ISA Fast Track Fellowship – Fall 2026 Season
When your script is ready, access is everything.

Breaking into the industry is all about getting into the right rooms at the right time with the right people.

The ISA Fast Track Fellowship is designed to make that happen.

This isn’t a contest built on chance or passive exposure. It’s a hands-on, career-focused experience that connects you directly with industry professionals who are actively developing projects, signing writers, and shaping what gets made.

If you’re ready to move beyond validation and into real opportunity, this is your next step.

Fast Track Fellows receive:
- Eight curated, one-on-one meetings with agents, managers, producers, and executives
- Direct access to decision-makers who can open doors and accelerate your career
- Real insight into how the industry works, straight from the people inside it
- No panels. No filler. Just meaningful conversations with people who have the power to move your work forward.

The Fellowship Experience
- Each season, two standout writers are selected for a week of private, high-impact meetings with top industry professionals.

These aren’t general introductions. These are targeted, intentional conversations designed to help you:

- Build real relationships
- Position your work effectively
- Take the next step in your career with clarity and confidence

Past participants have connected with:
- Producers with Sundance premieres
- Literary agents and managers scouting fresh voices
- Development leads behind hits on Netflix and BET+
- The exec behind a #1 movie on Hulu
- A creative exec from Will Ferrell’s Gloria Sanchez Productions
- Even Academy Award-winning director Damien Chazelle (Whiplash, La La Land) has participated numerous times.

Each season our execs are phenomenal. Don’t believe us? See the list below as they are announced.

Proven Results
The Fast Track Fellowship has helped writers turn momentum into measurable career growth.

Fellows have:
- Signed with major agencies like CAA and ICM
- Secured development deals
- Joined the ISA Development Slate, where their work is actively championed to producers
- This is where emerging writers become working writers.

What We’re Looking For
- We’re seeking bold, original, and emotionally resonant storytelling across:

• Action / Adventure
• Comedy
• Drama
• Historical / Biographical
• Sci-Fi / Fantasy
• Suspense (Mystery, Crime, Horror, Thriller)

Now Accepting Spec Scripts in any category!
(Original pilots, features, or episodes of existing TV shows)

Submit Now
If your script is ready, and you’re ready to be taken seriously, this is your moment.

Apply now and step into the conversations that can change your career.

Past Executives Have Included:
- Pen Densham - Producer / Writer (Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Harriet, Twilight Zone)
- Damien Chazelle - Oscar Winner, Writer and Director (LA LA Land, Whiplash, Babylon)
- Elissa Karasik - Producer / Writer (The Marvels, Lessons in Chemistry, WeCrashed)
- Cherry Chevapravatdumrong - Producer / Writer (Crazy Rich Asians, Awkafina is Nora From Queens, Joy Ride)
- Alex Brown - Head of Film at Will Ferrell's Gloria Sanchez Productions

Videomaker offer: All Fast Track applicants receive FREE three-month trial to Videomaker’s premium Professional digital subscription, which features access to 59 video-making courses, a library worth $240, crafted to support creators at every level. Details in your entry confirmation.

2 Fast Track Fellows Receive
- 8 general meetings with studio / development executives & literary reps
- A pitch practice session
- Pre Fast Track Week prep session with Suzanne Gundersen, Inner Story Consultant
- Invitation onto the ISA Development Slate
- Year-long script development and guidance from ISA's VP of Development
- A 12-Month ISAConnect Membership
- Fellowship announcements to media outlets
- Selected from 6 Top Category Selections

6 Category Selections (Listed in Program Description Above) Receive
- $500 cash each
- The Craft Course in Screenwriting ($299 value)
- A 3-Month ISAConnect Membership
- Consideration for acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate
- Selected from Top 50

Top 50 Receive
- Free six-month trial of Pro Annual Plus Videomaker membership
- Consideration for the 6 Top Category Selections

All writers at every level are welcome to apply. Our mission, as always, is to shine a light on writers looking to open new doors. We have our eye on the future of this industry and are genuinely looking to amplify unique stories.

All general meetings with executives are online.

FAQs:
Who are the general meetings with, and what can I ask them?
All executives will be listed on the home description page as they are announced, and you can ask them anything you like in the meetings. The time is yours, what you make of it is up to you, so plan ahead. You'll spend about 30 minutes with each executive over a 5 day period.

Can I pitch my project in the meetings?
These are not pitch meetings. Unless they request you to pitch them, it is your time to ask questions about the industry and build relationships rather than sell your work. You will know after the meeting (or maybe even during) if the executive is interested in working with you further.

When is Fast Track Week?
The week of November 16, 2026

Are the meetings in person or virtual?
All meetings will be virtual.

