Imaginar Producers Fellows Spill on Why YOU Should Apply for This Year’s Residency
Working as an independent producer feels like a constant uphill climb that gets tougher with every change in the industry landscape. Developing projects can take years with little to no payment for the producers who are on the project who are each likely working on a slate of projects at all different stages. It’s difficult work in the best of circumstances. To continue our support of producers in 2022 Film Independent launched the Imaginar Producers Residency made possible by The Walt Disney Company and Searchlight Pictures, in collaboration with the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP). The residency is a nine-month program that supports three Latinx Producers where each Fellow receives mentorship, project specific support and a $50,000 grant to support their slate.
With this year’s applications closing this Friday(!), we thought it was a good time to highlight everything that the Residency has to offer. And who better to hear it from than two of last year’s Fellows. We spoke with Imaginar Producers Residency Fellows Nico Blanco and Maria Altamirano about their experience in the program.
Why did you apply to the program?
Nico Blanco: I applied to the program because I was looking for a place where I could grow as an independent producer, beyond moving forward a specific project. I was trying to understand how to make it more sustainable
Maria Altamirano: I applied because it’s rare to find a program that supports independent producers in a holistic way. Many fellowships focus on specific projects, but I was looking for something that would also help me grow in my career overall. After producing my second feature, I was entering a transitional moment in my journey, while grappling with questions around what was next and how to build a sustainable career. Imaginar’s approach, offering mentorship, financial support, and space to reflect on my identity and place as a producer in today’s industry, felt like exactly what I needed at that time.
How would you describe the program?
Nico Blanco: The program is looking to help Latine independent producers grow and further their careers, trying to erase the barrier of entry that there is for producers who are not independently wealthy.
Maria Altamirano: Imaginar is a game-changer for independent producers. It’s a residency that not only helps advance your projects but also invests in you: your career, your financial health, and your professional development. It provides creative support through conversations with the Searchlight team, financial coaching, career mentorship, and access to invaluable industry spaces. It’s the kind of support system that producers rarely get.
How did you change as a filmmaker from before to after the program?
Nico Blanco: I think I grew more comfortable with who I am as a filmmaker and definitely learned that what I say and do matters and has weight.
Maria Altamirano: I left the program with a stronger sense of confidence, not just in my producing skills but in how I navigate the industry. I refined how I communicate about my work, learned strategies for managing my time and business ventures, and deepened my understanding of how to advocate for myself and my projects. The experience also made me more intentional about the kinds of stories I want to champion and how I build sustainable career pathways. I also got a deeper understanding of the studio system’s approach to working with producers.
What was a note or piece of advice that stood out to you?
Maria Altamirano: One of the biggest takeaways was the importance of approaching my career with the same level of strategy and care that I apply to my films. Producers are often so focused on their projects that they don’t always prioritize their own long-term goals. The program reinforced the idea that investing in yourself – financially, creatively, and professionally – is just as crucial as investing in the work.
How did this program differ from other labs and programs you’ve participated in?
Nico Blanco: It was a program that was about me as a producer and an artist, not just about my projects.
Maria Altamirano: Most producer programs focus on a specific project, but Imaginar is unique because it supports both your work and your career. The structure and level of support was incredibly thoughtful, balancing creative, financial, and professional mentorship in a way that feels rare. It wasn’t about putting us into a box as independent producers but instead allowing space for us to approach our careers in imaginative ways, helping us explore new opportunities and build a sustainable path forward.
What is your relationship like with your cohort now that the program is over?
Nico Blanco: I see them not only as close friends and I believe future collaborators. I value their opinion and can’t wait to create something with them.
Maria Altamirano: We’ve built a strong bond and friendship, and I know I can turn to my cohort for support and advice. We continue to stay in touch, celebrate each other’s wins, and offer insights as we navigate our careers. Being in a program like this reminds you that you’re not alone in what you experience as a producer and it’s important to build a real sense of community and shared purpose.
What was one of the most memorable sessions in the program?
Nico Blanco: Being able to connect with agents was great, if there was a way to work on deepening those relationships further that would be great for the next cohort.
Maria Altamirano: The creative feedback sessions in general with the Searchlight team were a highlight. Having the opportunity to receive thoughtful, in-depth notes from the executives helped me see my projects from new angles and gave me practical ways to strengthen them. Other standout moments were participating in panels at the Latinx House at Sundance and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Leadership Conference in DC. Both were incredible opportunities to share our experiences and expand our networks.
How did this program impact your career?
Nico Blanco: It allowed me to explore things I had never considered before and now I am someone who works in both the fiction and nonfiction realm.
Maria Altamirano: It came at a pivotal moment. The financial grant provided crucial support during a challenging time for the industry and personal transitions, and the mentorship helped me sharpen my approach to producing. I’ve expanded my network, refined my goals, and feel more confident navigating the industry as a producer.
What would you say to a friend or colleague to convince them to apply?
Nico Blanco: I’ll say that if they want to grow as an independent producer it will provide not only economic support but will also help them grow more confident in their work.
Maria Altamirano: If you’re a producer looking for a program that truly invests in YOU, apply! Imaginar isn’t just about supporting your projects, it’s about helping you build a long-term, sustainable career. You’ll gain invaluable mentorship, financial coaching, creative guidance, and a supportive community that will stay with you long after the program ends.
Applications for the 2025 Imaginar Producers Residency are now open, with a deadline of February 14 and a Film Independent Member deadline of February 28.
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