Across the global film and television industries, in Europe and internationally, representation gaps persist.
O BRAVE NEW STORY INSTITUTE’S mission is to support writers who bring urgent perspectives to screen storytelling. Our screenwriting lab: THE WHALE is the solution.
From the Margins to the Mainstream…
AKA WHAT WE DO
THE WHALE
Develop your ideas amid Europe’s stunning beauty with THE WHALE, our 3-day screenwriting workshop designed for emerging to mid-career writers who are searching for the opportunity to collaborate, experiment, and refine their storytelling craft under the guidance of experienced mentors and showrunners.
1-on-1 MENTORSHIP
Receive personalised, targeted feedback and professional guidance from experienced industry writers, and seize the unparalleled chance to discuss and develop your most promising story ideas one-on-one with a dedicated mentor.
INDUSTRY ACCESS
Gain immediate industry exposure and invaluable feedback with a unique chance to pitch your ideas directly to a panel of real industry decision-makers who are actively seeking fresh, diverse voices for their next breakthrough project.
INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI COMMUNITY
Join our online alumni community to connect with like-minded writers and creatives from marginalised realities, and leverage this supportive network to brainstorm, collaborate, and create together.
Apply to
THE WHALE
Are you ready to bring your non-mainstream stories to the next level? Join the latest edition of THE WHALE and transform your vision into a pitch-ready project.
Share your script with top industry professionals to receive targeted, in-depth feedback and collaborate in an intensive writers’ room to develop compelling arcs and refine your narrative structure.
This is the essential next step to voice your story and accelerate your professional career.
Deadline for next lab: 1 February 2026 (early deadline 1 December)
Meet the Team
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Tina Gharavi
FOUNDING DIRECTOR + MENTOR
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Matt Graham
MENTOR
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Raffaele Trasatti
LAB MANAGER
If you can’t come to a workshop, you can book a 1-on-1 mentoring session. Or a lab follow up. Find out more…
“The Whale made us better writers, showed us how our story connected to the larger world and guided us on how to tell it authentically, through our personal lens. ”
“Tina is a wonderful teacher and mentor. She knows how to go deeper and challenges you to tell a better, richer story - all with the good nature and wisdom of a true professional. ”
Our partners
