Youth Storytelling Program

NOW
ENROLLING
2027

WRITE WHAT YOU WANT TO BELIEVE

A free, 24-week program for young adults 18+. Write your own screenplay, film it with a real crew, and earn a stipend when you finish.

APPLY NOW SEE WEEK BY WEEK

FREE

No cost to you

24

Weeks, two phases

$

Stipend when you finish

1

Film with your name on it

18+

Hybrid, Metro Atlanta

Free programPaid completion stipendWrite your own screenplayFilm it with a real crewPremiere for your communityApplications open for 2027Free programPaid completion stipendWrite your own screenplayFilm it with a real crewPremiere for your communityApplications open for 2027Free programPaid completion stipendWrite your own screenplayFilm it with a real crewPremiere for your communityApplications open for 2027Free programPaid completion stipendWrite your own screenplayFilm it with a real crewPremiere for your communityApplications open for 2027Free programPaid completion stipendWrite your own screenplayFilm it with a real crewPremiere for your communityApplications open for 2027Free programPaid completion stipendWrite your own screenplayFilm it with a real crewPremiere for your communityApplications open for 2027

YOUR STORY, YOUR VOICE, NEW POSSIBILITIES

Picture your story on a screen

Write What You Want to Believe is a free, 24-week program where young adults 18 and up write an original short screenplay, then bring it to life with a professional crew. You will learn real skills, work alongside working artists, and finish with a film you can be proud of.

Week 1: your first page

Week 1: your first page

Week 9: the writers room

Week 9: the writers room

Week 20: on set

Week 20: on set

Week 24: premiere night

Week 24: premiere night

THE CURRICULUM

Your 24 weeks, week by week

Twelve weeks of writing, then twelve weeks of filmmaking. Completing Phase 1 earns your invitation to Phase 2.

Screenwriting

PHASE 1 · WEEKS 1 TO 12

Screenwriting

You leave with a finished short screenplay.

  • WEEKS 1 TO 2Belief workExplore the beliefs that shape how you see yourself, and build your first Belief Map.
  • WEEKS 3 TO 4Story ideationTurn what you believe into a story idea, and shape it into a logline you can pitch.
  • WEEKS 5 TO 6CharacterCreate characters with real wants and needs, starting with the one who carries your story.
  • WEEKS 7 TO 8StructureLearn three-act structure and outline your film scene by scene.
  • WEEKS 9 TO 10Scenes and dialogueWrite your pages in the writers room, including the Receiving Scene at the heart of your story.
  • WEEKS 11 TO 12Revision and table readGive and receive notes, revise, and hear your finished screenplay read out loud.
Filmmaking

PHASE 2 · WEEKS 13 TO 24

Filmmaking

You leave with a finished film and screen credit.

  • WEEKS 13 TO 14How films get madeMeet the crew roles, learn how a set runs, and see how a script becomes a plan.
  • WEEKS 15 TO 16Pre-productionBreak down the script, plan locations and schedules, and help with casting.
  • WEEKS 17 TO 18RehearsalWork with actors, build shot lists, and get ready for set.
  • WEEKS 19 TO 20ProductionStep onto a professional set and film, including the Receiving Scene in Week 20.
  • WEEKS 21 TO 22Post-productionSit in the edit and learn how sound, music, and color shape the story.
  • WEEKS 23 TO 24Premiere and next stepsCelebrate at a community screening, build your portfolio, and receive your completion stipend.
WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT

Write what you want to believe

Everything we teach starts with one idea: what you believe shapes what you see, what you feel, what you choose, and the life you build.

BELIEF → PERCEPTION → FEELING → CHOICE → EXPERIENCE

The Belief Map

A way to see the beliefs that shape your choices, so you can decide which ones to keep and which to rewrite.

The Receiving Scene

The emotional heart of every story in the program. You write it in Phase 1 and film it in Phase 2.

The Possibility Rating

A simple check-in on how possible your next chapter feels, so you can watch it grow over 24 weeks.

WHAT YOU GET

What you leave with

Screenwriting Fundamentals

Screenwriting Fundamentals

Learn story structure, character, and dialogue while developing an original short script from your own ideas.

A Completed Short Script

A Completed Short Script

Finish Phase 1 with a ready-to-shoot short screenplay you wrote yourself.

