Film Independent’s intensive Fast Track film financing market and hands-on Filmmaker Labs are the incubators for the next generation of independent film writers, directors, and producers. In Fast Track, narrative and documentary filmmakers meet with financers, production companies, and other industry professionals to help move their current projects forward. Also, for the first time this year, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is awarding one Fast Track participant a $10,000 production grant. In the Filmmaker Labs, screenwriters, producers, and directors hone their skills, develop current projects, and meet film professionals who can help advance their careers.
Taking place in Los Angeles, Fast Track and the Labs are open to all filmmakers, regardless of educational background or previous accomplishment in film. All Fellows receive a one-year membership with Film Independent, a pass to the Los Angeles Film Festival, year-round support from Film Independent, and more.
About Fast Track: Deadline is February 1, 2010
Fast Track is a film financing market that takes place during the Los Angeles Film Festival in June, and is geared towards established as well as up-and-coming filmmakers with exceptional projects still seeking funding. The highly selective program involves three days of intensive, high-level industry meetings, and access to the Financing Conference for additional networking and advice. Fast Track is sponsored by Kodak and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
To apply, please visit:
http://www.filmindependent.org/content/fast-track-and-alfred-p-sloan-grant
Application fee is $55 for Film Independent Members and $75 for Non-Members.
About the Filmmaker Labs:
During the Filmmaker Labs, Fellows receive feedback on their projects from the Lab instructors, outside advisers, and other filmmakers in the program. Fellows are also assigned an established filmmaker or industry professional who acts as a mentor on their project.
Screenwriters Lab – Deadline is March 1, 2010 – Designed to help screenwriters improve their craft and take their current scripts to the next level, the Screenwriters Lab is an intensive five-week program in July and August. The Screenwriters Lab is sponsored by the Writers Guild of America, West. A maximum of 10 projects are selected each year, and writing partners are welcome to apply as teams.
Producers Lab – Deadline is July 12, 2010 – The Producers Lab is a seven-week program in October and November, designed to help filmmakers develop skills as creative independent producers. Lab Fellows develop a strategy for bringing their projects to fruition, including a budget, schedule, and business plan. Qualified Fellows are eligible for the $25,000 Sloan Producers Grant. The Producers Lab is sponsored by Technicolor. A maximum of 10 projects are selected each year, and producing teams are welcome to apply.
Directors Lab – Deadline is October 4, 2010 – Designed to help directors who are prepping their feature films, the Directors Lab is an intensive eight-week program in February and March, in which Lab Fellows workshop scenes from their features. Film Independent provides Lab Fellows with camera and sound packages to shoot their work-shopped scenes. The Directors Lab is sponsored by Kodak. A maximum of 8 projects are selected each year.
To apply, please visit:
http://www.filmindependent.org/content/filmmaker-labs
Application fee is $55 for Film Independent Members and $75 for Non-Members.
ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT
Film Independent is a non-profit arts organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent’s Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff, and constituents, are comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry leader, or a film lover.
With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent offers free Filmmaker Labs for selected writers, directors, and producers; provides cut-rate services for filmmakers; and presents year-round networking opportunities. Film Independent’s mentorship and job placement program, Project:Involve, pairs emerging culturally diverse filmmakers with film industry professionals.
Film Independent produces the Los Angeles Film Festival, celebrating the best of American and international cinema and the Spirit Awards, a celebration honoring films and filmmakers that embody independence and dare to challenge the status quo.
For more information or to become a member, visit FilmIndependent.org.