Episodic Program - Sundance Institute
Sundance Institute’s Episodic Program supports independent writers with series and pilot development, mentoring, and a science-focused grant to strengthen their craft and advance their projects.
Funder: Sundance Institute
Due Dates: August 25, 2026 (General applications, closed) | December 3, 2026 (Episodic Alfred P. Sloan Grant)
Funding Amounts: $17,000 Sloan grant for one project, plus creative craft support; Lab participants receive travel and accommodation support
Summary: Supports independent writers developing original series and pilot scripts through training, mentoring, and a science-focused Sloan grant.
Key Information: Applicants must not have had an episodic pilot or pitch produced by a studio or network.
Description
Sundance Institute’s Episodic Program supports emerging to mid-career writers and creators across scripted series platforms. It helps independent voices develop original series and pilot scripts, strengthen writing and pitching skills, and gain industry access. Two cohorts participate each year: one in a six-day, in-person Lab and another in a condensed, two-day virtual Intensive. Fellows work with accomplished showrunners, producers, and executives through story meetings, craft workshops, pitching sessions, and simulated writers’ rooms.
With support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the program also awards a monetary grant and creative craft support to a science-focused series. Beyond the Lab, fellows receive ongoing creative and strategic advice and targeted introductions to agents and managers, helping them advance their projects and careers.
