ISA Fast Track Fellowship

FELLOWSHIP DESCRIPTION

The ISA Fast Track Fellowship was developed to give two undiscovered screenwriters a direct line to meet with and be mentored by eight top executives in Los Angeles. We'll fly you to LA and provide you an experience of a lifetime by connecting you to the best people in the industry. Plus, the two Fellows will immediately be invited onto the ISA Development Slate and work directly with the ISA Development Team for an entire year in an effort to Fast Track their careers.

54 SCRIPTS ON THE ISA DEVELOPMENT SLATE HAVE BEEN PRODUCED OR OPTIONED!
Many more are out to top producers as well as many of these emerging screenwriters
have received representation as a result of getting onto the Slate.

Within 10 days of his Fast Track week set up by the ISA, Sean Collins-Smith signed with Silent R Management, the same management as Barry Jenkins the writer/director of the OSCAR winning film MOONLIGHT! Additional success stories include; Melissa Birks signed with The Savage Agency; Andy Byrne signed with literary manager, Chris Watkins of Catapult Entertainment Group and has 2 films in production with name actors; Evan Cooper, Top 10 Fast Track screenwriter has signed with manager, Kailey Marsh (creator of The Blood List) and is in production on a $2,500,000 film he wrote and will direct!

“Winning the Fast Track Fellowship gave me more industry exposure in one week than I had in over a decade of writing. A Fast Track mentor sent one of my scripts out to major studios, and I still remain in contact with this producer. I am also currently developing a television show with another Fast Track mentor. If you want to take your writing career to the next level — apply right away!”
~ David Kushner, Writer/Fast Track Fellow

"My experience with the ISA has been truly amazing. They have been incredibly supportive in the most practical way imaginable - by getting CHARLES DICKENS'S GHOST CLUB directly into the hands of respected production companies who can genuinely get it made. The script has now been optioned by Eclectic Pictures as a direct result of the ISA's tireless efforts,"
~ Mark Robertson, Writer/ISA Development Slate Screenwriter.

Sure, cash prizes matter, but the money will come and go. With the ISA Fast Track you win the experience of a lifetime, a launching pad to a career with connections the normally take decades to create. When we fly you to Los Angeles, you'll build relationships that can lead to a paying career doing what you love! The ISA is here to give writers a shortcut to resources, support and experience that will aid in long-term career success. And it doesn't matter what your level of experience, if you have an original voice, the ISA Fast Track wants to hear from you. We believe in supporting screenwriters no matter who they are or where they came from, and we encourage emerging screenwriters of all levels and backgrounds to apply.

SAVE $10 for your 2nd, 3rd or 4th pilot or feature script with application.

PLUS,

INTRO FEEDBACK ($30 value) is Free with each script included in your application through August 15th. The ISA provides the highest level notes to help you improve your work to the next level. You MUST add Intro Feedback on as you apply or you will not receive it.

IT'S EASY TO APPLY:
- Click the APPLY HERE page.
- Add your title, logline and feature or pilot script
- Select the genre and category
- Select Feedback (optional)
Then submit.

TWO FAST TRACK FELLOWS WILL RECEIVE:

Mentorship Week in Los Angeles featuring 8 meetings with studio and development executives and literary agents
Airfare and hotel included
Year-long script development and guidance
Acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate
One-on-one consultation with the Director of Education Max Timm
A 12-Month ISAConnect Membership
The Craft Course in Screenwriting
Fellowship announcements to various media outlets

TOP 50 WILL RECEIVE:

The Craft Course in Screenwriting

Past fellows and honorable mentions have had their projects optioned or have received representation from Catapult Entertainment Group, The Savage Agency, Indomitable Entertainment, Requiem Entertainment and more.

