On-site Comedy Screenwriter (1-Week Residency)
Frenchmen Art & Books (New Orleans) is seeking an experienced comedy screenwriter to join us for a one-week, on-site writing
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Frenchmen Art & Books (New Orleans is seeking an experienced comedy screenwriter to join us for a one-week, on-site writing residency to develop a short-form YouTube series set in a late-night bookstore on Frenchmen Street, with a nearby bar universe (Snug Harbor energy) and the surrounding street characters.
Tone / references: Portlandia meets Larry David / Seinfeld — social rules, petty ethics, awkward encounters, local surrealism, and New Orleans-specific logic.
What we’re making
A series of short, shootable scripted clips designed for YouTube (micro-episodes built around repeatable situations, running bits, and a strong sense of place).
The process (important)
This is a story-to-page assignment: my role is to pitch and riff verbally; your role is to structure, refine, and write. Sessions will be recorded. The outcome is a polished 10-20 page treatment and a scalable premise list.
Deliverables (by end of residency)
- 10–20 page series treatment, including:
- logline + series engine (how episodes repeat)
- setting + tone/format notes
- character bios (4–6 core characters)
- episode/premise list (8–12 shootable clip ideas)
- logline + series engine (how episodes repeat)
Residency details
- Length: 1 week on-site in New Orleans
- Location: Frenchmen Street (with writing sessions in/around the bookstore; optional nearby café/bar sessions for atmosphere)
- Lodging: Provided (details shared with finalists)
- Compensation: Paid writing fee (please include your rate)
Who you are
- Comfortable writing comedy with strong voice and clear structure
- Can shape improvised conversation into a clean, readable treatment
- Understands shootability: limited locations, tight cast, simple production needs
- Bonus if you’ve written for sketch, web series, short films, or scripted shorts
To apply
Please send:
- A short note introducing yourself and your comedy sensibility
- 1–2 writing samples (scripts/sketches preferred)
- Your rate for a 1-week residency + treatment package
- Your availability window(s) for the next 4–8 weeks.
Posted January 3, 2026
