info@terrafirmafilms.com
Fax (310) 862-4717

EMERGING WRITERS PROGRAM
About
The mission of the Emerging Writers Program is to provide new writers a door into Hollywood by helping them learn the fundamentals of storytelling, the process of script development, and the business of selling a screenplay.

Writers invited to participate in our program will receive hands-on training from industry professionals. Over the course of the program, participants will develop their original ideas under the guidance of Terra Firma Films, while also gaining a better understanding of how to successfully navigate the studio system.

Terra Firma Films
Terra Firma Films is a production company with a first-look deal at Universal Studios. The company was founded in 2003 by writer/producer Adam Herz (American Pie franchise) and co-presidents Greg Lessans and Josh Shader.

The Program
Groups of 4 to 7 writers (or writing teams) will meet with Terra Firma Films every few weeks over a period of three months. Meetings generally take place in the evening, so regular work schedules are not affected. In between meetings, writers are expected to work on their individual projects. During the course of the program, writers will work with development executives to choose an original concept, complete a detailed outline, and begin the process of writing a feature length screenplay. After the program, some writers will continue working on an individual basis with Terra Firma Films to finish a fully polished draft.

Terra Firma Films will be attached as producers to any projects developed within the program. In addition, for a period of one year after completion of the program, Terra Firma Films will have a first-look opportunity to produce any material you develop. To read a copy of the agreement participants will be asked to sign after being accepted into the program, click here.

We do not promise to sell your script, and we do not promise to find you representation. We do hope to provide our participants with a better understanding of how to make it as professional screenwriters - both creatively and logistically.

There is no fee for the program.

Each meeting will focus on both developing the participants' individual material as well as a broader range of Hollywood topics, including:

  • Choosing Your Concept - what makes a concept commercial?
  • The Fundamentals of Story and Structure
  • Writing Your Script - the process from outline to draft to revisions
  • Navigating the Town – finding representation and selling material
  • Q & A with Visiting Professionals - writers, agents, studio execs, etc.
 Admission
Admission to our Emerging Writers Program is highly selective. We are looking for those individuals who demonstrate passion, work ethic, and talent.

The first step is to print, fill out completely, and fax a copy of our standard release form. After we have received your signed release, we will notify you with authorization to send the remaining submission materials, which consist of an introductory questionnaire and a brief writing sample.

When filling out the introductory questionnaire, please remember there are no right answers, so just be honest. If, for example, you've never written a feature script before, that's fine by us - no need to pad the numbers.

For the writing sample, the material you submit should best demonstrate your creative writing ability. Please send one of the following (detailed explanations are in our FAQ):

  • The logline and first sequence of a feature-length screenplay, or
  • The opener and first act of a television spec script, or
  • The first 10 pages of a stage play along with a one paragraph synopsis, or
  • The first 10 pages of a prose piece (short story, novel, etc.) along with a one paragraph synopsis.

If you have any questions, please email us at info@terrafirmafilms.com.

Apply
There are two steps to the application process:

Step 1: Print, fill out completely, sign, and EMAIL a copy of our release form to info@terrafirmafilms.com Upon receipt, we will notify you that you can send the remaining materials. (Please note: any writing samples or questionnaires that accompany the initial release form will be immediately shredded.)

Step 2: After getting confirmation that we've received your release form, you will be asked to fax your questionnaire AND your brief writing sample to (310) 862-4717

Due to the high volume of applications, please allow at least 2 to 4 weeks to hear back from us. There are no deadlines. Admission is rolling.