Through a series of meetings and workshops, the Documentary Story Lab and Documentary Producing Lab advance the careers of nonfiction filmmakers by introducing them to film professionals who provide advice and expertise on both the craft and business of documentary filmmaking.

Taking place in the spring, the Documentary Story Lab helps directors craft the best story possible for their documentary film. Over the period of one week, directors with projects in late production/early post-production attend multiple workshops and sessions with guest speakers, established documentary directors, institutional funders, legal professionals, and distributors. Fellows are paired with an experienced Creative Advisor and Editing Advisor who provide one-on-one support. The Lab culminates in a final pitch event that offers further opportunity for individualized feedback and discussion with industry executives.

The Documentary Producing Lab, held during the Fall, is designed for producers working in the nonfiction space. For one week, producers with projects in active development, production or post-production will be paired with creative and business consultants, learning strategies and practices that will benefit them not only on their current projects, but throughout their careers. With the generous support of The Harnisch Foundation, each Fellow will also receive professional coaching by Renee Freedman & Company as part of the program, positioning participants for success as they continue to grow professionally. The Documentary Producing Lab also includes multiple case studies with notable nonfiction producers, and concludes with a networking day with industry professionals.

For more information on application deadlines, please visit our applications page.

Who Can Apply?

Film Independent is looking for talented filmmakers with documentary projects that are compelling, original and demonstrate a unique vision.

The Documentary Story Lab only accepts projects in the final stages of production or early post-production. The Lab is for directors, although director/producers can apply. Projects in the research and/or development phase or projects that have locked their picture edit are not eligible.

The Documentary Producing Lab accepts projects in active development, production or post-production. Applicants who are also directing the project they are submitting are ineligible.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following materials for consideration:

• A cover letter explaining what inspired you to apply to the Documentary Story or Producing Lab, and why this is the right time for you to participate in the program
• A project description that includes a logline, story summary/synopsis, topic summary, artistic approach, connection and access, accountability, community care and safety, project stage and timeline, audience consideration, intended impact and accessibility
• A summary of key creative personnel, including bios for each creative team member and a list of attached advisors or consultants
• Funding to date
• Budget information
• An extended sample of the current project (see below)
• Documentary Producing Lab only: A summary of distribution/marketing strategy and intended audience, plus overall fundraising strategy

Applicants must submit work sample from the project with which they are applying. For the Documentary Producing Lab, this should include a short trailer or teaser. For the Documentary Story Lab, applicants must a minimum of a polished trailer and scene selects, and at maximum a full assembly or a rough cut. Accepted filmmakers must have an assembly or rough cut ready two weeks before the start of the Lab.

Submit your application here. Applications submitted as a Word doc/via email will not be considered.

FAQ

• Individual directors or directing teams to apply to the Documentary Story Lab.
• Individual producers or producing teams are welcome to apply to the Documentary Producing Lab.
• Filmmakers who hold a director/producer title on their film are eligible for the Documentary Story Lab, but are not eligible for the Documentary Producing Lab. 
• Six projects will be selected for each Lab.
• Projects can submit to both Labs, however acceptance into one Lab does not guarantee acceptance into the other.
• Applications rounds are specific to each Lab. Applicants to the Documentary Story Lab will not be considered for the Documentary Producing Lab without a separate application, and vice versa.
• International projects are eligible, though the film must have English subtitles for consideration.
• We will reconsider projects that have previously been submitted, provided the filmmaker can demonstrate progress on the project and/or professional development.
• Filmmakers may apply to multiple Film Independent Artist Development programs and there is no requirement to have participated in any one program before another.
• Final selections will be based on the written application and supporting materials.
• Due to the high volume of submissions, we unfortunately are unable to provide feedback about individual projects.
• Email notifications are made on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified three to four weeks prior to the start of the program.

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 General Membership rate of $105.

Applicants will be notified three to four weeks prior to the start of the program.

For more information, please email: artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org.

To learn more about Film Independent Fellows and their projects, visit our Talent Guide.