WGSA VIRTUAL WRITERS’ ROOM MENTORING PROGRAM: CALL FOR MENTEES

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Sponsored by the NFVF PESP4 Program

CALL FOR ASPIRING WRITERS

We have only ten spots available and are looking for the best of the best—the most undiscovered talent in South Africa who show full capabilities of completing the program.

The WGSA will take on ten mentees, pair each with a professional mentor (script editor/scriptwriter), and put them all in a virtual writers’ room with a Showrunner. The team will develop a concept for a ten-episode limited series. Break it into episodes, and each mentee will write an episode of this series. Your mentor will be alongside you to help you deliver your best.

Once completed, the Showrunner and the WGSA will pitch the series to the streamers operating in South Africa, and should this be produced, you will get your screen credits and be able to enter the world of professional writers.

The program will commence in October with four virtual writers’ room sessions—one-on-one sessions with your mentor. The program will run over eight weeks, with time in between for you to draft your episodes. The program will have set deadlines for specific work, the same as in real life when contracting to write on a series similar to this. We will have a break over the festive season and conclude the program by mid-February 2024.

REQUIREMENTS (PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE)
  1. You must have written a script.
  2. You may not apply if you already have writer screen credits.
  3. You must have access to screenwriting software and a computer/laptop and be proficient in using those.
  4. Loadshedding Resilience: South Africa’s unique challenges include load shedding. You must be equipped to handle disruptions and continue your work even during power outages.
  5. Availability:  You must be available for the project and commit firmly.
  6. Data Connectivity: You must have reliable data connections to communicate and collaborate effectively.
  7. You must be 35 years or younger to apply.
  8. Applications are open to both WGSA members and non-members. However, successful candidates will be required to become a WGSA member. Arrangements can be made to have the fees deducted from your stipend.

Successful applicants will receive a minimal stipend to support their creative endeavours.

**Submission Deadline** September 18, 2023, at midnight.

For more information, please contact treasurer@writersguildsa.org

APPLY HERE