Get our free screenwriting email newsletter for the latest industry news, screenwriting inspiration, and exclusive WeScreenplay promotions!
Diverse Voices is a dynamic virtual screenwriting lab with a proven track record of helping elevate stories that are told from perspectives that are often underrepresented in film and TV today. This includes writers of color, women writers, writers with disabilities, writers over 40, writers in the LGBTQ+ community, and any other voices that have historically been ignored by Hollywood.
6 Fellows will be selected to participate in this career-changing lab! Our virtual labs have directly led to writers getting staffed, signing with their dream reps, and more! Want more info? You can read about the Diverse Voices Lab experience here.
Plus, all entries receive one page of feedback from a professional reader from a diverse background.
Currently closed, but opening again next season.
The WeScreenplay Difference
Free written feedback. Included with your submission, you’ll receive actionable feedback from a professional reader to help elevate your work.
Interactive Labs. Our virtual labs put you and your work front and center, so you can receive the hands-on opportunity to learn and connect with working industry professionals.
A team that cares. The writer development team supports lab winners with ongoing mentorship and guidance - all based on your specific goals.
Keynote Mentors
Keynote mentors will participate in the Diverse Voices Fall lab group sessions and select at least one writer for a one-on-one coaching session, tailored to the selected writer.
Niceole Levy
Co-EP
S.W.A.T., THE RECRUIT
After growing up near China Lake Naval Weapons Center in the middle of the Mojave Desert, Niceole escaped to the bright lights of Los Angeles. While studying acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she realized her true love was writing stories, not playing them out. She worked as a police dispatcher to pay her way through USC undergrad and then completed the Master of Professional Writing program, also at USC. An alum of the CBS Writers Mentoring Program, NBC's Writers on the Verge, and the WGAW Showrunner Training Program, Niceole has written on “Ironside,” “Allegiance,” “The Mysteries of Laura,” “Shades of Blue,” "Cloak & Dagger," “Fate: the Winx Saga,” “S.W.A.T,” and “The Recruit.” She also co-wrote a feature, "The Banker," with former “Allegiance” showrunner and director George Nolfi, available on AppleTV+, and recently finished writing “Spark,” a film inspired by the life of Claudette Colvin. Niceole currently has several TV and feature projects in development. Her first book, “The Writers’ Room Survival Guide,” was released in October of 2022.
Prince Baggett
Head of Film
CONFLUENTIAL FILMS
Prince Baggett leads the charge at Confluential Films & Black Love, steering a diverse film slate from development to production. In his role as Head of Film, he blends a discerning financial acumen with a dedication to inclusive storytelling, championing studio projects that amplify and support underrepresented voices. In January, his strategic efforts were instrumental in presenting three standout Sundance features, including Young. Wild. Free with Sanaa Lathan, and an acclaimed documentary, cementing the company's status as a powerhouse for diverse talent. Particularly noteworthy is "Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project," generating Oscar buzz and set to captivate HBO audiences post its theatrical run. Additionally, Confluential's production, "The Perfect Find," premiered on Netflix in 2023. Before joining Confluential, Prince held the reins at Genius Productions, overseeing Marsai Martin's first-look deal with Universal Pictures and playing a pivotal role in development on projects like "Little" “Saturdays” and "Amari and the Night Brothers." A fervent advocate for mentorship, Prince previously was a mentor in the Universal Pictures Writers and Director Programs and played a key role in co-founding the Diverse Representation Black Entertainment Executives Pipeline Program.
Upcoming Announcements
Quarterfinalist
May 31, 2024
Semifinalist
Jun 21, 2024
Finalist
Aug 2, 2024
Winner
Sep 6, 2024
Level Up Your Script
All coverage packages include a 72-hour turnaround time at no additional charge.
