Film Independent Documentary Story Lab 2025
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Before You Begin
Thank you for your interest in Film Independent's Documentary Story Lab.
The 2025 Documentary Story Lab is a full-time, one week program that will take place May 5-9, 2025. Please note that the Lab will take place in person, at our office in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer a travel stipend at this time.
The program is designed to provide individualized story and career development for documentary directors with a project in post-production.
Applicants must submit a work sample which should include a minimum of a polished trailer and scene selects, all the way up to a rough cut.
Filmmakers that have yet to complete the majority of principal photography and those that do not yet have any footage assembled are not eligible to apply.
Please complete and submit the following electronic application form. You will be able to save your application and add documents or information until the application deadline.
Once you click "submit," the application will be considered final and no additional information will be accepted. If you do not click "submit," the application will not be considered. At the end of the submission form, you will be asked for your payment information.
Please be advised: the application may time out if you keep it open for a long time. It is recommended that you keep a backup of your answers in a separate document. Save early and often. You can verify that your application has saved by logging out and logging back in.
All applicants will be notified 3-4 weeks before the program start date. If you don't receive a notification, please check your spam folder.
Applications Open: September 30, 2024
Regular Deadline: December 16, 2024
Extended Member Deadline: January 6, 2025
Accessibility Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.
Program Questions? Please contact the Artist Development team at artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org.
Technical Questions? Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support.