SeriesFest is thrilled to announce this year’s TV Writing Lab in partnership with Next50 Foundation! We’re looking for emerging episodic writers to join us for an exclusive Writers Retreat in the fall of 2026 in Colorado.
The TV Writing Lab in partnership with The Next50 Foundation seeks unproduced 20-45 minute pilots that challenge the perception of aging and scripts must be void of stereotypes traditionally associated with aging.

Seeking series that move beyond outdated or one-dimensional portrayals. Instead of familiar tropes, we’re excited to see nuanced, authentic, and surprising representations of older adults.

Intergenerational stories are not only welcome—they’re encouraged!

Awards & Prizes

Three Series Projects will be selected to take part in a 3-day intensive in the fall of 2026 led by Call to Adventure Media where their pilot scripts will be workshopped by industry mentors and experts. Activities include one-on-one meetings, small group workshops, mini writers’ rooms, and networking opportunities.

What is included: Accommodations and Ground Transportation in Colorado

What is not included: Airfare and Meals

Rules & Terms

ELIGIBILITY:
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- Must have a valid passport

ENTRY MATERIALS :
-Pilot script (all genres are welcome) Between 18 - 40 pages

- Seeking stories that thoughtfully challenge and expand perceptions of aging—think along the lines of Grace and Frankie, Hacks, or Shrinking. Show us dynamic, complex characters and fresh perspectives that reflect the richness of life at every stage.

Scripts must not include stereotypical portrayals of aging
- The ‘frail’ and helpless older adult or sickly elder in need of constant care
- Grumpy curmudgeon
- Sweet grandparent with no character or lines

- Series Format Deck to be uploaded to the application page under “Files & Attachments”. The Series Format Deck is a 2-15 page document that includes a logline, series regular and recurring character descriptions, and Season One story arch or future episode descriptions.

-Writers Bio & Resume

To be eligible for the contest, entrants must be aged 21 years or older. Limit one entry per person. Each entry must include only one (1) script. Entries must be written in English. Scripts must not be encumbered by any obligation to, or option held by a third party.

Unregistered submissions will not be reviewed! If you are having trouble with the online form, please e-mail us at info@seriesfest.com and we will be glad to help guide you through the process.
8 Reviews
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  • Jordana Lilly

    SeriesFest was hands down the most professional festival our team has come across - stellar communication, organization, quality of panels, events and networking opportunities. The staff was so welcoming, kind and all around awesome, and so was pretty much everyone involved in the festival! They’ve managed to build such a fantastic community, we made so many connections, friends, and future collaborators and had pretty much the most fun weekend ever! They really know how to run a festival, and curate the best vibes!

    July 2022
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  • Jeremiah Dunlap

    Amazing festival, especially if you are submitting an episodic pilot. Filmmakers are so well taken care of, and the value for the artist pass was the best we’ve seen in the festival circuit. The panels and premieres were all top industry professionals, and the whole festival was incredibly well organized and scheduled. We made lots of connections, and Seriesfest was an amazing opportunity for us. We hope we get the chance to come back!

    June 2022
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  • Cronin Cullen

    SeriesFest is a phenomenal festival and experience. While independent television is gaining some traction and has a more public venue for up and coming artists to be seen, SeriesFest has mastered this art and forum. Their content curation was inspiring, the panels were informative and the setting is intimate and incredibly fun. Our entire team created new friendships. potential partnerships and access to and feedback from the industry in a way beyond our expectations. I can not wait to create more work and get back to Denver next year!

    May 2022
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  • John Trefry

    I've been to many festivals and was completely blown away by SeriesFest. From the programming and panel discussions to the projects we screened alongside, it was excellent. For anyone who is interested in episodic, this is one of the "must visit" festivals that you need to attend. It's also worth noting that the hospitality side of SeriesFest is top-notch, with great parties and events, including a concert at the world-famous Red Rocks venue! Honestly can't say enough great things about the festival and the amazing staff who are truly committed to providing a valuable experience for creators, guests and audiences.

    May 2022
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  • Elaine Del Valle

    This festival is phenomenal. It's intimate and high powered. It's contained in a perfect setting with terrific panels and a dedicated team that makes you feel seen and heard. Even if industry was not in my theater, they all seemed to know the work. Denver is magnificent and so is the hotel. Everything is back to back, so there is little downtime, so bring Protein bars. Excellent hospitality, filmmaker Q & A's, Panels, Setting. Films played great. Guests were exciting experts in their field. Filmmakers felt like a community. I made friends. It has a very heartfelt touch to it as well and I sincerely congratulate the vision and execution of this gem of a festival meant to help indie filmmakers break into TV! You also get to really experience Denver. The Red Rocks Concert was magnificent. The only thing that could have made it better is if they did not have competing events. While giving guests more to choose from, It made it harder for some film blocks to be as seen as much as others...making uneven playing field for the audience award. Highly recommend this event and the leaders that put this amazing filmmaker opportunity together. PS Tip for Denver travel--Bring a humidifier...it's super dry.

    May 2022
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