We're excited to offer a monthly relationship building meet-up and info/skill-share session for pro filmmakers, directors, producers, casting agents, screenwriters, etc... In these uncertain times with the industry using words like "contracted," we'd like to focus on inspiration and connection. If you'd like to swing by just to say hi, talk about projects you're working on or want to work on, or are collaboration curious, we'd love to fortify Columbia County's (and Upstate) film community and spirit.
The Contained Shorts Writers Lab
Calling all Columbia County screenwriters — your story counts!
The Spark of Hudson is hosting the Screenwriting Sprint’s launch of the Contained Shorts Writers Lab — a program designed to get underrepresented emerging writers and filmmakersinto production.
Whether you have a killer concept, a short script or short film you know needs elevating, or feature you’re ready to distill into something sharp and contained… we want to hear from you.
The prize? Your short film gets made. One winning contained short script receives a $10,000 production grant and goes into full production in 2027, with support from Stockade Works tohire underrepresented crew members, right here in Upstate NY. The winner also receives a $1000 cash prize, and two runners-up each receive $500.
Columbia County writers get first access. In the spirit of Spark’s mission to invest in local lives and voices, submissions open May 1st exclusively to Columbia County screenwriters.
From June 1–July 15th, the lab opens to the wider Hudson Valley (and beyond).