Love and Laughs FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What is Blackmaled Productions' LOVE & LAUGHS Powered by Universal Film and Tribeca?

LOVE & LAUGHS is a short-film development and production initiative for writer-directors with a passion for telling comedic stories. LOVE & LAUGHS builds upon the Studio's and Blackmaled's commitment to identifying and growing breakout filmmakers.

What is the meaning behind LOVE & LAUGHS?

LOVE & LAUGHS encourages filmmakers to expand and innovate beyond the traditional comedic model, exploring the complexities and joy of meaningful human connections—romantic or platonic—in the twenty-first century. Applicants may submit comedy or romance material spanning subgenres such as buddy comedy, family comedy, action and/or adventure comedy, romantic comedy, romantic fantasy, and romantic drama.

Is LOVE & LAUGHS a paid program?

No, selected participants will not receive compensation for participating in the initiative. However, Tribeca will provide financial support to assist filmmakers with completing the initiatives required deliverables including the production of a short film. Filmmakers should consult with their tax advisor regarding the income tax consequences as a result of receiving the grant.

What is the time commitment?

LOVE & LAUGHS is a non-exclusive one-year talent experience. Weekly and monthly time commitments to TBD by initiative partners, with completion of short films by the end of May 2027.

Are there extensions past the one-year time frame?

May filmmakers be employed or be enrolled in school while participating in LOVE & LAUGHS?

Yes. However, efforts should be made by selected participants to take advantage of the curriculum and enrichment touchpoints. The experience is designed to enhance the filmmakers' creative process, expand their network of champions, and increase their knowledge of the studio system.

What are the submission requirements?

Interested filmmakers are required to submit the following: a completed LOVE & LAUGHS submission package, an original Short Film Script, Lookbook, Feature Film Treatment, Creative Work Sample, Personal Essay Video, a signed Release Form for submitted material, and a current Résumé. The Reference Questionnaire is optional and not required. Please review the FAQ section on the Optional Reference Questionnaire for more information.

Can I email, hand deliver or mail my submission materials?

No. Only online submissions submitted through Submittable will be accepted. Applicants who are unable to process their submissions online may contact Submittable for technical support.

Do you provide reasonable accommodations for the submission process?

Yes, for accessibility accommodations, please contact: tribecastudios@tribecafilm.com.

Is there a submission fee?

No, there is no fee associated with applying for the program.

When will LOVE & LAUGHS begin and end?

Start dates vary but the one-year talent experience is targeted to launch Fall 2026.

How many filmmakers will be selected?

The number of filmmakers selected will vary, however, LOVE & LAUGHS hopes to identify up to 3 (three) participants.

If selected, what will the curriculum entail?

The curriculum focuses on enhancing filmmakers' creative processes, deepening their knowledge of the studio system, and expanding their network of contacts.

If selected for LOVE & LAUGHS, will I be guaranteed that my material will be developed and/or produced?

No. Further concept development by any of the initiative partners is not guaranteed.

Where is LOVE & LAUGHS located?

LOVE & LAUGHS is a hybrid initiative which includes virtual touchpoints, roundtables, and events. Participants will also be required to make best efforts to attend in-person events in connection with the initiative including the screening of their short film by initiative partners.

If I'm selected as a finalist or as a participant, will my travel or relocation expenses be reimbursed?

May filmmakers participate in LOVE & LAUGHS from outside the United States?

No. Participants must be based and legally able to work in the United States.

How do I know my submission has been received?

An on-screen message will appear verifying confirmation. You will also be sent a confirmation email from Submittable.

Will you personally contact me about the status of my submission?

No. Please check our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn pages for periodic updates on the selection process. Applicants will be notified of their selection status by Fall 2026.

ELIGIBILITY

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be at least 21+ years of age on or before July 1, 2026, and applicants must be authorized to live and work in the United States.

Will a work visa be sponsored?

Can filmmakers with previously produced credits apply?

Yes.

Will I be eligible if I previously signed an option agreement for a script that was not produced?

Yes. However, the applicant cannot submit a script that is currently under option to apply to LOVE & LAUGHS.

Are filmmaking teams eligible?

Do I need to have literary representation to apply?

Are Blackmaled Productions and Comcast-NBCUniversal and Tribeca employees eligible to apply?

Yes. If accepted, the applicant will have to terminate their current employment with such companies.

Is professional writing, directing, or production experience required?

No. However, experience in writing and directing, as well as education, and/or training in feature film production may be helpful.

MATERIAL

Can my Original Short Script or Feature Treatment have been written by me and my creative partner?

No. The applicant must be the sole writer of the submitted original short script and feature treatment. Additionally, 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.

