Film Independent Fiction Producing Lab
Regular Deadline: May 04, 2026
Online Extended Deadline: May 18, 2026
The Fiction Producing Lab helps further the careers of its Fellows by introducing them to film professionals who can advise them on both the craft and business of independent producing. In addition to attending lab sessions with legal, financial and production experts, each Fiction Producing Lab Fellow will be paired with an experienced Creative Advisor with whom they’ll work to develop their project over the course of the program.
With the generous support of The Harnisch Foundation, each Fellow will also receive professional coaching by Renee Freedman & Company as part of the program, positioning participants for success as they continue to grow professionally. Taking place during the course of two weeks in October, the Fiction Producing Lab culminates with a pitch session with established executives, offering participants valuable practical experience and the chance to introduce their projects to a larger cross-section of the industry.
Producers may apply with feature length narrative projects that are in active development or post-production. Through the Lab, Fellows develop strategies and action plans to bring their projects to fruition.
For more information on application deadlines please visit our applications page.
Who Can Apply?
The Fiction Producing Lab is open to the lead producer formally attached to a full-length, live-action, fiction feature film with a completed script and director in place. Applicants must control the rights to the project with which they apply. Projects do not need financing in place at the time of application. However, each application must demonstrate serious attention to the film’s budget and articulate the reasoning behind the budget level. Producing partners are welcome to apply as teams and need only submit a single application. International applicants are welcome to apply. Documentary, animation, short film, new media and episodic projects are not eligible to apply.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit the following materials for consideration:
- A cover letter explaining your interest in the Fiction Producing Lab
- An artist statement detailing why you are attached to produce
- One complete, feature-length screenplay
- A logline and synopsis
- Bios of attached key cast and crew
- Project status and history
- Budget top sheet and finance plan
- Look book (if applicable)
- Work sample and/or rough cut
Application Fee
- FREE for Filmmaker Pro Members (limited to one waived fee per Membership year)
- $45 for Film Independent Members
- $65 for non-Members
The Fine Print
Beyond the application fee, there is no cost or tuition to participate in any of Film Independent’s Artist Development programs.
Film Independent Membership is not required when applying to Artist Development Labs. However, all participants accepted into the Labs are required to join Film Independent at the standard annual General Membership rate of $105.
Applicants will be notified three to four weeks prior to the start of the program.
Those applicants who are invited to participate in the program should plan to be in Los Angeles for the two-week-long duration of the Lab. Film Independent is unable to subsidize any travel, lodging and/or visa expenses for any participants attending from outside of Los Angeles. Participants are expected to attend all sessions in person.
For more information, please email: artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org.
To learn more about Film Independent Fellows and their projects, visit our Talent Guide.
For more information, visit https://www.filmindependent.org/programs/artist-development/fiction-producing-lab/.
Call for entry posted April 07, 2026