Film Independent's 9th Annual Directors Lab is an intensive eight-week incubator designed to help directors who are prepping their feature films, and is sponsored by Kodak.

      Taking place in Los Angeles during the winter, the Lab assists directors with strong, original voices develop new narrative feature films, improve their craft, and advance their filmmaking careers in a nurturing, yet challenging creative environment. 

      To apply, please visit: http://filmindependent.org/fellowships/filmmaker_labs/directors_lab

      Application fee is $55 for Film Independent Members and $75 for Non-Members.

      More Details:  Lab filmmakers are provided a cash stipend for their project and access to camera and sounds packages.  Under the tutelage of Lab Mentors, filmmakers learn to work with actors, collaborate with cinematographers and crew, refine scripts and shoot scenes from their projects.  Throughout the Lab, filmmakers are also introduced to established directors and film professionals who serve as one-on-one Advisors on both the art and business of filmmaking. 

      The Lab is provided FREE to accepted filmmakers, and upon completion, filmmakers become Film Independent Fellows, receiving year-round support, including access to Film Independent's annual film education offerings, on-staff Filmmaker Advisor, and the Los Angeles Film Festival. 

      Recent projects developed through the Lab include Suzi Yoonessi's Dear Lemon Lima, (2009 Los Angeles Film Festival); Cherien Dabis' Amreeka, which will be released theatrically on September 4, 2009 (2009 Sundance Film Festival, FIPRESCI Award Winner at 2009 Cannes Film Festival); Tina Mabry's Mississippi Damned (2009 Slamdance Film Festival, 2009 Outfest Grand Jury Award); and Scott Prendergast's Kabluey, starring Lisa Kudrow and Teri Garr, which was released theatrically in 2008 (2007 Los Angeles Film Festival).

      Last year's Lab Mentors included writer/directors Kasi Lemmons (Talk to Me), Keith Gordon (The Singing Detective), Alfredo De Villa (Nothing Like the Holidays), and Andrew Wagner (Starting Out in the Evening).

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

Film Independent is a non-profit arts organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent's Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff, and constituents, are comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry leader, or a film lover.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent offers free Filmmaker Labs for selected writers, directors, and producers; provides cut-rate services for filmmakers; and presents year-round networking opportunities. Film Independent's mentorship and job placement program, Project:Involve, pairs emerging culturally diverse filmmakers with film industry professionals.

Film Independent produces the Los Angeles Film Festival, celebrating the best of American and international cinema and the Spirit Awards, a celebration honoring films and filmmakers that embody independence and dare to challenge the status quo.

For more information or to become a member, visit FilmIndependent.org.