The Writer’s Room

  • We are once again bringing together South Asian talent with a passion for storytelling to elevate each others’ stories in this 10-week virtual workshop. Writers will leverage their unique perspectives to curate provocative ideas and develop them into ready-to-shoot scripts. What stories matter to you?

    All selected applicants must come to the rooms with a fresh idea, not with the intention of workshopping an already completed project.

    Applications closed on October 22nd, 2023 at 11:59pm PT

  • All applicants with an interest in screenwriting and commitment to growth are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be available for a 1.5 hour weekly virtual meeting over the 10 week period. Additionally, applicants should expect to read their peers’ work for about 1-2 hours each week.

    We do not require any formal writing experience, but we do expect a deep passion for storytelling, personal accountability, and a strong work ethic from each of our applicants.

  • Applications open: October 2nd, 2023

    Applications close: October 20th, 2023

    Selections announced: November 6th, 2023

    Program start date: Week of November 13th, 2023

    Winter Break: December 23rd - January 6th

    Program end date: Week of January 29th, 2024

    10 week workshop; 1 meeting per week, 1.5 hours in length.

  • All projects developed in The Writer’s Room must be either short film, TV pilot, or feature film format. We recommend that those seeking to write a feature approach the room as a way to develop a proof-of-concept short, outline, or first act for their project.

FAQs

  • You do not have to be South Asian or of South Asian descent to apply, but your application must show a willingness to uplift South Asian stories. If you’re for the mission of uplifting South Asian art, then you belong in the room.

  • While you may apply with an idea for a feature film, we recommend writing in the room be either a short film or television pilot format. We recommend writers with an interest in developing a feature to approach the room as a way to work on a proof-of-concept short film, outline, or first act for their project.

  • You do not need any formal writing experience to apply to The Writer’s Room. We do expect writers to have access to screenwriting software (free programs are available) and a basic understanding of screenplay format prior to the start of the rooms.

  • You do not need to live in the US to apply, but if selected, you must be available for the weekly meetings. Please keep this in mind when providing weekly availability in your application.

  • Yes, you may still apply again for Cycle 5, but please understand that your application will be objectively reviewed as with all other applicants. No preference or special treatment will be given to past writers.

 

Meet the Team

 

Samah Meghjee

Room Lead

Samah Meghjee is a writer and playwright living in Los Angeles, CA. Her feature script QURAN CAMP was on WScripted/MUBI’s Cannes Screenplay list and was a 1497 Feature Lab Finalist. Her short film THERAPIST SPEED DATING premiered on Amazon Prime Video. Samah has an MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage from Northwestern University and a BA in Creative Writing from Emory University. In her free time, she likes taking photos on film and playing with her two cats.

Vasan

Arul

Room Lead

Vasan Arul is a writer based in Los Angeles. Drawn to screenwriting after seeing the show Community in high school, he loves reading and creating stories with the humor and heart to uplift people and give them something to enjoy after a long day. He's thrilled to be running a Rickshaw Writer's Room this year and can't wait to hear and support the stories of this cycle's talented writers.