October 8, 2024 → Bay List submissions open on blcklst.com

April 8, 2025 → Bay List submission deadline

May 2025 → Bay List shortlist writers notified 

June 2025 → Final ten Bay List writers notified

July 2025 → 2025 Bay List projects announced

All writers must define their close ties to the Bay Area when submitting their script in the form of a brief personal statement. The Bay Area is defined as these counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, and San Francisco. 

Close ties to the area can include but are not limited to:

• The writer was born in the Bay Area 

• The writer grew up in the Bay Area

• The writer currently lives in the Bay Area

• The writer lived in the Bay Area for a significant period of time

• The writer is a part time resident of the Bay Area

Note: Screenplays and pilots do not need to be based in the Bay to qualify.

In addition to amplifying the ten selected projects, The Bay List will also present its writers with various educational benefits from the partner organizations listed above. Further benefits for projects on the Bay List may be announced at a later date.

Dolby Laboratories will provide fee waivers for one month of free hosting and one free evaluation for the first 150 eligible submissions to the Bay List. When requesting a fee waiver, writers will have to explain their close ties to the Bay Area. The Black List and partners will have the right to approve or reject each request based on eligibility. More information regarding Bay List fee waivers is available in our FAQ LINK.

After submissions close on April 8, 2025, The Black List will determine a longlist of up to 30 screenplays and pilots. Longlisted writers will be asked to submit additional materials, such as a personal statement and resume. The Black List and supporting partners will then establish a shortlist of the most promising screenplays and pilots. The final ten projects on the Bay List will be announced Summer 2025.