Does the concept of my submitted script need to be about relationships, and are there any genres my work should illustrate?

Applicants' original short script submission should explore the complexities and joy of building genuine human connections, either friendships or romantic relationships, in the twenty-first century via a comedic or romantic lens: Romantic Comedy, Romantic Fantasy, Romantic Drama, Buddy Comedy, or Action and/or Adventure Comedy.

What is a proof of concept?

The short film/proof of concept should demonstrate that the project feasibly has the strength and creative execution to potentially expand into a feature-length film.

Is material based on my life, someone's life or a project in which I own the rights eligible?

No. Although films have been created and released based on true stories, real people and/or pre-existing intellectual property, for the purposes of applying to this initiative, submissions must be wholly original and not based on anyone's life story rights or any pre-existing intellectual property.

Am I okay with submitting something based on public domain?

Yes.

Can I submit material that has already been produced or is currently under option?

Can I submit animation material?

Is co-written material eligible?

No, applicants are not permitted to submit materials which were co-written with another person(s), nor material which was written with the assistance of GAI.

Who owns the rights to the material submitted?

Applicants will retain the rights to all the materials submitted. Please note applicants are required to submit a submission release form.

Must my original short script be registered with the WGA?

No. However, should you wish to do so visit www.wga.org for more information on registering material. Registration may take more than 24 hours to process.

What is the acceptable format for submitted material?

All submission materials should be uploaded to the submission website, Submittable, as follows:
Attachment #1: Original short script should be submitted as one PDF file labeled as SCRIPT - Project Title - First Name Last Name.
Attachment #2: Lookbook should be submitted as a PDF file labeled as LOOKBOOK - Project Title – First Name Last Name.
Attachment #3: Feature film treatment should be submitted as a PDF file labeled as FEATURE FILM TREATMENT - Project Title - First Name Last Name.
Attachment #4: Creative work sample should be submitted as one video file by providing a link and password, if necessary, and labeled as CREATIVE WORK SAMPLE - Project Title - First Name Last Name.
Attachment #5: Personal Statement Video should be submitted as one video file by providing a link and password, if necessary, and labeled as PERSONAL STATEMENT - Project Title - First Name Last Name.
Attachment #6: Résumé should be submitted as a PDF file labeled as RESUME - Project Title - First Name Last Name.
Attachment #7: Release form should be downloaded from here and reuploaded with a signature as a PDF labeled RELEASE FORM - Project Title - First Name Last Name.

Who reviews submissions?

A combination of Universal Film, Blackmaled and Tribeca executives, and Industry, and professional evaluators.

Will I receive feedback on my submission?

No. Due to the high volume of submissions, we are unable to provide feedback.

ORIGINAL SHORT SCRIPT

Should my original short script have a theme or be a specific genre?

Applicants' original short script submission should explore the complexities and joy of building genuine human connections, either friendships or romantic relationships, in the twenty-first century via a comedic or romantic lens: Romantic Comedy, Romantic Drama, Romantic Fantasy, Buddy Comedy, or Action and/or Adventure Comedy.

What is the appropriate page length for a short script?

Scripts exceeding 10 pages will be disqualified.

Is the title page included in the page count?

What is the format for scripts?

Scripts must be presented in the standard, industry-accepted format. Formatting guidelines can be found in various publications and online resources. Submitted short scripts must: (i) Follow a three-act structure; (ii) be no more than 10 pages in length; and (iii) have a clear beginning, middle and end. Any scripts exceeding 10 pages will be disqualified. The applicant must be the sole writer and owner of all original material submitted. We are not able to accept short scripts written by multiple writers.

Should the writer's name be on the script title page?

No. As key reads throughout the process will be done anonymously, only the title should be on the title page.

How do I submit the original short script?

The original short script should be uploaded as a PDF as Attachment #1 to Submittable, the submission website. Please see FAQ #40 for additional details.

Can Universal Film or Blackmaled provide me with sample scripts to review?

No. Samples are not available for review.

Are TV pilot scripts acceptable submissions for LOVE & LAUGHS?

No. TV episodic scripts will not be accepted, only original, short films.

May I submit more than one script to apply to LOVE & LAUGHS?

No. We will accept only ONE original short script per Applicant.

LOOKBOOK

What needs to be included in my Lookbook?

The Lookbook should outline the overall composition, style, and direction of the film. The document must be a minimum of 8 pages but no more than 20. (Example - pitch decks, moodboard, etc. are applicable). This document should include:
Genre, 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

How many pages should my Lookbook be?

The Lookbook should be no less than 8 pages and no more than 20 pages.

How do I submit the Lookbook?

