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Meryl Streep Backs Screenwriting Lab

By Cameron Cubbison · April 21, 2015

The industry of screenwriting is a vast one; one that consists of thousands upon thousands of specs that never see the light of day. Talented writers find themselves hustling to no end simply to get half a step closer to having their screenplay optioned. It's an industry of rejection and heartache. What also causes heartache is that not even 10% of specs sold are written by women. But hold the phone. Meryl Streep might be able to fix that statistic. 

It was released this past Sunday night at the Tribeca Film Festival that Meryl Streep will be backing a Screenwriting Lab program that will pair eight women (all over 40) with experienced experts in the industry to help develop their screenplays. More from NYWIFT below: 

The only program of its kind, The Writers Lab evolved in recognition of the absence of the female voice in narrative film, along with the dearth of support for script development. […]

In its inaugural year, The Lab will take place September 18-20, 2015 at Wiawaka Center for Women on Lake George, NY. Caroline Kaplan (Boyhood, Personal Velocity), Kirsten Smith (Legally Blond, Ten Things I Hate About You), Jessica Bendinger (Bring It On, Aquamarine), Mary Jane Skalski (Win Win, The Station Agent), Gina Prince-Bythewood (Secret Life of Bees, Beyond the Lights) will be among others will be serving as mentors, pending scheduling. Mentors advise in one-on-one meetings with additional group events designed to inspire artists to hone their creative vision. 

Do you fit the bill for the Writers Lab? Apply HERE

Photo: Huff Post