Jordan Peele's Monkeypaw Productions and Universal Film announce the second edition of the 'No Drama' filmmaker initiative aimed at supporting emerging genre filmmakers.
Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, in collaboration with Universal Film, has officially unveiled plans for the second edition of the 'No Drama' filmmaker initiative. This announcement was made on September 22, 2026, highlighting the initiative's commitment to supporting emerging genre filmmakers.
The 'No Drama' initiative, first introduced in 2024 as a one-year program, offers a platform for fresh voices in the film industry. Its primary goal is to provide access and visibility to aspiring filmmakers, particularly within the genre field, through workshops and industry exposure.
The updated program features a partnership with American Cinematheque, which will offer a $50,000 grant to up to three filmmakers. These selected artists will direct short film scripts submitted during the application process, with the aim of eventually developing them into full-length projects. This year, applicants are required to submit a feature-length treatment of their short film scripts, further pushing creative boundaries.
A focus of the initiative this time is the exploration of two crucial themes: 'Fear is universal. Monsters are personal.' The intention is to craft scripts that redefine the horror genre through various cultural lenses, revealing the individual 'monsters' that resonate with audiences.
The first cohort of filmmakers under the 'No Drama' initiative gained significant acclaim, showcasing their work at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. Eighty percent of these filmmakers have since secured agent or management representation, as noted by Variety. Success stories include Ariel Zengotita’s short film 'Imago,' screened at SXSW, and Jared Leaf’s 'Spilled Milk,' which received awards, including the Audience Award at the Pan African Film & Arts Festival.
Filmmakers from the inaugural cohort have transitioned into broader studio-level development opportunities, with talents like Helena Hawkes being accepted into Universal's Writers Residency, a program designed to connect writers with the studio’s production team.
Universal Pictures president Peter Cramer expressed enthusiasm for renewing the partnership with Monkeypaw Productions, emphasizing the importance of championing new genre storytellers. “Jordan and his team bring unmatched expertise and passion to this initiative, making them the ideal partners to help elevate these new voices,” he stated.
Janine Jones-Clark, Universal’s executive VP of filmmaker and content strategies, also addressed the significance of this initiative, highlighting collaborative efforts with American Cinematheque, which will ensure high-profile visibility for participating filmmakers. Grant Moninger, the artistic director at American Cinematheque, underscored the initiative's role in shaping the future of cinema by investing in promising talent while celebrating its history.
Filmmakers interested in participating in this second edition can submit their scripts on the American Cinematheque website, with the submission period closing on September 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The finished films from this cohort are scheduled to premiere at Beyond Fest 2027, an event recognized as one of the nation’s leading genre film festivals.
These developments underline Monkeypaw Productions and Universal Film’s commitment to fostering innovative storytelling in the genre space, further building on the successes of previous participants in the initiative.
The 'No Drama' initiative’s second edition signals a significant investment in emerging talent within the film industry, particularly for those working in genre storytelling. By providing financial support, mentoring, and industry exposure, Monkeypaw and Universal aim to cultivate a new generation of filmmakers capable of delivering fresh narratives that challenge the conventions of horror and genre filmmaking. This initiative enhances opportunities for new voices and affirms the importance of diverse storytelling in contemporary cinema.
For more insights, read about the success of previous films from the initiative or learn more about upcoming projects from Universal, including Patrice Vermette's Creative Impact Award and Peter Berg’s Netflix War Movie.
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