The Writer’s Room

  • Rickshaw's marquee program returns for its sixth iteration! We are once again bringing together South Asian talent with a passion for storytelling to elevate each others’ stories in this 12-week virtual workshop. Writers will leverage their unique perspectives to curate provocative ideas and develop them into a full first draft of a script. What stories matter to you?

    All selected applicants must come to the rooms with a fresh idea, not with the intention of workshopping an already completed project.

    Applications are now closed.

  • All applicants with an interest in screenwriting and commitment to growth are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be available for a 1.5 hour weekly virtual meeting over the 12 week period. Additionally, applicants should expect to read their peers’ work for about 1-2 hours each week.

    We do not require any formal writing experience, but we do expect a deep passion for storytelling, personal accountability, and a strong work ethic from each of our applicants.

  • Applications open: July 29th, 2024

    Applications close: August 9th, 2024

    Selections announced: September 2, 2024

    Program start date: Week of September 9th, 2023

    Program end date: Week of December 2nd, 2024

    12 week workshop; 1 meeting per week, 1.5 hours in length.

  • All projects developed in The Writer’s Room must be either short film, TV pilot, or feature film format. We recommend that those seeking to write a feature approach the room as a way to develop a proof-of-concept short, outline, or first act for their project.

FAQs

  • You do not have to be South Asian or of South Asian descent to apply, but your application must show a willingness to uplift South Asian stories. If you’re for the mission of uplifting South Asian art, then you belong in the room.

  • While you may apply with an idea for a feature film, we recommend writing in the room be either a short film or television pilot format. We recommend writers with an interest in developing a feature to approach the room as a way to work on a proof-of-concept short film, outline, or first act for their project.

  • You do not need any formal writing experience to apply to The Writer’s Room. We do expect writers to have access to screenwriting software (free programs are available) and a basic understanding of screenplay format prior to the start of the rooms.

  • You do not need to live in the US to apply, but if selected, you must be available for the weekly meetings. Please keep this in mind when providing weekly availability in your application.

  • Yes, you may still apply again for Cycle 5, but please understand that your application will be objectively reviewed as with all other applicants. No preference or special treatment will be given to past writers.

 

Meet the Team

 
 

Shruthi Nattanmai

Room Lead

Shruthi Nattanmai is a writer and aunty-in-training born and raised in Upstate New York, currently living in Los Angeles, CA. She absolutely adores female-led comedies about identity crises in each and every form they manifest. Recently, her half-hour pilot script, Good Desi Girl, was a finalist in the Fox Entertainment Writers Incubator. She holds an MFA in Writing for Screen & Television from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, and a B.S. in Advertising & Marketing Communications from the Fashion Institute of Technology. In her free time, Shruthi loves to read YA novels, play dress up, and complain about the weather.