Appropriate writing samples for the feature film division include: a live-action motion picture screenplay (no longer than 120 pages) or one (1) play, in two-to-three acts. Appropriate writing samples for the television division include: a full-length script appropriate for a half-hour or one-hour television series, based on a current prime time television or cable broadcast series currently in production. Plays will not be accepted for application to the television division. Unacceptable materials for both the feature film and television divisions include: treatments, outlines, short stories, poems, books, magazine/newspaper articles, audio/video tapes, drawings, or scripts adapted from other material not indicative of writing for television or film (such as a novel). We do not accept feature animation, musicals of any kind, sequels to motion pictures, or original television pilots.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Can I submit an application to both the television and feature film areas?
A: No. Due to the high volume of submissions received, you may only submit ONE application for consideration in EITHER the Television OR Features area. Submission of multiple screenplays or writing samples may adversely affect your consideration as a candidate.
Q: In the case of a writing team submission, must we file separate applications?
A: Yes, definitely. Each partner must submit a separate, NOTARIZED application package and résumé. ONLY ONE COPY OF THE WRITING SAMPLE IS REQUIRED, PROVIDED THAT EACH MEMBER OF THE WRITING TEAM SENDS HIS OR HER SEPARATE APPLICATION TOGETHER WITH THE OTHER MEMBER’S APPLICATION IN THE SAME ENVELOPE. If a writing team selection is accepted to the fellowship program, each partner will be paid a separate and equal salary of $50,000 for the year.
Q: If I don't work or live in the United States, am I eligible to apply to this program?
A: Due to the nature of the Fellowship Program, we are unable to sponsor individuals for United States work visas to participate in the Fellowship Program. In order to be eligible for the Fellowship Program, an applicant must possess and present evidence of identity and United States employment eligibility (valid for the duration of the Fellowship Program) as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended.
Q: Who can legally notarize my application?
A: ONLY A COMMISSIONED NOTARY PUBLIC. A signature AND a notary stamp or seal is required on page three of the Writing Fellowship Program Letter Agreement. Your application will not be considered if your documents are not properly notarized.
Q: Is the Fellowship a full-time program? What is the duration of the program?
A: Yes, the Fellowship is a full-time position with an expected one year duration; however, employment is on an “at will” basis. If selected, you will be required to sign a Fellowship Program contract regarding these and other matters in order to be a Fellow. Due to the intensive nature of the Fellowship Program, you may not hold other employment or be enrolled in school during the Fellowship period if it will interfere with any aspect of or time commitment to the Program. Hours for Program activities can be irregular and changeable.
Q: Will I need to relocate to Los Angeles to participate in the Fellowship?
A: Yes. Fellows chosen from outside the Los Angeles area will be provided with round-trip coach airfare from within the U.S. and one month's accommodations. No other moving or travel expenses, etc. will be reimbursed.
Q: For the Fellowship in television, may I submit as a writing sample a script for a drama or comedy?
A: We will accept as a writing sample a full-length, half-hour or one-hour television script for a comedy or drama series that is currently being produced for primetime network or cable. Syndicated television programs not currently being produced for primetime television will not be accepted.
Q: May I enter a play as a submission for the Fellowship in features?
A: Yes. You may submit one (1) full-length two-to-three act play. Plays will not be accepted for consideration from applicants for the television side of the Fellowship.
Q: Must I send my writing sample by registered or overnight mail?
A: No. You are not required to send in your submission through registered or overnight mail. To ensure proof of mailing, you may wish to use these services, since we will not confirm receipt of your application package.
Q: Must my submission be postmarked or received by July 1, 2007?
A: Your application must be POSTMARKED no later than July 1,2007. Applications postmarked later than July 1, 2007 will be returned unread and not considered for the Program.
Q: When will I be informed of my status with the fellowship program?
A: All applicants will be informed no later than December 2007. PLEASE BE PATIENT. DUE TO HIGH VOLUME AND THE NATURE OF THE NOTIFICATION PROCESS, WE WILL BE UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR STATUS.
Q: What length is acceptable for my writing sample submission?
A: For television scripts, approximately 22-60 pages. Feature scripts, approximately 90-120 pages. Writing samples longer than 120 pages will not be read.
Q: Does my writing sample have to be in any particular format?
A: Yes. Screenplays MUST BE TYPED and presented in the standard, industry-accepted format for the type of script you are submitting. Handwritten submissions will not be reviewed. Should you have questions about which formats are acceptable, there are publications such as SCREENPLAY by Sid Field; THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO STANDARD SCREENPLAY FORMATS by Cole & Haag; FORMATTING YOUR SCREENPLAY by Reichman; and WRITING TELEVISION SITCOMS by Evan S. Smith.
Q: Who owns the rights to the materials that I submit for entrance to the Fellowship Program and/or materials that I previously created?
A: You will retain ownership in such material. However, if you are selected as a Fellow, any material written by you prior to the term of the Fellowship Program and currently controlled and/or owned by you must be disclosed in writing and Disney and ABC will have an "Exclusive First Look" at such material whereby Disney and ABC shall have the option to purchase such material from you in accordance with the policies and terms outlined in the Fellowship Program contract.
Q: If I am selected as a Fellow, who owns the rights to the material that I create during the Fellowship Program?
A: Pursuant to the Fellowship Program contract that you must sign before entering the Fellowship Program, all material written by you during the term of the Fellowship Program will be owned by Disney and/or ABC.
Q: Will I be able to receive feedback on my submission?
A: Due to the high volume of submissions to our program, we are unable to provide you with such feedback.
Q: What if I send you my application and I realize that I have left out one or more of the required elements?
A: Unfortunately, we are not able to update your application once it is received. We require that all elements be submitted together. If you discover, however, that you have left out a required element, you may re-submit a full and complete application as long as it is received by us before the deadline for submitting applications expires (July 1, 2007). The completed submission includes: application form, statement of intent, Writing Fellowship Program Letter Agreement (notarized), writing sample, with proof of current registration with the Writers Guild of America, west or East and/or the Library of Congress, resume and biography. If any part of the application is incomplete, your submission will be disqualified and your application will not be considered.
Q: Must I submit a resume even if I have not worked as a professional writer?
A: Yes. As a part of the review process, all applicants must submit a work resume and an autobiographical summary. Applications that do not include both of these items will not be considered.
Q: What is the difference between the Writing Fellowship Program Letter Agreement and the Fellowship Program contract?
A: We are not able to examine your writing sample unless you first sign and return a notarized Writing Fellowship Program Letter Agreement. If you are selected as a potential Fellow, we will extend you a conditional offer to join us as a Fellow. As a condition of your acceptance of our offer to become a Fellow, you must also sign the Fellowship Program contract. The Fellowship Program contract addresses a number of issues, including the at-will nature of your potential employment relationship with The Walt Disney Studios and/or ABC.