As an ISA Fast Track Fellow you'll get to create new relationships and ask burning questions with industry professionals from around Hollywood. Past mentors include those from:

Mentorship Week: Los Angeles - November 12 - 16, 2018
To begin your journey as a Fast Track Fellow, you’ll be flown to L.A. for a five-day stay in a beautiful hotel in the heart of Hollywood.
Your week kicks off with a meet-and-greet with ISA Director of Development Felicity Wren and Director of Education & Outreach Max Timm, who will help you get settled into your new role and take you through the week's itinerary. They'll accompany you every step of the way as you have career-changing meetings with top industry mentors in a one-on-one setting. The week is capped off with a party in your honor during the ISA's Third Thursdays.

This Season's Mentors Include:

Steve Basilone - Executive Producer and Writer

Steve has written and produced more than 150 episodes of television, working for critical and commercial successes like Happy Endings and Community. In 2015, he wrote a feature for Focus Films. For the last four years Steve has been serving as Co-Executive producer for the ABC hit, The Goldbergs. Currently Steve's working on writing the sequel to the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny Devito classic, Twins, for Montecito Pictures, as well as making his directorial debut with a feature he wrote.

William (Joe) Saunders - Manager and Producer at Old City Entertainment

William J Saunders (who goes by "Joe") began his non-fiction career at NFL Films, producing and directing documentaries for HBO, FOX, ABC, CBS, ESPN, NFL Network and the BBC. While at NFL Films Saunders won an EMMY Award in the Outstanding Long Feature category for his documentary, Big Charlie's. Since leaving NFL Films, Saunders has directed and produced feature animation (The Little Prince), live action narrative films (Sweet Little Lies), commercials (AT&T) and new media content (Coach Snoop). He created his production company, Old City Entertainment, in 2008. He is a Film Independent fellow, a member of the Director's Guild of America and a MFA recipient from Columbia University's School of the Arts.

Old City Entertainment believes the heart of every great production is a carefully crafted and well-told story. Whether it's a feature film, documentary, animation or a form of new media, our goal is to produce and distribute compelling, entertaining stories that will enrich audiences across North America and the world. Our EMMY Award winning team has come together by virtue of a singular vision for fascinating projects. We have honed our creative skills and business acumen at NFL Films, Scott Rudin Productions, Cambridge, Stanford Law School and Columbia University's School of the Arts.

6 More mentors to be announced soon! Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to find out.

After your week in LA, you'll receive a Year-Long Script Development & Career Guidance
Once Mentorship Week is done, the real work of the Fellowship begins. You and your script will be championed to industry through the ISA Development Slate, which will push you to our roster of managers and agents for representation and also share your work with production companies and major studios in the hopes of getting your script optioned.

You'll also receive a One-on-one consultation with the Director of Education Max Timm from The Story Farm along with a year membership to ISAConnect. With these resources you'll be able to continue improving your Fellow-worthy work, or create a brand new project that we can promote around town. The choice is yours!

Sean Collins-Smith, one of our most recent Fast Track Fellows met executives at Silent R Management during his Fast Track week and signed with them just 10 days later.
Six of the Twelve Fellows in 6 Seasons make the ISA's TOP 25 Writers To Watch in 2018!

Fast Track III Fellow, Andy Byrne’s, commissioned feature re-write is set for production in 2018 with director/producer, Kevin Goetz (Scenic Route). Principal casting is under way. He also signed with literary manager, Chris Watkins of Catapult Entertainment Group, has been offered writing assignments, and is working on new projects including further development of his sci-fi TV Pilot, Disconn, which is currently under consideration by an A-list actor.

Fast Track II Fellow, Christopher DeWan, shortly after his Fellowship win signed an option for his TV project with Indomitable Entertainment. This script option and the news of his Fast Track Fellowship created multiple industry opportunities for Chris, including an almost immediate set of pitch meetings at Netflix and BBC America, among many others.

