HBO Max and its talent development arm, WBD Access, announced the return of its Series Mania Institute writers program for a second year.
The program, called Script Engine, is “aimed at identifying mid-level screenwriters and helping develop them to produce original, locally-based series,” according to a press release. Following the success of last year’s inaugural program, the second edition aims to “provide a structured development path that aligns with HBO Max’s strategic ambitions for original storytelling across Europe, focusing on authors with proven ties to France, Spain, Italy and Germany.”
Three screenwriters from each of the aforementioned European regions will be selected for a four-month structured program to develop original series concepts for HBO Max. As stated in the release, the writers will receive high-level training, region-specific coaching, and one-on-one mentorship to “sharpen their creative voices, strengthen their professional standing, and develop projects that reflect the cultural specificities and storytelling priorities of their local markets.”
The scripting engine will culminate in a presentation with HBO Max executives from each region. There, each writer can share their work and get feedback, followed by a six-month first look period in their respective regions.
“WBD Access is excited to collaborate with HBO Max to bring back the Writers program, which will be brought back under a new name: Script Engine,” Grace Moss, vice president of inclusion pipeline programs, said in a statement. “The program’s expansion into new countries shows that audiences are increasingly hungry for more locally relevant stories, and we want to hear from the next generation of great writers more than ever. This program aims to create a real avenue for mid-career talent to hone their voices, develop ambitious series concepts and help find fresh new stories for audiences in Europe and the rest of the world. Scripts of the Year I can’t wait to see what the engine brings.”
Pierre Ziemniak, Program Director at the Series Mania Institute, added: “As the training arm of series enthusiasts, the Series Geek Institute has established itself in just a few years as a leading hub for professionals in the audiovisual field, especially screenwriters, with an international network of festivals and forums. Following the first edition of the program last year, we are delighted to continue our collaboration with WBD and HBO Max to connect Europe’s best mid-career writers to the Script Engine.”
Last year’s winner of the Writers’ Program was French screenwriter Julie Anna Grignon, who developed the pilot for her project The Hum. Other finalists include Peter Farrar (Germany), Chiron Gruffudd (United Kingdom), Almudena Monzu (Spain), Isabella Oliveira Parise Kröger (Germany) and Kamil Shah (United Kingdom).
“The program was great,” Grignon said. “This gave me the opportunity to meet some very talented fellow European writers, work with supportive and knowledgeable mentors, and, most importantly, receive comprehensive guidance from HBO in developing my writing project. Throughout the program, my series The Hum, while deeply personal, was able to evolve and shape itself.”
Applications for the script engine will open on April 2nd and close on April 26th. Full eligibility criteria and application details will be published soon via WBD Access.
