Cinekid Script LAB

This six-month programme offers screenwriters a unique opportunity to develop their children’s films or series in a safe and professional environment. The eleventh edition of the programme launches in Amsterdam during Cinekid Festival this October and ends during the Berlinale in February.

• How to write for young audiences
• How to develop a new (and better) draft of your script
• How to connect and share knowledge and experience with writers who are working on scripts for young audiences
• How to broaden your international network

You’re a writer who has a project in development for a children’s feature film or children’s series. You have some experience, but this isn’t necessarily related to screenwriting or writing for children’s media.

• 12 to 15 writers
• Aim: develop a new (and better) draft of your script
• First workshop week takes place during Cinekid Festival in Amsterdam in October
• Second workshop week takes place during the Berlinale in Berlin in February
• Coaching sessions, workshops, and training during the workshop weeks
• Attend events, screenings, and informal networking opportunities during Cinekid Festival and the Berlinale
• Interim online session with your coach between the two workshop weeks

Cinekid Script LAB takes place from October to March.

Please e-mail any questions to professionals@cinekid.nl

You can submit your entry for Cinekid Script LAB from March till May 2025. Submissions are now closed.

Please include at least the following information in your application:

• Project details and specifications
• A treatment
• Brief description of all characters
• Your motivation to join the programme and what you hope to gain by participating
• An artistic statement describing the vision for your film
• A link to previously directed work

There are two routes to participate in Cinekid Script LAB. The main one is nomination by one of our international partners (see list below), who will cover the full costs of your participation. You can also submit your project through an open call, in which case you must cover the costs of participation.

Cinekid also offers scholarships to participants from low-capacity countries in Europe, as defined by the European Commission. If you’d like more information, please e-mail professionals@cinekid.nl.

Cinekid organises the Cinekid Script LAB with the Athens International Children’s Film Festival (GR), Vlaams Audiovisueel Fonds (BE), Icelandic Film Centre (IC), Nederlands Filmfonds (NL), Norwegian Film Institute (NO), and Swedish Film Institute (SE).