Since Lily Mercer was chosen for the Fast Track Fellowship III for her TV Pilot Drama No More Heroes, she's been asked to pitch her screenplay to a high profile executive and was offered the position of Producing Director for the Humanitas Prize Play Festival. She was a quarter finalist in the Nicholl Fellowship with her screenplay My Old Man.
Fast Track V Fellow, Patrick Holden recently secured the rights to Mirsada Buric’s Olympic story and is developing it into a biopic, and continues to take meeting across the industry due to the popularity of his Fast Track Fellowship sci-fi script, Helios Rising.
Evan Cooper, Top 10 Fast Track II is signed to direct his screenplay The Will O Wisp starring Chrissy Metz and is signed with manager, Kailey Marsh (creator of The Blood List) who was procured just after placing in Fast Track.
David Baugnon, Fast Track II Fellow, was selected for the Top 50 of the Nicholl Fellowship with his screenplay Trip.
Melissa Birks, Fellow of the very first Fast Track Fellowship, signed with The Savage Agency

Hear from Fast Track Fellows - Andy Byrne and Lily Mercer

GENRES: All

CATEGORIES: Feature (70-120 pgs), TV Pilot (10-70 pgs)

LANGUAGE(S): English

FEEDBACK OFFERED? Yes, this contest offers feedback.

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COMMENT(S)

On August 09, 2018 Tori Bond said:

HI, I'd like to summit my script for the Fast Track contest, but I don't see if the scripts will be read blind or not. should I leave my name and contact info from the script? Thanks

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On May 16, 2018 Alicia Weil said:

Hi

i have just written a novel and self published it

SURVIVAL A STORY OF FRIENDSHIP by Alice Weil

it can be found on Amazon .com

my question everyone who has read it say it should be a movie

can you help me or advise Thank you

Alice Wei

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Feedback Type

Additional Fee Added to Entry

ISA Intro Feedback: (1-2 pages) FREE, normally $30: $0
ISA General Feedback: (2-3 pages) $25, normally $55: $25
ISA Extensive Feedback: (5 pages) $80, normally $110: $80

Feedback Type Description

ISA INTRODUCTORY FEEDBACK
In this industry, the first twenty pages can mean the difference between a "go picture" and a "go home and try again." Give your writers the advantage with a page (or two) introduction to their script from an outside perspective. We'll map out the direction of the screenplay thus far, and give advice to gently nudge them on the proper course.

ISA GENERAL FEEDBACK
Our most popular analysis. The writer will receive a personalized critique based on a thorough read-through of the entire script, up to 120 pages. Whether half-hour pilot or feature film, we'll note our thoughts on everything from the characters and dialogue to pacing, structure, and formatting, and even where the work fits in the marketplace.

ISA EXTENSIVE FEEDBACK
Give your writers the in-depth insight of the ISA's working industry professionals. Our Readers will provide 5-6 pages of advanced notes, breaking down every moment and character arc, noting the subtleties that a writer may not have contemplated, and providing a next-level perspective that will empower screenwriters and help script achieve their full potential.

GENRES: All

CATEGORIES: Feature (70-120 pgs), TV Pilot (10-70 pgs)

LANGUAGE(S): English

FEEDBACK OFFERED? Yes, this contest offers feedback.

