LOVE & LAUGHS seeks to amplify dynamic filmmakers with a passion for telling comedic and romantic stories. All participants must meet the following criteria.

We encourage those applying to review the Eligibility and FAQ’s carefully, as they are designed to guide applicants towards a strong submission. Please find the FAQ’s here.

For accessibility accommodations, please contact: tribecastudios@tribecafilm.com.

ELIGIBILITY:

• Must be a writer-director with a unique and innovative perspective who demonstrates an interest in creating content that resonates with a global audience.
• Must have directing experience that has resulted in at least 1 (one) piece of narrative fiction work, with a minimum running time of 10 minutes, inclusive of credits.
• The criteria for the narrative pieces of work must be one of the following: Feature Film, Television Episode, Short Film
• Please note: music videos, commercials, documentaries, creative portfolio reels, podcasts, etc., are NOT eligible.
• Must be passionate about telling stories that explore relationship dynamics via the comedic and/or romantic genre. Preferred sub-genres include buddy comedy, family comedy, action and/or adventure comedy, romantic comedy, romantic fantasy and romantic drama.
• Applicants must be the sole writer of any material submitted and own the rights. Material from writing teams will not be accepted.
• Eligible Filmmakers may not have previously directed a Universal Film.
• Must have the legal right to live and work in the United States.
• Participants must be at least 21 years old.
• Must have a completed submission submitted by the deadline, May 20, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET.

Any applicant who does not match the aforementioned criteria is ineligible to participate..

We encourage those applying to review the FAQ’s carefully, as they are designed to guide applicants towards a strong submission. Please find the FAQ’s. For accessibility accommodations and any additional questions, please contact: tribecastudios@tribecafilm.com.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Those applying must submit a completed submission package to be considered. If any elements are not included, the submission package will be disqualified. The following items are required:

1. ORIGINAL SHORT SCRIPT: A completed short script for the proposed LOVE & LAUGHS project. Minimum of 8 pages with a maximum of 10 pages. The script should explore the complexities of building genuine human connections, either platonic or romantic, in the twenty-first century via the following sub-genres: buddy comedy, family comedy, action and/or adventure comedy, romantic comedy, romantic fantasy, and romantic drama. The original short script must be written solely by the applicant.


2. LOOKBOOK: A document outlining overall composition, style, and direction intended for the production of the submitted original short script. The document must be a minimum of 8 pages but no more than 20 pages. (Example - pitch deck, moodboard,etc. are acceptable.) This document should describe the following:
• Genre, theme, tone, mood, key takeaways, and provide visual references
• Setting/time period with visual references
• Art direction with visual references
• Short character descriptions with visual references or casting inspiration
• Comparable projects
• Any other pertinent details you’d like to share


3. FEATURE FILM TREATMENT: Illustrates the applicant’s vision of the submitted short film script as a full-length feature film. Submitted treatments must include the following elements and adhere to these formatting guidelines: (1) Title (2) Logline outlining clearly the main protagonist, protagonist’s goal, their obstacle and stakes (3) Brief key character descriptions (4) Three-act structure (5) Must not exceed five (5) pages, not including title page (6) 1.5-inch line spacing (7) 1-inch margins all around (8) Nothing smaller than an 11.5 font-size. Treatments that do not include such elements or that deviate from the above formatting guidelines will be disqualified. Treatments must be written solely by the applicant.


4. CREATIVE WORK SAMPLE: Complete narratives that represent the applicant’s strongest work and demonstrate their skills and sensibility as a director.
• Link to at least 1 (one) piece of narrative fiction work, with a minimum continuous running time of 10 minutes, inclusive of credits. The criteria for the narrative pieces of work must be one of the following:
• Feature Film
• Television Episode
• Short Film
• Please note, music videos, commercials, documentaries, creative portfolio reels, sizzle reels, podcasts, etc, are NOT eligible.
• Maximum 3 (three) submissions.


5. PERSONAL STATEMENT VIDEO: A video (up to four minutes) about what inspired the creation of this project. Why is this story timely, and why is the applicant the right person to tell it? The statement should include personal inspiration, a desire to tell comedic and romantic stories, how the applicant’s sensibilities creatively align with Blackmaled Productions, and the applicant's overall motivation to be a LOVE & LAUGHS participant. The statement should include personal & LAUGHS participant. Personal statement videos exceeding four minutes will be disqualified.


6. RÉSUMÉ: Outlining chronological paid employment experience (may include entertainment and non-entertainment positions) and any filmmaking-related honors/awards. Positions must have been held within the past 15 years (two pages or less). Only list compensated positions with the exception of entertainment industry internships and full-time volunteer work at non-profits. If listing writing or directing projects, only include projects that were produced and/or optioned. The applicant’s résumé will provide us an understanding of their work history and insight into their individual life experiences.


7. RELEASE FORM: Must be completed, hand-signed, dated and uploaded in order for submissions to be accepted. Incomplete release forms will result in disqualification. Please find the form located here.


8. OPTIONAL REFERENCE QUESTIONNAIRE: Applicants have the option of providing up to two (2) references with a link to a questionnaire about the applicant’s creative process and work experience. This is optional and not required to apply, should an applicant be unable to provide references.

Please note you may be required to submit additional materials, such as but not limited to a topline budget, further in the process.

NOTE: No materials in the submission packet may be created by or based upon any output or material generated, processed, or produced in whole or in part with the use of Generative AI (as defined below). As used herein, “Generative AI” refers to a subset of artificial intelligence technology (e.g., ChatGPT, Llama, MidJourney, Dall-E) that generates content (such as text, software code, or audio, visual, or audiovisual works) by deriving statistical models and patterns from materials on which such technology has been trained. Universal may request supporting materials to verify compliance.

SUBMISSION PERIOD

Submissions will be accepted May 6, 2026. Submissions will not be accepted after 11:59 p.m. ET on May 20 , 2026.

NOTIFICATION

Applicants will be notified of their selection status by Fall 2026. Please check our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn) for updates on the selection process.

Please review the FAQs before submitting. If you have questions, please contact tribecastudios@tribecafilm.com.