Eligible filmmakers:

• Have previously directed at least one short film (at least 5 minutes)

• Are at least 21 years of age

• Self-identify as an early-career or emerging filmmaker interested in artistic growth

• Will not be enrolled in any undergraduate degree program or a graduate program for filmmaking/production during the Short Film Lab

Selected filmmakers commit to participating in regular mentorship and lab activities in Brooklyn, NY including:

• One-on-one mentorship meetings with UFO staff

• Weekly group workshop sessions with other UFO filmmakers and staff

• Works-in-progress sessions with invited industry professionals

• Occasional community engagement events/screenings

Applications will be received via an Airtable form, including the following materials:

1) Two Essay Prompts:

• Please tell us what motivates you to tell the stories you tell through film by discussing your previous film projects, your creative influences, and your connection to themes/topics/communities relevant to your work. (up to 300 words)

• Please tell us about your future goals and how the Short Film Lab could support your growth as a director. (up to 300 words)

2) Project Proposal:

A written proposal for one short film project the applicant would develop and direct in the UFO Short Film Lab. (up to 750 words)

Suggested details include:

• Project summary or plot outline

• Aesthetic/artistic approach

• Discussion of relevant topics/themes

• Filmmaker’s relationship with topics/communities engaged

• Style or tonal references/comps

• Any known collaborators (prospective or secured)

• Potential impact and audience for project

• Any project progress to date

3) Links to 1-3 directorial work samples

4) Resumé/CV

5) Supplemental materials (optional), that may help us better understand your proposed project, such as:

• Script drafts

• Pitch decks/look books

• Artistic excellence & capacity: The filmmaker’s work samples demonstrate their distinct artistic voice, vision, and style as a director. The filmmaker demonstrates a strong command of their craft as well as their capacity for further growth.

• Independent approach: The filmmaker is primarily interested in developing original works that reflect their personal artistic vision.

• Diversity of perspective: The filmmaker’s work engages unique or underexplored topics/themes/communities and/or the filmmaker identifies as a member of a historically excluded community/communities.

• Impact of lab participation: The filmmaker would clearly benefit from participation in all aspects of the program. The filmmaker is neither too advanced nor premature to meaningfully benefit from the lab experience.

• Collaborative ethic & spirit: The filmmaker is eager to contribute to a supportive, diverse, and inclusive community of artists, and in turn are receptive to input and feedback on their projects from their peers, UFO staff, and visiting guests.

• Promise of proposed project: The scale and scope of the proposed project is feasible. The potential impact or significance of the proposed project is evident.

Application Timeline

February 21, 2024: Application window opens

March 6, 2024: Application window closes

Late April 2024: All applicants notified

June 2024: Short Film Lab cycle & weekly meetings begin

Program Timeline

June to August 2024: Development + Pre-Production Phase

Example weekly workshop topics:

• Script writing & story development

• Fundraising & budgeting

• Shotlisting & storyboarding

August to October 2024: Production Phase

Example weekly workshop topics:

• Casting

• Project production shoots

• Review dailies

• Early editing

October to December 2024: Post-Production Phase

Example weekly workshop topics:

• Rough cut workshops

• Industry feedback screening

• Impact & distribution strategy

January to March 2025: Program Hiatus

• No weekly sessions

• UFO mentors available for ad-hoc meetings

March 2025: Community Preview Screening of Lab Projects @ BAM

April 2025: Next Short Film Lab cycle begins

New filmmakers join cohort; Spring 2024 participants continue through next cycle

April to June 2025: Development + Pre-Production Phase

Example weekly workshop topics:

• Script writing & story development

• Fundraising & budgeting

• Shotlisting & storyboarding

June to August 2025: Production Phase

Example weekly workshop topics:

• Casting

• Project production shoots

• Review dailies

• Early editing

August to October 2025: Post-Production Phase

Example weekly workshop topics:

• Rough cut workshops

• Industry feedback screening

• Impact & distribution strategy

November to December 2025: Program Hiatus

• No weekly sessions

• UFO mentors available for ad-hoc meetings

December 2025: Community Preview Screening of Lab Projects @ BAM

*Sample schedule - specific programming and dates may change