The Writers Lab is gearing up for its 2020 edition. Applications for the program will be accepted beginning January 27.

An intensive screenplay development retreat for women screenwriters who are 40 or older, the Lab consists of one-on-one meetings and panels with female filmmakers and industry figures, as well as peer groups and discussion sessions. The program’s 2019 mentors included screenwriter Robin Swicord (“Little Women”) and producers Lisa Cortes (“Precious”), Mary Jane Skalski (“The Station Agent”), and Susan Cartonis (“What Women Want”).

Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman are among the Lab’s benefactors.

Women who are at least 40 are eligible to apply. Feature-length narrative scripts of any genre will be accepted and evaluated based on merit. Submissions are open to those with or without industry experience, and to women from all racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds. Women from any country can apply, but their scripts must be in English.

Selected scripts will be announced August 1.

The Early Bird application period is January 27-February 10. The regular deadline is March 10 and the extended deadline is March 25. Head over to The Writers’ Lab website for more information.