“In addition to helping me improve my script, I also felt the discussions in the screenwriting workshop allowed me to learn more about storytelling for short-form narratives. The ideas I took away about character development and tension can be applied to future work, including feature scripts.”
Overview
MPI offers a suite of screenwriting workshops designed to support emerging filmmakers at every stage of the creative process—from initial concept to polished short or feature-length script.
Programs include the Concept to Treatment Workshop, which helps participants shape early ideas into structured, industry-ready treatments; the Narrative Short Screenwriting Workshop, where selected filmmakers of MPI’s Short Film Lab refine original scripts under the mentorship of award-winning writers; and the Script Development Fellowship, where MPI’s most skilled filmmakers work one-on-one with our production team to develop feature-length scripts for potential inclusion in MPI’s feature film slate.
Elizabeth Mirzaei, MPI filmmaker and 2021 Oscar Nominee
Concept to Treatment Workshop
This workshop is designed for filmmakers looking to polish their foundational skills. Over the course of ten weeks, participants receive focused guidance to transform their ideas into well-structured treatments—prose summaries of screenplays that outline the story, characters, and key events—teaching them how to present their concepts in a way that is marketable in the film industry.
Applications for the 2025 Concept to Treatment Workshop are now closed. If you are interested in future opportunities like this, click below to sign up for MPI filmmaker notifications.
Narrative Short Screenwriting Workshop
This workshop is for filmmakers selected to participate in MPI’s Short Film Lab. Through ten weekly, virtual sessions, filmmakers develop and rewrite original concepts and scripts under the guidance of MPI’s creative development team and celebrated screenwriters. The workshop helps filmmakers hone their storytelling craft through an intensive process of writing, revising, reading, and giving and receiving constructive criticism. Writers present their work to the group twice—first to get feedback on their treatment and again to receive notes on the first draft. Featuring exclusive virtual masterclasses with acclaimed screenwriters and direct project feedback from accomplished writers, this is a unique opportunity for participants to elevate their screenwriting skills and develop producible short film scripts that stand out in a competitive market.
Applications for MPI’s 2025 Short Film Lab are now closed. If you are interested in receiving notifications about additional MPI lab and workshop opportunities, click below to sign up for MPI filmmaker notifications.
Script Development Fellowship
This advanced four-month fellowship offers select MPI-trained creatives—alumni of MPI workshops who have demonstrated exceptional skill and promise—a rare opportunity to develop a feature-length script with the potential to become an MPI Original film. Fellows work one-on-one with MPI’s experienced production team and seasoned industry mentors to transform on-mission concepts into fully realized scripts, each developed with the goal of qualifying for MPI’s feature film slate and, ideally, moving into production as an MPI Original.
MPI’s Script Development Fellowship is invite only. If you are interested in receiving notifications about additional MPI lab and workshop opportunities, click below to sign up for MPI filmmaker notifications.
