Filmmaker Labs

What are the Filmmaker Labs?

The Filmmaker Labs are intensive programs for writers, directors, and producers working in independent film. Film Independent holds one Directors Lab, one Screenwriters Lab, and one Producers Lab each year in Los Angeles. Each Lab runs for seven to eight consecutive weeks, meeting two to three evenings a week. The labs are customarily held at the Film Independent offices in Los Angeles. We accept a maximum of ten projects into each Lab. The Directors Lab takes place in the spring, the Screenwriters Lab takes place in the summer, and the Producers Lab takes place in the fall. Actual dates may vary and are determined several weeks before the start of each Lab.

What is the most important thing you look for in an applicant?

The first thing we look at is the screenplay: we are looking for well-written, original independent screenplays that would make compelling films. We are open to applicants with differing levels of experience from people just starting out to people with significant prior experience in the film industry. The more information you provide us about yourself as a filmmaker, the better able we are to evaluate your application. For the Producers Lab, we do look at documentary projects. These projects do not need to submit completed scripts. However, documentaries producers must submit a detailed treatment.

What is the goal of the Filmmaker Labs?

The primary goal of the Filmmaker Labs is to help independent filmmakers develop as creative producers, directors, and screenwriters. Secondly, the Labs aim to help selected filmmakers move their current projects forward and to introduce the filmmakers to people in the industry who can help them in their ongoing professional development.

How do the three Labs differ?

The Screenwriters Lab is focused entirely on the craft of writing and on helping the writers in the program develop the screenplays with which they were accepted. Over the course of seven weeks, the writers receive feedback on their scripts from the Lab instructor, outside advisors, and the other writers in the program. By the end of seven weeks, the writers should either have a new draft of their script, or be well on their way towards one. In the Directors Lab, Film Independent provides the selected filmmakers with basic camera and sound packages, and helps to partner the filmmakers with DPs, editors, and a small crew. They then shoot selected scenes from their scripts. The focus of these shoots is on workshopping the material, working with actors, and learning how to collaborate with a DP and other crew. The goal is not to direct a polished short film nor to direct a clip reel for potential investors. In the Producers Lab, participants work on a budget, schedule, and business plan, focusing on coming up with a coherent strategy for getting their films made.

Aside from having a good script, what do you look for in the applicants?

We are looking for filmmakers who are talented and serious about working in independent film. We are open to filmmakers who have never written, directed, or produced before, as well as people who have already made short films or even features. If you have never worked in film before, it is important that you convey as much about yourself in your application as you can, i.e. why you want to work in film, what your artistic sensibility is, what you have been doing that will inform your work as a writer, director, or producer, etc. In the Producers Lab, our ideal candidate is someone who is actively pursuing a career as an independent creative producer as opposed to someone who is, at heart, a director who is choosing to produce his or her own film simply in order to get it made. That said, we do sometimes accept writer-director-producers into the program. It really depends on the material and who the other applicants are that cycle.

Must I be a member of Film Independent in order to apply to the labs?

No. The labs are open to anyone, but discounted application fees apply for Film Independent members.How much do the Labs cost?

There is a non-refundable application fee for each Lab. We give discounted rates for Film Independent members. The fees are: $55 for the early deadline ($35 for members), and $75 for the final deadline ($55 for members). If you are accepted into the program, there is no additional cost, i.e. there is no tuition fee.

Can I apply with a short film?

Because of the schedule and format of the Labs, only feature length projects will be accepted.

Do you accept documentaries in the Labs?

Fast Track and the Producers Labs are open to filmmakers with a documentary project. In the Screenwriters and Directors Lab, you need to apply with a feature-length narrative screenplay. If you are applying to the Producers Lab with a documentary project, you must submit a detailed treatment in lieu of a script. All the other application requirements apply.

Can more than one person apply with the same project?

Yes. We have accepted several writing teams in the Screenwriters Lab and producing teams in the Producers Lab. We have never had a team in the Directors Lab, but would not rule it out. If a team is accepted into the Lab, both members of the team would be expected to fully participate in the program.

Can I drop off the application in person?

Yes. Applications can be personally handed in at our offices. Film Independent is open from 10am to 7pm M-F. These applications are due on the postmark date.

Is there any financial stipend available for candidates who do not live in Los Angeles but would like to participate in the Labs?

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer financial assistance for out of town participants. We are more than happy to connect participants with housing search resources.

If a script is in one Lab, is it disqualified from being accepted into one of the other Labs?

No. We have had a number of projects go through two or even three of our Labs, sometimes with the same person attached, sometimes with different people (for example, the writer-director goes through the Screenwriters and Directors Lab, and then someone else takes it through the Producers Lab).

Do I have to be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. to apply?

