Advanced Television

WBD Access, HBO Max announce second writers’ programme in collaboration with Series Mania Institute

March 23, 2026

WBD Access, a talent development division within Warner Bros Discovery, HBO Max and Series Mania Institute have announced the return of the Script Engine writers’ programme.

Script Engine is designed to identify and support the development of mid‑level screenwriters to create original, locally rooted series. Following the successful first programme, the second run will focus on writers with demonstrable connection to France, Spain, Italy and Germany, offering a structured development pathway aligned with HBO Max’s strategic ambitions for original storytelling across Europe.

Across the eligible European territories, three writers per market will be selected to take part in a four‑month structured development programme, working towards a fully developed original series concept intended for HBO Max. The programme combines high‑level training, regional-specific coaching, and one‑to‑one mentoring, working closely with the HBO Max teams. Writers will be supported to refine their creative voice, strengthen their professional positioning and develop projects that reflect the cultural specificity and storytelling priorities of their local markets.

The initiative will culminate in a Project Presentation with regional HBO Max executives, giving shortlisted participants the opportunity to present their work and receive feedback. All selected projects will then enter a six‑month first‑look period in their respective territories.

Grace Moss, VP, Inclusion Pipeline Programmes, said: “WBD Access is thrilled to work with HBO Max to bring the writers’ programme back – returning under the new name of Script Engine. The expansion of this programme into new countries is a signal that our audiences are increasingly hungry for more locally relevant stories and, more than ever, we’re curious to hear from the next generation of outstanding writers. This programme is about creating a real pathway for mid-level talent to sharpen their voice, develop ambitious series concepts, and help us find fresh new stories for local audiences across Europe and beyond – I can’t wait to see what this year’s edition of Script Engine will bring.”

Pierre Ziemniak, Series Mania Institute’s Director of Programmes, said: “Series Mania Institute, as the training arm of Series Mania, draws on the Festival and Forum’s international network and has established itself in just a few years as a major hub for professionals in the audiovisual sector, particularly screenwriters. Following the programme’s inaugural edition last year, we are delighted to continue our collaboration with WBD and HBO Max to connect Europe’s best mid-level writers to Script Engine.”

Julie-Anna Grignon, Programme Alumni, said: “The programme was excellent. It gave me the opportunity to meet some very talented fellow European writers, to work with supportive and knowledgeable mentors, and, above all, to receive comprehensive guidance from HBO in developing my writing project. Throughout the programme, my series The Hum was able to evolve and take shape while remaining deeply personal.”

Last year, WBD Access and the Series Mania Institute selected French screenwriter Julie-Anna Grignon as the winner of their 2025 Writers’ Programme which allowed Grignon to develop a pilot for the project which is titled The Hum. Peter Furrer (Germany), Ciron Gruffydd (UK), Almudena Monzú (Spain), Isabella Oliveira Parise Kröger (Germany), and Kaamil Shah (UK) were the shortlisted screenwriters in the 2025 edition.

Applications for Script Engine will open on April 2nd and close on April 26th. Full eligibility criteria and application details will soon be made available via WBD Access.

Categories: Press Releases

Tags: ,