Our History

 

 

 

The Scriptwriters Network Foundation, Inc. (SWN) — founded in 1986 — is a tax-exempt, volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created by writers, for writers and industry professionals.  We are dedicated to advancing the craft and business of writing across film, television, theater, digital media, and beyond.

SWN supports writers by offering educational programs, speaker events, script competitions, and other career-building opportunities. Our mission is to help writers understand the realities of the industry, improve their craft, and build meaningful connections through partnerships with working professionals.

Scriptwriters Network is a creative community for storytellers — whether you’re writing screenplays, TV pilots, plays, novels, video games, podcasts, or web series. We help take your writing to the next level.
 
 

The Scriptwriters Network began in 1986, when a group of passionate writers started meeting regularly to discuss scripts, share feedback, and support one another’s careers in the entertainment industry. At the time, membership required a script submission for entry — setting a high standard of commitment and craft.

As the group grew, so did its vision. In 2001, the community formalized into a nonprofit organization under the name Scriptwriters Network Foundation, Inc., earning 501(c)(3) status and adopting the logo still in use today.

Over the following years, Scriptwriters Network evolved into a membership-based organization, removing the script submission requirement to make the community more inclusive and accessible to writers at all levels. Along the way, the organization expanded its offerings — launching a variety of educational programs, interactive events, and networking opportunities for scriptwriters across film, television, and digital media.

 

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In 2012, Ms. Melessa Y. Sargent was elected President of the Scriptwriters Network. Early in her tenure, she secured the trademark for the organization’s name and logo, as well as all associated programs, events, and meetings. She also formally established the acronym “SWN” — still widely used today to represent Scriptwriters Network.

Ms. Sargent and her team worked diligently to update and maintain all organizational documents required to preserve SWN’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Under her leadership, SWN launched a user-friendly website, which is still managed by dedicated volunteers. The site features a members-only section with access to exclusive content such as audio and video recordings, write-ups of past meetings and events, and a wide range of educational resources. The public portion of the site also offers valuable information about SWN’s programs, partners, and ongoing initiatives.

SWN’s visibility and outreach have expanded significantly under Ms. Sargent’s guidance. With the help of a committed volunteer team, SWN now actively engages with the writing community across multiple platforms — including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Tumblr, Meetup, Alignable, and through its weekly e-blast newsletter. Each platform has cultivated a growing base of thousands of followers and supporters.

As a result of her leadership, SWN has become a more professional, organized, and recognized force in the writing community, with a strong focus on education, mentorship, and industry access. The organization has received numerous honors, including:

 

Awards & Recognition Under Ms. Sargent’s Leadership:

  • Great Nonprofits Top-Rated Non-Profit Award (2013, 2018)

  • Los Angeles Award for Education (2014–2017)

  • Los Angeles Business Hall of Fame Award (Education) (2018–2024)

  • Best of Glendale Award – Non-Profit (2019–2020)

  • Best of Glendale Business Hall of Fame Award – Non-Profit (2021–2024)

  • Official Commendation – Belize Film Commission (2018, 2019)

  • Lux Life Magazine – Global Hospitality Award (2019)

  • Innovation & Excellence Award (2020)

  • …and several additional honors and media features to date.

Ms. Sargent’s impact extends beyond SWN. She currently serves as a Program Advisor for the 2022 Women in Leadership Program at the University of California – Santa Barbara Division and is listed in the 2022 Marquis Who’s Who of Top Executives.

She is the only SWN President to have achieved this level of recognition and organizational success. The entire SWN community is incredibly proud of her accomplishments and the transformation she has led. While awards and accolades are a reflection of her commitment, Ms. Sargent remains focused on what matters most: helping others grow and thrive in their creative careers.

 

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Acknowledgements:

The Scriptwriters Network would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the original organizers and board members who laid the foundation for what this organization has become. Your early efforts — including the achievement of nonprofit status — made everything that followed possible. We hope you’re proud of how far we’ve come and continue to support our ongoing educational mission.

We are also deeply grateful to the many speakers, members, guests, sponsors, partners, and volunteers — past, present, and future — who help us thrive.

  • To our speakers and writing consultants: Thank you for generously sharing your time, insight, and expertise with the writing community.

  • To our members, guests, and friends: Thank you for showing up — in person and online — and for believing in what we do.

  • To our sponsors and partners: Thank you for your continued collaboration and support.

  • And to our incredible volunteers: Your dedication, time, and passion fuel this organization. We simply couldn’t do it without you.

Finally, we offer a special thank you to the attorneys and consultants who help guide and protect the Scriptwriters Network — ensuring that we remain mission-focused, legally sound, and professionally managed.

To all of you — thank you. Your contributions make our work possible, and your support continues to shape the future of the Scriptwriters Network.

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SWN’s Awards with Melessa Y. Sargent, President

 

SWN’s Awards with Lana Mathis, Alicia Cheadle, Jill Narciso & Melessa Y. Sargent

 

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