Twelve authors chose for the eleventh annual writers' workshop
The Writers Lab, a program dedicated to elevating the work of women and nonbinary screenwriters over the age of 40, has announced its expansion plans for 2022. Co-founded by Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon, the lab has been operational in the U.S., the U.K., Europe, and Canada, and this year, it will hold its retreat in New York City for the first time.
The 12 selected writers for this year's lab come from various projects, including Half-Hr comedies, Feature horrors, One-Hr dramas, and historical dramas. Some of the writers include Susannah Bohlke, Roni Brown-Byrd, Cylin Busby, Lisa Cole, Zsofia Darida, Sara Hallowell, Marty Johnson, Jaime Kawamoto, Tamika Lamison, Deb McCurdy, MK McGhee, and Veronica Reyes-How.
MountainA, a production company founded by Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas in 2020, has come forward with support for The Writers Lab to develop an Industry Advocacy Program. The new initiative aims to build a pipeline for participants in The Writers Lab, bringing projects to the attention of industry representatives and executives, and opening pathways to employment and production for women and nonbinary screenwriters over forty.
Roadmap Writers, a screenwriting education and training platform, has signed on to promote the 12 winners and additional top scorers of The Writers Lab this year. Other collaborators include The Writers Guild of America East, New York Women in Film & Television, The Black List, Film Fatales, the Alliance of Women Directors, Firecracker Department, the Female Eye Film Festival, and Untamed Stories.
The program accepts scripts from writers globally and has an impressive success rate. Over 400 meetings have been set up for writers with leading industry members, 3 TWL projects have been produced and released, and another 38 are currently in pre-production. The lab offers mentorship, advocacy, and exposure to women screenwriters in their prime, with alumni having been staffed in writers rooms, signed with managers and agents, landed deals, and moved their scripts into production.
For more information about The Writers Lab, visit twlstories.org, and follow on all social platforms @The_Writers_Lab. The upcoming projects from MountainA include the animated feature Arco, an art world satire The Gallerist, and the rom-com Good Sex. The 2025 lab will offer an expanded roster of influential, experienced filmmakers to mentor participants, including Anne Carey, Susan Cartsonis, and Anya Epstein. The lab will focus on tools and strategies to navigate the ever-shifting landscape of professional opportunities and to build sustainable careers.
- The Writers Lab, a program focused on empowering women and nonbinary screenwriters aged 40 and above, is planning to expand in 2022, hosting its retreat in New York City for the first time.
- The 12 writers selected for this year's lab are from diverse projects such as Half-Hr comedies, Feature horrors, One-Hr dramas, and historical dramas.
- MountainA, a production company founded by Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas, is supporting The Writers Lab to develop an Industry Advocacy Program.
- Roadmap Writers, a screenwriting education and training platform, has agreed to promote the 12 winners and additional top scorers of The Writers Lab this year.
- The Writers Lab accepts scripts from writers globally and has a remarkable success rate, with over 400 meetings set up for writers with leading industry members.
- The lab offers mentorship, advocacy, and exposure to women screenwriters during their prime, with alumni having been staffed in writers rooms, signed with managers and agents, and moved their scripts into production.
- The program's upcoming projects include the animated feature Arco, art world satire The Gallerist, and the rom-com Good Sex, produced by MountainA.
- For personal growth and education in self-development, fashion and beauty, or lifestyle, one can follow @The_Writers_Lab on all social platforms or visit twlstories.org for more information.
- The 2025 lab will feature an expanded roster of influential and experienced filmmakers to mentor participants, including Anne Carey, Susan Cartsonis, and Anya Epstein, with a focus on tools and strategies for navigating professional opportunities and building sustainable careers.
