Carnegie Mellon University
To support the development and production of science and technology films, television, and new media projects by top film students
This grant provides three additional years of support to continue the partnership with Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama (CMU) to award prizes to student screenwriters who write science or technology themed scripts. The CMU program includes a year-long screenwriting workshop that meets weekly and focuses on the challenges and opportunities posed by incorporating science into dramatic or comedic narratives; a mentorship program that pairs film students with working scientists to help them depict science accurately in their work; a guest speaker series by accomplished screenwriters and television writers; an annual screenwriting competition that awards $45,000 total per year to three to four of the best science-themed scripts submitted; and yearly showcases in Los Angeles and New York to bring student filmmakers into contact with leading producers, directors, and distributors in the film and television industry.