WHY DO PROJECTS NEED TO BE IN EARLY TO MID PRODUCTION BY THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?

We encourage applicants to apply whose project is in early to mid production at the time of the application deadline. As a general guideline, we recommend that if you have between 10%-60% of footage for your film shot, you are in a sweet spot to apply. 

If you are still in development/pre-production, then the story and sample that you submit will likely not be as competitive within the application pool. Similarly, if you are in late production, you may be looking to finish and premiere before the program year begins. 

If selected for the Lab, the program year will begin in February 2025. In the nine months from when the application closes to when the Lab begins, we anticipate that you will keep moving forward with production in the meantime. Only projects in production are eligible to apply because we want to ensure that we have the greatest opportunity possible to make an impact on the production of the project and on the development of the director’s career during the 2025 program year. That being said, we understand that production timelines are dependent on many factors including funding and may change from what you indicate in your application.