read their instructions and FAQs or contact SUPPORT@BLCKLST.COM for any additional questions about their process.
5. Do I have to be a member to apply through WIF?
   You no longer need to be a WIF member to apply to this program. WIF members can apply at member rates and non-members can apply for $40 per application. Applications are open to the public through our store HERE (please be sure to read all other eligibility requirements prior to purchasing your application). For program-specific member benefits, please visit our membership page HERE.
6. I have a writing partner who is also a woman, NB/GNC, and/or trans, or another underrepresented gender. Can we both apply?
   Yes, you can both apply, either through separate applications or jointly. However, each script will only receive three reads in the preliminary round, even if submitted twice, so a joint application is recommended. If the script is selected, you can both participate in the Lab.
7. I have a writing partner who is a cis man. Can I still apply?
   Yes, you are still eligible to apply. In our effort to create equitable spaces in a currently male-dominated industry, should you be accepted into the program your partner would not be able to participate in the sessions directly. However, you would be able to share appropriate script feedback with him.
8. What is the time commitment of the Lab?
   Meetings are approximately two hours in length, twice a week—generally Tuesdays and Thursdays—in the evenings (PDT) for the full month of March 2024. Additional sessions may be scheduled as well.
9. Will this program be conducted remotely or in-person?
   Sessions are anticipated to take place in person in Los Angeles, however plans will be adjusted to address COVID-19 safety concerns as needed. Writers outside of Los Angeles are eligible to apply, though travel and lodging are not provided and we cannot guarantee virtual attendance as an option.
10. When does the application close, and will tech support be available?
    The application closes on November 13, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. PST, with technical support available until 6:00 p.m. PST. The application will not be reopened after the deadline, so please reach out to programs@wif.org for any technical questions before 6 PM PST on November 13, 2023. All technical issues between 6:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. PST will be the responsibility of the applicant, and will not warrant reopening of the application. 
11. What is the WIF Fellowship?
    For 2024, all program participants will also be considered WIF Fellows. To explore the WIF Fellowships, please see the Fellowship page on our website.
12. What is on the application?
    You can find a pdf version of the application HERE.