A big change for the Black List annual labs

Introducing the Projects Lab and Writers Lab

A message from the good folks at the Black List:

Do you dream of pitching big ideas to studio execs? Or do you stay up at night thinking about how you’re going to get your vision out into the world? Do you imagine yourself walking through the gates of a studio lot, or are you yelling action on your own indie film set? If any of those sound like you, then we want you to submit for the 2024 Annual Labs.

Starting now, writers can apply for the Annual Lab under two separate tracks: the Writers Lab and the Projects Lab. The Writers Lab track will cater to those who are interested in being a career writer (with an emphasis on working within the studio system), while the Projects Lab will aid writer/directors as they develop their Lab script to direct in the independent space.

No matter which track you choose, the Black List is on the lookout for the best material and the most promising writers. We want screenplays with unique characters and intriguing concepts, and writers with strong professional instincts who want to build long-term careers. The Annual Labs aims to give twelve writers the chance to go forward into the world with a rock-solid script and a foundation of knowledge to guide them, whatever direction they choose.

Submissions are open until July 1, 2024.

This has been in the works for a while and I couldn’t be more excited. Having participated as a mentor at every Black List feature writer lab since their launch in 2013, this is an excellent format change.

• The Writers Lab will allow writers with a similar career goal — to work within the Hollywood studio system — to gather as a cohort.
• The Project Lab will provide a similar focus — for writers whose ambition is to make indie film projects.

This shift will positively impact the composition of each group and the selection of the scripts, each focused on a particular platform: mainstream studio movies or independent filmmaking.

This should also benefit the workshop experience as each group’s feedback will derive from writers who share similar creative, aesthetic, and professional interests.

I look forward to working with both groups in 2024.

For more information on these two feature writer labs, go here.