YULIA ANALYSES FILMS

As the reading season nears its end, I thought I’d start sharing my thoughts on films, structure and plot design a bit more. Let’s start with the basics. What are the three things I look for in scripts? 1. Central dramatic question (I call it just central question) 2. The conflict (what are the antagonistic forces working against the protagonist?) 3. Lock between an inciting incident and a climax (which confirms the conflict that was set up at the beginning and was brought to a conclusion at the end) Without it, in my mind, the script falls under the category of an independent indie film, which means it’s an art film, a ‘film experience’ that doesn’t follow any screenwriting rules and is impossible to analyse. I literally have only 1 film of this type that I love. Nomadland. But other than that, I guess I’m not a fan. Sorry :) From the recents - ‘Couture’ 2025. Everything is there. Central question - ‘will she direct a film and a runway show’. Protagonist’s internal conflict (she receives a breast cancer diagnosis) escalates and affects her world and her decision to direct a film. There are even risks - she may die. So why doesn’t the script work? Because there is no bond with a character. The script is a gamble of ‘some viewers will feel for her, some won’t’. To make sure the audience connects with the character’s journey there have to be moments everyone would connect with. ‘Save the cat’ moment, seeing why this job is important for her, what she may lose if she rejects it. Etc. Plus the pace is too slow (read - it’s boring to watch) and there are no antagonists, that’s where they’ve lost the rest of the audience. But honestly, most of the time if you’ve got these three points, you should be good.

JOB OPPORTUNITY Runway Studios (runway.com/studios) is looking for talented individuals from film and television backgrounds who are passionate about advancing human creativity. Apply here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyZoi7XXH8fGNkB6FEc6dBVkLTvQotzDSEyCSNusfy8Y8dxQ/viewform

JOB OPPORTUNITY UK-based award-winning filmmaker MD Arman Ali (‘Shades of Sadness’) is seeking a co-writer for a feature film. It’s an atmospheric psychological horror set in London that blends immigration, identity, colonial history, and supernatural folklore. Logline: a Bangladeshi student rents a room in an elderly English woman’s house in London, only to discover that every night his shadow leaves his body. As terrifying visions reveal a forgotten colonial crime linking Britain and Bengal, an ancient presence begins demanding justice. Once the screenplay is completed, the plan is to pitch the project to producers and production partners, with the aim of beginning pre-production next year. If you’re interested in elevated horror, psychological storytelling, and character-driven cinema, send an email with your previous work to: filmsuitcase16@gmail.com

JOB OPPORTUNITY London-based producer is looking for a short script. Any genre, strong voice, a clear reason it needs to exist, characters you can't stop thinking about. What he’s looking for: - Short film scripts (any genre) - Writer-directors preferred, but open to writers with a director attached - Realistic scope - producing independently, so budget-conscious, but that doesn't mean small ambition (will be raising finance) To submit: Send an email to cardellavince@gmail.com with - The script (PDF) - A one-line logline - A short note on why you want to direct it - Past work you’ve directed if you’re a director, or directors you would want to direct this if you’re just a writer

JOB OPPORTUNITY UK-based film producer is looking for short film scripts. They’re looking for original voices, compelling characters and strong storytelling rather than a specific level of experience. Requirements: - Completed original screenplay only - 10–15 pages maximum - One location maximum (this can include sub-locations within the same setting, e.g. a house with a bedroom, kitchen, living room etc.) - Maximum 4 principal characters - All genres except horror and crime Themes of interest: - Adulting and navigating life - Relationships (romantic, family, friendships, working relationships) - Community and belonging - Ambition and purpose - Personal growth and change Please note: Writers who also wish to direct their script are welcome to submit, but directing opportunities are not guaranteed. If selected for development, discussions around rights, credit and compensation will take place with the writer before production. Submission deadline: 25 September 2026 Please send your screenplay to: indieplayer.ltd@gmail.com

Ig findings :)

JOB OPPORTUNITY Donald Kinda is seeking scriptwriters to create a TV series about a fictional ride-share company. The series will focus on 4 drivers and their interactions, the various riders' dramas, driving experiences, and road incidents. The tone is intended to be comic, with a healthy dose of serious drama. Donald wants the series to have a lo-fi look, shot with iPhones (see the movie "Tangerine”). He also visualizes several unique storytelling techniques, which will involve simple, yet complex CG work. Donald Kinda and team will produce a 30 min pilot by the end of the year. This includes 3-4 scripts done to show a direction for the series and characters. Compensation: Starting rate of $50/hr Please send resumes to Donald.kinda@gmail.com

Honestly, isn’t it the inevitable? Read more here: variety.com/2026/film/news/google-a24-ai-filmmaking-tools-1236787297/

Now that’s something interesting. Sundance is launching its own online course for TikTok: ‘From Script to Screens: Writing Your Micro-Series’. The focus is on serialized storytelling. Vertical TV series with 60 to 120 seconds per episode. In this course, you will:  - Decode the micro-series landscape, formatting rules, and emerging industry opportunities. - Explore how to bend traditional genres and inject your unique, original voice into the constraints of short-form storytelling. - Learn how your existing film or TV screenwriting skills seamlessly translate into short-form storytelling. - Discover how to create high-stakes character profiles that audiences bond with instantly. - Develop, write, and refine a high-impact first episode designed to capture immediate attention. - Craft your logline and compelling pitch to move your series forward. Here’s the link: collab.sundance.org/catalog/writing-micro-series

JOB OPPORTUNITY Tricky Ink Production (trickyinkproductions.com) is looking for short film scripts. Here’s the link: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyohoLGvB2k1RLIO_JMe_zjTVxescyQEIBsAH1Nvt6sRjP3w/viewform

