The Vermont Screenplay Incubator

Supporting local filmmakers in writing Vermont-based screenplays.

Incubator 2.0 - Winter/Spring Session 2025

Process & Goals

This 4 month program of 8 sessions will have writers meet bi-weekly with their screenwriting coach for 3 hours. In each session the cohort of writers will receive a short lecture on a screenwriting concept with accompanying in class exercises, coach and peer-to-peer feedback on work in process (alternating 3 writers), reading of scenes, goal setting, accountability and encouragement! There will be a focus on scope, feasibility, funding, budget, team, casting etc for each project, with the aim to set each writer up for success should they chose to produce their script.

The Goal: Production-Ready Projects

The ultimate goal for the annual incubator group is to support a pipeline of Vermont homegrown film projects. By honing the creation of the script with local production in mind, developing a focused budget, funding strategy, and outreach plan from the outset, your film will have a head start to making your vision a reality.

Project Timeline

December 16, 2024 – January 13, 2025: Submission window
January 13 – January 20, 2025: Selection of 6 writers
January 20, 2025: Participating writers notified
January 29 – May 7, 2025: Script Development & Writing, meeting every other Wednesday from 5-8pm ET via Zoom.

Screenwriting Coach

With years of experience as a professional actor in her birthplace Denmark and the USA, Jeanine has nurtured her desire to craft authentic stories and characters, leading to being awarded the Sloan Foundation Production Grant, winning Best Cinematography for her thesis from The Amrican FIlm Institute and being invited to join the Stowe Narrative Story Labs with her latest feature screenplay.

This award winning creator of films such as NO MORE and MORS DAG (Mother’s Day), skillfully brings together a creative team to support the development of universally resonant narratives grounded in the fearless truth of her personal journey.

When this AFI Directing Fellow is not writing or directing, you can find her downhill skiing, cooking or belting Brandi Carlile ballads with her daughter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be located in Vermont?

The incubator is specifically designed to help Vermont-based screenwriters. However, if your film is set in Vermont and you intend to base production through a company here, plan to move here, or have other questions, please reach out to us and we will let you know if you qualify for application.

What are the program costs?

Applying to the incubator costs a $10 application fee. The program cost is $400 per accepted applicant. We want to encourage a wide variety of voices and perspectives in the program so if the cost is a barrier for participation, please reach out so we can discuss payment plans or other options for participation.

Do I need to have screenwriting experience?

Yes. This is not an introduction to screenwriting, so we will not be instructing on proper formatting, etc. so you will need to have an understanding of the screenwriting style and have completed at least one script.

Does the film need to be set in Vermont?

The program is designed to produce scripts that are ready to film here. That said, if you plan to film in Vermont but your film has a non-literal or otherwise unbound to place then that is fine.

Will I need to attend in-person sessions?

The coaching & feedback sessions will all be held virtually via Zoom, to encourage statewide participation and enhance inclusion & accessibility. Depending on availability and access (location) the aim is to have a couple of the meetings being in person.

What are the application requirements?

Applicants should be Vermont residents, you will be asked to submit a sample of a completed screenplay (can be any duration), provide a personal bio and a resumé or CV, and a 500-word essay on your motivation to join the incubator.