January 2026 Opportunities Mini Slate: Industry Greenlights and Gateways

THE NATIONAL GALLERY

FELLOWSHIPS & COMPETITIONS

APPLY BY: February 28

 

The National Gallery has just launched a nationwide Open Call inviting creators across the U.S. to submit proposals to reimagine one artwork from the museum’s collection. Up to 50 proposals will be selected, and top creators will make a 15-30 second vertical video of their idea, receiving $3,000. Each selected creator will also have their video featured inside the museum. 
This opportunity is open to artists at all stages. No professional or museum experience is required. Creator ... SHOW MORE

FELLOWSHIPS & COMPETITIONS

APPLY BY: February 28

 

The National Gallery has just launched a nationwide Open Call inviting creators across the U.S. to submit proposals to reimagine one artwork from the museum’s collection. Up to 50 proposals will be selected, and top creators will make a 15-30 second vertical video of their idea, receiving $3,000. Each selected creator will also have their video featured inside the museum. 
This opportunity is open to artists at all stages. No professional or museum experience is required. Creators can work in any medium: film, animation, dance, music, poetry, fashion, costume, or anything else that brings their vision to life.
Example Submission: A proposal to turn Hieronymus Bosch’s Death and the Miser into a short film. 
The proposal submission period for the Open Call ends February 28, 2026. This initiative seeks to create dialogue and meaningful connections between the National Gallery and creators across the country. Full details and submission instructions are available at www.nga.gov/open-call.
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SCREENWRITERS WANTED

SCREENWRITER NEEDED FOR INDIE PROJECT

Apply Now: Nick Goodwin ngoodwinfilms@yahoo.com

 

Looking for a screenwriter to collaborate on Beach Haven, an indie feature I’m hoping to film in August 2026. This is a deferred-pay opportunity, but it offers a chance to work on a passion project with festival potential and contribute to a subtle, character-driven story.

 

About Me:


My name is Nicholas Goodwin, a producer and director with experience on projects for Netflix and other major platforms. I’m currently directing a feature documentary in the early stages of distribution with companies like Netflix involved. My focus is on creating intimate, character-driven stories and working coll ... SHOW MORE

SCREENWRITER NEEDED FOR INDIE PROJECT

Apply Now: Nick Goodwin ngoodwinfilms@yahoo.com

 

Looking for a screenwriter to collaborate on Beach Haven, an indie feature I’m hoping to film in August 2026. This is a deferred-pay opportunity, but it offers a chance to work on a passion project with festival potential and contribute to a subtle, character-driven story.

 

About Me:


My name is Nicholas Goodwin, a producer and director with experience on projects for Netflix and other major platforms. I’m currently directing a feature documentary in the early stages of distribution with companies like Netflix involved. My focus is on creating intimate, character-driven stories and working collaboratively with writers to craft narratives that feel both authentic and cinematic.

 

About the Project:

  • Beach Haven follows Stan, a late-20s man navigating adulthood in his hometown beach town.
  • The film blends real-life interactions with a scripted narrative, similar in tone to Nomadland.
  • Most characters will be local residents, with 1–2 professional actors anchoring the story.
  • It’s a quiet, immersive story about life, change, and belonging, designed for a thoughtful, collaborative process.

 

About the Collaboration:

  • My role will be overseeing and contributing to the creation of the screenplay; the role I’m looking for will be to bring it to life through writing, shaping structure and character moments.
  • This is not a 9-to-5 grind — work happens organically. We’ll check in periodically, meet to discuss notes, and set deadlines at natural points in the development process.
  • Timeline: I’m looking to start conversations now with first drafts rolling in spring, in time to prep for filming in August.

 

Who I’m Looking For:

 

  • MFA or recent BFA graduates from top film programs
  • Writers who are strong with character, tone, and subtle storytelling, and who enjoy collaboration and flexible creative processes
  • Someone excited about hybrid narratives, blending scripted work with real-life interactions

 

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CASTING NOTICE

ACTORS NEEDED

 

Apply Now

 

Alum Reuben Bernardo Qhapaq is directing a short film – ESTA NOCHE – and wants to share a casting notice.

It’s a queer short film centering around a homeless Latino runaway, Benni, and his journey of finding himself within the underground Latino drag community. This production is a great opportunity for queer POC actors and trans actresses.

 

Project Logline: The film follows Benni, a gay, homeless, 18-year-old Latin American runaway, and his much older boyfriend, RJ/25. on the day of Benni’s first drag competition, which gets turned upside down when Benni suffers a brutal assault and is left wondering whether or not he can continue doing the show… and if so, why.

 

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ACTORS NEEDED

 

Apply Now

 

Alum Reuben Bernardo Qhapaq is directing a short film – ESTA NOCHE – and wants to share a casting notice.

It’s a queer short film centering around a homeless Latino runaway, Benni, and his journey of finding himself within the underground Latino drag community. This production is a great opportunity for queer POC actors and trans actresses.

 

Project Logline: The film follows Benni, a gay, homeless, 18-year-old Latin American runaway, and his much older boyfriend, RJ/25. on the day of Benni’s first drag competition, which gets turned upside down when Benni suffers a brutal assault and is left wondering whether or not he can continue doing the show… and if so, why.

 

Go here for more information and to submit: https://www.backstage.com/casting/esta-noche-2942340/
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JOB OPPORTUNITY: EDITORS NEEDED FOR "DIGITAL MEDIA LECTURER"

Augusta University is currently looking to hire a Lecturer in Digital Media. The ideal candidate would have a skillset attuned with that on an AFI Editing fellow. The ideal candidate would instruct post-production and digital tools courses in our Digital and Visual Storytelling program.

