2023 Film Impact Georgia Development Lab - FAQ

What are the eligibility requirements for the development lab?

  • The Development Lab is for feature writers or writer/directors that plan to make their film in Georgia. Stories with stronger ties to the South are also favored. The Lab focuses on supporting artists at an earlier stage of their career and/or at an earlier stage of development with their project. 

How do I submit an application?

  • Applications are available online between June 15 - July 30, 2023, for the 2023 Development Lab. 

Why does my project have to be horror?

  • For our flagship cycle of The Development Lab, we are choosing to focus on horror.  Our mentors specialize in horror, Georgia has a particular connection to the genre and it is a friendly market to both distribution and creativity. Future cycles of the labs will open up to other genres.

What does the application include? 

In the first round, the application includes the following components:

  • Cover letter: (500 word limit): In PDF Form, please introduce yourself and your project. There are no strict requirements for this letter, but we’d like to get a brief idea of who you are, what your script is about, where you are in the creative process, and how specifically you think our process could be helpful to you.

  • Logline: (75 word limit) A 1-2 sentence description of your project. 

  • Synopsis: (500 word limit): A brief summary of the plot of your script. 

  • Artistic statement: (500 word limit): In PDF Form, please describe your creative vision for the project. This could include anything from your personal connection to the material, themes, visual style, or budget. Why are you passionate about telling this story now? Why are you the person to tell it and who is your audience?

  • Inclusion Statement: (150 word limit) It is important to us that the stories that are being told and the crew making them represent the landscape that exists in Georgia.  We would never presume to tell anyone what kind of stories they should tell. Seed&Spark wrote a great article with examples of how their filmmakers articulated how their projects would increase representation in front of and behind the camera. http://bit.ly/seedandsparkinclusionexamples

  • Bio(s): (150 word limit per bio): You may include a bio for up to three members of the creative team, although only one person will attend The Lab.

  • INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY/RIGHTS: Only required if your project is based on true events or characters.

  • The first five pages of your screenplay or treatment: Please do not submit more than the first five pages. 

  • Demographic Info: In an effort to measure and improve our commitment to supporting artists from diverse backgrounds around the world, we ask each applicant a series of demographic questions. Your responses will not affect your submission to our programs or be sold to anyone at any time. This is purely for our own fundraising and outreach purposes.

I’m a filmmaker based outside of Georgia - can I apply?

  • Whether you’re based in the U.S. or internationally, you may apply using the Development Lab application. However, please be sure that you are very clear in your application why you think that your project should be considered a Georgia project.

What are the dates of the Development Lab?

  • The Lab will take place in November 2023 in Georgia. Final Selections will be announced on September 6, 2023

Is it possible to get an extension? What’s the final, final deadline?

  • Unfortunately, we cannot grant extensions - you must submit your online application by Midnight EST on July 21, 2023, to be considered.

May I apply with more than one script?

  • You may submit up to three projects, but we encourage you to choose one project that is your priority in terms of moving forward. Please note that for each script, you must complete a separate application.

I have a project I want to submit, but it’s still in treatment form or a partial draft. If I don't think I will be able to have a draft in screenplay format in time to submit, can I submit my treatment?

  • We are looking for scripts that are at least 75% complete. We will consider rough drafts and works in progress. Your chances will be greatly increased by the existence of a full script.

Do you consider scripts written in a language other than English?

  • Although we will support scripts that will eventually be produced in a language other than English, your script must be translated into English before you submit it.

Do you consider adaptations?

  • Yes, we will consider scripts based on existing material, as long as you have secured the underlying rights to the source material.

May I apply with a script that has been submitted or supported elsewhere?

  • Yes, we have no restrictions on material that has been submitted to or supported by other artist development programs.

I don’t have much experience. Does that affect my chances of being selected?

  • No. We seek to foster exciting emerging voices, regardless of prior professional film experience. 

How far along should my screenplay be when I submit? Can I submit a rough draft? Are you looking for a polished draft?

  • We expect that your project will be a work-in-progress. 

May I submit letters of recommendation? Should I have my industry contacts call on my behalf?

  • No. Final selections are based on the screenplay and supporting application materials alone, and recommendations will not influence our decisions.

How should I address my cover letter?

  • “To Whom It May Concern” or “Film Impact Georgia” are both fine.

How will I be notified about acceptance? Will I be notified if I’m not selected?

  • All Lab notifications are made via email. You will hear from us either way, whether selected or not.

Can Film Impact Georgia help produce my film? 

  • Film Impact Georgia is a nonprofit and in no way takes ownership over any Intellectual Property that is submitted and will not be available to help produce films that go through the process of our labs.

Will my ideas be protected?

  • Film Impact Georgia only shares your script with a small group of trusted readers and jurors. Even so, we recommend that all applicants who send their work out into the world register their scripts with the Writers Guild of America for a nominal fee; you do not need to be a WGA member to utilize its registration service.

What does the program cost?

  • We do not charge for participation in our programs. We will cover travel from Atlanta, accommodations, and food for all attendees.

What if I have additional questions?

 
 

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