“REPLAY represents exactly what I set out to do in the fellowship: to use the raw materials given to me by Ubisoft to craft an emotionally driven, relatable comedy that can resonate with gamers and non-gamers alike,” said Seymour. “I felt incredibly supported by Ubisoft throughout the fellowship. REPLAY was a true team effort, and I look forward to continuing to work with this amazing group of people as the script takes shape.”

Ubisoft also announced submissions with a writing sample and resume for its Women’s Film & Television Fellowship now through May 14 via its online portal. The fellowship is designed to attract and illuminate women, non-binary, trans, gender-nonconforming and gender-variant people within the entertainment industry. Two screenwriters will be selected for a six-month, non-exclusive paid fellowship, with the opportunity to explore Ubisoft IP and pitch original ideas based on the world, community and culture of video games.

“We’re thrilled with the progress we’ve made since the inaugural Women’s Film & Television Fellowship in 2017,” said Danielle Kreinik, Ubisoft direct of television development. “This year, we’re taking the fellowship further by providing a 360 experience and giving fellows exposure to the inner workings of a film and television studio. For instance, we’re providing participants an opportunity to sit in on internal development meetings to give them insight into how executives think about scripts and other pieces of work.”

Kreinik and her colleague Jason Altman, Ubisoft director of film development, offer one-on-one mentorships to fellowship participants. The fellowship has also expanded its program to include additional mentorship opportunities with guidance in legal affairs, physical production budgeting and marketing. The 2021 fellowship will also give participants opportunities to sit in on writers’ rooms and internal development meetings, and they can conduct set visits when possible.

Criteria to apply for the fellowship has been changed for 2021, most notably expanding language to make it accessible to all aspiring women, non-binary, trans, gender-nonconforming and gender-variant screenwriters. U.S. residents 18 or older can apply to the program, regardless of agency or management representation. Additionally, film fellows are eligible as long as they have no projects in development at major studios or produced credits. Television fellows can have a staff writer credit.

Photo courtesy of Ubisoft