Feature
TV
First Look
$5999
Includes
- 4 day turnaround
- 1.5 pages of detailed notes
- A logline suggestion from your reader
- Designed to review your first draft
- Get a sense of what’s working in the early stages of your process
- Evaluated as a draft: no distracting Pass, Consider, Recommend rating
- 24-hour Rush coverage available during checkout
Classic
$7999
Includes
- 72 hour turnaround time
- 4 pages of detailed notes
- Character, Plot, Structure, Dialogue, and Concept Analysis
- A Pass, Consider, or Recommend rating
- An overall impression that will highlight extra factors like voice
- Qualitative scores to help compare your progress
- 24-hour Rush coverage available during checkout
Bespoke
$9999
Includes
- 72 hour turnaround time
- Everything from the Classic package plus…
- A customized marketing blueprint based on your feature script goal. Choose between:
- GOAL #1: As a writing sample to find rep or submit to a competition
- GOAL #2: For self-producing
- GOAL #3: To sell to a studio or producer
- 24-hour Rush coverage available during checkout
Comprehensive
$19999
Includes
- 72 hour turnaround time
- Everything from the Bespoke package plus…
- Inline PDF notes throughout the script
- Specific suggestions for detailed changes in your script
- One follow-up question included ($29 value)
- 24-hour Rush coverage available during checkout
First Look
$4999
Includes
- 4 day turnaround
- 1.5 pages of detailed notes
- A logline suggestion from your reader
- Designed to review your first draft
- Get a sense of what’s working in the early stages of your process
- Evaluated as a draft: no distracting Pass, Consider, Recommend rating
- 24-hour Rush coverage available during checkout
Classic
$6999
Includes
- 72 hour turnaround time
- 3 pages of detailed notes
- Character, Plot, Structure, Dialogue, and Concept Analysis
- A Pass, Consider, or Recommend rating
- An overall impression that will highlight extra factors like voice
- Qualitative scores to help compare your progress
- 24-hour Rush coverage available during checkout
Bespoke
$8999
Includes
- 72 hour turnaround time
- Everything from the Classic package plus…
- A customized marketing blueprint based on your TV pilot or spec script goal. Choose between:
- GOAL #1: Pilot as a writing sample to find rep or submit to a fellowship
- GOAL #2: Pilot to sell to a studio, network, or producer
- GOAL #3: For specs of an existing show**
- 24-hour Rush coverage available during checkout
Comprehensive
$16999
Includes
- 72 hour turnaround time
- Everything from the Bespoke package plus…
- Inline PDF notes throughout the script
- Specific suggestions for detailed changes in your script
- One follow-up question included ($29 value)
- 24-hour Rush coverage available during checkout
Prizes
Grand Prize
Diverse Voices Virtual Lab
The top 6 writers will be invited to WeScreenplay’s Diverse Voices Virtual Writing Lab! This multi-day lab will be PACKED with workshops to hone craft, mentorship calls with working writers, and general meetings with studio execs, literary reps, and more.
Winners will also receive:
– A copy of Final Draft screenwriting software
– Guidance for drafting query letters, research methods for finding the right representation, and insights for career next steps.
Our virtual labs have directly led to writers getting staffed, signing with their dream reps, and more! Want more info? You can read about the Diverse Voices Lab experience here.
Finalists
Mentorship Session with Industry Professional
Finalists will be invited to a special virtual group mentor session with an industry professional!
Select Finalists
Meeting with Writer Development Team
Select finalists will have a 1:1 virtual meeting with a member of the WeScreenplay Writer Development Team to discuss you and your work.
WeScreenplay Lab Testimonials
See what some of our past Lab Mentors and Lab Fellows had to say!
Last year Fellows met with
execs, reps, and writers from
Past Lab Sample Schedule
Learn About The Different Session Types
Notes Session
Workshops
Group Mentorship Meetings
1:1 Meetings
Before the lab, we will share all the winning scripts with the group. During a one to two hour session, the group will share script notes verbally. While all the winning scripts are already strong, the purpose of this notes session is to refine your work, to get thoughts on next steps, and to practice giving and receiving notes.
We will have exciting workshops for winners to get hands on experience with industry professionals. Winners participate in curated workshops with screenwriters, literary managers which have included showrunner’s like Naren Shankar, Chuck Rose, managers like AE Jones of Stagecoach Entertainment, and a Pitching Masterclass with Jim Arnoff.
Writers will meet with executives, literary managers and working writers to learn more about the industry and craft for a deeper 360 perspective of a career in screenwriting. Each session includes a mentor who will share their experience and area of expertise followed by a Q&A with the writers.
Select writers may be invited by literary managers, execs, or other industry guests, to participate in a private 1:1 meeting. This is the perfect opportunity to connect, ask questions, and expand your knowledge of the craft and industry.
Giving Back
A portion of every single Diverse Voices submission is donated to charity. Since the program was launched in 2015, Diverse Voices has raised over $45,000 for various nonprofit organizations including those listed below. THANK YOU to all the amazing writers who’ve helped us get there.
Founded by Ava DuVernay, Array is an independent film distribution and resource collective comprised of artist advocacy organizations, maverick volunteers, and rebel member donors worldwide. Their work is dedicated to the amplification of independent films by people of color and women filmmakers globally.