The Lookbook should be uploaded as a PDF as part of Attachment #2 to Submittable, the submission website. Please see FAQ #40 for additional details.

FEATURE FILM TREATMENT

How many pages should the treatment be?

Five pages. Treatments exceeding five pages will be disqualified.

Does my treatment have to be in any particular format?

Submitted treatments must include the following elements and adhere to the following formatting guidelines:
(1) Title page
(2) Logline clearly outlining 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
(6) 1.5-inch line spacing
(7) 1-inch margins all around
(8) Font size is no smaller than 11.5 font
Any treatments that do not include such elements or that deviate from the above format will be disqualified.

Should the writer's name be on the treatment?

No. All reads will be done anonymously, and only the title should be on the title page.

How do I submit the original treatment?

The original treatment should be uploaded to the application as a PDF to Submittable the application site. Include the filename titled as follows: FEATURE FILM TREATMENT - Project Title - First Name Last Name.

CREATIVE WORK SAMPLE(S)

Is the creative work sample optional?

What type of items can be submitted as part of the creative work sample?

The creative work sample should consist of at least one (1) completed narrative work (with a running time of 10 mins or more - inclusive of credits) that represents the director's strongest work, demonstrating their directing skill set and creative sensibilities.. Only the following narrative pieces will be accepted: Feature Films, Television Episodes, and Short Films (at least 10 minutes inclusive of credits). Applicants may submit up to three (3) completed narrative works (via links with password if necessary). Please note, music videos, commercials, documentaries, creative portfolio reels, podcasts, etc., are NOT eligible.

How long should my creative work sample be?

You may provide up to three links to three complete narrative works with a running time of no less than at least 10 minutes per work sample.

How do I submit the creative work sample?

Please provide a link and password (if necessary) for each completed creative work (feature film, television episode or short film).

PERSONAL STATEMENT VIDEO

What is the purpose and what do evaluators look for in the personal statement video?

The personal statement video should convey the filmmaker's unique point-of-view, tone, and sensibility, i.e., personal inspiration, desire to tell comedic stories, and overall motivation to be a participant in LOVE & LAUGHS and why this story is timely. Personal statement videos exceeding 4 minutes will be disqualified.

What is the acceptable length for the personal statement video?

No more than 4 minutes.

How do I submit the personal statement video?

The personal statement video should be submitted via Submittable the submission website as a link with password (if necessary).

RÉSUMÉ

Must I submit a résumé even if I have not worked as a professional filmmaker?

Yes. All applicants must submit a chronological employment résumé, which may include entertainment and non-entertainment positions.

What is the purpose of providing a résumé?

The résumé provides insight into the filmmaker's professional and life experiences.

How long should the résumé be?

The résumé should be no longer than two pages.

Do I need to provide a cover letter?

Should I provide a list of my completed scripts or films in my résumé?

Should I provide a list of references?

Should I include an objective line in the résumé?

How do I submit the résumé?

The resume should be uploaded as a PDF as part of Attachment #6 to Submittable, the submission website.

RELEASE FORM

Do I have to submit a release form for my original short script, feature-length treatment, and lookbook?

Yes. For any materials not listed, please select "other" and write the name of the material on the line provided.

Where can I find the Legal Release Agreement form?

The Legal Release Agreement is linked here and on Submittable and can be viewed once the submission process has been started. Please attach as Attachment #7.

Are digital signatures acceptable?

No. The release form must be printed out and hand-signed. Applicants who fail to upload a completed and hand-signed agreement will be disqualified.

Why am I having trouble submitting my Legal Release Agreement?

If you are experiencing issues downloading or uploading your documents please contact: tribecastudios@tribecafilm.com.

OPTIONAL REFERENCE QUESTIONNAIRE

Could applicants include a letter(s) of recommendation with their submission packet?

No. Letters of recommendation are not required. No. Letters of recommendation are not required. However, industry professionals familiar with the applicant’s work can fill out a brief reference questionnaire that they can view here. Filmmakers are able to request up to two references through the application form. The evaluations team will accept no more than two (2) completed references per applicant.

How should the completed reference questionnaires be submitted?

Once the industry professional completes the questionnaire, due on May 20 at 11:59pm ET, they can click “submit,” and responses will be sent to the evaluation team.

How is "industry professional" defined?

Industry professionals are persons who currently or previously worked in entertainment media (e.g., film, television, digital and streaming services, etc.). Positions within both film and television industries include studio, production company, and network executives, writers/producers, feature film and episodic directors, and educators (e.g., professors or writing instructors) who have entertainment industry experience and/or produced credits.

Can literary and directing representatives complete the reference questionnaire?