Nonfiction to Fiction Lab
The "Nonfiction To Fiction Lab" is a year-long program where storytellers transform true events into novels and screenplays with mentorship from Studio Blackline experts.
BLACKLINE
CREATION LABS
About The Lab
Objectives
The “Nonfiction To Fiction Lab” is a one-of-its-kind program which promotes storytellers who want to specialise in the art of “Inspired by True Events” films and web series.
During the Lab, chosen fellows will get to work with Studio Blackline experts on two formats- a novel and a screenplay. Over the course of 1 year, the fellows will be mentored by these experts on detailed nuances of how to research true stories and then exert creative expression to re-tell those events for mass entertainment or education.
At the end of the Lab, the fellows can expect to have their names attached to a published novel and a screenplay which Studio Blackline will try to get produced as a film or web series*. Beyond this precious addition to their portfolios, the fellows would also be fully equipped to replicate their learnings to write “Inspired by True Events” stories in the future.
*If the screenplay is produced into a film/web series, the fellows will also be paid industry-standard fees commensurate with their roles in the writing process. They will also have relevant credits on the film/web series once produced.
Practical Details
Location
Mumbai
Dates
All year round
No. of Participants
Max 5 per year
Mode of Attendance
Online and In-Person
Creative Theme
The next “Nonfiction to Fiction Lab” will be on the theme “Crime and Mystery”. We will take inspiration from real incidents, unsolved or solved mysteries, court cases, police cases, national events, or simply everyday incidents which have a sense of mystery to them.
Deliverables
The chosen fellows will be responsible for researching, developing and writing the story together with the chosen experts and provide the finished products in the form of:
1. Story Research
2. Character Arcs
3. Story Outline
4. Story Bible (Approx 75 pages)
5. Finished Movie Screenplay (Approx 120 pages)
6. Finished Novel (Approx 1,00,000 words)
Timelines
The Lab is divided into 4 parts, each part 3 months long.
Part 1: Story Research
Part 2: Character Arcs, Story Outline and Story Bible
Part 3: Movie Screenplay Writing
Part 4: Novel Writing
Creative Guidelines
Lab Inclusions
Fees
Rs. 60,000 per fellow (Fee waivers available for exceptional talent.)
Majority of the funding is borne by Studio Blackline and its partners. The Lab Fees we charge the participants go towards funding the cost of the program partially. Studio Blackline provides the following facilities to the fellows as part of its Nonfiction to Fiction Lab.
1. An Office Space where the Lab would be held.
2. Lessons, Workshops and Guidance from experts.
3. Stationery and books for the Lab like bulletin boards, books for research, etc.
4. One year access to writing and design softwares.
5. Travel costs for research (if required and approved).
6. Publication and Distribution expenses.
Studio Blackline makes no profit from these Fees. The experts and the Studio earn their fees from sales of the novels and screenplays afterwards.
Costs Included
The Fees does not include the following costs:
1. Any living or accommodation costs.
2. Any travel costs within the city or outside the city (other than those approved for project’s requirements).
3. Any technology (computers, laptops, mobile phones, etc).
Not Included in the Costs
Next Deadline
Midnight, 30th June 2024
What will I need in order to apply?
Applicants should prepare the following documents for a successful application:
1. Resume with work experience, educational qualifications and interests.
2. Cover Letter (up to 2000 words) describing (a) why the Creative Theme interests them, (b) how this Lab would help their career ambitions , and (c) why they should be selected for this Lab over other applicants.
3. Writing Sample (any length but similar to the Creative Theme they are applying for)
4. Fee Waiver application outlining why you should be given a fee waiver. Please note, these are merit based Fee Waivers and the applicants should highlight only their merit in the field of nonfiction writing to avail these.
What happens after I apply?
Our team will go through the applications and schedule a call with shortlisted participants for a video interview. After that, the chosen participants will be given 15 days to make the payment in September. The Lab officially starts in October.
Eligibility
1. Proven track record in writing for screen, with at least one produced screenplay. OR
2. Proven track record in writing for publication, with at least one book ready for publication.
3. Genuine interest in the Creative Theme for the Lab they are applying to.
4. Fellows joining the programme should be willing to make a commitment to the Lab as a 1-year program.
5. Ability to pay the Fees before the start of the program.
FAQs
For further questions, please go to the FAQs page.
