Producers: Apply to Build Your International Network at the Rotterdam Lab

The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) is known for supporting new filmmakers and adventurous work, so it's no surprise that some of its programming is specifically designed to get projects off the ground and bolster the careers of up-and-coming producers.

Now, you can apply to be one of those producers and participate in the Rotterdam Lab.

The lab is a five-day training workshop for a global cohort of about 60 emerging producers. It occurs as part of the CineMart co-production market, right in the middle of IFFR, with the aim of "providing emerging professionals with the means to build and develop an international network" and help you "navigate the world of international film financing, sales and distribution."

The program consists of panel discussions, face-to-face meetings with industry delegates, and all the fun trappings of festival attendance, like cocktail parties and networking dinners. The Lab also comes with a certain about of prestige; recent participants include Alicia Van Couvering (Tiny Furniture), Anish Savjani (Meek’s Cutoff), and Chris Ohlson (Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter).

Here's the catch: you can't apply to the Lab directly. You must be nominated by one of CineMart's partner organizations. While the site doesn't formally list these, this year's international participants will give you an idea of which organizations have been represented.

If you're in the US, you can apply to attend with IFP, as part of its Rotterdam Fellowship. Each year, IFP selects two American producers with at least one narrative feature producing credit to represent them at the Lab. If you're chosen, IFP will cover your lodging and festival accreditation costs, but you are responsible for your own airfare to the Netherlands. To apply, send a cover letter and a copy of your resume to IFP Program Manager & Producer Zach Mandinach by November 8.