JOB OPPORTUNITY 7 Dots Media is looking for a screenwriter to polish the script. It’s a feature-length biographical drama based on the remarkable true story of an immigrant’s journey from the depths of poverty in India to the halls of the U.S. Congress. They have a completed draft and are looking for an expert screenwriter to elevate the material into a production-ready script with high emotional resonance. The ideal candidate must have: - At least two professional feature credits (biographical or political drama preferred). - An ability to write authentically about the Indian diaspora and the immigrant experience. - Ability to take executive notes and translate them into cinematic beats without losing the heart of the true story. Please send your CV, a writing sample and a paragraph on how you would approach making a wealthy protagonist feel relatable to nitin@7dotsmedia.com

JOB OPPORTUNITY Jenevesque Media (jenevesquemedia.com) is building a writers’ room for a socio-political coming-of-age television series, and is looking for thoughtful, original voices to help shape it. The series explores the nuances of young Black identity—power, contradiction, cultural memory, and the quiet negotiations of growing up. Series references: ‘This is Us’, ‘A Different World’, ‘Grand Army’, or ‘The Get Down’. Apply at the form by 11:59 pm EST on Friday, June 19th to be considered: forms.gle/KYDo23Ze9ZJTKq8s8

Auburn Studios is looking for scripts. - Must take place in no more than 3 locations - Must have a small cast - Must be drama, comedy, thriller, or mockumentary Films will be released on socials. Email: - Your name and phone number - How many characters are in your script - How many locations are in your script - A brief synopsis - Acknowledgement that you understand distribution will be via socials With a subject ‘Script Submission: Script Name, Full Name’ to assistant@auburnstudiosla.com

Carlos Lopez Estrada (Oscar-nominated director) has launched his own film academy - ‘Antigravity Academy’. It’s a 3-months virtual filmmaking intensive that costs $35/mo. The program covers everything from script development to theatrical release strategy. (Not gonna lie, sounds pretty exciting! Most programs are crazy expensive, but of course, it depends on what info you’re gonna get. They also have a screenwriting camp in California btw!) Who’s behind the project? The director of Disney's RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON and BLINDSPOTTING, the producers of DÌDI (弟弟), and the Emmy-winning team. Here are the links: antigravity.circle.so/institute and antigravityacademy.co

It’s probably a long shot but if anyone is based in India — Netflix has launched it’s first scriptwriting lab in collaboration with Pluc.tv The lab is open to emerging writers working in any language. You'll develop your screenplay alongside industry mentors like Sumit Roy, Saiwyn Quadras, Akshat Verma, Chirag Garg and more. The 8-month lab uses a hybrid model, combining virtual sessions with offline modules in Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati, and Hyderabad. The immersive lab brings together 60 writers, supported by 8 mentors who face 8 jury members from the industry by the end of it. Here’s the link: climatescriptwriting.com

JOB OPPORTUNITY Independent producers Nicole and Michaela are looking for a screenwriter to collaborate on a feature film script. Logline: "One summer abroad, two twin sisters fall for the same charismatic man, triggering a rivalry that fractures their bond and exposes the haunting cost of wanting to be someone other than yourself." They plan to go into production in Serbia in September 2026. Email your CV to twintideproduction@gmail.com

Hi guys! Oof it’s been a moment. As you can guess the reading season is in full swing. But I found this platform where you can submit your scripts, seems legit but I’d double-check. What I mean by double-checking: always register your script before sending it to anyone, always sign NDA’s if possible, never (NEVER!) send money to any agent/manager/reader beforehand unless you’re paying for coverage. If producers/agents/managers don’t ask for a zoom meeting first, that’s a red flag as well. How can you know in advance if the script call is legit? You can’t. I can’t. We can google their website but the general rule is to contact them, see how the communication goes and double-check if something feels off. I’ve wanted to write this word of caution for years just didn’t have the time. So here you go. Be careful guys :) Anyway, here’s the website I was talking about: gem.studio/opportunities

JHRTS NY is currently accepting submissions for its 2026 Writers Room Program. 6-8 participants will attend 8 mandatory bi-weekly sessions from June to September 2026. The writers will receive direct mentorship and guidance from Lauren Luckenbaugh and others. Selected writers will transition from "aspiring" to "industry-ready," departing the program with a fully-developed 20-40 page TV script. You must be based in the Tri-State area (NY, NJ, CT). Final Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026 @ 11:59 PM EST Here’s the link: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeY7I6u9UGyRPnHrGneZC8rSHNaqxT13t4UoYpyMnk5S-VXBQ/viewform

JOB OPPORTUNITY Screenwriter call-out Limerence is a 6 episode anthology series exploring the raw, intimate realities of modern love, with each episode following a different couple over the course of one emotionally charged night. Think ‘Scenes from a Marriage’, ‘Euphoria’, ‘Normal People’, ‘Malcolm & Marie’, and ‘Waves’. Producers are building a team of writers to help shape these stories, offering a space to create character-driven, dialogue-led pieces that sit in tension, subtext, and emotional truth. To apply, please complete the form below: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLGs70AjV5uv1BSdgMwkA2z_KDT5tUymyUxJpXosO1VvScIQ/viewform

JOB OPPORTUNITY Autumn Bailey Entertainment is looking for a screenwriter for a powerful and important feature film project centered on sexual abuse in the Congo. The tone and scope of this project draw inspiration from ‘12 Years a Slave’ blended with the raw, survivor-centered urgency of ‘Promising Young Woman’, ‘Wind River’, and ‘Spotlight’. The ideal writer brings experience in: - War journalism or conflict storytelling - Human rights narratives - African or diaspora stories told with cultural authenticity and deep specificity Reach out to Autumn Bailey-Ford: scripts@abentertainment05.com