Rules

Deadlines: EARLY - June 7 REGULAR - July 11 FINAL Deadline Extended - August 15
All writers from all countries are welcome to submit to the ISA Fast Track; however, all scripts must be submitted in English, and application fees must be paid in U.S. dollars.
Previous Fast Track Fellows may not submit in any future ISA Fast Track Fellowship.
Script must be the original work of the submitting writer and may not be encumbered by any third party.
Scripts that have been sold, produced for a profit, or are currently under option are not eligible.
Original full-length feature screenplays and TV Pilots only are accepted. Anything else, including but not limited to short scripts or web series, novels, short stories, stage plays, musicals, treatments, synopses, reality show concepts, documentaries, and/or spec scripts for existing TV series are not eligible. Script submissions must be an original screenplay or teleplay.
Screenplays adapted from the submitting writer's own self-published books, plays, or other source materials are eligible if the writer retains all rights to the work.
Adaptations from other works are permissible provided the writer has written permission by the owner to adapt the material.
Adaptations of works in the public domain are permissible.
Screenplay submissions must be written by one writer only. Co-written material will not be accepted.
Multiple submissions are accepted by one writer, however if one or more screenplays of the same writer tie only one screenplay (the decided “best”) will be selected to determine the chosen "Fellow."
The writer understands that script feedback can take up to 90-days turn-around time and may not be received before the end of the final application deadline.
The ISA cannot guarantee feedback for your script will be received within enough time to resubmit during the same season.
Applicants must submit materials and payment online only.
Once a script has been submitted, substitutions of new drafts or corrections may only be accepted within 24 hours of the original application. A revised draft of a script may be accepted after 24 hours if it is entered as a new application with the appropriate fee.
Promotional discounts or waivers offered may only be utilized at the time of submission.
Promotional discounts or waivers offered may not apply on all submission platforms (i.e. Film Freeway, Withoutabox)
If a writer receives a Free Resubmission as part of a Feedback Promotion or otherwise, the Resubmission is valid during the same or the following Fast Track season. Free Resubmissions will not be honored in subsequent seasons.
Writers under the age of 18 years old must have parent or legal guardian’s permission to participate.
Fellowship applicants must accept without reservation the decisions rendered by the judges.
The writer understands that it is his/her sole responsibility to register material to be submitted with the U.S. Copyright Office and/or with the Writer’s Guild of America or the appropriate agency in his/her country.
Applicants awarded a place in the Top 50 or chosen as a Fast Track Fellow understand and accept that the ISA will be free to use his/her name and likeness for advertising or promotional purposes without additional consideration.
Writers retain the rights to their screenplay.
Applicants are non-exclusive to ISA Fast Track and may submit their screenplay to any other person, competition, producer, agent, publisher, and/or organization.
No transfer, substitution or cash equivalent for prizes is allowed.
Connect Membership gift may only be used within 90 days and may not be combined with any current free membership.
ISA will not be held responsible for mentor meeting cancellations or rescheduling.
If Fast Track Fellows miss or are late to a mentor meeting, the ISA makes no guarantees to reschedule.
Length requirements are as follows: 1). Full-Length Features: 70-120 pages. 2). TV Pilots: Up to 70 pages.
If applicant orders feedback a $1 per page fee may be charged separately over 120 pages, not including the Title Page, or the reader may only read the first 120 pages.
Standard title pages should be included: listing the script title, name of author(s), telephone number, and email address. Applicants will not be disqualified if it is not included.
Under no circumstances should the writer include name or contact information within the body of the script.
ISA is not responsible for any applicant errors or omissions on any submitted application materials.
Synopses, casting suggestions, letters, resumes and photos will not be considered. TV Pilot submissions may include standard supplementary materials, such as lists of recurring characters and future episodes.
You accept without reservation that the submitted logline and screenplay will be reviewed by ISA staff and/or panel of Industry Judges for evaluation and that any one of these employees, or judges may have been or may be exploring ideas similar to the submitted material, and the applicant hereby waives any claim that the ISA and FAST TRACK, its staff or judges may have misappropriated any ideas or portions of the submission, logline or screenplay.
There are no refunds for any reason after 24 hours from submission.
The writer understands and accepts without reservation that he/she is an independent contractor and that Fast Track Administrators are not responsible for withholding any taxes or payments to any government agency, at any level, be it state, local or federal.
To submit your materials and be considered you must agree to the Rules.

FAQs

Who are the mentors and what can I ask them?
All mentors are listed on the home description page as they are announced and you can ask them anything you like in the meetings. The time is yours, what you make of it is up to you, so plan ahead. You'll spend about 30 minutes - 1 hour with each executive over a 5 day period while in Los Angeles.

