SCREENWRITING LAB
Film Independent
INFO: Through personalized feedback from experienced industry professionals and other writers in the program, Screenwriting Fellows will gain the tools to revise and refine their scripts for production.
The Screenwriting Lab also helps to further the careers of its Fellows by introducing them to film industry veterans who can offer guidance on both the craft and business of screenwriting. Each Screenwriting Fellow will be paired with a Creative Advisor, with whom they’ll work one-on-one and in Lab sessions to further develop their project over the course of the program. A variety of guest speakers may screen and discuss their own films, or offer insights into their career trajectories, and a final retreat offers further opportunity for individualized feedback and discussion with additional established filmmakers and producers.
Film Independent is looking for well-written, compelling, screenplays with an indie spirit and scale, and an original premise or vision. Though applicants must submit a completed draft, the Lab is structured to support writers who are still creatively engaged in the writing process. Those who welcome feedback and discussion will benefit most from the program, as they further develop their work.
Cast and crew attachments aren’t necessary to a project’s eligibility, though the program is geared toward those scripts already on the path to production.
BENEFITS:
- A pass to the LA Film Festival
- Inclusion in the Film Independent Talent Guide
- Year-round support from Film Independent, for all phases of production
- Eligibility for the Indie Writers Caucus of the WGAw
APPLICATION FEE:
- FREE for Filmmaker Pro Members (limited to one waived fee per Membership year)
- $45 for Film Independent Members
- $65 for non-Members
THE FINE PRINT
Beyond the application fee, there is no cost or tuition to participate in any of Film Independent’s Artist Development programs.
Film Independent membership is not required when applying to Artist Development Labs; however, all participants accepted into the labs are required to join Film Independent at the standard annual membership rate of $95.
Film Independent Members applying to the Screenwriting Lab will receive written coverage of their submissions, whether or not they’re accepted to the program.
Those applicants who are invited to participate in the program should plan to be in Los Angeles for the four-week duration of the Lab. Film Independent is unable to subsidize any travel, lodging and/or visa expenses for any participants attending from outside of Los Angeles. Participants are expected to attend all sessions in person.
IMPORTANT DATES:
- Film Independent Member Deadline: November 13, 2017
filmindependent.org/programs/filmmaker-labs/screenwriting-lab/