Recognizing producers as the creative entrepreneurs who make a thriving independent film industry possible, Full Spectrum Features and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) have launched the Chicago Independent Producers Lab.
Designed to increase the number of independent producers working in Chicago — and to significantly deepen and broaden their professional networks and producing expertise — the Chicago Independent Producers Lab is a nine-month-long program that shepherds producer-driven projects to production viability. The program is part of the Chicago Film Office’s Independent Film Initiative (IFI).
Structure & schedule
The Producers Lab is structured as a hands-on project accelerator. Participants will emerge from the program not only equipped to see their projects through production, but also through distribution and beyond. The lab is built around four two-day immersive workshops (held approximately every other month), each focused on a different aspect of independent producing.
Participants will also be matched with industry mentors for the duration of the program and, at the conclusion of the lab, will present their projects to investors, production companies, and other industry professionals.
Timeline
Eligibility
Applicant must be a lead producer (and not the director) of a feature-length narrative project with at least one key attachment (director, actor, executive producer, etc.).
Applicants must submit a full draft of a feature-length script.
Applicants must own the rights to the submitted script, or they must be in active negotiation to acquire these rights.
Applicants must have produced at least one short film (or equivalent media project) as lead producer.
Applicants must live in and prove residency in the city of Chicago (collaborators may live elsewhere).
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
Full Spectrum Features is committed to amplifying marginalized voices and to supporting filmmakers who use storytelling to challenge audiences, build community, and address systemic injustice.
The application deadline for the 2020 lab is 11:59pm on February 15, 2020.
Send your film updates to Reel Chicago Editor Dan Patton, dan@reelchicago.com.
