In a groundbreaking collaboration, Tubi, the video-on-demand service, announced on Nov. 13 that it has joined forces with The Black List on the To Be Commissioned Initiative. This first-of-its-kind project offers emerging and established writers a unique platform to submit screenplays for potential development, production, and distribution by Tubi.
The initiative, reflecting Tubi’s commitment to diverse storytelling, will commission five scripts targeting young and varied audiences across genres such as Sci-Fi, Faith, Comedy, Romance, and a Wild Card category for outstanding scripts outside the specified genres.
Writers can submit their entries starting today through March 15, 2024.
Adam Lewinson, chief content officer at Tubi, expressed Tubi’s dedication to sharing diverse stories through screenwriting, stating, “We’re honored to partner with Franklin Leonard and his team at The Black List, who are pioneers at nurturing writers, and together we’re thrilled to discover five diverse stories that deserve to be told.”
Franklin Leonard, founder of The Black List,
highlighted the significance of Tubi’s approach, stating, “Tubi has done a particularly savvy thing with the kinds of movies they’re targeting and supporting 200 writers in getting access to the Black List site at no cost to them.”Tubi, known for its vast content library, which includes over 225,000 movies and TV episodes, is committed to showcasing diverse voices and stories for young and multicultural audiences.
The collaboration with The Black List is one of Tubi’s initiatives to bring new, underrepresented storytellers to its platform.
The Black List will executive produce all five films, collaborating closely with Tubi throughout the program. Writers worldwide over 18 are encouraged to submit their work, provided it is in English. Submitted scripts hosted on The Black List, having received at least one evaluation, are eligible. Tubi will offer fee waivers for evaluation and hosting for 200 writers from underrepresented communities, further promoting inclusivity.
After the submission period concludes, a committee of Tubi content executives will review the scripts, with Tubi Original Movies from this initiative expected to debut on Tubi as early as 2025.
For more information on the submission process and guidelines, visit blcklst.com/help.
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