The Jewish Writers’ Initiative is offering a great opportunity to MOT scribes who want to tell Jewish stories. They’re seeking commercially viable TV, film and digital media scripts that explore Jewish themes, such as Jewish identity, culture, values, heritage, religion, spirituality, or history.
Formed by Crystal City Entertainment and the Maimonides Fund, the program is open to writers based in the United States who are 18 years of age or older, and have completed a full-length script prior to their participation. Established, up-and-coming, and graduate school writers are eligible, as are writing teams.
Those selected will receive a $36,000 stipend and advice to develop their projects via three seminars, one-on-one mentorship, and other resources. The seminars will be held in Los Angeles, New York and Israel, with travel and other expenses paid. Writers will retain ownership of their scripts and screenplays.
Applicants must submit a cover letter including links to relevant films or projects; a one-paragraph summary of the project you want the Initiative to consider; a written synopsis (up to five pages); a video statement in which you pitch your script in two minutes or less and explain your goals as an artist and why it’s important to tell this story, in three minutes or less; your original full-length script; and two references, at least one from a professional or academic source. There is no fee to apply. Visit the website. The deadline is Sept. 15.
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