Are you a first-time feature filmmaker? Are you in post-production? Then you should really apply to IFP's Independent Filmmaker Labs. What exactly goes on in the labs? From the horse's mouth:
Through five days of workshops, mentorship, networking opportunities and creative guidance on their project, Lab filmmakers are able to gain editorial feedback, assess strategic partnerships & marketing opportunities, and evaluate their options for maximizing the reach of their film via festivals, traditional theatrical roll-outs or through innovative, DIY distribution methods. Filmmakers also meet with cutting-edge technologists to build their brands, as well as explore the myriad of modern web and promotional tools necessary to build engaged audiences for their projects.
Documentary applications were due February 12th (I'm a bit late with this) but narrative entries aren't due until March 26th (the lab itself takes taking place June 7-11). As a panelist at last year's (or was it two years ago's?) Independent Film Week, I saw several work-in-progress screenings and shared drinks with many of the lab participants; across the board, they were full of effusive praise for the program. If you've got a project in the rough cut stage, by all means check out this year's lab, and if not, definitely keep the labs in mind for a future project.