Hollywood HEART is a nonprofit organization that empowers young people through the arts, building supportive communities and safe environments that cultivate confidence, creativity, and self-esteem. Hollywood HEART serves an expanding list of LGBTQ+ youth, underhoused youth, and youth affected by HIV/AIDS. They bring the arts to life through online programming, in-person workshops, and their annual summer camp, creating opportunities for collaboration, exploration and expression.
Success Stories
Check out more of our Writers’ Successes.
Desdemona Chiang
Signed with a manager at Tulsea
I LOVED my time with the WeScreenplay Lab-- it was such an honor being amongst such talented writers telling unique and exciting stories. It was a space where I felt that everyone was an advocate for my work. That was hugely important for me, as someone who was essentially doing a mid-life career pivot--to know that I had the goods for this.
Brittany Suzanne Kelly
Signed with literary managers
The WeScreenplay team is fantastic, their feedback is thorough and extremely helpful. I’ve done a few labs with other competitions I’ve placed in and the Diverse Voices Lab was by far the most engaging, useful and inspiring I have taken part in. They really believe in the program they have created to uplift diverse and underserved narratives.
Teresa Jusino
Signed with a literary manager
Honestly I was floored when WeScreenplay reached out to me as a Finalist in the Diverse Voices competition saying that they also work with finalists to get their work seen and help their careers. I didn’t expect that anyone other than those selected for the lab would have gotten that kind of help. The WeScreenplay Team graciously met with me to offer loads of great career guidance. It’s a real testament to WeScreenplay that they go so out of their way to help all the writers that come into their orbit. I couldn’t be more grateful!
Our Process
Every Entry Includes Reader Notes
A FREE, 1-page mini-version of our phenomenal coverage from the entry’s first round reader, including their scores!
*Note: You can upgrade your free reader notes to WeScreenplay’s famous Classic Notes for an additional fee!
Quarterfinalists - Top 20%
A new reader and another read for every script that makes it to this round.
*Note: You can upgrade to include a fresh round of Notes for a small fee!
Semifinalists - Top 5%
Another new reader and another read for every script that makes it to this round … and you are welcome to submit an updated version of your script for only $6.
Finalists - Top 20
Scripts that make it to this round will be read internally by the WeScreenplay team. Scores will not be provided for this round, as judging will be discussed privately.
Winners!
We’ll be reaching out to the winning writers for inclusion in our Diverse Voices Lab, which has exciting meetings with mentors and has resulted in numerous signings, collaborations, and staffings.
Rules
Rules
- Screenplays entered must:
- Be submitted in PDF form and must fit all standard screenplay format guidelines. Personal formatting conventions will be accepted but must not intentionally or accidentally alter the page count of the project as determined by the judges. Anything over 120 pages will cost $1 extra per page.
- Be owned solely by the writer or writing team listed. It may be an adaptation or reimagining of true events or fictional stories. Projects submitted should not infringe on the rights of any work not available in the public domain.
- Be written in English. However, scripts from anywhere in the world will be accepted.
- Have pages numbered. Scripts of any length will be accepted for an additional fee, but we’d advise that scripts over 150 pages should be edited down before being submitted.
- NOTE: WeScreenplay automatically removes the cover page before assigning scripts to readers, so writers may include any typical information on their cover page. Scripts are accepted with or without cover pages.
- Writer must be 18 years of age or older at the time of the winner’s announcement.
- By entering this screenplay into the competition, you must have full permission from all co-writers and any attachments to the project.
- WeScreenplay claims no ownership nor option on your work. All ownership and rights to the scripts submitted to this contest remain with the original rights holder(s).
- Screenplays entered may be in any genre or combination of genres. All will be treated equally and read by an unbiased panel of readers and jury members.
- The following formats will be accepted: Feature screenplay, TV pilot screenplay
- Entrant’s total earnings for screenwriting for either film or tv, produced or unproduced, must not exceed $50,000 in the previous 18 months from submission or $250,000 lifetime earnings. This excludes any prize money from competitions or fellowships and only applies to fund or money transferred in exchange for an option or sale of a script, treatment, idea, intellectual property, or other writing for filming. Money earned from acting, directing, producing, or any other film work outside of writing is not included.
- Scripts submitted must not have been previously sold or produced unless said sale or production was completed with no financial gain to the writer.
- Purchasing Additional feedback throughout the competition will in no way impact your standing or odds of advancement.
- For a submission to be valid it must be accompanied with the appropriate payment based on the submission deadlines.
- All deadlines are at 11:59pm PST on the date listed. Any deadline alteration or promotion of any kind does not make any entry valid for a refund of any kind.
- RESUBMISSIONS will be accepted. Alterations can be re-uploaded via our submissions management platform at coverfly.com for $6. New drafts of an entry will be accepted at any time during the contest.
