Announcing the 12 chosen writers for the 11th installment of The Writer's Lab program
The Writers Lab, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting narrative scripted content written by diverse women over the age of 40, has announced the launch of its Industry Advocacy Program. This new initiative, developed in partnership with MountainA, aims to create sustainable career pathways and professional opportunities for this often overlooked demographic in the industry.
The Industry Advocacy Program is designed to bring Lab participants' projects to the attention of industry representatives and executives, thereby opening up pathways to employment and production. Key elements of the program include connecting Lab participants with industry decision-makers, facilitating opportunities for employment and production deals, and leveraging the industry clout and resources of MountainA, the production company founded by Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas.
The program also works alongside partner organisations such as Roadmap Writers, The Writers Guild of America East, New York Women in Film & Television, The Black List, Film Fatales, and others, which help to promote and support the writers and their projects.
The Writers Lab, co-founded by Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon, has already made a significant impact in the industry. With over 400 meetings set up for writers with leading industry members, three produced and released projects, another 38 in pre-production, and high numbers of alumnae signed by representation and hired to write, the Lab has an impressive success rate.
The 12 selected women screenwriters over 40 will gather in early November for a retreat in New York City. The retreat will focus on tools and strategies to navigate the industry and build sustainable careers, with accomplished women creatives as mentors.
MountainA, a television series and film production company, has a first-look deal with Apple TV+ for TV projects. Their credits include the critically acclaimed Todd Haynes feature May December and the HBO original docuseries Angel City. Upcoming projects from MountainA include the animated feature Arco, an art world satire The Gallerist, and the rom-com Good Sex.
The Writers Lab accepts scripts from writers across the globe and is operational in the U.S., the U.K., Europe, and Canada. It is the only program in the world dedicated exclusively to elevating the work of women and nonbinary screenwriters over forty.
The Writers Lab is grateful to supporters Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman, and Sophie Mas, among others. The retreat will mark the 11th annual event hosted by The Writers Lab, with support from these prominent figures.
With the Industry Advocacy Program, The Writers Lab continues to break new ground in promoting and supporting women and nonbinary screenwriters over 40, ensuring they receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve in the industry.
- The Industry Advocacy Program, a new initiative by The Writers Lab, aims to bring Lab participants' projects to the attention of industry representatives and executives, creating sustainable career pathways for diverse women over 40.
- The program partners with MountainA, a production company founded by Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas, to facilitate opportunities for employment and production deals for Lab participants.
- Roadmap Writers, The Writers Guild of America East, New York Women in Film & Television, The Black List, Film Fatales, and other partner organizations also work with The Writers Lab to promote and support writers and their projects.
- The 12 selected women screenwriters over 40 will attend a retreat in New York City to learn tools and strategies for navigating the industry and building sustainable careers, mentored by accomplished women creatives.
- MountainA, a television series and film production company, has a first-look deal with Apple TV+ for TV projects, and its credits include the critically acclaimed Todd Haynes feature May December and the HBO original docuseries Angel City.
- The Writers Lab accepts scripts from writers across the globe and is operational in the U.S., the U.K., Europe, and Canada, making it the only program in the world dedicated exclusively to elevating the work of women and nonbinary screenwriters over forty.
- Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman, Sophie Mas, and other prominent figures are supporters of The Writers Lab, which has hosted an annual retreat for over a decade.
- The screenwriter's lifestyle and the fashion-and-beauty, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth industries are among the potential career pathways that The Writers Lab's Industry Advocacy Program could open up for Lab participants.
- The Industry Advocacy Program is another step in The Writers Lab's mission to break new ground in promoting and supporting women and nonbinary screenwriters over 40, ensuring they receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve in the industry.
