SPECIAL EDITION Writers Lab

WHAT: A night where we partner with different artistic organizations to expand our network of writers, performers and filmmakers. We'll either highlight scripts or performers from a likeminded community or we bring in feature length screenplays about to enter production. This gives actors an opportunity to read roles yet-to-be cast, and for both communities to expand our network of potential collaborators. 

Our traditional Writers Labs are focused on providing a venue for fresh pages to be read by professional actors — with the aim of encouraging the writers and exploring the material as a precursor to pre-production, whether it be for a short film, a spec pilot, or a feature film. It’s also a place for writers, actors, directors, creatives and multi-hyphenates to get together and maybe meet a few people worth working with. We are always looking for new writers and actors and this lab is free and open to all to watch and participate by giving feedback to the writers. 

HOW: We do a staged readings of excerpts (or shorts) from 4-6 original script submissions, or we do a full reading of a feature-length screenplay in the pre-production phase. Each script is cast ahead of time by our casting director who pools from our large community of talented actors. After each piece is read we curate feedback from our live audience. 

We Make Movies is an inclusive community open to artists of all ages, races, ethnicities, sexual orientation, and sexes. It’s our value that we want everyone to “make the movie they want to see” and so it is our policy that we do not censor or cherry-pick which scripts are read during our workshops. Our goal is that by having an open door policy we will allow writers of all backgrounds and experience levels a platform to improve and grow. However, we realize that this policy can also allow for content that is objectionable or offensive to be read. So, we ALSO believe that the same no-censorship policy applies to our audience and they should feel free to dissent, turn down roles, and be empowered to speak their mind freely back to the writers in a constructive and respectful way. Our hope is that by not being another “gate-keeper” that merely rejects people without explanation, this community will actually enlighten artists to how or why their content isn’t being received.