Women Screenwriters Workshop

We are a community of aspiring film and television screenwriters providing script feedback for writers who identify as female or nonbinary. Our members workshop their scripts with the goal of submitting their work to contests, fellowships, and writing labs throughout the year.

GENERAL INFO:
Script submissions typically open 30 DAYS PRIOR to each Meetup, and are open to all members who have RSVP'd for that event. Projects emailed to womenwritersLA@gmail.com are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for each workshop. Once your project has been confirmed, you are welcome to revise your draft up until the final deadline posted on the event page. Script spot availability is posted in the COMMENTS section of each event page. Scripts submitted by waitlisted writers may be accepted as alternates.

Workshops are typically posted 6 weeks prior to the event and we can accommodate 10-12 attendees per session. Once the 10-12 spots are full, all other RSVPs will be waitlisted. Update your Meetup RSVP status if you cannot attend or don't have time to read the scripts -- that's the only way a waitlisted writer can take your spot.

Be sure to check the event details for your specific workshop, as we have various types of critique sessions!

30 PAGE SCRIPT WORKSHOPS:
We critique up to 30 PAGES each from 3 WRITERS at this Meetup. Writers can submit a any 30 pages of their draft, it does not have to be the first 30. If you are submitting pages beyond 1-30, you can include all preceding pages as reference. Extra pages are allowed if your script ends between page 30-37.

10 PAGE SCRIPT WORKSHOPS:
We critique the FIRST 10 PAGES of up to 6 SCRIPTS. Our focus here is on creating a solid hook and effective logline. Writers must also submit a 1 page "worksheet" detailing their script's genre and themes.

TV SERIES BIBLE WORKSHOPS:
We critique up to 25 PAGES of 4 SERIES BIBLES at this Meetup. Writers should have a completed TV Pilot prior to crafting their series bible (however your pilot script does not need to be critiqued at a workshop). Writers must also submit a 1 page "worksheet" detailing their series genre and synopsis.

PEER REVIEW (SCRIPT SWAP) WORKSHOPS:
Writers who submit a completed film or TV script are matched with 1 or 2 fellow writers to trade FULL SCRIPTS for feedback. There is no Zoom meeting for this session. The "event" date is your script submission deadline. After being matched, writers will have 8 days to read their partner's script(s) and email their feedback.

WHAT CAN I SUBMIT?
Feature film, short film, TV pilots, TV specs, limited series and webisodes are all accepted. Scripts should be saved as PDFs, formatted in industry standard, and include a title page. If you are submitting a TV SPEC (a series that is currently airing), please include your "previously on" synopsis on page ii after the title page. Neither of these go against your page count. First time screenwriters are welcome -- our only requirement is a properly formatted script! See below for writer resources and sample scripts.

WHAT IF I WANT TO SUBMIT A LATER ACT?
No problem! It's recommended that you include all preceding pages as reference. For example, if you're submitting pages 61-90 for critique, your PDF should include pages 1-90. Attendees are not obligated to read more than 30 pages per writer, but it can be helpful to have the entire script. Just be sure to specify WHICH 30 pages you want critiqued.

WHAT IF MY SCRIPT ISN'T READY YET?
If you'd like to participate, but aren't ready to submit your own work, that's okay! All members are welcome at critiques.

HOW DO I PREPARE SCRIPT FEEDBACK?:
There's no right or wrong way to give feedback, as long as it's done with respect. We want to hear your honest thoughts about what you've read! The best critiques are ACTIONABLE -- meaning the writer can make specific changes based on your notes. Here are some ideas to get started:
- which character resonated with you most... and why?
- did any scenes feel too short or too long? which ones?
- is there clear conflict between characters? could there be more?
- were any parts of the plot confusing or unbelievable? 
- did each character speak in a unique voice? could you tell them apart based on dialogue alone?
- did every scene move the story forward? if not, which could be cut or expanded?

GROUP TENETS:
Above all, we aim to provide a safe and respectful environment for group discussion. As a member of this group we ask that everyone abide by these tenets:
- We will provide thoughtful and respectful feedback for all writers who submit their work for critique.
- We will allow every participant the opportunity to speak and be heard.
- We will not single out any member(s) of our group based on religion, race, national origin, disability, age, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
- We will never share any member’s script pages or conceptual ideas without their explicit consent.

WRITER RESOURCES:
Sample outlines, scripts & pitches (Film and TV): https://johnaugust.com/library
Produced feature scripts: 
https://gointothestory.blcklst.com/script-download-links-9313356d361c
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B5lHQAVEce61clFSSzVJbHR4bUk
Produced TV scripts: 
https://sites.google.com/site/tvwriting/us-drama/pilot-scripts
https://sites.google.com/site/tvwriting/us-comedy/pilot-scripts
http://thetelevisionpilot.com/script-database/
Sample TV bibles & pitches: https://sites.google.com/site/tvwriting/bibles

COPYRIGHT:
Our expectation is that all scripts shared within the group are the sole property of the person who wrote them. Scripts are not to be shared outside the group or distributed for any purpose other than WSW critique sessions. Nonetheless, it is highly recommended that you register your work with the WGA or the US Copyright Office. Protecting your own work is your responsibility as a writer.
WGA West: https://www.wgawregistry.org/
WGA East: https://www.wgaeast.org/mo/script_registration/registrations
US Copyright Office: https://www.copyright.gov/registration/

CANCELLATION POLICY:
Attendance is mandatory for writers who submit their scripts for critique. If your pages have been distributed to the group and you cannot attend, you MUST contact the organizer immediately so that the group can be notified. All other attendees can cancel their RSVP prior to the Meetup. 
Please note that repeated NO-SHOWS (members who register for a Meetup, but do not attend and fail to cancel their RSVP) will be let go from the group.

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? SUGGESTIONS?
Your feedback is always welcomed. Please message or email the organizer directly.