Our intensive, hands-on Filmmaker Labs are the incubators for the next generation of independent film writers, directors, and producers. Each year, Film Independent helps filmmakers hone their skills, develop current projects, and meet film professionals who can help advance their careers.

The Filmmaker Labs are open to all filmmakers, regardless of educational background or previous accomplishment in film. You are not required to be a member of Film Independentin order to apply to the Filmmaker Labs.

Click on each Lab title for more details:

SCREENWRITERS LAB
Designed to help screenwriters improve their craft and take their current scripts to the next level, the Screenwriters Lab is an intensive seven-week program running in Los Angeles in July and August 2008.
Deadline: 7 April 2008; 5 May 2008 (final)

PRODUCERS LAB
Designed to help filmmakers develop skills as creative independent producers, the Producers Lab is an intensive seven-week program running in Los Angeles each fall. Lab Fellows develop a strategy for bringing their projects to fruition, including a budget, schedule, and business plan. Qualified Fellows are eligible for the $25,000 Sloan Producers Grant.

DIRECTORS LAB
Designed to help directors who are prepping their feature films, the Directors Lab is an intensive eight-week program running in Los Angeles each spring in which Lab Fellows workshop scenes from their features. Film Independent provides Lab Fellows with camera and sound packages to shoot their workshopped scenes.
Deadline: 6 October 2008 (early); 3 November 2008 (final)

We are now accepting applications for the 2008 Screenwriters Lab sponsored by The Writer's Guild of America West - click here for details and an application.