Mentorship from Creatives

Mentorship from Creatives

Learn from award-winning writers, filmmakers, and industry professionals, with Story Guides supporting your writing every step.

Grounding Tools for Life

Grounding Tools for Life

Practical tools like the Belief Map and Possibility Rating that help with focus, confidence, and the choices you make.

Production Experience

Production Experience

In Phase 2, step onto a professional set and see your writing come to life alongside working filmmakers.

Premiere and Festival Pathway

Premiere and Festival Pathway

Every cohort film screens for the community, and select stories are developed for festival consideration.

Smiling young woman

Who this program is for

This program is designed for young adults from underrepresented communities who are moving through big life transitions and are curious about how storytelling can help them make sense of what they have lived and imagine what comes next.

ESPECIALLY GOOD FOR YOU IF YOU

  • ♥Want to build creative confidence and real skills
  • ♥Are open to learning in a group setting
  • ♥Are ready to commit to a structured, supportive experience

ELIGIBILITY

  • ♥Young adults ages 18 and up
  • ♥Able to attend required in-person sessions in Metro Atlanta, plus virtual sessions
  • ♥Ready to commit to the full program
  • ♥Curious about storytelling. No experience needed

You do not need to know exactly what you want to write yet. Just bring a willingness to show up and try.

LED BY WORKING ARTISTS

Learn from people who do this for a living

Becoming Love Project was founded by Tamala Baldwin, a writer, director, and producer whose work includes the BET original movie Blended Christmas. In the program, you learn alongside award-winning writers, filmmakers, and industry professionals. Story Guides work with every participant on their writing, from first idea to final draft.

STORY GUIDES FROM OUR LAST COHORT

Al Miller

Al Miller

Story Guide

Carolyn Pierre-Outlar

Carolyn Pierre-Outlar

Story Guide

Heather Taylor

Heather Taylor

Story Guide

Tamala Baldwin
HOW TO APPLY

Three steps to your seat

1

Apply online

Fill out the 2027 application. Tell us about you and why you want to tell stories.

2

Talk with our team

We will reach out to learn more about you and answer your questions.

3

Join the cohort

Get your welcome and start writing what comes next.

Free programPaid completion stipendWrite your own screenplayFilm it with a real crewPremiere for your communityApplications open for 2027Free programPaid completion stipendWrite your own screenplayFilm it with a real crewPremiere for your communityApplications open for 2027Free programPaid completion stipendWrite your own screenplayFilm it with a real crewPremiere for your communityApplications open for 2027Free programPaid completion stipendWrite your own screenplayFilm it with a real crewPremiere for your communityApplications open for 2027Free programPaid completion stipendWrite your own screenplayFilm it with a real crewPremiere for your communityApplications open for 2027Free programPaid completion stipendWrite your own screenplayFilm it with a real crewPremiere for your communityApplications open for 2027

Two friends smiling

Your story. Your voice. Your script.

Applications for the 2027 cohort of Write What You Want to Believe are open. This free program is designed for young adults ready to explore their voice, build real creative skills, and take their stories seriously, alongside award-winning mentors and peers.

Space is limited to keep the cohort intimate. Apply now, or join the interest list to hear about next steps.

APPLY NOW JOIN THE INTEREST LIST

ASKED BY PARTICIPANTS

Your questions, answered

The program is about your voice, your beliefs, and the story you want to tell. You decide what you write about and how much of yourself you share.

No. This is creative work, not therapy. If you need additional support, we will help connect you with professional resources.

The program is hybrid, with virtual sessions plus required in-person sessions in Metro Atlanta.

No. The program is free, and participants earn a stipend when they complete all 24 weeks.

Cohort films screen for the community, and select stories may be submitted to festivals. We always talk with you first, and nothing is shared without your permission.

24 weeks in two phases: 12 weeks of screenwriting and 12 weeks of filmmaking. Completing Phase 1 earns an invitation to Phase 2.

Complete the 2027 application online. If you have questions, email programs@becomingloveproject.org.

Businesses and organizations can sponsor a cohort, lend gear or locations, or give in-kind. Visit our Sponsor and Partner page to learn more.

Ready to write what comes next?

Apply for the 2027 cohort, or help a young storyteller get there by sponsoring the program.

APPLY NOW SPONSOR A STORYMAKER