The Universal Writers Program develops up-and-coming and experienced storytellers with commercial sensibilities and cultural perspectives, with the goal to create material for potential UFEG development consideration; however, concept development is not guaranteed.

Yes. If selected, writers will be compensated with a non-negotiable salary of $75,000.00 annualized. 

Writers selected to participate in the one-year paid program are hired under a writing service agreement requiring an exclusive, full-time commitment of a minimum of 40 hours per week. 

Yes.  Should material written in the Program be identified as potential development content, UFEG has the option to extend a writer’s contract for a term of up to one additional year. 

No.  The Program is an exclusive, full-time commitment.

Applicants are required to submit the following: a Universal Writers Program application, an original screenplay, an original treatment for a project other than the submitted screenplay, a signed release form for submitted material, a current résumé, and a personal essay.  Letter(s) of recommendation are not required but are optional.  Please review the FAQ section on letter(s) of recommendation for more information.

No.  Only online applications submitted through the Program website will be accepted.  Applicants who are unable to upload their application online may contact us for further information.

No. However, there is a cost in registering a script and treatment with the Writers Guild of America (WGA). Visit www.wgawregistry.org  for more information including registration rates. Registration may take more than 24 hours to process.

The one-year Program starts in August and runs through the end of July of the following calendar year.

The number of writers selected can vary from year to year.

Writers will be required to complete two feature-length scripts based on selected genres designated by UFEG’s various divisions including but not limited to Universal Pictures and Focus Features.

No.  Concept development is not guaranteed. 

Universal Studios, Universal City, CA. You must reside in Los Angeles to participate in the program.

No.

No.

No.

No.

An on-screen message will appear verifying confirmation.  If the message does not appear, the application has not been received and must be resubmitted.

No. Please check our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages for periodic updates on the selection process.