Episodic Program
Episodic Program supports early- to mid-career writers with workshops, showrunner guidance, and sustained mentoring to develop original series and pilot scripts and advance their television careers.
Funder: Sundance Institute
Due Dates: December 3, 2026 (2027 Sloan Science Grant deadline)
Funding Amounts: Training, mentoring, and ongoing creative support through the Lab and Intensive
Summary: Supports early- to mid-career writers developing original series and pilot scripts through workshops, showrunner guidance, and sustained mentoring.
Key Information: The program is for writers with an original pilot draft.
Description
The Sundance Institute Episodic Program helps early- to mid-career writers develop original series and pilot scripts while advancing their careers in television. Designed as a training ground for independent voices, it supports writers creating expansive worlds and unconventional characters for audiences seeking transformative television.
The program supports two cohorts each year: one through an in-person six-day Lab and another through a condensed virtual two-day Intensive. Fellows work with accomplished showrunners in one-on-one story meetings, craft workshops, and simulated writers’ rooms to build a creative strategy for advancing their projects. Mentoring and creative and strategic advice continue beyond the Lab.
