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. The labs are customarily held at the Film Independent offices in Los Angeles and meet two to three evenings per week. 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 four intensive 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 the Lab, the writers should be well on their way towards a new draft.

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 Film Independent members and $75 for non-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?

No. 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 or Fast Track 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 apply with more than one project?

Yes, you may apply with multiple projects. You must submit a separate application and fee for each project.

Can I drop off the application in person?

We are moving to an online application system and will not be accepting hard copy submissions. However, you may personally hand in supplemental materials such as the DVD of the director`s prior work. 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.

Film Independent is open from 10am to 7pm M-F.

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). 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.