WBD Access x HBO MAX SCRIPT ENGINE Writers Programme

Designed for mid-level television writers, Script Engine offers a dedicated development pathway to support original, inclusive and locally rooted storytelling. Following the success of its first iteration with Series Mania Institute, the programme returns with a renewed focus on writers connected to France, Spain, Italy and Germany, offering a structured opportunity to develop original series concepts aligned with HBO Max’s vision for distinctive European storytelling. Warner Bros. Discovery, a new programme focusing on serial writing, as part of the WBD Access program collection. 

Selected writers will begin the programme with an in-person professional development week in London. This opening stage is designed to lay the foundations for the programme and introduce participants to the creative standards and vision behind original storytelling for HBO Max. During the week, writers will take part in a series of sessions exploring HBO Max’ brand and creative priorities, alongside learning and development workshops focused on personal branding, leadership, collaboration and inclusive storytelling. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet the wider programme community, including fellow writers, mentors and industry guests, through a series of networking sessions.

Following the London professional development week, the cohort will proceed to attend a series of virtual sessions alongside their smaller country cohort led by local industry professionals and HBO Max teams. These sessions will provide insight into the commissioning landscape and creative priorities of HBO Max, as well as guidance on writing for European writers’ rooms.Alongside these sessions, each writer will receive bespoke one-to-one guidance from both a writer mentor and a producer advisor, supporting them as they develop their original series concept and prepare their 10–20-page series document (or “series bible”) for presentation.

The programme will culminate in a Project Presentation with HBO Max executives, offering writers the opportunity to present their project, receive feedback, and further develop direct relationships with regional HBO Max teams.. 

Eligibility

Writers must be based in France, Spain, Italy or Germany and/or have a demonstrable connection to the region they are applying for. To be eligible, applicants must:
• Not have previously written for an HBO Original Series (HBO movies accepted).
• Be legally entitled to work in the country to which they are applying (France, Spain, Italy or Germany) for the duration of the programme
• Have demonstrable experience writing for commissioned television projects, including a minimum of 3 original episodes, concepts, or writers’ room credits on projects that have been commissioned, optioned, or formally developed by a broadcaster or streamer. Please note, at least one of these must have taken place within the last three years.
• Be available to participate fully in the programme schedule, including attendance to virtual and in-person sessions between June-November 2026.
• Hold a valid passport and be eligible to travel to the UK in June 2026 and the country you are applying to (i.e.; France, Spain, Germany or Italy) in late November 2026, if you are not already based there.
• Must be aged 18 or over at the point of application (no upper age limit)
• To expand the pool of writers for potential collaboration with WBD programming teams in Europe.

Applications will be submitted in two rounds. In the first application round, applicants will apply to a specific market region.
Please register on the WBD Access platform directly

Round 1 – Submision with:

1. A CV covering that includes: relevant employment history  + relevant industry credits
2. Bio
3. Intro video (2 minutes or less) – An introduction to you, responding to two prompts: What makes you a great candidate for this programme and what do you hope to get out of this experience?  And how does this opportunity fit your wider career goals?
4. Two Essay Questions (500 words or less): Please describe your connection to the country you are applying to (France, Spain, Italy, or Germany). And why are you interested in writing for the HBO market you are applying to?
5. Two samples of writing work that demonstrates strong character-driver storytelling ability, with a clear command of structure, dialogue and a distinctive voice.
6. Reference letter – optional (not from your Agent)

Round 2 

To support this stage, longlisted applicants will have the opportunity to attend a longlist briefing session on Tuesday 5 May at 3:00pm UTC+2, where WBD Access will walk through the next stage of the application process. This will include breakout sessions with each HBO Max market team, where applicants will join the session relevant to the market they have applied to. In these sessions, the HBO Max teams will introduce their briefs and provide an opportunity for applicants to ask questions.
Briefing materials will be shared with all longlisted applicants following the session.
Applicants will then have until Tuesday 12 May at 3:00pm UTC+2 to submit their one-two-page concept.

Applicants must hold all rights to the series project submitted as part of their application and on which they will work during the programme if selected. They declare and guarantee that they are the sole authors of the series project subject to the pitch submitted with their application and commit to retaining their rights and not entering into any agreements regarding the project until the final pitch of the programme if selected; they specifically commit not to grant any options or transfer or grant any rights to a production company, broadcaster, or platform. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate or significantly contribute to submitted content is not permitted and may result in disqualification.