The Flip The Script Filmmaking Fellowship™ is an immersive, rapid development experience that culminates in a showcase of short movies written, directed and produced by a team of carefully curated emerging young filmmakers of color.

Fellowship open to Chicago residents 16-24. Hourly stipend provided to all selected Flip The Script Filmmaking Fellows. Sign up deadline is June 20th, 2023.

THE CONCEPT

Flip The Script Filmmaking Competition gives aspiring screenwriters access to industry professionals who teach the art and process of rapid screenwriting and filmmaking in order to bring entertaining, diverse narratives to life.

THE COMPETITION

They say it takes pressure to create diamonds. And this high-octane elimination based experience is definitely high pressure. Who will survive the competition and move on to Flip The Script?

THE CULMINATION

Writers develop their concept into a production ready screenplay through a series of educational experiences, mentoring sessions and challenges that leave only the best to produce their short with a professional crew and SAG-AFTRA talent.

ABOUT FLIP THE SCRIPT

The‌ ‌Flip‌ ‌The‌ ‌Script Filmmaking‌ ‌Fellowship‌ is based in Chicago and funded through a partnership between  True Star Media and The WordSmith Writer’s Lab. Our mission is to create a real pathway for young filmmakers of color by equipping them with vital skills and connecting them to the industry in a meaningful, energetic, and inspiring way.

PAST SEASON FILMS

FELLOWSHIP TEAM

DeAnna McLeary Sherman

DeAnna McLeary Sherman

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Under McLeary-Sherman's leadership True Star launched a digital agency which provides its clients with unparalleled access to the culture creators and origins of new trends. This social enterprise helps youth gain job skills for the digital age.

Eunice Shelley

Eunice Shelley

Filmmaking Team Lead

Eunice Smith-Shelley is a writer and producer responsible for the vision of Flip The Script Filmmaking Fellowship™ and The WordSmith Writer’s Lab™. She pivoted from a successful 20+ year career as a global Lean Six-Sigma Operations Manager and now focuses on helping young people develop skills that lead to career opportunities.

Sylus Green

Sylus Green

Video Production Team Lead

Sylus Green is a certified Adobe trainer and award-winning cinematographer who brings more than two decades of government training and film production expertise to True Star. His former clients include White House Communications, Disney, Columbia NY, Tufts University, the US Army, and the Social Security Administration. 

Na-Tae' Thompson

Na-Tae' Thompson

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Na-Tae' utilizes her corporate knowledge, community organizing and natural ability to effectively create niche programming for True Star Foundation, ultimately assisting with the growth in youth served and programs offered.  

Hector “Hex” Danniel

Hector “Hex” Danniel

Digital Director

 Hex joined True Star in 2018 to spearhead the digital transformation of the organization. Hex has been instrumental in creating True Star’s digital footprint, new branding, and overall digital strategy and process for the organization.

DeShaun Adams

DeShaun Adams

Promotions Manager & Digital Media Instructor

DeShaun has worked as a professional photographer since 2006. Adams has also been in promotion for over 10 years working for top brands like Pepsi Co., KBA Marketing, and Toyota.

PAST SPONSORS

Submissions Open:
April 17th
Fellows Announced:
June 24th
Submissions Close:
June 20th
(11:59pm CST)
Fellowship Begins:
June 26th