
Back to All News
Outfest Screenwriting Lab Grows Partnership with Netflix to Support LGBTQIA Voices
Social Impact
09 May 2022
United States
LOS ANGELES, May 2, 2022 - Outfest is announcing an expansion of their 2022 Outfest Screenwriting Lab in partnership with Netflix. Initially created in 1997 as a screenwriting contest, the Outfest Screenwriting Lab has become the cornerstone of Outfest's education and creative development programming.
Through this year's program, 10 LGBTQIA screenwriters will have the opportunity to be mentored by top industry showrunners, executives, and writers who will offer professional development, scriptwriting support, and insight into the latest trends within the industry. The week-long intensive Lab will take place over Zoom in October, and applications are opening today. With support from Netflix, Outfest is expanding access to their program by waiving the submission fees for all applicants and providing grants for each of the selected screenwriters to help financially support them.
Working with Netflix to provide further financial assistance for creators, whether it is removing the financial barrier to apply or by giving out grants to each of our screenwriting fellows, helps us further deliver on Outfest's mission to empower LGBTQIA storytellers, said Outfest Artistic Director Faridah Gbadamosi. We are excited to continue building up the next generation of Hollywood's storytellers.
This partnership between Outfest and Netflix is part of Netflix's Fund for Creative Equity, an effort to help create more behind-the-camera opportunities for underrepresented communities within the TV and film industries.
Outfest taps some of their most accomplished alumnus and industry leaders as mentors, including showrunners Jaclyn Moore (Dear White People, Queer as Folk), Alvaro Rodriguez (Seis Manos, American Rust), Micah Schraft (Mrs. America), Mikko Alanne (The Long Road Home), alongside writers Eduardo Cisneros, Chuck Hayward, MW Wilson. Executives Manny Jaquez, Bianca Quesada, David Ruby, Andrew Wang, Julie Waters, and industry reps Biz Hurst, Clifford Murry, Cora Olson, and Martin To.
Fellows also receive one-on-one mentorship from LGBTQIA showrunners, writers/ producers, feature writers, and studio and network executives. Past mentors include: Daniel Barnz (Generation), Gabe Liedman (Pen15, Q-Force), Alvaro Rodriguez (Seis Manos, American Rust), Marja-Lewis Ryan (The L Word: Generation Q), Micah Schraft (Mrs. America), Halsted Sullivan (Central Park), Keisha Zollar (Astronomy Club, Iron Mike), Mike Armbruster (Feel the Beat), Imogen Binnie (Cruel Summer), Elegance Bratton (Pier Kids), Kelly Lynne DAngelo (Miracle Workers), Fola Goke-Pariola (Paper Girls), Chuck Hayward (WandaVision, Ted Lasso), John Krokidas (Kill Your Darlings), Neil Landau (Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead), Mike Mosallam (Breaking Fast), Christina Nieves (Generation), George Northy (G.B.F., Charmed), Marquita J. Robinson (Black-ish, GLOW), Michelle Sam (On the Spectrum), Zackery Alexzander Stephens (Q-Force, The Amber Ruffin Show), juliany taveras (With Love), Patrick Tobin (Cake), and executives Tim Honigman (Mainstay Entertainment), Samantha Housman (51 Entertainment), Mallory Schwartz (Mythical Entertainment), David Sigurani (Aftershock Media), Andrew Tolbert (Hello Sunshine).
For more information on how to submit, visit https://www.outfest.org/submissions/
ABOUT OUTFEST
OUTFEST is one of the only global LGBTQIA arts, media, and entertainment organizations whose programs empower artists, communities, and filmmakers to transform the world through their stories while supporting the entire lifecycle of their careers. In its 40th year, Outfest continues to center its mission to create visibility for diverse LGBTQIA stories and empower storytellers, building empathy to drive meaningful social change. Outfest programs allow artists, filmmakers, and entertainment professionals to discover their voice, provide pathways to the visibility of their work by all members of the public, and assure that their legacy will live on for generations to come.
Outfest's tentpole film festival programs and digital channels include the Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ Film Festival, Outfest Fusion QTBIPOC Film Festival, and the OutMuseum. Its robust filmmaker and talent mentorship and education programs and courses include the Outfest Screenwriting Lab, Outfest InFusion studio days, Fusion Workshops, OutSet Young Filmmakers Project, and the Outfest Anthony Meindl Trans Acting Fellowship. In addition, the Outfest UCLA Legacy Project, a partnership with UCLA Film & Television Archive, is the only archive in the world exclusively dedicated to preserving LGBTQ moving images.
To discover more about Outfest membership, the Empathy Fund, the alumni network, or a calendar of events, go to www.outfest.org or connect to our social channels at @outfest.
More from Netflix
20/02/2026
Back to All News
A Friend, A Murderer' Launches on Netflix on March 5, 2026
Main image
Entertainment
20 February 2026
GlobalDenmark
Link copied to cl...
19/02/2026
Back to All News
Main Trailer for Boyfriend on Demand' Serves Up Virtual D...
19/02/2026
Back to All News
Meet the Singles of Love is Blind: Sweden Season 3
Entertainment
19 February 2026
GlobalSweden
Link copied to clipboard
Meet the singles ...
18/02/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Opens New Office in Mexico CityFrom left to right: Francisco Ramos, Vice President of Content for Latin America; Manola Zabalza, Secre...
17/02/2026
Back to All News
Bridgerton High Society Takes Over Madrid
Entertainment
17 February 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
THE CAPITAL WELCOME LUKE TH...
