Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
background
Why did you make a Fellowship?
We started the Inevitable Foundation Screenwriting Fellowship to substantially increase the number of disabled screenwriters working in film and TV. People with disabilities make up over 20% of the U.S. population but represent only 2% of characters on screen and less than 1% of writers behind the screen. Representation matters and film and TV present a key vehicle to counteract the often negative perceptions that surround disabilities.
How much is the Fellowship for?
Fellows receive $35,000, which is meant to cover 4-6 months of living expenses, in addition to a $5,000 professional development fund.
How can I use the Fellowship money?
The money is unrestricted—you can use it to cover living expenses and other project-related fees—which is intended to give you the time and space over 4-6 months to further develop your projects.
Is the Fellowship taxable income?
If you receive a Fellowship, we recommend you speak to an accountant to make a determination on the tax status of the Fellowship money.
Eligibility
Who is eligible for the Fellowship?
General eligibility requirements:
Self-identifies as disabled.
18 years of age or older.
Currently pursuing a career in screenwriting.
Not enrolled in an accredited degree program.
Currently or previously has worked in the entertainment industry.
Applicants must also meet at least three (3) of the following criteria:
Has an agent or a manager
Member of the WGA, Animation Guild or equivalent union
Has sold a script, TV show, or pitch before
Has staffed on a tv show or received a writing credit on a movie
Has been or currently are in development with a major production company, studio, or network
Do I need to be disabled to apply for the Fellowship?
Yes. The Fellowship is for individuals that self-identify as disabled. This includes physical, intellectual, developmental, visible or invisible disabilities.
Do I need to be pursuing a full-time career in screenwriting/filmmaking to be eligible for the Fellowship?
Yes. The Fellowship is meant to help advance the careers of disabled screenwriters so we require all Fellows to focus full-time on their craft and career. If you aren’t yet pursuing a full-time career in screenwriting and/or are still building up your skills, check out our Screenwriting Resources.
Do you accept international entries?
Yes. Please note that international applicants are subject to additional review in order to comply with U.S. Treasury Department regulations.
Can I apply as a writing team?
Yes, however, one writing team can only receive one Fellowship and one person on the writing team needs to be the Responsible Party who will be in charge of disbursing the money to other team members and handling all tax and compliance issues.
To apply as a writing team, each person should submit their own application according to the guidelines below:
Section 1 (Personal Info): Complete individually.
Section 2 (Your Project): Complete together and submit the same information on both applications.
Section 3 (Personal Materials): Complete the Personal Statement, Biography and Other Projects questions together and submit the same information on both applications. You can use “we” when writing the statements/materials or your first names, whichever you prefer. Upload your Resume on your individual application.
Section 4 (Wrapping Up/Certifications): Complete individually.
Is the Fellowship for a person or a specific project?
Applicants need to submit a project per the application process above, but the Fellowship itself is for the screenwriter, not any specific project.
Reporting
Other Information
What are the reporting requirements for the Fellowship?
Fellows need to submit a templated report to the Foundation three and six months after receiving the Fellowship to keep us updated on your progress.
What are the Fellowship Terms and Conditions?
Read the Fellowship Terms and Conditions: https://inevitable.foundation/fellowshipterms
Have another question?
Email us at programs@inevitable.foundation
submitting
When is the submission deadline?
Fellowships are awarded twice per year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall. If you qualify for the Fellowship, we will invite you to apply in advance of the next application review period.
Does it cost anything to apply for the Fellowship?
There is no application fee.
Does the Inevitable Foundation own the rights to the work I submit?
You retain full rights to your work at all times, both during the submission process and after. If you receive a Fellowship you still will retain full rights to your work.
THe Application
What information does the Application ask for?
The Application requires the following information:
A completed script. Scripts featuring authentic disabled characters are a plus but not required.
Project Logline: Describe the crux of your film (75 words or less).
Project Synopsis: A brief summary of a completed screenplay's core concept, major plot points, and main character arcs (500 words or less).
Personal Statement: In 500 words or less, your personal statement should answer two questions. 1) What stories do you want to tell and why? 2) What does disability representation mean to you?
Biography: Write your bio in third person (150 words or less).
Resume or CV
Summaries of other projects you have completed or are working on. We ask that at least one of these projects (past, current or future) have disabled characters at the forefront.
What type of material do you accept?
We only accept original material (films and TV shows), which may include material you own the rights to and are adapting into a project.
We do not accept spec episodes or any material you do not have the rights to.
Selection
Who makes selections for the Fellowship?
We’ve assembled a selection committee of individuals at the intersection of entertainment and disability representation who are in charge of evaluating each applicant and making selections.
When will I hear back about my application?
We aim to get back to each applicant within five (5) months of applying.