Please carefully read and follow all instructions to ensure your application is considered.

Dates & Deadlines

The application window for the 2026–27 cycle opens on Wednesday, December 17 at 12:00pm PT.

• December 17, 2025 — Applications Open
• January 13, 2026 — Early Bird Application Deadline 
• February 3, 2026 — Standard Application Deadline
• April 20, 2026 — Admissions Decisions Announced

Late submissions will not be accepted or considered — no exceptions. Click here for more information on the Early Bird and Standard Application Deadlines. 

After the application window closes, you may be contacted to set up a Zoom interview between April and May. Not all applicants will be asked to do an interview. You will be notified about the status of your application on or by April 20, 2026. 

The program will kick off at our annual Weekend Retreat in June 2026 and continue through March 2027. Exact dates and scheduling details will be announced upon acceptance to the program. 

Please note: All admission decisions will be released on the same date, regardless of when you apply.

Eligibility 

Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

• Be a veteran of the United States military.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Be at least 21 years old.
• Demonstrate a clear interest in writing for film and television.
• Possess knowledge of the fundamentals of screenwriting and have some scriptwriting experience, personal or professional.
• Commit to completing one full screenplay or TV pilot during the program.
• Be available to participate in all program meetings and to fulfill all program requirements.
• Be open to constructive feedback and maintain a respectful, professional attitude toward fellow participants and mentors.

Experience writing scripts, self-taught or otherwise, is strongly preferred.

Eligibility Restrictions

This program is NOT recommended for applicants who are:

• Entirely new to writing or writing for the screen.
• Exclusively interested in seeking business contacts or workshopping an existing script or concept.
• Exclusively interested in writing an autobiographical story.

This program emphasizes the process of writing a script and fundamentals of the craft. For that reason, we do not allow applicants to work on an existing project or script with their mentors. You must be prepared to develop a new concept from start to finish.

Veterans who have previously participated in the extended yearlong program are not eligible to return. However, veterans who attended only the weekend retreat may reapply. Applicants who were not accepted in prior cycles are also welcome to apply again.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials via Submittable:

• A writing sample (TV and feature scripts strongly preferred)
• Sample loglines/story ideas
• A personal statement (400 word limit) 
• A copy of your DD214 with your Social Security number redacted 
• Your resume 

Please review the application guidelines page for answers to other frequently asked questions. 

AI Policy

The use of all generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT) in the development, conceptualization, or writing of your application is strictly prohibited. Violation of this policy will result your application being removed from consideration. 

Program Overview

The 2026–27 cycle of the Veterans Writing Project will include both in-person and virtual sessions. These sessions are conducted outside standard work hours — typically Tuesday evenings from 7–10pm PT. 

• June 2026: Weekend Retreat — In-Person *
• June – August 2026: Weekly Basic Course — Zoom
• August 2026 – January 2027: Biweekly Workshops — Zoom
• January 2027: Capstone Retreat —In-Person
• January–March 2027: Biweekly Workshops — Zoom
• March 2027: Pitch Night — Zoom

Specific dates will be shared with accepted applicants.

* In-person attendance required  

Questions?  

Please visit our application guidelines page for answers to frequently asked questions. If your question is not addressed there, you may contact us at programs@wgfoundation.org to connect with a staff member. 

Please allow 1–2 weeks for a response to non-urgent inquiries.