Film Independent Talent Development Programs are incubators for the next generation of independent filmmakers. Cultivating strong, original voices, our Talent Development programs help filmmakers develop new work and advance their filmmaking careers in a nurturing yet challenging creative environment.

Filmmaker Labs

Our intensive, hands-on Filmmaker Labs are small, highly selective programs for independent film writers, directors, and producers. Each year, Film Independent helps selected filmmakers hone their skills, develop current projects, and meet film professionals who can help advance their careers. Learn more.

Project:Involve

Project:Involve is Film Independent's signature diversity program, dedicated to increasing cultural diversity in the film industry by cultivating the careers of under-represented filmmakers. The program, which runs from October through June, selects filmmakers from culturally diverse backgrounds and filmmaking tracks. The Fellows are paired one-on-one with a mentor from the film industry. In addition to the mentorship, the Fellows also attend filmmaking workshops, community screenings, and receive career development assistance. Learn more.

Fast Track

Designed to help filmmakers move their current projects, narrative as well as documentary, forward, Fast Track is a film financing market that connects them with financiers, production companies, and other industry professionals. This highly selective program is open to established as well as up-and-coming filmmakers with exceptional projects still seeking funding. Learn more.

Fellowships

Each year we accept approximately 80 fellows to go through our programs, and those programs are free of charge to the filmmakers in them. In addition, fellows receive complimentary membership to Film Independent, a pass to the Los Angeles Film Festival, and year round institutional support ??“ as well as direct financial support. Each year Film Independent awards over $250,000 in cash to selected fellows. Learn more.

Grants and Awards

Each year, Film Independent awards a number of grants to help filmmakers with their current projects, as well as to recognize them for past accomplishment. Since 1995, we have given out over $860,000 in cash grants to our fellows. Learn more.