17/02/2026
Back to All News
Unveiling What's Next on Netflix for Australia and New Zealand in 2026
Entertainment
17 February 2026
GlobalAustraliaNew Zealand
Link ...
17/02/2026
Back to All News
WBD Files Definitive Proxy Statement and Schedules Special Mee...
16/02/2026
Back to All News
Eat Pray Bark - Sit, Stay, Camera On! First Look at the Paw-So...
16/02/2026
Back to All News
Unscripted Content Producer MEGUMI Signs Exclusive Partnership With Netflix
Entertainment
16 February 2026
GlobalJapan
Link copied to clip...
16/02/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Releases the Second Season of Gangs of Galicia on April 3
Entertainment
16 February 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
Wat...
16/02/2026
Back to All News
"Unscripted" Producer MEGUMI Signs Exclusive Partnership with Netflix
Entertainment
16 February 2026
GlobalJapan
Link copied to clipboard
...
12/02/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Unveils the Trailer for That Night
Entertainment
12 February 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
WATCH THE TRAILER
DOWNLOA...
11/02/2026
Back to All News
The Heat Is Still On: Single's Inferno' Renewed for Season 6
Entertainment
11 February 2026
GlobalSouth Korea
Link copied to clip...
11/02/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Confirms Production of Love O'Clock' From the...
11/02/2026
Back to All News
Investing in Belgian Stories: A Commitment to Culture and Choice
From left to right: Undercover, Ang le, Rough Diamonds, Into the Night, John...
10/02/2026
Back to All News
Made in California: The Lincoln Lawyer' Raises the Bar fo...
09/02/2026
Back to All News
A Home for World-Class Filipino Entertainment: The Journey and...
06/02/2026
Back to All News
Next on Netflix Thailand 2026: The Widest Variety of Thai Stor...
05/02/2026
Back to All News
The Final Season of Turn of the Tide Premieres on April 10
Entertainment
05 February 2026
GlobalSpainPortugal
Link copied to clipboard
Do...
05/02/2026
Back to All News
Nicolette van Dam and Bas Smit Present the Dutch Version of Lo...
04/02/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Shares Teaser of the Third and Final Season of High Tides
Entertainment
04 February 2026
GlobalNetherlands
Link copied to clipboar...
04/02/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Shares Teaser of the Third and Final Season of Knokke Off
Entertainment
04 February 2026
GlobalNetherlands
Link copied to clipboar...
04/02/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Premieres The TikTok Killer on March 6
Entertainment
04 February 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
Download the pictures
...
04/02/2026
Back to All News
Music Is Having a Golden Moment on Netflix as New and Nostal...
03/02/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Unveils the Official Trailer for Firebreak
Entertainment
03 February 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
DISCOVER THE TRAIL...
03/02/2026
Back to All News
What's Next on Netflix 2026: Celebrating, Saluting, and Entertaining India
Monika Shergill
Vice President, Content, Netflix India
Enter...
02/02/2026
Back to All News
Giovanna Grigio Stars in Os 12 Signos de Valentina, a New Seri...
02/02/2026
Back to All News
Cesc Gays New Film Premieres March 27 on Netflix
Entertainment
02 February 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
Download the first i...
30/01/2026
Back to All News
The Danish Crime Series The Asset' Returns for a Second Season
Entertainment
30 January 2026
GlobalDenmark
Link copied to clipboard
...
29/01/2026
Back to All News
Love is Blind: Sweden Returns for a Third Season - Premiering ...
29/01/2026
Back to All News
Unmask Bridgerton' Season 4 With Our Complete Coverage Guide
Yerin Ha as Sophie Baek and Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton in Season ...
29/01/2026
Back to All News
Extraordinary Crime Mysteries, Mythical Worlds and High-Stakes...
28/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix's Kohrra Season 2 Unveils A Thrilling Whodunnit Tr...
28/01/2026
Back to All News
What Next? Netflix Presents the Latest German-Speaking Series,...
28/01/2026
Back to All News
The Wait Is Over: Teaser Trailer Drops for Jo Nesbo's Dete...
28/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Announces a Fictional Miniseries Inspired by the Marta del Castillo Case
Entertainment
28 January 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to ...
28/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Announces Santiago Mitres New Film Starring Ver nica L...
28/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Unveils the Teaser Trailer for Berlin and the Lady wit...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Drops The Action-Packed Trailer for State of Fear, Whi...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
That Night Premiering on Netflix March 13
Entertainment
27 January 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
DOWNLOAD THE KEY ART
DOWNLO...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Kicks Off 15-Year Anniversary Celebrations in Brazil W...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
When It Feels Real, Is It Still a Lie? The Art of Sarah' ...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
That Night premiering on Netflix March 13
Entertainment
27 January 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
DOWNLOAD THE KEY ART
DOWNLO...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Revealed the Future of Mexican Stories Coming in 2026
Entertainment
27 January 2026
GlobalMexico
Link copied to clipboard
Among t...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
Four New Japan Titles Announced for 2026: Viral Hit', On...
27/01/2026
Back to All News
What's Next on Netflix from Japan: Expanding the Possibili...
26/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Unveils Official Trailer for Salvador
Entertainment
26 January 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
DISCOVER THE TRAILER
DO...
26/01/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Presents Our 2026 Series and Films and Announces New Projects
Entertainment
26 January 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
...
26/01/2026
Back to All News
Made in Louisiana: People We Meet on Vacation' Lights Up New Orleans
Emily Bader and Tom Blyth film on Royal Street in New Orleans' ...