Calendar – Past Event

IFP’s unique year-long mentorship program supports first-time feature directors when they need it most: through the completion, marketing and distribution of their films. Focusing exclusively on low-budget features (<$1million), this highly immersive program provides filmmakers with the technical, creative and strategic tools necessary to launch their films – and their careers.

Through the Labs, IFP works to ensure that talented emerging voices receive the support, resources, and industry exposure necessary to reach audiences. Open to all first time feature documentary and narrative directors with films in post-production.

Documentary & Narrative Finishing Lab (Documentary: May 14-18, 2012 Narrative: June 11-15, 2012)

These initial Lab workshops provide skills for polishing your film with expert-led workshops on:

• Editing – strengthening your structure and story
• Music – collaborating with a composer, song selection, rights and clearances
• Post-Production – tools and budgeting for visual and audio finishing
• Legal Issues – navigating contracts and deliverables
• Audience Building – How to identify and activate your core fans
• Film Festivals – evaluating your festival screening opportunities, assessing your representation options, and building your team
• Publicity and Marketing – building social networks and creating the assets necessary to promote your film at festivals and beyond
• Distribution Models – evaluating models to understand the best option (alternative, DIY or traditional distribution) for your film
• Documentary-Specific Topics – reviewing archival footage and fair use