Is it one Feature writer and one TV Pilot writer that is chosen?
No, TV Pilots and Features run together. We are looking for the best writers overall, so feel free to submit both types of scripts as one writer.

Do you accept submissions via snail mail?
No. In an attempt to be green, we’re not accepting hard copies via the postal service. We’re accepting online submissions and online payments via the ISA website. This includes all major credit cards.

Do I have to submit my script as a PDF?
Yes, and if you aren't sure how to create a PDF our staff is happy to help.

Should I include my title page with my screenplay?
Yes, you should include your title, your name, telephone number, and email address.

Can I submit a screenplay under a pen name?
Yes.

Can I submit with a co-writer?
Yes. Prizes will be issued per project, not based on the number of writers.

Does my script have to be registered?
No, but we DO recommend registering your work with the WGA and/or the Library of Congress Copyright office.

Does the writer maintain rights to the screenplay?
Yes, always!

Do I receive feedback with my submission?
You can order feedback for an additional fee. Choose your FEE TYPE to make your feedback selection at the bottom of the submission form.
- 1st 20 Pages: $39
- Full Feedback: $69
- Deep Dive: $89 (Normally $99)
- Development Evaluation: $149 (Normally $199)

When will I receive my feedback?
Your feedback will be emailed to you within 90 days of submitting your script, usually much sooner.

Can I re-submit a rewrite or corrected versions of my script if I haven't ordered feedback?
No, you must submit your screenplay as a new submission for the price of the current deadline fee.

What if I make a mistake and send the wrong script?
If you make a legitimate mistake applying and recognize this within 24 hours, email us here, and we'll send you instructions on replacing your screenplay: FastTrack@NetworkISA.org

Do I need to submit a logline? Synopsis?
Logline: YES / Synopsis: NO

Do you accept short screenplays?
No, not at this time.

Will my screenplay be accepted if it’s not in the traditional format?
Scripts should be written in standard spec screenplay or teleplay format, set in 12-point Courier font. Scripts should be standard length.

What's the minimum/maximum permitted page length?
Features: 70 - 120 pages. TV Pilots: 10 - 70 pages.

My screenplay is longer than 120 pages. Will it be disqualified?
No, but we urge you to stay within the guidelines. It’s rare that a good screenplay requires more than the standard number of pages.

If I'm over 120 pages and receiving feedback, will my full script be read?
A $1 per page fee may be charged separately over 121 pages for features and over 71 pages for TV (including the Title Page) on submissions and feedback orders.

What genres do you accept, and can I submit with more than one?
We accept all genres. We understand scripts can be categorized in many genres. You are welcome to submit in more than one genre, but another submission fee is required. These are the more common genres: Action/Adventure, Thriller, Animation, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Comedy, Drama, Family, Historical, and Horror.

Do you accept novels, short stories, stage plays, musicals, treatments or synopses, reality show concepts or documentaries?
No, we’re sorry; we do not. We accept ORIGINAL narrative feature length screenplays and narrative half-hour or hour-long TV pilots only.

Can I submit an adaptation of a book or play?
Absolutely, as long as you have full rights to the material and either are the author or have a written agreement with the author allowing this script to be written and marketed.

Can I apply with multiple scripts?
You may apply with as many scripts as you like to this fellowship, but the submission process is limited to one script per transaction on the ISA.

Will applying early increase or decrease my chance of being a finalist?
Applying early will neither increase or decrease your chance of being chosen, but it will save you money!

How will I know if you received my script?
You will receive an email confirming your submission immediately upon completing form and payment. If you do not, please email us here: FastTrack@NetworkISA.org

What if my script is optioned or sold after I submit to Fast Track?
As long as your script was not optioned or sold prior to the date you submitted, you are still eligible.

I don’t live in the United States. Can I still enter?
Yes, and we look forward to reading your work. Please just make sure it’s in English. No other languages are accepted at this time.

