Script Sprint

Calling

All Deaf and ASL-Fluent Writers!

July 12 – Aug 2, 2025

SignLight

the creators of the

SignLight International Film Festival (SLIFF)

is proud to launch our very first SignLab peer-led program —

Participant

Sign Up Form:

Deadline: June 29, 2025
Administration Fee: $10 (paid at sign up)
You must know American Sign Language to participate. No interpreters will be provided.

Here is the link to the Participant Sign Up Form:

FORM LINK

Now through June 29
July 1
July 8
July 10
July 12 – August 2, 2025

Sign Up to Participate.
Email all confirmed participants.
Kick-off introductory Zoom session.
Email Cohort Notifications.
Saturdays, 9am-11am PDT

No

class fees

teaching

ASL

Just accountability, creativity,

and

connection all in

Script
Sprint

This four-week, all-ASL writing sprint is designed for screenwriters with lived or aligned Deaf experience who are ready to create, connect, and collaborate. Whether you're starting a new project or finishing a short, you’ll join a community of Deaf and signing writers who bring bold perspectives, cultural pride, and authentic stories to the screen.

More than a writing lab, this is a creative space to celebrate Deaf culture, connect through ASL, and shape narratives that resonate with audiences around the world.

What’s in it for you?

Whether you are an experienced writer with a new script or an aspiring writer with a budding idea, you’ll receive & offer weekly feedback online in a collaborative, supportive environment.
You’ll find new colleagues as you network with fellow participants and build a filmmaking community of trust, respect, and mutual support.
You’ll have the opportunity to join SignLight’s talent pipeline to the entertainment industry — though this does not guarantee employment, it opens doors for future creative opportunities.

And you’ll gain exclusive access to meet OR even pitch your project to top professional Deaf Filmmakers from all over the world next April at SLIFF 2026.
As a participant, you’ll receive a special “SignLab Participant” significant discount on all general film screenings at SLIFF 2026.

Dates:
Day & Time:
Format:

July 12 – August 2, 2025
Saturdays, 9–11am PDT
4-week peer-led writing

sprint in ASL via Zoom

What to Expect:

Meet once a week with the same group of Deaf and signing writers.
Come prepared each Saturday with pages to read and discuss.
Submit at least 2 pages before the first meeting, so your group can start with material in hand.
Commit to a weekly writing goal - write new scenes, revise scenes, or polish your work - agreed upon with your group.
Give and receive focused feedback based on what you want help with (e.g., structure, dialogue, character arcs, tone, etc.)
No formal teaching - just community, accountability, and deep creative focus.

Structure:
Aspiring and experienced writers will be placed in cohorts based on skills and/or time zones. Depending on the total number of participants, pods will be composed of approximately 6 writers each, and will meet once every week. Pod members will give feedback on script pages.

Best For:
Writers who already have a concept, outline, or rough scenes in place — and are ready to refine, build, or finish a script in progress. This is a space to get the details right, not start from scratch. Sign Up now to be part of this empowering experience!