For aspiring screenwriters, getting a foot in the door can be difficult. For women and nonbinary writers over 40, that path is even harder. A new opportunity is on the horizon, however, with The Writers Lab, an initiative backed by Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman, launching its first Australia and New Zealand program in 2027.
Here’s what you need to know if you want to be considered.
What is The Writers Lab?
The Writers Lab was founded by Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon with the aim to create opportunities for screenwriters whose perspectives have historically been overlooked. The initiative has previously run programs across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe, and will host its inaugural Australia and New Zealand program on the Gold Coast from April 30 to May 4, 2027.
Twelve writers will be selected for the five-day intensive, which will offer mentorship, workshops and the opportunity to develop feature film and television scripts alongside established industry professionals.
Among the mentors confirmed for the inaugural program are screenwriter Rita Hsiao, whose credits include Mulan and Toy Story 2, alongside Australian writer Liz Doran (My Brilliant Career, Please Like Me) and New Zealand filmmaker Briar Grace-Smith (Cousins, The Strength of Water and Swift Street).
The Australian and New Zealand program will be led by Kaiden and Wilon, alongside Australian programming director Brooke Hemphill, who previously participated in the international lab in 2023. It is supported by the Screenrights Cultural Fund, Minderoo Pictures, Screen Queensland, the WeirAnderson Foundation and the South Australian Film Corporation, with additional support from AFTRS, WIFT New Zealand and Screen Vixens.
How can I apply?
Applications open on November 11, 2026, and close on December 11, 2026. Eligible applicants must be women or nonbinary writers aged over 40, with submissions requiring a 20-page sample from either a feature film or television pilot script.
Only 12 writers will be selected to take part in the inaugural program, which will run on the Gold Coast from April 30 to May 4, 2027.
For further information and application details, visit The Writers Lab.