Can I pitch my project in the meetings?
These are not pitch meetings. Unless they request you to pitch them it is your time to ask question about the industry and build relationships rather than sell your work. You will know after the meeting (or maybe even during) if the mentor is interested in working with you further.

What are the announcement dates?
TOP 50 Considered: Sept. 19, 2018
2 Fast Track Fellows Announced: Oct. 23, 2018

When is Mentorship Week?
November 12 - 16, 2018

Is it one Feature writer and one TV Pilot writer that is chosen?
No, TV Pilots and Features run together. We are looking for the best writers overall, so feel free to submit both types of scripts as one writer.

Who pays for the flight and hotel while in Los Angeles?
The ISA will cover your flight from anywhere in the world (up to $500 Domestically and $1,000 Internationally), plus hotel accommodations for 5 days in Los Angeles.

What if I live in Los Angeles, can I receive cash for the flight and hotel?
You will receive a $250 cash stipend to cover transportation costs, parking and other instead.

Do you accept submissions via snail mail?
No. In an attempt to be green, we’re not accepting hard copies via the postal service. We’re accepting online submissions and online payments via the ISA website. This includes all major credit cards.

Do I have to submit my script as a PDF?
Yes, and if you aren't sure how to create a PDF our staff is happy to help.

Should I include my title page with my screenplay?
Yes, you should include your title, your name, telephone number and email address.

Can I submit a screenplay under a pen name?
Yes.

Does my script have to be registered?
No, but we DO recommend registering your work with the WGA and/or the Library of Congress Copyright office.

Does the writer maintain rights to the screenplay?
Yes, always!

Do I receive feedback with my submission?
You can order feedback for an additional fee. Choose your FEE TYPE to make your feedback selection at the bottom of the submission form.
- 1st 20 pages for an additional $35
- Full script with 3 pages of notes: $55
- Full script with 5 pages of notes: $110

When will I receive my feedback?
Your feedback will be emailed to you within 90 days of submitting your script, usually much sooner.

Can I re-submit a rewrite or corrected versions of my script if I haven't ordered feedback?
No, you must submit your screenplay as a new submission for the price of the current deadline fee.

What if I make a mistake and send the wrong script?
If you make a legitimate mistake entering and recognize this within 24 hours, email us here, and we'll send you instructions on replacing your screenplay: FastTrack@NetworkISA.org

Do I need to submit a logline? Synopsis?
Logline: YES / Synopsis: NO

Do you accept short screenplays?
No, not at this time.

Will my screenplay be accepted if it’s not in the traditional format?
Scripts should be written in standard spec screenplay or teleplay format, set in 12-point Courier font. Scripts should be standard length.

What's the minimum/maximum permitted page length?
Features: 70 - 120 pages. TV Pilots: 10 to 70 pages.

My screenplay is longer than 120 pages. Will it be disqualified?
No, but we urge you to stay within the guidelines. It’s rare that a good screenplay requires more than the standard number of pages.

If I'm over 120 pages and receiving feedback, will my full script be read?
We are forgiving with a 5-page grace, however if you are at 6 or more pages over the maximum, you will be charged $1 for each page over 120 pages. You will be emailed to discuss and billed separately, or you are welcome to just have your feedback done on the first 120 pages of your screenplay at the normal prices.

What genres do you accept, and can I submit with more than one?
We accept all genres. We understand scripts can be categorized in many genres. You are welcome to submit in more than one genre, but another submission fee is required. These are the more common genres: Action/Adventure, Thriller, Animation, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Comedy, Drama, Family, Historical, and Horror

Do you accept novels, short stories, stage plays, musicals, treatments or synopses, reality show concepts, documentaries or spec scripts for existing TV series?
No, we’re sorry; we do not. We accept ORIGINAL narrative feature length screenplays and narrative sitcom or hour-long TV pilots only.