- There are no refunds for any submitted scripts. Coupons may not be applied to previously submitted scripts. Coupons deemed for WeScreenplay coverage may not be used for submission to the contest or addition of coverage to any submission unless explicitly stated or exempted on the coupon or by a WeScreenplay representative via e-mail communication only.
- There is no limit on the number of scripts a writer or writing team may submit.
- Prizes are awarded per script and teams of writers are expected to divide prizes on their own accord. WeScreenplay will send prizes to the writer who submits the project and will in no way be responsible for how the prizes are distributed among the writing teams.
- The decision of the judges will be final and cannot be contested in any manner. There is no score on a scorecard that guarantees advancement to the next level as advancement will be based on all scores in the competition.
- Scorecards can be accessed on the writer’s dashboard. Feedback will be delivered before the next announcement but usually sooner. Feedback for each round of the competition, whether it’s the 1 Page or 3 Page option, will be returned before the next competition announcement.
- In the event an industry guest, partner organization, mentor, or prize partner is no longer able to serve in their specified capacity, WeScreenplay will make best effort to secure a replacement if possible.
- WeScreenplay reserves the right to delay announcements for any reason. While we never anticipate any delays, such delays will not alter the standing of any screenplay entry and will not qualify an entry for a refund under any circumstance.
Eligibility
- By entering a WeScreenplay competition every entrant is agreeing to all WeScreenplay Terms of Service listed on the website and additional terms agreed upon at checkout. If you disagree with any terms you may not submit to the contest.
- By submitting to the contest you are releasing your script (but not it’s underlying rights) to WeScreenplay and holding harmless WeScreenplay or any affiliates from any claims, expenses, and liabilities, including but not limited to invasion of privacy, defamation, copyright, libel, trademark infringement, slander, personal property infringement, etc.
- Any prize winners will be required to sign an affidavit validating their entry into the contest.
- Any writer winning a cash prize of over $599 will be required to file the appropriate tax and legal documentation before the cash prize is distributed.
- All prizes provided by sponsors or mentors are subject to said sponsor or mentor providing the prize. WeScreenplay will do everything in its power to collect the prize packages promised, but is not responsible for a sponsor’s failed delivery.
- Former Grand Prize, Second Prize, and Third Prize Winners of the contest may enter so long as it is NOT the same script that won in a previous year. Any other placement in former years does not disqualify the script from being entered this year.
- By entering the competition, entrants are acknowledging their eligibility for the competition. 99.9 % of entrants enter in good faith, and validating everyone at that stage would be inefficient and take away from efforts reading and finding the best scripts. We do check eligibility at the finalist stage before picking winners or distributing any prizes. We also advance a few additional scripts to ensure no one is missed by someone entering who is not eligible. We check all finalists and on a case by case basis in earlier rounds if something seems like it may not be eligible.
- Void where prohibited.
Additional Legal
- Except where prohibited by law, participation in the contest constitutes each entrant’s consent to WeScreenplay and its agents’ and contest sponsor’s use of entrants’ names, likenesses, photographs, and/or personal information for promotional purposes in any media, worldwide, without further payment or consideration. All uses of a entrants’ information are in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
- BY ENTERING THE CONTEST YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO THESE CONDITIONS. You agree to release and hold harmless WeScreenplay, Red Ampersand, Inc., Industry Arts, LLC., WeScreenplay.com, its subsidiary, parent and affiliated companies, Prize contributors, judges, screenplay readers, Sponsors, and any other organizations responsible for administering, advertising or promoting the Contest, and every one of their respective members, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, the “Released Parties”) past and present from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liability, including but not limited to damages and negligence to property and persons, including but not limited to invasion of privacy, defamation, slander, libel, violation of right of publicity, copyright, infringement of trademark or other intellectual property rights relating to a participant’s Entry, participation in the Contest and/or acceptance or use or misuse of Prize; provided however, that such release will not apply to any commercial exploitation of the script by a Released Party in violation of your rights under applicable copyright law; and (c) indemnify, defend and hold harmless the WeScreenplay.org and its Sponsor, agents and employees from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liabilities (including reasonable attorney’s fees) relating to an entrant’s participation in the Contest and/or entrant’s use or misuse of Prize. Employees of WeScreenplay and their immediate families are ineligible to participate in this contest. Any such submission will be immediately disqualified. ENTRY TO THIS CONTEST IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED or restricted by any Federal, State or Local law. Voided entries will be refunded. Recipients’ eligibility will be verified before the grant is awarded and the winner may be required to sign an affidavit of eligibility.