(July 24, 2007) FILM INDEPENDENT ANNOUNCES PARTICIPANTS FOR 2007 SCREENWRITERS LAB
Film Independent announced today the selected fellows for its annual Screenwriters Lab, which runs in Los Angeles from July 30 through September 12. Jeff Kleeman will teach the Lab, which is sponsored by the Writers Guild of America, west.

“We have a remarkable group of screenwriters who are developing some wonderful and original projects,” said Dawn Hudson, Executive Director of Film Independent. “It’s rewarding to see films like Scott Prendergast’s Kabluey and Minh Nguyen-Vo’s Buffalo Boy produced, which were developed in our Screenwriters Labs, and we are proud to continuously support filmmakers in developing their craft.”

“Jeff brings a wealth of experience to the Lab, as a writer and as an creative executive working in the independent and studio worlds alike,” said Josh Welsh, Filmmaker Labs Manager. “We’re so happy to have him helming this year’s program.”

The Screenwriters Lab is an intensive seven-week program designed to assist writers working in independent film improve their craft. This session’s guest speakers will include writer/director Scott Frank (The Lookout), writer/director Doug Atchison (Akeelah and the Bee), writer/director Scott Prendergast (Kabluey), writer/director Karen Moncrieff (The Dead Girl), writer Jeff Stockwell (The Bridge to Terabithia), and writer Eric Roth (The Good Shepherd).

The Film Independent Screenwriters Lab participants were chosen based on the strength of screenwriter’s submitted script and application.

The participants and their projects are:

Nicole Jefferson, BECOMING BETTY DAVIS

Mike Miller, CLEAVE

Suzi Yoonessi, DEAR LEMON LIMA

Tony Mosher and Mitch Larson, DOWN THE DIRT ROAD

Drew Pillsbury, KISS DON’T TELL

Gretchen Somerfeld, MIAMI PURITY

Garret Williams, MUDPUPPY

Jessica Sanders, MY DAILY ROUTINE

Cheryl Guerriero, PALMER

Abigail Severance and Mo Perkins, THE SUMMER WE DROWNED

Past Screenwriters Lab participants include Beth Schacter, whose debut feature Normal Adolescent Behavior premiered at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival; Scott Prendergast, whose debut feature Kabluey premiered at the 2007 Los Angeles Film Festival; Scott Coffey, who wrote and directed Ellie Parker; and Minh Nguyen-Vo, whose film Buffalo Boy was Vietnam’s official entry for the 2006 Academy Awards®.

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

Film Independent is a non-profit membership organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds the audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, film industry leader, or a film lover.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent also offers free Filmmaker Labs for selected writers, directors, and producers; provides cut-rate services for filmmakers; and presents year-round networking opportunities. Film Independent’s mentorship and job placement program, Project:Involve, pairs emerging culturally-diverse filmmakers with film industry professionals.

Film Independent produces the Los Angeles Film Festival, celebrating the best of American and international cinema, and the Spirit Awards, a celebration honoring films and filmmakers that embody independence and dare to challenge the status quo. For more information or to become a member, visit FilmIndependent.org.