IFP's Independent Filmmaker Labs are now accepting applications for 2015. This year-long mentorship program offers an immersive experience for first-time directors, focusing exclusively on feature film projects, both narratives and documentaries, with budgets less than $1M. Plus, it's the only free U.S. program for first-timers, so -- that's definitely a huge selling point.

Here's a bit from IFP:

Through the Labs, IFP works to ensure that talented emerging voices receive the support, resources, and industry exposure necessary to reach audiences -- Twenty projects (10 documentaries and 10 narratives) are selected for the annual program, which has three components: the Time Warner Completion Lab in the spring, the Marketing Lab in September, and the Distribution Lab in December. All Lab projects also automatically participate in the Project Forum of IFP’s Independent Film Week.

Deadlines to Apply

You must be an IFP member to apply to the labs. If you're not a member, you can join here. (All levels of membership make you eligible for the labs.) For more information about what the Labs are all about, check out IFP's Independent Filmmaker Labs site here. To learn how to apply, as well as rules and eligibility requirements, be sure to check out the application info.

Source: IFP Independent Filmmaker Labs

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