No. We accept projects from any country as well as all parts of the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not have a travel stipend for participants coming from outside of Los Angeles, so anyone coming to Los Angeles for the Labs would have to find their own accommodations.

Can I submit a reel or other materials with my application?

Yes. Applicants to the Producers and Directors Lab are encouraged to submit materials on either VHS or DVD. We will look at short films, music videos, directors' reels, and any other materials that you feel support your application. We ask that you submit what you feel is your best work.

I am a first time director and do not have a reel. Am I still eligible to apply for the Directors Lab?

Yes. The Directors Lab is open to first time directors with very strong feature scripts. The more information you give us about yourself and what experience, other than directing, you feel you have to bring to your project as a filmmaker, the better.Do you have a background as a photographer, painter, writer, actor? Have you worked in theater? Have you worked as an executive in the entertainment industry? Do you have a production background? If you are a first time director, we will want to know as much about your prior professional and creative experience as possible.

Does it help if I get my application in early?

No. We don't make any selection for any of the Labs until we have read all the applications and submitted materials, so there is no real benefit to getting your materials in extremely early. We strongly recommend that you get your scripts in the best possible shape before applying.

When will you notify applicants of their status?

All applicants will be notified, by email, at least three weeks prior to the Lab start date.

What is the schedule of the Lab?

The Labs usually meet on Monday and Thursday evenings, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. Additionally, people in the Directors Lab shoot scenes from their feature scripts and these shoots generally take place on weekends (although this is not required). Additionally, participants of the Producers Lab receive a complimentary access pass to the Filmmaker Forum, which runs concurrently at the end of October. Participants of the Directors Lab receive a complimentary access pass to the Directors series, which runs concurrently in the spring. And participants of the Screenwriters Lab receive perks from the Los Angeles Film Festival, which runs concurrently in the summer.

For more information, please contact Filmmaker Labs Associate, Jennifer Kushner, at 310.432.1275 or JKushner@filmindependent.org.

Fast Track

What is Fast Track?

One of Film Independent's Talent Development programs, Fast Track is a film financing market taking place during the Los Angeles Film Festival. Designed to help filmmakers move their current projects, narrative as well as documentary, forward, Fast Track 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.

What happens at Fast Track?

Filmmakers in the Fast Track program participate in three days of industry meetings, which are designed to help those filmmakers move their current feature projects closer to fruition.Additionally, the Fast Track participants receive a pass to the Los Angeles Film Festival, as well as the Financing Conference (taking place during the Festival), and Film Independent's Filmmaker Forum, which takes place in Los Angeles in the fall.

Who does Film Independent invite from the industry to meet with the Fast Track participants?

We invite representatives from a range of companies who can be helpful in moving filmmakers' projects forward -- financiers, agents, managers, independent producers, and production companies.

What is the most important thing you look for in an applicant?

We are looking for talented filmmakers who have feature length film projects narrative fiction films as well as feature length documentaries that are compelling and original, and are seeking financing. We prefer projects that have directors and at least one principal producer in place. We do not require that the project have any financing in place, but want to see evidence that the creative team has given serious thought to the budget and can articulate why they have budgeted the film at a particular level. We are looking for compelling, original projects that demonstrate a filmmaker's uniqueness of vision.

I am a writer with no director or producer attachments to my script. Am I eligible for Fast Track?

Writers who are chiefly interested in selling their screenplays or securing representation will not be considered. Strong preference is given to filmmakers who are seeking financing for films they are attempting to direct and/or produce.

I am a producer with a script, but there is no director attached. Am I eligible for Fast Track?

Yes. We generally prefer a director and producer team but producers with a script to which they have the rights, but no director attached, are still eligible to apply.

I am a director with a script, but there is no producer attached. Am I eligible for Fast Track?

Yes. Directors are strongly encouraged to apply with an attached producer, but we have had directors and writer/directors attend Fast Track without a producer attached.

Do you accept documentary projects into Fast Track?

Yes. Fast Track is open to Documentaries. Documentary producers must submit a detailed treatment in lieu of a script.

What should be in my documentary treatment?

Applicants must submit a full and thorough proposal that outlines the intended shape of the documentary, introduces the subject(s) and/or locale(s), and provides an overview of the production team and budget.

Do you accept documentary works-in-progress that are seeking finishing funds?

Yes. In the case of documentaries we are open to projects that are seeking finishing funds. If you have completed production or have shot part of the film we would be interested in seeing a clip reel from the film in addition to your treatment. We do not accept works-in-progress for narrative fiction projects.

Can I apply with a short film?

No. Only feature length narrative or documentary projects will be accepted.

Can I apply with a script that is adapted from a novel or other source material?

