2024 TV Contest Final Deadline Extended!

Photo by Shawn Nuzzo

We’ve decided to extend our final deadline for our 2024 TV Retreat & Fellowship Contest until SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10TH!

QUALIFY TO ATTEND THE RETREAT

Entering the contest is the only way to get the chance to attend CineStory’s 2024 TV retreat on April 26 – 30. Retreat attendees receive three 90-minute one-on-one sessions with CineStory mentors, participate in “informal rooms,” socialize with other attendees and mentors, and attend other special events. In addition, attendees participate in a mock Drama and a mock Comedy writers’ room so they can experience what it is like inside an actual TV writers’ room. Click here to learn more about the TV retreat.

QUALIFY TO WIN THE FELLOWSHIP

All entrants are also considered for our CineStory Fellowship, who receives a prize valued at $5,000 USD that includes free tuition and lodging to the TV Retreat, a $1,000 cash prize, and a 12-month mentorship from 2 industry mentors to help enhance the Fellow’s career path.

MEET OUR MENTORS

CineStory mentors are committed industry professionals who work with retreat attendees to improve their craft and enhance their projects’ marketability. CineStory mentors include key creative personnel for shows like MR. ROBOT, THE 100, MAD MEN, BILLIONS, THE EXPANSE, NEW GIRL, THE NIGHT SHIFT, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART, I’M SORRY, HALT & CATCH FIRE, and many more. Click here to learn more about our mentors.

OUR SUCCESS STORIES

CineStory alumni have gone on to direct or write for TV shows including THE EXPANSE, PRIVATE PRACTICE, HAPPY TOGETHER, ANDI MACK, BOOMERANG, SUPERNATURAL, THE GLADES, and GRAY’S ANATOMY. Click here for more success stories.

6 NEW SCHOLARSHIPS

There are 6 new scholarships available for the 2024 TV retreat!

• CineStory TV Comedy Scholarship: This scholarship will be awarded to a top writer whose TV pilot reaches the semifinalist level or higher in Original Comedy division of this year’s TV Retreat & Fellowship Contest. The winner will receive a $500 tuition reduction for this year’s CineStory TV Retreat.
• CineStory TV Drama Scholarship: This scholarship will be awarded to a top writer whose TV pilot reaches the semifinalist level or higher in Original Drama division of this year’s TV Retreat & Fellowship Contest. The winner will receive a $500 tuition reduction for this year’s CineStory TV Retreat.
• CineStory TV Sci-Fi Fantasy Scholarship: This scholarship will be awarded to a top writer whose TV pilot reaches the semifinalist level or higher in Original Sci-Fi/Fantasy division of this year’s TV Retreat & Fellowship Contest. The winner will receive a $500 tuition reduction for this year’s CineStory TV Retreat.
• Bellem Entertainment Scholarship: This scholarship will be awarded to a top woman writer with an engaging story to tell who is 40 years of age or older and whose TV Pilot reached the quarterfinalist level or higher in the Original Drama division of this year’s CineStory TV Retreat & Fellowship Contest. The winner will receive a $500 tuition reduction for this year’s CineStory TV Retreat.
• Sartor Underrepresented Voices Scholarship: This scholarship will be awarded to a top writer who belongs to a community that has been historically underrepresented in Hollywood — particularly BIPOC writers, AAPI writers, LGBTQIA+ writers, women writers who are 45 or older, and writers with disabilities — AND whose TV pilot reaches the quarterfinalist level or higher in this year’s TV Retreat & Fellowship Contest. The winner of the Sartor Underrepresented Voices Scholarship will receive a $1,000 tuition reduction for this year’s CineStory TV Retreat.
• Women Storytellers Scholarship: This scholarship will be awarded to a top woman writer who is 40 years of age or older and whose TV pilot reaches the quarterfinalist level or higher in this year’s TV Retreat & Fellowship Contest. The winner will receive a $2,000 tuition reduction for this year’s CineStory TV Retreat.

Please click here to learn more about these scholarships, as well as about the scholarship rules and guidelines.

TESTIMONIALS FROM 2023 TV RETREAT ALUMS

“I’ve done film school, I’ve done film festivals and networking events, but CineStory is simply the best way I’ve ever found to meet other film and TV writers. The amount of talent, passion, and industry knowledge among the writers and mentors is phenomenal. It’s an intense bonding experience that will help you grow your craft by leaps and bounds.” – Alex Reed

“I’m blown away by the supportive community CineStory has built. And the industry pros who offer mentorship are top-notch all around. Highly recommend!” – Annie C. Wright

“CineStory is the rarest of experiences: a safe, joyful, collaborative space to learn from working writers and other industry mentors, bond with your peers, and level up your work. I came away from the weekend inspired, reinvigorated, and far more knowledgeable about the craft and business of screenwriting. And I had a blast!” – Rebecca Miller

“CineStory is a fantastic experience in an idyllic location where screenwriters can not only hone their craft but also recharge their creative batteries. Write on!” – Ray Gettman Bush

SUBMIT NOW

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to enhance your career. Submit your original TV pilot by the final deadline of Sunday, December 10th to the 2024 TV Retreat & Fellowship Contest. We want to read your scripts!