 

The details of the position and how to apply can be found here

 

SPRING 2026 GRANT NOW OPEN

FELLOWSHIPS & COMPETITIONS

 

APPLY BY:  January 15, 2025 at 11:59 pm MT – Late $55​

February 4, 2026 at 11:59 pm MT – Extended Deadline $60

 

Short films, feature films, web/new media projects, TV, as well as theater works are eligible. There is no requirement with regards to genre — if you believe in your project and are dead-set on getting your work out in the world, you’re in the right place!

 

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FELLOWSHIPS & COMPETITIONS

 

APPLY BY:  January 15, 2025 at 11:59 pm MT – Late $55​

February 4, 2026 at 11:59 pm MT – Extended Deadline $60

 

Short films, feature films, web/new media projects, TV, as well as theater works are eligible. There is no requirement with regards to genre — if you believe in your project and are dead-set on getting your work out in the world, you’re in the right place!

 

3-5 projects will be selected to receive the grants package. We welcome submissions from passionate, visionary creators who are determined to get their work out in the world, whether you are based in Colorado or elsewhere in the U.S. Two prizes will be reserved for Colorado residents or for film- and theatermakers producing their work in Colorado. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Short films, feature films, web/new media projects, TV, as well as theater works are eligible. There is no requirement with regards to genre — if you believe in your project and are dead-set on getting your work out in the world, you’re in the right place!

Grant packages include:

  • A check for $500-$5000 depending on project needs. 

  • Film festival submission waivers to the Denver Film Festival, Aspen Shortsfest, Ridgeway Independent Film Festival, Denver Short Film Festival, Utah International Film Festival (new!)

  • Film festival strategy session with indie filmmaker Allison Volk ​​

  • 30% off all post-production audio services at Coupe Studios in Boulder, Colorado, including: 

    • Sound design/foley​

    • ADR

    • Original music and music licensing 

    • 5.1/Immersive mixing

  • 15% off all post-production services at MassFX Media in Wheatridge, Colorado, including: 

    • Conform​, color, layback, VFX

    • Title design, motion graphics and credits

    • Masters for theatrical as a DCP or other formats

  • 50% off screening room rentals at 38th & Post for screenings and/or fundraising events

  • 50% off use of color suite or editing bays at 38th & Post

 

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PASADENA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SUBMISSIONS

FELLOWSHIPS & COMPETITIONS

 

APPLY BY: Extended Deadline: January 16, 2026

 

Event Dates: April 9–16, 2026

 

For eight days and nights, we showcase more than 130 entrants from 15+ countries

including features, shorts, documentaries, music videos, animation and web series. 

Every film programming block ends with a moderator-hosted Q&A. Mix and mingle in the lobby; have your pictu ... SHOW MORE

FELLOWSHIPS & COMPETITIONS

 

APPLY BY: Extended Deadline: January 16, 2026

 

Event Dates: April 9–16, 2026

 

For eight days and nights, we showcase more than 130 entrants from 15+ countries

including features, shorts, documentaries, music videos, animation and web series. 

Every film programming block ends with a moderator-hosted Q&A. Mix and mingle in the lobby; have your picture taken on the red carpet, chat with the press or hob nob with the stars. 

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FILM INDEPENDENT EPISODIC LAB 2026

FELLOWSHIPS & COMPETITIONS

 

APPLY BY: February 2, 2026

Extended Member Deadline: February 16, 2026

 

The 2026 Episodic Lab is a full-time, two-week program that will take place in Los Angeles in August 2026. The program is designed to provide story and career development for emerging television writers with an original pilot script.

 

 

SUNDANCE INSTITUTE PRODUCERS PROGRAM

FELLOWSHIPS & COMPETITIONS

 

APPLY BY: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 9 a.m. PT

Feature Film Producers Track Application & Guidelines

 

Producers Lab Dates: July 13 – 18, 2026

Number of Fellows: 5

Location: Ucross, Wyoming

Eligibility

  • Candidates must have produced at least one short or feature-length narrative or documentary film, but no more than two narrative features total as lead producer. This does not include co-producer, associate producer, or executive producer credits.
  • Candidates must have a completed scripted narrative feature-length project in hand, with a director attached to the project.
  • Candidates must have a legal agreement in place through which they control the project (e.g. an option, attachment, or shopping agreement).
  • Candidate ... SHOW MORE

FELLOWSHIPS & COMPETITIONS

 

APPLY BY: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 9 a.m. PT

Feature Film Producers Track Application & Guidelines

 

Producers Lab Dates: July 13 – 18, 2026

Number of Fellows: 5

Location: Ucross, Wyoming

Eligibility

  • Candidates must have produced at least one short or feature-length narrative or documentary film, but no more than two narrative features total as lead producer. This does not include co-producer, associate producer, or executive producer credits.
  • Candidates must have a completed scripted narrative feature-length project in hand, with a director attached to the project.
  • Candidates must have a legal agreement in place through which they control the project (e.g. an option, attachment, or shopping agreement).
  • Candidates may not be involved as a writer or director of the submitted project.
  • Candidates must live in the United States, though the project may be filmed internationally.

 

 

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INDIE TV PILOT COMPETITION AND SHOWCASE

FELLOWSHIPS & COMPETITIONS

 

APPLY BY: February 28, 2026

 

ATX TV Festival is accepting open submissions for independently-produced TV pilots. After 14 Seasons, having established an influential audience gathering together to celebrate reunions, current and premiere series from your favorite studios, networks and streamers – this will be the first opportunity for independent TV to screen to our unique community of TV industry, press and consumers.

 

Creators (writers, directors, producers, etc.) may submit completed Pilot episodes between 20 -65 minutes in length, across all genres (scripted and unscripted). Additional selection details can be found below, and on the Competition’s official Film Freeway submission page.

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