This IFP mentorship program is an immersive, yearlong program that takes new documentary or narrative filmmakers through the entire low-budget (less than $1M) filmmaking process, including completion, marketing, and distribution of their film. That means that participants get to see/learn the technical, creative, and strategic sides of how to "launch their films -- and their careers.

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. Open to all first time feature documentary and narrative directors with films in post-production. Twenty projects (10 documentaries and 10 narratives) are selected for the annual program. All Lab projects also automatically participate in the Project Forum of IFP’s Independent Film Week.

The deadline to apply is March 1st.

  • To apply to the Documentary Lab, click here.
  • To apply to the Narrative Lab, click here.

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.) You can learn more about what the Labs are all about by checking out IFP's Independent Filmmaker Labs site here. To find out how to apply, and to read the rules and eligibility requirements, be sure to check out the application info.

Source: IFP Independent Filmmaker Labs

ifpIFP Filmmaker LabsIFP Narrative Labifpdocumentarylab
Grants, Contests, & Awards