IFP Minnesota Screenwriting Residency
Effort funded by Knight Foundation’s Knight Arts Challenge
IFP Minnesota has launched the IFP Minnesota Screenwriting Residency, a new three-year program to support Minnesota screenwriters. Applications for the 2015-16 screenwriting residency were accepted until November 6. The process is currently under review by the panelists; 10 finalists will be announced on February 12, 2016, and the winner on March 25.
“While Minnesota, and St. Paul in particular, has many talented screenwriters, there are currently no residencies, fellowships or grants dedicated to their art form,” said IFP MN’s Executive Director, Andrew Peterson. “Screenwriting competitions and fellowships attract great attention and are instrumental in building successful careers. To address this need, IFP Minnesota, with funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, has created a dedicated screenwriting competition to support these underserved artists.”
Ten finalists will receive guided mentorships and dedicated classes to refine and improve their work. One winner will receive a staged reading, a $10,000 grant to continue developing the winning screenplay, and will receive support from IFP MN to foster connections with industry advisors and production companies.
“With this new residency, Minnesota screenwriters will have a chance to raise their visibility nationally, while developing screenwriting as an art form locally, which we hope results in an even higher quality of storytelling emerging from Minnesota,” said Victoria Rogers, Vice President for Arts at Knight Foundation.
The Screenwriting Residency will be awarded to the most promising screenplay. Minnesota screenwriters, whether they are beginners or veteran writers, are invited to submit their best work. This is a blind competition, where two sets of panels—one local, and one national—will narrow the field down to ten screenplays, and ultimately select the best one. With influential industry leaders reviewing submitted screenplays, this competition could be a life-changing opportunity for any applicant, not just the winner.
For questions about the residency or the application process, contact Eric Mueller, Program Administrator, IFP MN, 651-644-1912, [email protected]
Deadline for applications was Nov. 6, 2015. 10 Finalists will be announced February 12, 2016, and the winner on March 25.
Additional information, including application guidelines and FAQ, are available here.
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. We believe that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. knightfoundation.org