The Sloan Science and Technology Writer Fellowship offers a project development grant and access to creative support for one emerging to mid-level feature film or episodic screenwriter whose project explores themes of science and technology. The Fellowship will equip the participant with connections, insights, and resources to help develop the script and support the eventual production and theatrical release of the project.

Please note: this application will contain questions on the writer’s engagement with scientific experts and research as it pertains to their submitted project.

Please also note: as a component of the Sloan Writer Fellowship is participation in TIFF Writers' Studio, previous Writers' Studio participants are not eligible to apply.

Funding for the Fellowship is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation’s Public Understanding of Science and Technology program, which supports books, radio, film, television, theatre, and new media to reach a wide, non-specialized audience and to bridge the two cultures of science and the humanities.

BEFORE STARTING YOUR TIFF SLOAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WRITER FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION, REVIEW THE CHECKLIST BELOW:

1. You meet the eligibility requirements for the TIFF Sloan Science and Technology Writer Fellowship and agree to provide all the required submission materials.

2. You have created a new project under the “My Projects” section of your profile for this specific programme application. The project is titled “FIRST AND LAST NAME – TIFF SLOAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WRITER FELLOWSHIP – 2024” and is a Film / Video project type.

● NOTE: After saving your new project, return to the TIFF Sloan Science and Technology Writer Fellowship FilmFreeway event page to fill out the application.

3. You have uploaded the materials listed below to the “My Projects” section. (NOTE: Go to https://filmfreeway.com/projects and click “View” on your project to upload your video and PDF files.)

● The complete latest draft of your submitted project's script, in PDF format.
○ Upload this file to the “Files & Attachments” section of your project.

● A video pitch, no more than two minutes in duration. The video should tell us: i. a bit about your project; ii. your writing approach (your voice/vision as a creator); iii. why you’d like to participate in the TIFF Sloan Science and Technology Writer Fellowship.
○ Upload this file to the “Add an Online Screener” section of your project.
○ NOTE: The jury will not be evaluating the quality of the video but the statements made by the applicant. This can be recorded on a cellphone.

● A one-minute clip from a previous project on which you are credited as writer or co-writer, uploaded in the “Add a trailer” section of your project. Use the upload tool to add your trailer. Please follow these guidelines for your clip submission:
○ The clip must be no longer than one minute.
○ Ensure that the clip is in high resolution.
○ After the project title on the video file, include in parentheses where the clip is from: a short, feature, or episode.
○ Ensure that the clip includes English subtitles if the language spoken is not English.
○ Demo reels, trailers, and music videos will not be accepted.
○ Submissions of full films or episodes with time codes will not be considered by the jury.

● The following supporting documents:
- A copy of your resume in PDF format (maximum one page)
- Your filmography (project title, year, role(s), festivals/platforms screened, and a maximum of five awards or nominations received per project) in one PDF document
- The following written materials from the submitted project: logline (50 words), synopsis (250 words), one-page outline, a writing sample (five pages).

Rules & Terms

ELIGIBILITY

The Sloan Science & Technology Writer Fellowsip is designed for emerging to mid-level screenwriters and writer-directors who wish to extend their creative skills.

Applications are open to international applicants as well as Canadians.

Applicants must be credited as a writer on a minimum of either one (1) feature film or one (1) television series.

Applicants must be in development (minimum first draft complete) on a feature-length film or episodic series project. Successful applicants should be ready to submit a final draft copy of their script to TIFF by February 20, 2024, so that it may be read by mentors and peers and workshopped during the Writers' Studio programme.

Applicants must commit to attending the full Writers' Studio programme and completing the required readings, viewings, and assignments in order to be considered.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Candidates must fill out the application in full, attaching itemized supporting documents listed above, to be considered.

Applications must be completed by applicants themselves and not by third parties (e.g. assistants, co-workers).

Successful candidates are required to include the words “Developed with support from TIFF Writers’ Studio and the Sloan Foundation” on subsequent drafts of the screenplay they workshop at Writers’ Studio.

Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge TIFF Writers’ Studio and the Sloan Foundation on the credits of a completed feature film or episodic project that has been workshopped at the lab.

Please see the "Event Description" section for more details on the application.