GENERAL
The Black Nights Discovery Campus is an international continuing education programme organised by the Black Nights Film Festival and Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event (ITBE), in collaboration with a variety of prestigious international partners. The programme enables emerging film professionals to pursue, complement, and expand their studies in filmmaking. The Discovery Campus provides participants with opportunities to develop new skills, update their professional knowledge, and connect with mentors, industry professionals, and fellow emerging talents from around the world. The official motto of the Discovery Campus is: Learn from the mistakes of our mentors, so you don’t make them yourself.
The Discovery Campus includes the following talent programmes:
Established in 2017, the Script Pool competition is part of the Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event film market and Discovery Campus educational programme. Each year, Script Pool selects five international projects and their creative teams (director-screenwriter and producer). The programme is aimed at first-time feature filmmakers with projects that demonstrate international potential, strong distribution possibilities, a completed first draft of the screenplay, and secured initial development financing. Focusing on both the screenplay and the overall project presentation, Script Pool introduces selected projects to international industry decision-makers, including sales agents, financiers, and co-producers, with the goal of increasing the projects’ development, sales, and distribution potential. All selected projects compete for the Best Project Award. The winning team will receive the opportunity to attend The Write Retreat, where they will further develop their screenplay with the support of industry experts in a focused and comfortable working environment.
GOALS
FORMAT
Script Pool consists of: a preparatory phase taking place both online and onsite, public pitching sessions, industry meetings, workshops, and networking activities during the participants’ stay in Tallinn. Participants will work with both a script consultant and a pitching mentor, who will help the teams strengthen their screenplay and presentation skills. The programme is complemented by Discovery Campus workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions. Participants are also expected to attend networking events and other relevant activities organised by Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event. Participation in all official Script Pool activities is mandatory.
The programme will take place from 16–20 November 2026 in Tallinn during Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event. Some preparatory sessions may take place online prior to the event.
Once selected, participants are required to pay an accreditation fee of 250 EUR. The participation fee includes: mentorship and workshops, accommodation for five nights, access to Black Nights Film Festival screenings, access to evening events, and participation in other Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event activities.
Please note that participants are responsible for covering their own travel expenses, including round-trip airfare. Applicants are encouraged to contact their local film institutes or film funds for possible travel support.
The official language of the programme is English.
Participation in Script Pool is limited to one time only. Previous participants are not eligible to apply again.
ELIGIBILITY AND SUBMISSIONS
Applicants must complete the online application form available on the official submission platform and provide all required materials and information between 1 June and 30 June 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Eligibility requirements:
Please refer to the submission platform for the complete list of required materials and submission details.
The final selection will be announced no later than 15 August 2026. Selected participants will be informed directly and the results may also be announced through the festival’s official communication channels. Submission of an application constitutes acceptance of these Rules and Regulations.
For further information please contact: triin.tramberg@poff.ee
PROCEEDINGS AND PROJECT SELECTION
All complete applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee appointed by the management of Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event. Projects will be evaluated based on: artistic quality, originality of the story, international appeal, distribution potential, and production feasibility.
Approximately 20 projects will be selected for the second round. Second-round applicants will be required to submit: the screenplay in English and in standard industry format, and a cover letter introducing the project.
Up to five projects will be selected for the final Script Pool programme, which includes workshops, mentorship sessions, meetings with the international jury, and a public pitch presentation. The international jury may include producers, financiers, and sales agents.
RIGHTS AND THE CHAIN OF TITLE
The Applicant guarantees that they hold all rights related to the submitted project. If a project has multiple producers, they must appoint one producer to act as the official Applicant and representative in all matters related to these Regulations. If the Applicant is one of several co-authors of the project, the Applicant must have the necessary agreements and authorisations from all co-authors regarding representation and rights management. Copyright matters related to these Regulations shall be governed by the copyright laws of the Republic of Estonia.
APPLICANT’S OBLIGATIONS DURING INDUSTRY@TALLINN & BALTIC EVENT
Applicants selected to participate in Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event are required to cooperate with the festival’s staff and responsible representatives throughout the duration of the event. If an Applicant unjustifiably violates any obligations outlined in these Regulations, Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event management reserves the right to disqualify the Applicant from further participation.
APPLICANT’S OBLIGATIONS AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT
Projects participating in the Script Pool competition must include the Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event logo and the following text in the closing credits: “Developed in cooperation with Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event” Projects receiving awards may be subject to additional obligations according to the specific award agreement concluded between the award provider and the recipient.
FINAL PROVISIONS
The official language of Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event is English. Any matters not expressly regulated by these Rules and Regulations shall be governed by generally accepted business practices and the laws of the Republic of Estonia. Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event management reserves the right to amend or supplement these Rules and Regulations. By submitting an application, the Applicant agrees to all provisions contained herein.
These Rules and Regulations enter into force upon publication on the official Industry@Tallinn webpage and are effective from 1 June 2026.
Approved by Dhanushka Gunathilake, Head of Discovery Campus.