from film independent

FILM INDEPENDENT’S DOCUMENTARY LAB

2011 DOCUMENTARY LAB
Deadline: 6 December 2010
Application Fee: $55 Film Independent Members; $75 Non-members

WHAT IS THE DOCUMENTARY LAB?

Designed to help filmmakers who are currently in production or post-production on their feature-length documentary films, the Documentary Lab is an intensive seven-week program running in Los Angeles in March and April 2011. The Lab’s focus is twofold: (1) provide creative feedback and story notes to the selected filmmakers; and (2) help filmmakers strategize the completion, distribution, and marketing of their film.

Additionally the program serves to advance the careers of the Lab Fellows by introducing them to film professionals who can advise them on both the craft and business of documentary filmmaking. Lab Fellows have one-on-one meetings with established documentary filmmakers – directors, producers, and editors – and other industry professionals who act as advisors on the participant’s projects.

DOCUMENTARY LAB FELLOWS RECEIVE:

* A one-year membership with Film Independent
* A pass to the Los Angeles Film Festival (City Pass)
* One-on-one consultations with Film Independent’s Filmmaker Advisor
* Inclusion in the FIND Talent Guide
* Year-round support from Film Independent

HOW TO APPLY

To be eligible, you must be the director of a feature length documentary film. Directing and producing teams are also eligible to apply together. Applicants must complete the online application which includes a cover letter explaining one’s interest in the Documentary Lab; one detailed treatment; bio and bios of other key people attached to the project, if any; a clip reel or rough cut of the submitted project; a sample of director’s previous work, if available; and a non-refundable application fee. While there is no specific length your treatment needs to be, please convey in clear and detailed terms your vision for the film. The treatment should include a detailed story synopsis as well as the director’s vision and stylistic approach to the film, as well as a list of the key characters and key crew.

WHAT SELECTION CRITERIA ARE USED IN EVALUATING DOCUMENTARY LAB SUBMISSIONS?

We are looking for talented filmmakers who have feature length documentary projects that are compelling, original, and demonstrate a filmmaker’s uniqueness of vision. We are open to first-time directors as well as filmmakers who previously directed shorts and features. If you do not have directing experience, it is important that you convey as much about yourself in your application as you can, i.e. your artistic sensibility and what experience you have that will inform your work as a director.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM?

Aside from the application fee, there is no tuition to attend Film Independent’s Talent Development Programs.

Film Independent offers the Filmmaker Labs as an intensive program in which writers, directors, and producers can develop their craft as well as their projects. We ask that once completed, films that have been supported by the Labs include the end credit “Developed with the help of the Film Independent Filmmaker Labs” with the Film Independent logo.

For more information, please contact Filmmaker Labs Manager, Jennifer Kushner at JKushner@filmindependent.org or visit: film independent