Are you a screenwriter living in Los Angeles? Do you have a finished screenplay that could use feedback from professional screenwriters to get it into top shape? Then you should consider applying to the Film Independent Screenwriting Lab. Fellows in this 5-week program meet twice a week in September and October to get feedback on their scripts from a Lab Mentor, outside advisors and other Fellows. So, if you meet the criteria above, make sure to get your application into Film Independent by May 5, 2014. Check out more details about the fellowship and online application process below.
Film Independent selects a maximum of ten projects for the Screenwriting Lab. Individual writers and writing partners are both eligible to apply. Writing partners can submit as a team. Are you a member of Film Independent? If so, members receive a discount on the submission fee and receive written coverage on their screenplay submission, regardless of acceptance into the lab. Don't worry if you're not a member, though. Membership is not required to apply.
To apply, applicants must be the author of the screenplay submitted, and provide the following as part of the online submission:
- Cover letter explaining why the screenwriter wants to participate in the Screenwriting Lab
- Complete feature-length screenplay
- Logline and synopsis
- Bios of key cast and crew, if these elements have been attached
- Current project status and history
- Application fee ($45 for Film Independent members; $65 for non-members)
If you're not a member of Film Independent and get accepted into the Screenwriting Lab, you will have to join Film Independent for $95.
The Screenwriting Lab is open to narrative feature film projects only. Documentary, short film and television projects are not accepted.
Past projects include Robbie Pickering's Natural Selection (2012 Spirit Award nominee, Best First Feature; Winner, SXSW Grand Jury Prize, Audience Award), Suzi Yoonessi's Dear Lemon Lima (2009 Los Angeles Film Festival), and Beth Schacter's Normal Adolescent Behavior (2007 Tribeca Film Festival).
Past instructors include Meg LeFauve (producer, The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys), Mardik Martin (co-writer, Mean Streets, Raging Bull), and Barbara Turner (writer, The Company, Pollock, Georgia).
Past speakers include Doug Atchison (Akeelah and the Bee), Ava DuVernay (Middle of Nowhere), Scott Frank (The Lookout), Rian Johnson (Brick), Eric Roth (Forrest Gump) and Jill Soloway (Afternoon Delight).
Remember: Film Independent's Screenwriting Lab takes place over five weeks in September and October in Los Angeles, meeting in the evenings for two to three nights a week. If you don't already live in the Los Angeles area, this lab may not be for you.
For more information and to apply online, check out Film Independent's Screenwriting Lab website. Again, the submission deadline is May 4, 2014.
Do you think Film Independent's Screenwriting Lab offers a good opportunity to further a screenwriting career? Share your thoughts with us in the Comments.
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