ABOUT
The MUP Story Accelerator is an intensive creative development program designed to help emerging filmmakers transform promising short film scripts into production-ready projects.
Over the course of 2-3 months, selected filmmakers work alongside industry professionals through weekly mentorship, accountability, and hands-on guidance to prepare for pre-production.
WHAT
PARTICIPANTS
RECEIVE
• Weekly mentorship meetings
• Script development
• Story feedback
• Accountability coaching
• Production planning
• Budget development
• Location planning
• Grant application guidance
• Pre-production preparation
• Distribution strategy guidance
FIRST TIME FILMMAKERS
WRITERS
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Ideal applicants include filmmakers who:
• Have a completed short film script
• Need support preparing for production
• Want mentorship and accountability
• Are serious about producing their film
• Are ready to collaborate and grow
DIRECTORS
CREATIVES
REQUIREMENTS
• Ages 21+
• Horror, Thriller, or Mystery
• First 10 pages only
• Watermarked submission
• $7 application fee
July 8th
Applications Open
July 8th – August 6th
Regular Applications
August 7th – 14th
Late Applications
August 21st – 27th
Semi-Finalists & Rejection Notifications
September 1st
Finalists Announced
PROGRAM
TIMELINE
WHY WE CREATED THIS PROGRAM
Our Mission
Independent filmmakers often have incredible stories but lack the structure, accountability, resources, or support system needed to move from development into production.
The MUP Story Accelerator was created to bridge that gap.
Our goal is to help filmmakers confidently move from script to pre-production with guidance from experienced producers and creative professionals.
ABOUT MUP
MUP is an indie production company based in the Gulf Coast in addition to creating films we also help independent filmmakers and storytellers bring their stories to life.
From development to distribution, we partner with creatives through production support, education and, strategy.
Our mission is to create opportunities that strengthen independent filmmaking communities while helping emerging voices move their projects forward.