FAQ
Everything you need to know before applying.
The lab is open to writers across India working on a short fiction film or feature film. We welcome writers at all stages of their career, especially emerging voices.
One thing we do ask: your work needs to be out there in some form. Whether it's a script that screened at a festival, a short film published online, something on a streaming platform, or even a college screening, we want to see that your stories have found an audience.
Not at all. This is a fiction scriptwriting lab first. We are looking for compelling short films and feature films.
Your story does not need to be about climate. Through the lab's workshops, masterclasses, and one on one sessions, you will have the opportunity to weave climate narratives into your script organically as part of the development process.
If that excites you, you are at the right place.
Short fiction films and feature films only. Documentaries, web series, and non fiction formats are not eligible for this cohort.
No. We accept projects at different stages of development.
For a feature film, you can apply with a 2 page outline, 20 pages, a complete script, or a pitch deck.
For a short film, a 2 page outline or a complete script works.
You will be asked to share a link to whatever material you currently have.
Yes. If the project has more than one writer, one person, ideally the lead writer, should apply and participate in the lab.
Make sure all co-writers are acknowledged in your application.
The form is straightforward. Here is what you will need:
All applications are independently reviewed and scored. Shortlisted projects then go before a Selection Committee.
We are looking at:
Selected writers move on to in person City Labs and a five month mentorship supported development period.
The lab runs over eight months across two phases:
City Labs: Two day in person workshops in each cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Guwahati. These are intensive sessions with writers and mentors for focused story feedback.
Development period: Five months of mentorship led script development with feedback at agreed milestones and virtual one on one sessions.
You will also get masterclasses with scientists, policy experts, and climate practitioners, offering real world context for your stories.
Six mentors from the Indian film and storytelling world will be with you throughout the programme. These are established writers who have worked on both blockbuster and critically noted films in mainstream Indian cinema.
Each mentor works with a defined group of projects and participates in the in person City Labs.
Mentor names will be announced ahead of the programme.
Yes. The City Labs are a core part of the experience and are designed to be intensive and collaborative in ways that do not translate online.
Please apply only if you can commit to the full eight months, including in person attendance at your city's lab.
60 writers across India.
Yes. Your accommodation and travel arrangements will be managed by the organisers.
You do. Fully and always.
You retain complete intellectual property rights over your script before, during, and after the lab. The organisers make no claim over your script, its characters, story, structure, or any creative element developed during the lab.
Participation does not transfer, assign, or license any IP rights whatsoever.
No.
Scripts are stored on the platform backend purely for technical purposes such as running workshops, mentor sessions, and feedback rounds. The organisers will not read, use, reproduce, or share your script content.
This is administrative access only and does not constitute any form of IP transfer.
The only thing referenced publicly will be your name and script title for programme communications such as social media or press. Your script content will never be shared, summarised, or excerpted without your written consent.
Yes. Your script is yours to pitch, sell, or publish whenever you choose. The lab places no restrictions on how you use your work.
If your script is selected and published or produced after the completion of the Lab, including through any other program, you will be required to include a credit for the Lab in the project's or film's end credits.
Yes. The lab is a creative space built on trust.
You will be engaging with fellow writers' ideas, drafts, and feedback. Everyone agrees to maintain that trust by:
This applies even after the lab ends.
At the end of the five month development period, projects are reviewed by an independent jury based on script strength, development progress, storytelling clarity, and overall impact.
The programme also works to connect developed projects with wider industry opportunities, including the International Film Festival of India, WAVES Bazaar, Climate Weeks, COP, and international film festivals.
Participation in the Lab does not guarantee that your script will be purchased or produced by the Lab or any production company.
No. The lab is free to participate in.
No. There is no remuneration for participation in the Lab.
Details about logistical support for the in person City Labs will be shared with selected writers.