Any other questions feel free to email us here: FastTrack@NetworkISA.org

RULES:
Until further notice, all general meetings will be virtual.
All writers from all countries are welcome to apply to the ISA Fast Track, however all scripts must be submitted in English, and application fees must be paid in U.S. dollars.
Previous Fast Track Fellows may not apply in any future ISA Fast Track Fellowship.
Script must be the original work of the applicant and may not be encumbered by any third party.
Scripts that have been sold, produced for a profit, or are currently under option are not eligible.
Original full-length feature screenplays and TV Pilots only are accepted. Anything else, including but not limited to short scripts or web series, novels, short stories, stage plays, musicals, treatments, synopses, reality show concepts, and/or documentaries are not eligible. Script submissions must be an original screenplay or teleplay.
Screenplays adapted from the submitting writer's own self-published books, plays, or other source materials are eligible if the writer retains all rights to the work.
Adaptations from other works are permissible provided the writer has written permission by the owner to adapt the material.
Adaptations of works in the public domain are permissible.
Co-written material will be accepted. However, any and all prizes issued will be based on a single applicant. Both writers can attend and participate in general meetings.
Multiple submissions are accepted by one writer, however if one or more screenplays of the same writer tie, only one screenplay (the decided “best”) will be selected to determine the chosen "Fellow."
The writer understands that script feedback can take up to 90-days turn-around time and may not be received before the end of the final application deadline.
The ISA cannot guarantee feedback for the submitted script will be received within enough time to resubmit during the same season.
Applicants must submit materials and payment online only.
Once a script has been submitted, substitutions of new drafts or corrections may only be accepted within 24 hours of the original application. A revised draft of a script may be accepted after 24 hours if it is submitted as a new application with the appropriate fee.
Promotional discounts or waivers offered may only be utilized at the time of submission.
Promotional discounts or waivers offered may not apply on all submission platforms (i.e. Film Freeway)
If a writer receives an Application Fee Waiver as part of a Feedback Promotion or otherwise, the waiver is valid only during the current season, unless an expiration date is otherwise specified. Application Fee Waivers will not be honored in subsequent seasons.
Writers under the age of 18 years old must have parent or legal guardian’s permission to participate.
Fellowship applicants must accept without reservation the decisions rendered by the judges.
The writer understands that it is his/her sole responsibility to register material to be submitted with the U.S. Copyright Office and/or with the Writer’s Guild of America or the appropriate agency in his/her country.
Applicants awarded a place in the Top 50 or higher understand and accept that the ISA will be free to use his/her name, likeness and voice for advertising or promotional purposes without additional consideration.
Writers retain the rights to their screenplay.
Applicants are non-exclusive to ISA Fast Track and may submit their screenplay to any other person, competition, producer, agent, publisher, and/or organization.
No transfer, substitution or cash equivalent for prizes is allowed.
The ISAConnect Membership gift may only be used within 90 days and may not be combined with any current free membership.
ISA will not be held responsible for general meeting cancellations or rescheduling.
If Fast Track Fellows miss or are late to a general meeting, the ISA makes no guarantees to reschedule.
Length requirements are as follows: 1). Full-Length Features: 70-121 pages. 2). TV Pilots: Up to 71 pages. (both include the title page)
If applicant orders feedback a $1 per page fee may be charged separately over 121 pages for features and 71 pages for television, including the title page for submissions and feedback orders.
Standard title pages should be included: listing the script title, name of author(s), telephone number, and email address. Applicants will not be disqualified if it is not included.
Under no circumstances should the writer include name or contact information within the body of the script.
ISA is not responsible for any applicant errors or omissions on any submitted application materials.
Synopses, casting suggestions, letters, resumes and photos will not be considered. TV Pilot submissions may include standard supplementary materials, such as lists of recurring characters and future episodes.
The writer accepts, without reservation, that the submitted logline and screenplay will be reviewed by ISA staff and/or panel of Industry Judges for evaluation and that any one of these employees, or judges may have been or may be exploring ideas similar to the submitted material, and the applicant hereby waives any claim that the ISA and Fast Track, its staff or judges may have misappropriated any ideas or portions of the submission, logline or screenplay.
There are no refunds for any reason after 24 hours from submission.
The writer understands and accepts without reservation that he/she is an independent contractor and that Fast Track Administrators are not responsible for withholding any taxes or payments to any government agency, at any level, be it state, local or federal.
By submitting to this fellowship, the writer's email address will be added to the contest database as well as the International Screenwriters' Association newsletter for weekly updates, contest promotions and other notifications. The writer may unsubscribe at any time.
It is our full intention to fulfill all prizes as posted. However, due to an unlikely event, act of God or other, we reserve the right to update or edit prizes.
The Fellow will be recorded during interviews and the ISA has the right to use their name, likeness and voice for educational and promotional purposes.
To submit materials and be considered, the writer must agree to the Rules.

Overall Rating
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  • Highly recommend! ISA Fast Track was a wonderful experience!! Felicity and Shayna are kind, genuine and truly passionate about their writers. I had a whirlwind week of 8 meetings with executives, Upper-level TV writers and producers. A few highlights included: Elissa Karasik, Screenwriter of The Marvels, Niceole Levy, Co-EP on Found (NBC) and Scott Emmer, Development Executive at Riverside Entertainment. These meetings led to script requests, an open door for submissions and even the exchange of contact info. If you want access to the Hollywood decision makers, then ISA Fast Track is definitely the way to go!! Also, the $500 dollar cash prize was a nice added bonus!

    May 2024