The Northeast Filmmakers Lab enters the 7th edition designed by and for filmmakers. If there's one word that describes us, its "relationship," if it's two words, then "break-through."
Modeled after Rotterdam, our intimate setting is supportive, friendly and offers direct one-on-one access to industry experts, fundraising strategists, producers, entertainment attorneys, noted actors, casting directors, budgeting, marketing and social media specialists and more.
Moving into an all on-line forum via ZOOM discussions will continue with audience engagement in open dialogue about the art, craft and business of filmmaking. Whatever the project, we have two main goals: (1) help filmmakers complete their works and (2) help filmmakers reach a wide target audience.
Capital Cinema Cultural Exchange, Inc (CCCE), a not-for-profit, hosts the Northeast Filmmakers Lab 7th edition November 13-15, 2020. We welcome SHORTS, DOCUMENTARIES and FEATURE FILMS and other projects in various stages of development.
Day One (8 hrs): in a small group breakout sessions via Zoom, lab participants from anywhere in the world will present projects and meet industry mentors, as well, network with fellow industry filmmakers.
Day Two (10 hrs): lab participants will meet one-on-one with 10 or more industry mentors, attend Film Talks, screenings and network in the Filmmakers Lounge. Check website for past industry guests including sales and distribution company Passion River Films, Festival Directors (Garden State, Hip Hop and other film festivals), entertainment attorneys, producers, award-winning post-production specialists.
On Day 3 (6 hrs), filmmakers will again meet in small and larger group settings with key industry advisors to ensure they and their projects have the right information needed to experience break through and advance toward completion.
NEW CLOSING PITCH COMPETITION: We'll end the 7th edition giving each participant 5 minutes to pitch their project to industry experts. Prize(s) will be given to finalists (see below). Chosen lab participants who complete the 3 day lab attend for Free. The Pitch competition will also be open to the public.
SUBMISSION MATERIALS: For screenplay, need only submit a treatment and / or first 10 pages, documentary 3-5 minutes, short film (sample footage), new media a 2-3 work sample and/or treatment. Note: once accepted all filmmakers and industry experts sign an NDA like agreement to maintain an environment where filmmakers and their projects feel protected and can experience the free flow and exchange of ideas required of a collaborative setting.
Past breakout sessions and events hosted by CCCE include one on one with actress, writer, producer, director Valerie Landsburg (FAME); Stephen Lang (AVATAR), discussions with director Derek Cianfrance (PLACE BEYOND THE PINES), Bob Hawk (FILM HAWK), distributors Passion River Films on Social media; Carol Dean From The Heart and SEED n SPARK plus many other need-to-know topics in today's rapidly changing media landscape.
If accepted, lab participants will be connected to industry guests and participants from around the globe. New this year, all events, meetings and even industry mixers will takes place via Zoom. That's right, industry mixers will take place remotely and we'll ship the wine to you! All participants will receive a complementary sampling of Josh Cellars wine shipped to your doorstep thanks to our sponsor.
We THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY. You'll be hard pressed to find an industry resource like us, small enough to meet your individual needs, big enough to point your project in a clear direction. For a sense of our industry contacts visit our on-line program CHECK THE GATE: http://www.cinemaexchange.org/past-guests-on-ctg/
These are the types of folks who will be Zooming with you one-on-one to discuss YOUR film. Even if your project is not selected for the lab, just for applying, you will receive a "Smart Pass" which provides access to intimate project presentations, Film Talks, screenings. You won't find a less expensive, smart and friendly setting. We recommend you read our filmmaker reviews here and on our website before making your decision.
So here's how it works.
Should your project be selected and you and your partner choose to attend, we will hold your place. Should you successfully complete the 3 days, you are rewarded to PITCH your project for free. All others will pay to attend this session.
In addition, we'll connect you to fundraising platforms that will continue to support the advancement of your project at no extra cost. We believe this is a solid investment in you, your project and your career. Lastly, you keep the contacts and build your professional network.
Well, what if I can't attend all three days? Whether you're new or returning, filmmakers must show a commitment to the full lab process. You may select one other representative to attend with you, yet perfect attendance is required to attend the Closing Pitch Session free of charge.
NEW CLOSING PITCH COMPETITION - NEFL7 will end with a pitch competition on Day 3, Sun Nov 15th. Prizes will include Script Breakdown and Schedule, plus 1 on 1 Producer's Session to review, Post-production services and other discounts, professional consultations, all valued at over $10,000 in prizes.
Whether your project wins, the challenges that face filmmakers are more extraordinary than ever. The unique connections and long-term relationships you develop here make the value of this 3 day professional lab well over $2,500. What you gain is "access" and leave with relationships you'll keep. Many of our filmmakers return to develop their next project and help other filmmakers using our successful lab model.
Our focus is on you. Our aim is to help filmmakers of all ages avoid costly mistakes, and advance your next project toward completion. In our first six years, lab participants went on to complete their projects, screen in festivals around the globe, air on television, receive offers to be optioned, and/or enter production.
Prizes for the CLOSING PITCH COMPETITION are being determined now.
For screenwriters, anyone accepted into NEFL7 will receive a complimentary submission to our industry partner Electric City Screenwriter's Contest which offers cash prizes to winning entries.
Everyone leaves with connections you will keep to advance your career well beyond the lab.