THE NEW VOICES FELLOWSHIP FAQ
We receive a number of questions throughout the year regarding submissions. If you cannot find the answer to your question on this page, please email us at info@humanitasprize.org.
Is the New Voices Fellowship a Humanitas Prize?
No. The New Voices Fellowship and College Screenwriting Awards are artist development programs. The Humanitas Prizes is a distinct program and not a catchall term for programs operated by Humanitas. Make sure when you are working on your application, you are applying for The New Voices Fellowship and not The Humanitas Prizes.
What type of material does Humanitas look for?
To learn more about what we look for in a script, we encourage you to read this article on on our website about the art of screenwriting and exploring the human condition.
What are the formatting guidelines for supplementary materials?
All additional materials should be submitted at the same time as your script:
Brief synopsis should be approximately 250-300 words
Artist statement should be no more than 250 words
Bios should be no more than 250 words
Resume should be no more than 2 pages
Why do you require a video statement?
The New Voices Fellowship is an artist development program that emphasizes professional development. Writing and storytelling aptitude is of utmost importance in a career writing for film and television, but between pitching, networking, and discussions in a writers room, it inevitably involves frequent public speaking. The inclusion of a video statement in the program’s application is the best way to observe an applicant’s ability in this area.
Are there page limits?
We do not accept feature scripts over 120 pages, but otherwise we do not have strict length requirements. We do, however, generally advise that:
Single-cam 30-minute pilots be between 22 and 38 pages
Multi-cam 30-minute pilots be between 52 and 58 pages
60-minute pilots be between 44 and 65 pages
Feature-length screenplays be between 90 and 110 pages
What is the brief synopsis?
The brief synopsis should summarize the story in your script, including the beginning, middle, and end. It should not be an extended logline or promotional text similar to jacket copy.
What should the artist statement include?
The artist statement should include information on your background, professional aspirations, why you'd like to participate in the New Voices program, and why you felt compelled to write the submitted script.
Is the resume only supposed to include writing-related experience?
No, please include all work experience, including writing.
Do you accept submissions from a writing team?
Yes, please submit one application per writing team.
Do I include an artist statement, bio, and resume for my writing partner?
Yes, each partner needs their own bio, resume, and artist statement. The documents should be merged as one PDF and uploaded into the respective bio, resume, and artist statement sections of the application.
Does Humanitas own the rights to the scripts we submit?
No, you own your script. Humanitas makes no claim to ownership or exploitation rights outside of the internal purposes stipulated in our release form.
Do I need to be concerned about language or sexual content in my script?
No, it is not necessary to censor your material.
Do you accept international entries?
Applicants do not need to be U.S. permanent residents and/or citizens but must reside in the United States.
I have an agent for acting. Does that disqualify me?
No. If you have an agent or manager who is representing you as an actor but not representing you as a writer, you are still eligible for the fellowship.
Can you waive the submission fee?
Humanitas has a limited number of submission fee waivers it can offer annually. Please use this form to request a fee waiver.
Can I have an extension?
Unfortunately, no extensions can be given.
I accidentally uploaded the wrong file in my application. Can you switch files out for me or withdraw my submission?
No. All New Voices Fellowship submissions are final. No refunds are offered.