Oxbelly, the Greek non-profit organisation instigated by producer and Faliro House founder Christos V Konstantakopoulos, has announced an open call for writers from around the globe for the inaugural edition of its Oxbelly Episodic Program. The programme is scheduled to take place from 3-11 June in Costa Navarino, Greece.

The Oxbelly Episodic Program is a week-long training course supporting writers who are interested in starting a career in television. A total of 10-12 writers will be selected, and during the programme, they will learn the many facets of the role of television writer through a series of simulated writers’ room exercises, master classes and panels. The goal of the programme is to shed light on the role of writers from the conception of a series all the way through production – sharing best practices plucked from contrasting methodologies in TV writing. Oxbelly offers a place for intercultural dialogue to inspire and empower a new cohort of international TV writers, during a period in which the TV industry is ever expanding.

It should be noted that the Oxbelly Episodic Program will run concurrently with the inaugural Oxbelly Writers’ Retreat, led by programme director Chigozie Obioma, and the two programmes will overlap in the second half of the week, thereby expanding networks and enabling cross-pollination between the TV and literary industries.

Christos Konstantakopoulos mentioned: “Since its inception, Oxbelly has provided a training ground and a launchpad for emerging international film talent. As the demand for singular serialised content continues to grow, we are thrilled to be opening up the Oxbelly experience to the world of TV, with an initial focus on writing and development, and with an eye on exciting new avenues for funding, production and distribution.”

The programme builds on the legacy of the Screenwriters & Directors Labs, and its next edition will be held in summer 2024 under the artistic direction of Athina Rachel Tsangari. During its previous editions, the list of advisors included Maren Ade, Michael Almereyda, Paul Thomas Anderson, Willem Dafoe, Lucrecia Martel, Ruben Östlund, Dee Rees and Lulu Wang, among others.

Applications for the inaugural Oxbelly Episodic Program (click here) and Oxbelly Writers’ Retreat (click here) are now open for all applicants, until 28 February. In line with the organisation's ongoing commitment to economic accessibility for all storytellers, there is no fee to apply, and all expenses for selected fellows are covered.

The 2023 Oxbelly Episodic Program and Oxbelly Writers’ Retreat are supported by the Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation, TEMES and Faliro House.