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The CRAFT Institute presents "The Writers Retreat"

 

An in-person 3-day residency in picturesque Martha’s Vineyard. We aim to provide Four (4) Black screenwriters with the resources and tools to workshop their Feature Script or TV Pilot in a safe, supportive environment. All genres welcome. All expenses covered by The CRAFT Institute.

 

The retreat includes 1:1 mentorship, seminars, writing shares and opportunities for connection building that are sustained beyond the 3 days. 

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Date: September 20 - 22, 2024

Location: Black Ivy Cottage, Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard

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About The CRAFT Institute: The CRAFT Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to curating culturally inclusive ecosystems throughout the world of arts and entertainment by transforming formal training and industry practices while promoting equitable access. Through curriculum and pedagogy, creative content development and production, networking opportunities and events, CRAFT’s consultation, coaching, workshops and clearinghouse of resources amplify the work of the people of the global majority and culturally specific institutions.

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About CreateEnsemble.com: Create Ensemble is an incubator that provides a learning and talent development infrastructure for creatives of color. It encourages cross pollination through collaboration across various creative spaces and cultural backgrounds. Through seed funding and community support, Create Ensemble fosters a thriving ecosystem for the emergence and growth of new and existing talent, stories, and perspectives.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

The application window for the Writers Retreat 2024 has closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted! 

  • I don’t live in the United States. May I apply for the Writers Retreat?
    Yes, absolutely! But please remember that your screenplay must be written in English.
  • Are you accepting applications with short film scripts?
    No. At this time, we are accepting applications with Feature length scripts and TV Pilots.
  • I am a playwright. Can I apply?
    Only with a Feature film script or a TV Pilot. No stage plays.
  • How many people are accepted into the program? Can I apply with my writing partner?
    4 individual writers will be accepted into the program. We are not accepting writers teams for this inaugural launch.
  • Can I submit more than 1 entry?
    At this time, we are accepting one (1) entry per writer. One script per writer.
  • When does the application window close?
    The submission window opens on May 5th at 3:00pm ET and ends on May 26th, 2024 at 11:59pm ET, OR until the maximum entry limit of 250 submissions are received. The application will close submissions once the maximum number of entries are received or the final deadline is reached--whichever occurs first.
  • What are the page guidelines for submitting screenplays?
    For the first round, we are asking for a 10 page sample (excluding title page) of your script. For the second round, we will ask for full scripts. We recommend you adhere to the following guidelines: 120 pages for Feature 65 pages for 1 Hour Pilot 35 pages for Half Hour Pilot Your script will not be disqualified if it is a few pages longer or shorter than our specified length. Please note the Judges who are evaluating your script are industry professionals, and any deviation from industry standards may put you at a disadvantage.
  • Once I enter, how will I know for sure that you received my script and payment?
    As you fill out our application on CreateEnsemble.com, once you’ve successfully entered your script file, a confirmation message will be sent to your email to let you know your script has been uploaded and saved in our database, and payment was received.
  • If I apply to the Writers Retreat, will you claim any rights to my script or any percentage of future profits?
    Absolutely not. You retain all rights to your work at all times. Neither The CRAFT Institute, CreateEnsemble.com, nor its Administrators, Sponsors or Judges will attach themselves to your script as a condition of you applying to the Writers Retreat or joining the cohort, nor will we demand any percentage of any sales you make as a result of entering or winning the contest. The profits are entirely yours.
  • What genres are you accepting?
    We are open to all Fiction Feature-Length Films and TV Pilots! Accepting comedies, sci-fi, horror, thrillers, romcoms, etc. We are not accepting documentaries.
  • Will you accept documentaries?
    No. This the inaugural launch, we will be accepting Fiction Feature Film Screenplays and TV pilot scripts.
  • Can I submit a musical?
    Yes! As long as it is a Feature Film Screenplay or a TV pilot script.
  • May I receive the scores from my application?
    Yes! We are offering to share Judges scores of the first round (first 10 pages of script, excluding title page) for an additional $30. This is separate request you will make after you submit your application. Please email egoes@thecraftinstitute.org to request.
  • I am experiencing a technical difficulty. What should I do?
    We are so excited to be working with CreateEnsemble.com, an incubator that provides a learning and talent development infrastructure for creatives of color. Please note that is a new platform, it is operational and still being developed. If you are experiencing technical difficulties while on the platform, please contact contact@createensemble.com. The platform will be readily available to support any questions or concerns you have. We are thank you for your patience and supporting a new, inclusive platform built by and for creatives of color. If you have other general questions, you are welcome to email Emily Goes, egoes@thecraftinstitute.org.
  • Do I have to make a profile on Create Ensemble to access the application?
    Yes! To access the application, you must create a free profile as a creative on CreateEnsemble.com. We encourage you to complete your profile with any information and links you would like to be considered in your application. If you have any questions about this process, email Emily at egoes@thecraftinstitute.org.
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