For Writers – Producers In collaboration with
The Writers Lab International.
A Cohort for Writer Producers
Developed in collaboration with The Writers Lab International,
the cohort brings together screenwriting craft and producer-led creative development, recognising that the strongest projects emerge when Story, Structure, and Production thinking evolve together.
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Applications Open - 17th March 2026
Applications Close - 6th April 2026
Program Timeline
23rd - 25th April
Session Dates
26th April - 3rd May
Off Session Time To Work On Material
4th - 6th May
One on One Mentor Session
The Program Invites
This lab is designed for Writer–Producers, Writer–producer teams, and Producers who are interested in engaging deeply with creative development and screenwriting craft. Writers working independently will be unable to apply. Writers working with
a producer in early development can apply as a writer + producer team.
Outcome
Designed to support writer–producers, teams, and producers in early development, each mentor adopts a project to review its submitted outline. Through focused
one-on-one discussions, project teams receive direct feedback, while producers
without projects engage with and learn from peer projects in the room.
Meet the Mentors
Nitza Wilon
Co-Founder of The Writers Lab
Nitza Wilon co-founded The Writers Lab with Elizabeth Kaiden in 2015 and is a founding partner of Women in the Script Trade (WIST) with Elizabeth. WIST ran the script-development labs for the Athena Film Festival (NY and LA) and co-produces The Writers Lab with NYWIFT, and provides individual support for exceptional women screenwriters.
Leena Yadav
Filmmaker
Leena Yadav's career as an independent filmmaker has been defined by her unwavering commitment to exploring unconventional themes and her enriching collaborations with international artists. Her work versatile across various genres and formats and consistently receives critical acclaim and recognition.
Elizabeth Kaiden
Co-Founder of The Writers Lab
Elizabeth Kaiden co-founded The Writers Lab with Nitza Wilon in 2015 and is a founding Partner, with Nitza, of Women in the Script Trade (WIST), where she works individually with exceptional women screenwriters. WIST also ran script-development labs in NY and LA for the Athena Film Festival 2016-2020.
Abhishek Chaubey
Filmmaker
Abhishek, a renowned Indian filmmaker who co-wrote and directed the critically acclaimed dacoit action film, Sonchiriya, an RSVP production. He began his career as an associate director and co-writer to Vishal Bhardwaj for his debut Makdee (2002) & went on to assist him in his subsequent films, and most notably co-wrote Vishal's trendsetting Omkara (2006) and Kaminey (2009).
Eligibility
Applicants should be writer–producers with demonstrable experience across both writing and producing—through academic training, professional work, or
a combination of both. We also welcome producers who are keen to deepen their creative development practice and engage more meaningfully with screenwriting craft.
As part of the application, all applicants are required to submit a Proof of Concept, which may include script excerpts, a 3–5 page outline, a treatment, and an optional deck.
Selection will be based on the strength and clarity of the project, along with
the applicant’s profile, intent, and readiness to engage with the cohort.
As this is a producer-first creative development lab, writer–producers are especially encouraged to apply.
Submission Requirements
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Logline
(no more than 50 words)
Description of the feature-length story, with a beginning, middle and end.
(Two pages)
Two sample Scenes from the script
(5 pages maximum)
Optional Deck
(12 pages maximum)
Optional Outline
(4 pages maximum)
Short Treatment
(5-10 PAGES maximum), In place of the treatment if
you have a Long Synopsis you can choose to submit the same.
STORY,
STRUCTURE & PRODUCTION
BUILT TOGETHER.
Program Fees
The program fee is ₹35,000 + GST.
This includes a 10-day guided online lab, mentorship with personalised feedback, access to the ProducerLAND community, and continued engagement through post-lab resources and networking opportunities.
"South Asian storytelling has an incredibly rich history, and we're thrilled to be part of this initiative that will elevate and amplify new and resonant voices that have yet to be heard."
Elizabeth Kaiden & Nitza Wilon
Co-Founders of The Writers Lab