Can I submit an adaptation of a book or play?
Absolutely, as long as you have full rights to the material and either are the author or have a written agreement with the author allowing this script to be written and marketed.

Can I submit more than one screenplay?
You sure can and there's a discount if you enter them all at once. Check the fees at time of entry.

Will entering early increase or decrease my chance of being a finalist?
Entering early will neither increase or decrease your chance of being chosen, but it will save you money!

How will I know if you received my script?
You will receive an email confirming your submission immediately upon completing form and payment. If you do not, please email us here: FastTrack@NetworkISA.org

What if my script is optioned or sold after I submit to Fast Track?
As long as your script was not optioned or sold prior to the date you submitted, you are still eligible.

I don’t live in the United States. Can I still enter?
Yes, and we look forward to reading your work. Please just make sure it’s in English. No other languages are accepted at this time.

Any other questions feel free to email us here: FastTrack@NetworkISA.org

Marnie Mitchell-Lister's Multiple Scripts - Success Through Contest Circuit

Marnie's most recent feature is a road-trip dramedy titled "Memories". MEMORIES Contest success: 2015 - Top 50 ISA Fast Track Mentor Program2014/15 - Top 5% BlueCat Screenplay Comp (out of 4500 entries)2014 - 2nd Round (top...

Announcements

TOP 50 CONSIDERED

Fast Track Fellows Announced

SPONSORS

ISA Fast Track Fellowship

FELLOWSHIP DESCRIPTION

Feedback Type

Feedback Type Description

Rules

FAQs

Marnie Mitchell-Lister's Multiple Scripts - Success Through Contest Circuit

Joshua Keller Katz' "The Secret Of Sleep" places in ISA Fast Track Top 50!

Two Screenplays make the 2015 Top 50 Fast Track!

Ballerina Girl Receives "Special Mention" in the ISA Fast Track Fellowship

Matt O'Connell's LOVE'S REMAINS Gets Contest Attention

Julie Livingston's Self Help included in ISA Fast Track Fellowship Top 50

Evan Cooper Signs with Manager and Blood List Creator, Kailey Marsh

Andy Byrne's DISCONN - Top 50 in ISA Fast Track Fellowship III

Jason Kessler's "Up In Flames" a Top 5 script in ISA Fast Track

Competition Results

ISA 2016 Fast Track Fellowship for DISCONN

Andy Byrne's DISCONN wins 2nd place Table Read My Screenplay- London!

'Drone World' by Dianna Zimmerman progresses in two prestigious contests

Trudy Handel has been named a Top 50 finalist in ISA Fast Track Fellowship

Michael Curtis selected to ISA Fast Track Fellowship - Top 50

'The Between Place' By Marcus Leighton in top 50 of ISA Fast Track IV

Quinn's half-hour TV comedy pilot makes Top 50-ISA Fast Track IV

Kelly Beck-Byrnes in Top 50 for ISA Fast Track Fellowship

Chaz Achieves Top 50 status with Animated Adventure Pilot for kids

'Beneath Your Eyes' by Dan Rivais top 50 in ISA Fast Track IV

Giancarlo Fusi's TV Pilot 'Hell Hound' is an ISA Fast Track Top 50 Script

'Byron, The Pale Rider' Top 50 - ISA Fast Track Fellowship V

Ted Campbell's 'UNRAVELLED' Top 50 Script ISA Fast Track Fellowship V

'Mount Pleasant' in the Top 50 Scripts for ISA Fast Track Fellowship

ISA Fast Track Fellowship Finalist

Ted Campbell selected for the ISA's Top 25 Writers of 2017

Christopher DeWan - ISA Fast Track Fellowship

MEDEA, SOUTH CAROLINA selected among TOP 50 for ISA Fast Track Fellowship

David Kushner honored as ISA FAST TRACK FELLOW

Ben Maraniss's 'Ivan's Hammer' pilot named to ISA Fast Track Top 50.

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There are no judges bio linked to this contest.

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