Spring 2025
Screenwriting
The Screenwriting Journey is an immersive program designed for aspiring screenwriters eager to master the art and craft of storytelling for the screen. Whether one dreams of writing for Hollywood blockbusters, indie films, or television series, this program provides a comprehensive exploration of the essential elements and techniques of screenwriting. By the end of the Journey, participants will have developed a solid foundation in screenwriting, equipped with the tools and knowledge to start crafting their own compelling stories for film. Whether you’re new to screenwriting or looking to enhance your existing skills, join us on this creative exploration and bring their cinematic visions to life.
Spring Journey Applications Closed
…but you are still invited to join the Collaboratory! Explore other pathways this summer, and be the first to know when Fall Journey applications open.
Start Here
Spring Journey Applications Closed
…but you are still invited to join the Collaboratory! Explore other pathways this summer, and be the first to know when Fall Journey applications open.
As a mentee or mentor in the Screenwriting Journey, you’ll have access to a collection of online mini courses designed to help you craft the perfect short screenplay. You’ll be paired with a mentee or mentor for one full cycle, and you’ll meet with them at least twice each month. You’ll attend at least one community engagement experience a month – there are many to choose from to accommodate all of your interests and everyone’s schedules.
- Cycle(s) Spring 2025
- Time 3 hours per month
- Areas of Focus Script Writing, Screenwriting, Film
- Available Spots Per Cycle 20
Learning Objectives
Screenwriting Courses
Screenwriting Foundations: Crafting Compelling Stories for Film
This course is designed to help develop the skills and understanding needed to work as a writer in today’s film industry. Screenwriting Foundations: Crafting Compelling Stories for Film provides insight into the work of a screenwriter – a deep understanding of film storytelling and professional scripts, short-form and full-length scripts, professional working practices, and employment strategies. Specific topics range from story structure and formatting scripts to actually producing the film.
Teleplays Essentials: Crafting a Pilot
Writing for TV is designed to help develop the skills and understanding needed to work as a writer in today’s TV industry. Writing for TV provides insight into the work of a scriptwriter – a deep understanding of TV storytelling and professional scripts, drama vs comedy scripts, professional working practices, and employment strategies. Specific topics range from story structure and formatting scripts to actually seeing a script to fruition.
Screenwriting Mentoring
Mentees and mentors in the Screenwriting Journey will be matched for one cycle. Each pair will meet 2 times per month and, as a pair, attend an engagement event at least once per month.
Screenwriting Community Experiences
As a mentee or mentor in the Screenwriting Journey, you’ll attend at least one community engagement experience of your choice each month. It is strongly recommended that you attend the following Screenwriting Journey meetings:
- March 8, 1-2 pm ET
- April 5, 11-12 pm ET
- April 28, 6-7pm ET
- May 24, 10-11 am ET
- May 27, 6-7 pm ET
Script 360 Adventure
The Screenwriting Journey belongs to the Script 360 Adventure.
This Adventure focuses on exploring scriptwriting through lessons and experiences that discuss playwriting, teleplays, and screenwriting! It is great for mentees who want to explore scriptwriting at a high level.
Find Your Journey
Find Your Journey
Explore Tour (Spring 2026)
Explore all of the creative and storytelling pathways Girls Write Now has to offer through a multimedia, multi-genre experience that includes mini courses, exploratory studios, and one-to-one pair sessions. Discover new skills and build on existing ones with offerings that range from fiction to journalism to publishing, and dive into formats like video, podcasting, visual storytelling, and more.
Independent Study (Spring 2026)
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Journalism: The Art of Profiles (Spring 2026)
Every person has a story to tell, and profile writing is an invitation to share those stories with the world. In this journey, mentors and mentees explore how to establish trust and rapport with their subjects, conduct interviews with mutual respect, and present a friendly, welcoming demeanor while maintaining the role as the writer—not a friend or confidante. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on extracting details for the reader, this course emphasizes a holistic perspective that honors the reader, the writer, and the subject. Participants will practice structuring interviews, managing the flow of conversation, knowing when to push back against the profile subject, and using their own experiences as a guide to create compelling, thoughtful profiles.
Poetry Rising: Voices from Latin America (Spring 2026)
Explore the voices representing Latin America in their poetry! Mentors and mentees will read poems that reflect on love, identity, and social change. Alongside reading, mentees will write their own poems inspired by these works, experimenting with rhythm, imagery, and voice. Through discussion and creative practice, you’ll discover how poetry can express both personal and collective experience!
Writing Our Way to Wellness: Podcast Production (Spring 2026)
This Journey invites mentors and mentees to explore the intersection of storytelling and wellness through the art of podcasting. Participants will engage in intergenerational, holistic conversations that honor both the craft of writing and the power of human connection. They will explore what wellness means to them personally and as a practice, and learn to structure episodes that educate, inspire, and resonate. Mentors and mentees will also build practical skills in shaping and producing a polished podcast episode. By the end of this two-cycle journey, each participant will have a published episode on the Writing Our Way to Wellness podcast streaming on all platforms!
Perspectives on Editorial (Spring 2026)
Embrace editing as an essential aspect of writing in this journey that leads you through lessons and experiences that explore everything from line edits and grammar to the psychology of revision. Great for individuals who are interested in honing their skills for editing their own creative work (and the work of others!)
The Power of Punchlines: Stand-Up Comedy for Change (Spring 2026)
In this Journey, mentors and mentees will explore the power of comedy as a tool for social change, with a special focus on stand-up comedy. From climate change and economic inequality to LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and mental health, participants learn how to write and perform material that blends humor with meaningful social critique. Through workshops and performance coaching, mentors and mentees will develop their own comedic voice. Discover how satire and personal storytelling can raise awareness, inspire dialogue, and challenge the status quo— all while keeping your audience laughing. By the end of the journey, you’ll have developed a 5 -10-minute stand-up routine that not only entertains but sparks meaningful conversations about the world around us. Comedy is a form of intelligence, whether you’re new to comedy or a seasoned performer, this journey will help you use humor as a force for social impact.
Teach GWN (Spring 2026)
In this Journey, members of the GWN community will develop curriculum and facilitate a community studio for one or more cycles within GWN’s Collaboratory structure. Each Cycle involves facilitating three community studios, one per month. Participants will gain valuable skills in leadership, teaching, and community building. Mentors and mentees can facilitate a community studio either solo (if they are 18 or older) or together as a pair.
Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion (Spring 2026)
In this Journey, mentors and mentees will develop essential skills in public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking. Through engaging activities and interactive discussions, participants will learn to craft persuasive speeches, construct well-reasoned arguments, and present their ideas with confidence. They will explore techniques for effective communication, refine their ability to think critically under pressure, and practice responding to diverse perspectives in a structured setting.
STARS: Crafting White Papers for Change (Spring 2026)
In this Journey, Fellows from STARS CGI partner organizations engage in a youth-led writing and advocacy experience that empowers them to turn their experiences into policy-focused narratives. Through in-person and virtual sessions, participants learn to research, write, and collaborate on a White Paper that amplifies youth voices across New York City and advocates for increased support, funding, and policy improvements for youth programs. The Journey builds communication, leadership, and advocacy skills, culminating in a youth-authored White Paper presented to a City Council Member as a public call to action.
