Welcome to Artist Development at Film Independent! Below you will see all of our open applications.
- You will need to create a free Submittable account or sign in with Google or Facebook credentials to submit.
- Submittable works best on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Internet Explorer is not supported. Please make sure you are using a supported browser.
- You can save a draft of your work if you would like to finish filling out the form at a later date. However, sometimes Submittable can time out without your work being saved. It is recommended that you keep a backup of your answers in a separate document. Save early and often.
- Once you submit your application, we cannot accept updated materials.
- We do our best to follow up with all applicants 2-4 weeks before the start of any given program. Please be sure to safelist notification emails from Submittable and check the email you used to sign up for your Submittable Account regularly.
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?
Take a look at our Programs page for more details on timelines, application materials and eligibility concerns.
If you have any additional questions, please contact us at artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org.
Technical Questions?
Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support.
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.
Thank you for your interest in Film Independent's Fiscal Sponsorship.
Please complete and submit the following electronic application form. Note that applications can take approximately 4 - 8 weeks to be assessed.
You must be a current Film Independent Member to apply for fiscal sponsorship.
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.
It is recommended that you keep a backup of your answers in a separate document.
A $45 fee will be charged to submit this application unless you provide a valid waiver code.
For more information please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.
** We advise all applicants to make sure they have selected "Yes, I want to receive email notifications" in their Submitter Profile here: https://manager.submittable.com/user/settings **
Before You Begin
Thank you for your interest in the Sloan Distribution Grant.
The applicant must be the producer of a narrative fiction feature film. The film should prominently feature science, mathematics, and/or technology in the story, and/or have a leading character that is a scientist, engineer, or mathematician. To be eligible for this particular grant, your film must be in post-production or about to enter its distribution phase.
Please complete the following electronic application form. 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.
Once you click "submit," the application is considered final and no additional information will be accepted. If you do not click "submit," the application will not be considered.
For more information please contact artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org
Submissions are rolling.