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Call for Submissions: IFP’s Independent Filmmaker Labs for Documentary Features, Deadline February 12!

IFP’s Independent Filmmaker Labs is the only free program in the U.S. supporting first-time feature directors at the crucial rough cut/post production stage.

The Labs play a pivotal role in helping emerging filmmakers to realize the full potential of their stories – and their careers. 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.

Drawing from a national candidate pool, 20 projects (10 documentaries and 10 narratives) are selected for this year-long Lab fellowship which, includes the five-day Lab in New York City, one-on-one mentorship with industry innovators and icons, and during IFP’s Independent Film Week in September - pre-scheduled meetings with potential buyers, sales agents and festival programmers and inclusion in a Lab “Sneak Preview” Showcase presentation.

Application deadlines
Documentary Lab Final deadline: February 12 (online application deadline)
Narrative Lab Final Deadline: March 26 (online application deadline)

DVDs of the rough cut must be received within five (5) business days of your online application, or you risk disqualification.
Please read Eligibility Criteria (below] carefully before applying.
Applicants will be informed of their acceptance status approximately one month prior to the dates of the Documentary and Narrative Labs.
Questions? Email the programming team – labs@IFP.org

Eligibility Criteria

* Labs are open to first-time feature directors only.
* IFP Independent Filmmaker Labs are for US projects only. The film must be directed by a US born or based filmmaker. It is not necessary that the film was shot in the US or that a US-born filmmaker primarily reside in the US.
* Projects should be intended for feature length, one hour or longer. Short films are not eligible for the Labs.
* All, or the majority of principal photography must be complete, and story editing begun. Post-production should not be complete. You will need to submit a rough cut of at least 40 minutes which shows the story arc of your film to apply (rough cut to fine assembly]. Trailers are not acceptable.
* We prefer projects have not already been submitted to festivals; the goals of the program are to help improve the project, before this kind of industry exposure.
* Projects should be low-budget – under $1M, and without distribution in place
* Films can be in any language; if not in English, work must be subtitled.
* Labs are free of charge to those invited to participate, but all Lab attendees must be IFP members.
* Filmmakers are responsible for their own travel and accommodations.
* Each project is entitled to have up to three members of its team participate in the Labs. This typically includes the director and producer, plus the editor, post-production supervisor or some other key creative.

Selection Process

* Project selection is based on the quality of the work and its ability to benefit from the Lab’s curriculum and mentorship.
* All submissions are confidential and are only viewed by the IFP’s senior programming team and screening committee. Final selection is determined by IFP senior programmers. At no time are films screened for buyers or sales agents during the submission or acceptance process.
* Submissions will not be returned and will be destroyed after Lab selection process.
* Up to 10 films will be selected for each Lab.

Submission Requirements & Materials

* Active IFP Membership at any membership level;
* Completed online application including synopses, filmmaker bios, and goals for the Lab;
* $50 entry fee submitted with application either online by credit card or by check mailed with submission materials;
* Two DVDs of the rough cut or rough assembly of the entire film (or a majority of the assembly; not a trailer]. Submissions of sample work must be at least 40 minutes;
* DVDs should be NTSC Region 0 or 1, and play in a standard DVD player;
* DVDs should be marked with film title, director name and run time. Please avoid using paper sticker labels, they tend to get stuck in machines;
* DVDs of the rough cut must be received within five (5) business days of your online application, or you risk disqualification.

Send two DVD copies of your rough cut and two copies of your application confirmation email
(which you will receive after submitting online] to:
IFP Independent Filmmaker Labs (Narrative or Documentary)
68 Jay Street, Suite 425, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Please indicate on the envelope if your project is a Narrative or Documentary feature.

Do not send the script, press kit, previous work or any other supporting materials.