reported by John Goldstein, CyberScreenwriter.com

HBO Films will sponsor a new Writers Lab, to be hosted by the Film Life and HBO American Black Festival (ABFF), during its 10th anniversary celebration in South Beach, July 19-23. The HBO Writers Lab is a mentoring program designed to provide career guidance for emerging screenwriters by offering practical insights into what to expect from script writing as a profession.

Applications are now being accepted for the program, and the workshop is limited to six (6) qualifying writers in order to create a more intimate environment where participants and industry professionals can openly discuss story, the creative and "notes" process, and the challenges of writing under the guidance of others.

The HBO Writers Lab will be led by Sam Martin, vice president, HBO Films, who oversees the development and production of feature-length projects for HBO Films. Among her most recent projects are the Emmy(R) and Golden Globe-winning "Lackawanna Blues" and "Empire Falls" as well as "Sometimes in April."

"Understanding the collaborative process of giving and taking notes is an invaluable skill for any screenwriter interested in working the studio system and beyond, "said Martin. "HBO's commitment to nurturing new talent led us to create this unique workshop, which we hope will become an ongoing feature at the ABFF."

For applications, visit to http://www.abff.com