Yes. However, you or your producer must have the rights to the source material.

How many projects will be selected for Fast Track?

A selection committee will evaluate all applications and choose the participating filmmakers. Approximately 10 projects total will be selected. Though Fast Track is open to documentaries, our selections are based solely on the strength of the projects and applicants. There is not a set number of documentary projects that we will select.

When will I be notified about my application status?

All applicants for Fast Track will be notified of acceptance or not via email no later than May 12, 2008.

Will my script and/or submission material be returned to me?

If you wish to have your script, dvd, and any other supplemental materials returned to you, please include a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) with your application.

Does Film Independent own the rights to my project if it is selected into the program?

No. Film Independent only asks that when your film is produced that you include the end credit "Developed with the help of Film Independent" to be run along with the Film Independent logo.

What is a director's statement?

The director's statement should briefly explain the director's vision and touch on tone and the intended style. You may also wish to describe your motivation for wanting to make the film.

What is a budget outline and finance plan? How detailed should it be?

If you have a complete budget and schedule, please submit that with your application.If you do not, a topsheet of a budget would be helpful.Also, we would like to know as much as possible about how you plan on financing the film.What is the budget range? Are there strategies for getting the film financed that you are leaning towards? Basically, we want to see that you have given serious thought to the question of how much your film will cost and how you plan on raising those funds.The more detail you can go into, the better.

Must I be a member of Film Independent in order to apply to Fast Track?

No. Fast Track is open to producers and directors with a feature-length screenplay or documentary proposal.

How much does Fast Track cost?

There is a non-refundable $50 application fee for Fast Track. If you are accepted into the program, there is no additional cost, i.e. there is no tuition fee.

Can I drop off the application in person?

Yes. Applications can be personally handed in at our offices. Film Independent is open from 10am to 7pm M-F. These applications are due on the postmark date.

Is there any financial stipend available for candidates who do not live in Los Angeles but would like to participate in Fast Track?

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer financial assistance for out of town participants. We are more than happy to connect participants with housing search resources.

Do I have to be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. to apply?

No. We accept projects from any country as well as all parts of the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not have a travel stipend for participants coming from outside of Los Angeles, so anyone coming to Los Angeles for Fast Track would have to find their own accommodations and transportation.

Can I submit a reel or other work samples with my application?

Yes. Applicants to Fast Track are encouraged to submit materials on either VHS or DVD. We will look at short films, music videos, directors' reels, and any other materials that you feel support your application. We ask that you submit what you feel is your best work.

If I do not have a work sample to submit, am I still eligible to apply?

Yes. Fast Track is open to first time filmmakers who do not have a reel. The more information you give us about yourself and what experience, other than directing, you feel you have to bring to your project as a filmmaker, the better.Do you have a background as a photographer, painter, writer, actor? Have you worked in theater? Have you worked as an executive in the entertainment industry? Do you have a production background? If you are a first time director, we will want to know as much about your prior professional and creative experience as possible.

I am a producer with a first-time director attached to my project. May I submit my reel instead?

Yes. We welcome work samples from the either the director or producer, or both.

Does it help if I get my application in early?

No. We don't make any selection for Fast Track until we have read all the applications and submitted materials, so there is no real benefit to getting your materials in extremely early. We strongly recommend that you get your scripts in the best possible shape before applying.

For more information, please contact Filmmaker Labs Associate, Jennifer Kushner, at 310.432.1275 or JKushner@filmindependent.org.

Project:Involve

What is Project:Involve?

Project:Involve is Film Independent's signature diversity program that fosters the talents of emerging filmmakers. The program offers its selected Fellows a one-on-one mentorship, filmmaking workshops for continued education, community screenings that promote diverse subject matters, and ongoing career development assistance.

How long is the program?

The program runs from October to June. One-on-one mentors are assigned to each Fellow for a four-month period, starting either in the fall (October-January) or spring (March June). Filmmaking workshops and mixers take place throughout the nine-month program.

Am I a strong candidate?

Strong consideration is given to applicants who come from communities severely under-represented in the film industry. Project:Involve is geared towards emerging filmmakers who can demonstrate talent, passion, focus, responsibility, and a commitment to pursue a career in filmmaking. Strong consideration is given to those who can help fulfill our mission of increasing diversity in the film industry.

How do I apply to P:I?

All applicants are required to submit an application form, a resume or biography, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of interest. Semi-finalists will be asked to submit creative materials. Finalists will be asked to come in for an interview. Applications are accepted twice a year (January and April) and are available online at FilmIndependent.org.

How else can I get involved with P:I?

To become a mentor, job partner, workshop leader, volunteer, donor, or sponsor, please contact

ProjectInv@FilmIndependent.org or 310.432.1280.