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 by early June.

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

No. 

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. If no director is attached, you may include the a producer's statement.

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?

If selected, there is no cost to attend Fast Track. There is a non-refundable application fee: $55 Film Independent Members, $75 Non-members.

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 1 DVD of 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 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.