THE FULL ARMOR CONSERVATORY
SCREENWRITING INTENSIVE AND SPEAKER SERIES

Sharpen your skills through concentrated, expert-led workshops, discuss the art of screenwriting with acclaimed professionals, and build community with fellow writers.


Overview

The Full Armor Conservatory (FAC) invites emerging screenwriters to apply to its second FAC Screenwriting Intensive. Each intensive supports four to six emerging writers who, after submitting five- to 10-page shorts featuring New Orleans as a setting or its culture as a part of the theme, are led through the screenwriting process by accomplished and acclaimed television and film screenwriters. The program comprises hands-on writing workshops, group conversations about the art of screenwriting, one-on-one feedback sessions with workshop leads, and networking opportunities with other writers and filmmakers. 

Tom Fontana will lead June's one-day workshop. Tom has written and produced groundbreaking television series, such as St. Elsewhere, Homicide: Life On The Street, Oz, The Philanthropist, Borgia and City on a Hill. He contributed two pieces to the September 11th special America: A Tribute to Heroes, and was an executive producer and co-creator of the AMC/Canal+ series Monsieur Spade.

Tom has received three Emmy Awards, four Peabody Awards, three Writers' Guild Awards, four Television Critics Association Awards, the Cable Ace Award, the Humanitas Prize, a Special Edgar, and the first prize at Geneva's Cinema Tout Ecran Festival, among others. 


What is a Screenwriting Intensive?

A screenwriting intensive is a specialized, concentrated program designed to teach or advance screenwriting skills within a compressed time frame. It immerses participants in screenwriting essentials - story structure, character development, dialogue writing - and enhances comprehension of genre specifics. It also covers the profession's practical aspects, such as pitching ideas and navigating the film industry. Programs are structured around lectures, hands-on workshops, and writing exercises and may include mentorship from experienced industry professionals.

Highlights include: 

  • Expert-Led Workshops: participants will learn from renowned industry writers about screenwriting as an art, profession, and business.

  • Collaborative Writing Sessions: collaborate with peers in interactive writing sessions that simulate a writers' room. These sessions encourage creativity and peer feedback.

  • Pitch Practice: learn what makes a pitch successful. Participants will pitch their ideas to the group, facilitator, and mentors and receive feedback on their presentation skills and  content.

  • Networking Opportunities: beyond the instruction and mentorship, the intensive is an opportunity to connect with like-minded artists, industry professionals, and potential collaborators - all essential for building a support system and developing industry ties. 


Who Should Apply?

This workshop is for emerging screenwriters who want to sharpen their skills, gain new insights, and make industry connections. Applicants must be at least 18, a Louisiana resident, and available June 14-16. Priority will be given to Greater New Orleans residents.


Timeline

  • April 10: Submission period begins

  • May 13: Submission period ends 

  • May 13-20: Review period

  • May 23: Cohort announcement 

  • June 14: The FAC presents “The Full Armor Conservatory Speaker Series: A Conversation with Tom Fontana”. Join us for a conversation with Tom Fontana as he shares his industry insights and personal journey. We will also introduce the November 2023 and June 2024 cohorts. The event is open to the public. Location to be announced. 

  • June 15: One-day FAC Screenwriting Intensive



Selection Process

Interested writers must submit the following:

  • Résumé/CV that outlines educational background (if applicable), screenwriting experience, relevant skills, and any notable achievements or recognitions in writing or filmmaking.

  • Short Screenplay (5-10 pages) featuring New Orleans as a setting or its culture as a part of the theme, showcasing storytelling ability, character development skills, and grasp of screenplay structure.

  • Personal Statement (1-2 pages) explaining your interest in the screenwriting intensive, personal screenwriting goals, and how the program aligns with your career aspirations. 

  • Optional Writing Sample (a treatment, play or other creative writing) to further demonstrate style and versatility. 

  • Optional Letter of Recommendation to support applicant's work and screenwriting potential.


To apply, email all materials in a single PDF to theconservatory@fullarmorfilms.com.


About Full Armor Films

Full Armor Films tells stories that unlock the human heart by developing, financing, and producing original, impactful TV and film content. Notable projects by executive producers and founders Frank and Kathleen Monteleone include the short documentary Hotel Al, which won the 2017 Audience Award for Best Louisiana Short Film at the New Orleans Film Festival, and the 2022 feature film American Reject (1091 Pictures). 


About The Full Armor Conservatory

The Full Armor Conservatory educates and trains emerging professionals through expert-led workshops and hands-on experiences. The nonprofit aims to develop skilled professionals and storytellers who shape the future of film in Louisiana and around the world.