A European writers’ initiative designed to identify and develop skilled mid-level screenwriters with connections to France, Spain, Germany and Italy.

What level of experience are you looking for? 

Script Engine is designed for mid-level television writers who are already working at a professional level and are ready to take the next step in their careers. Applicants should have demonstrable experience writing for commissioned television projects, including a minimum of three original episodes, series concepts or writers' rooms credits for shows that have been commissioned, optioned, or formally developed by a broadcaster or streamer. Writers should also be confident in developing original series concepts, able to articulate a clear creative vision, and demonstrate a genuine ambition to write for the HBO market to which they are applying. 

This is not an entry-level programme therefore; the focus will not be on learning how to write for television. It is intended for writers who are established in their craft and are now looking to progress towards creating distinctive, locally rooted series aligned with HBO Max’s approach to storytelling.  

How much engagement will I have with HBO during the programme? 

HBO Max is closely involved throughout the programme. Executives from each participating market will contribute to shaping the curriculum, take part in the selection process, and engage directly with writers at key moments across the programme. 

Participants will have the opportunity to present their work directly to HBO Max representatives, offering meaningful access to the teams shaping original storytelling across each region. 

Who will the mentors/advisors be? 

Each participant will be paired with both a writer and a producer advisor, selected by the respective HBO Max market. To ensure that mentorship is not only tailored to each writer’s project but grounded in real-world experience of developing and delivering high-end television within that market, mentors and advisors will be established industry professionals with significant experience working with the relevant HBO Max market. Each participant will receive six hours of writer mentoring and two hours of guidance from a producer advisor. 

What is a ‘Producer Advisor’? 

A producer advisor is an experienced industry professional who provides targeted guidance at a later stage of the programme. Unlike the writer mentor, whose support runs throughout, the producer advisor will offer input on the development of your series concept and script bible, helping to shape its positioning and production potential. 

What does “commissioned, optioned or formally developed” mean? 

This means the project has progressed beyond a personal spec script and has been professionally engaged by a broadcaster, streamer or production company through a formal development agreement or commission. 

In Round 2, can I submit a concept that has already been produced? 

No. Script Engine is focused on the development of new original series concepts. Round 2 applicants must also hold all rights to the concept submitted as part of their application and on which they will work during the programme if selected.  

Can I apply if I’ve mainly worked on commissioned projects? 

Yes. While the programme supports writers in developing their own original series concepts aligned with HBO Max’s approach to storytelling, writers with experience working on commissioned television projects are very much encouraged to apply. 

Do I need to write in a specific genre or format to apply? 

No, we welcome writing samples from any genre, and are primarily looking for strong, original voices and compelling character-driven storytelling. 

That said, we suggest applicants prioritise submitting work within the 45–50-minute episodic space, as this format more closely aligns with HBO Max’s scripted programming. 

Do I need to live in France, Spain, Italy or Germany to apply? 

Writers do not need to currently live in the country they are applying to. However, applicants must either be based in that country or demonstrate a meaningful professional or cultural connection to the country and, must be legally able to work there for the duration of the programme (June – November 2026). 

What counts as a “demonstrable connection” to a country? 

A connection may include (but is not limited to): 

• Having previously lived or worked in the country
• Cultural or linguistic ties
• A professional network within the local industry
• A body of work connected to that country  

Applicants will be asked to explain their connection to the country during the application process. 

Can I apply if I have already written for HBO? 

No. Script Engine is intended for writers who have not previously written for an HBO Max series. However, writers who have worked on HBO movies may still be eligible. 

Do I need to be able to communicate English? 

Yes. Applicants must be able to communicate confidently in English, as programme activity will be delivered in English. Please note that all submission materials will also be required to be in English. 

Can I apply to more than one country? 

Applicants may apply to more than one country but, must submit individual applications per country and, ensure they fit the eligibility criteria required for the relevant country. Please note, applicants will only be selected for one country. 

Will travel be required? 

Yes. Writers must be available to travel to: 

• London (UK) for the in-person professional development week (w/c 29 June 2026)
• The host city of the country they are applying to for the final Project Presentation (November 2026) 

Applicants must hold a valid passport and meet any relevant visa or entry requirements. Warner Bros. Discovery will not cover visas to participate in the programme. 

What are the host cities of each country? 

Germany: Berlin 

Spain: Madrid 

Italy: Milan 

France: Paris 

Do I need an agent to apply? 

No. Writers can apply with or without representation. 

Is this programme open to writers based outside Europe? 

Yes, provided applicants have a demonstrable connection to the country they are applying to and, have the legal right to work there. 

Why is this programme targeted at writers with a connection to France, Spain, Germany and Italy? 

Script Engine has been developed in close collaboration with HBO Max to align with current content and talent development priorities across Europe. 

While there is strong demand for locally rooted storytelling across many HBO Max markets, this iteration focuses on a smaller number of countries to enable a more focused and tailored development experience, with support shaped around the creative and talent needs of each country. 

What is the time commitment of the programme? Can I participate in other obligations while in the programme? 

Script Engine is not a full-time programme; however, participants are expected to be fully available for the Professional Development week in London, a number of scheduled virtual evening sessions and the in-person project presentation day.  Alongside this, participants will be developing a 10–20-page series document (or “series bible”) over the four-month programme period. This will require a meaningful time commitment outside of sessions, including independent writing and regular engagement with your writer and producer mentors. 

If you have any questions about your specific availability, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

Can I apply as a writing duo? 

No. Script Engine is designed for individual writers, and applications must be submitted individually.  

What personal expenses will be covered through the scheme? 

Each writer will receive a €6,000 stipend and reasonable travel and accommodation expenses will be covered where required.  If you have any other financial barriers that may prevent you from participating, please feel free to get in touch with us to discuss these. 

How do I apply? 

All submissions must be made through our portal (see link above). Submissions via email will not be accepted. 

When will I find out if I am successful? 

Longlisted applicants will be notified by mid-May. Successful applicants will be notified by Mid-June. 

When is the deadline to apply for this programme? 

All first-round applications must be submitted by 11:59pm UTC+2 on 26 March 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted. 

Who can I contact about a technical issue I’m having with the Applicant Portal? 

If you are still experiencing technical issues after reading through the above FAQ, please contact access.international@wbd.com. 

I have some more questions, is there someone I can get in contact with? 

For any further queries, please get in touch with our team via email at access.international@wbd.com.