THREE-PART PROGRAM
New Voices • New Mexico
A Curated Development Program for Emerging New Mexican Screenwriters & Filmmakers
Application Season for 2023 New Voices • New Mexico is closed. Subscribe to our newsletter to learn when we open for 2024 programs.
Remote June Narrative Lab: June 23-25, 2023
Online Writing Program: July 9 - Oct. 15, 2023
In-Person November Retreat: Nov. 4-7, 2023
FOR EMERGING NEW MEXICAN SCREENWRITERS AND FILMMAKERS DEVELOPING FEATURE FILM OR TELEVISION SCRIPTS
Stowe Story Labs is proud to partner with New Mexico Film Office to offer the 2nd Annual, New Voices • New Mexico Program.
A three-part writing program for 10 talented New Mexicans interested in developing a feature film or TV script.
Participants will be selected through a competitive application process. The program will be limited to 10-emerging talents (or teams of no more than two). Applications will be selected based a good story idea; the demonstrable ability to write a feature or television script, learn to incorporate new skills and approaches into the work; and a collaborative nature.
The three parts to the program are a
Three-Day Online Narrative Lab
Four-month, online writing program
Four-Day Writers Retreat
GOALS + RESULTS
The intent is to help participants turn their ideas or earliest drafts into fully developed scripts, to support participants in building ancillary documents, such as project one-sheets, look books, and to review approaches to getting the work out into the world. By the end of the program, participants should have a good first draft of a script, a confident ability to talk about the project, and will be prepared to push the work forward.
QUALIFICATIONS
You must be a resident of New Mexico in order to participate. Proof of residency will be required on the application.
PART I: NARRATIVE STORY LAB
Facilitated by David Rocchio, Founder and Director of Stowe Story Labs
3-day remote online lab
SESSIONS WILL COVER
Skill development and focus on story structure, character, and theme; conversation about story; packaging; elements of creative production; casting; adaptation; and finance and distribution
Direct access to working industry professionals, who are top in their fields, as mentors
Opportunities to build knowledge, skills, and insights to navigate the film industry
A network of talented peers, vital in this collaborative art and business
Peer-to-peer script note sessions
Workshop, roundtable, and social time
Intent is participants develop skills, tools, and approaches to advance their story ideas; an ability to pitch the project in many different scenarios; and a good sense of how to advance the work
PART II: WRITING PROGRAM
Facilitated by David Pope, Co-founder of Stowe Story Labs
4-month remote online program
SESSIONS WILL COVER
Twelve, three-hour online group sessions on Sundays from 9am - 12pm Mountain Time
Participants will write on their own time to meet the program's creative deadlines
Blocks of structured writing time
Three separate one-on-one meetings at key points in the process
Building stories from a character-centered approach focusing on internal conflict as the touchstone for development
By the end of the program, writers will have written a first draft, a logline, and a synopsis of a new narrative feature or television script
PART III: WRITERS RETREAT
Facilitated by David Rocchio, Founder and Director of Stowe Story Labs
4-day in-person Retreat held in New Mexico
SESSIONS WILL COVER
Two, one-on-one, one-hour meetings with two different industry mentors to discuss your script, approach to project, or career pathway
Daily structured one hour small group, peer-to-peer meetings
Group workshop sessions on subjects vital to developing the craft and navigating the business of screenwriting
Shared meal times, evening drinks, and activities giving an opportunity for broader conversations between peers and mentors
Time to reflect and write
Intent is participants leave the Retreat with actionable, concrete, steps to consider in making revisions to their script, and an action plan to advance the project
“The [New Mexico, New Voices] program offered an incredibly comprehensive approach to the pillars of storytelling, screenplay writing, and a topical look at the landscape of our industry. Creators not only refined their screenplays and writing skills over the course of a multi-day intensive program alongside mentors from key sectors of Film and Television, but they also were able to glean more about the business as it relates to cultivating a career.”
Blake Avery, Manager, Original Content Film, Netflix
Mentored at New Mexico, New Voices Program in 2022
KEY DATES AND TIMES
Application season runs April 10 - May 8, 2023
Online June Narrative Lab: June 23 - 25, 2023
Online Writing Program: July 9 - October 15, 2023
In-Person November Writers Retreat: November 4 - 7, 2023
INVESTMENT
If selected to participate, other than the application fee and travel, there are no program fees and both meals and lodging costs will be covered. There will be a supplemental room and board charge for teams of two. Chosen participants will be responsible for their transportation to the Writers' Retreat.
In proud partnership with New Mexico Film Office
New Mexico Film Office is a division of the New Mexico Economic Development Department and serves the film and television industry locally, nationally, and internationally. Their purpose is to market the state to the film industry, service the productions, and create jobs for New Mexicans. They assist productions with finding potential filming locations; do consults regarding the financial aspects of a project; connect productions with the crew, vendor services, and film liaisons throughout the state. In addition to promoting and providing production services, the film office is initiating emerging media opportunities for the state and working to expand industry infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Applications are now closed for the 2023 New Voices • New Mexico program. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date.
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If selected to participate, other than the application fee and travel, there are no program fees and both meals and lodging costs will be covered. There will be a supplemental room and board charge for teams of two. Chosen participants will be responsible for their transportation to both the Narrative Lab and the Writers' Retreat.
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A team of two may apply, and if admitted the team will share mentor meetings and peer group slots (not take separate meetings or seats), and will need to cover a room and board surcharge.
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Yes!
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Just email us at info@stowestorylabs.org.