The Northeast Filmmakers Lab and Pitch Contest enters its 10th edition designed by and for filmmakers. 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, social media specialists and more. If there's one word that describes us, its "relationship," if it's two words, then "break-through."

3 in 1: NEFL10 will host up to 12 Lab Fellows over 3 intensive days, using a hybrid model which wraps with a PITCH CONTEST open to all simply for applying. Our 10th edition will balance in-person one-on-one meetups, tour a motion picture studio in upstate NY and industry presentations.

Past film projects include The Neighborhood That Disappeared, Lee's 88 Keys, Tigress (Cannes '21), Benedict Arnold: Hero Betrayed, Sallie Mae Not, and The Dark Sky Under Harper's Rock.

As a hybrid event, we have two main goals: (1) help filmmakers complete their works and (2) help filmmakers reach a wide target audience.

The Northeast Filmmakers Lab prides itself on inclusion. NEFL10 is open to all stories in various stages of development, encouraging female directors, persons of color and projects designed to create social impact, awareness and inclusion, to apply.   We also encourage past participants to continue to utilize the lab for ongoing year round support.

All filmmakers who sign up to pitch will receive training on "How To Pitch."  One of the most informative courses you've ever taken on the process of pitching and worth applying to the lab. Lab Fellows will deepen their personal understanding of the art, craft and business of filmmaking.

NEFL10 returns to in-person events, however, much of the lab including project presentations, panel discussions and one-on-one industry consults will be virtual, via Zoom, thus, we encourage filmmakers from around the globe to apply.

Capital Cinema Cultural Exchange, Inc (CCCE), a not-for-profit, hosts the Northeast Filmmakers Lab 10th edition November 3-5 2023. We welcome SHORTS, DOCUMENTARIES, EPISODIC, ANIMATIONS and FEATURE FILMS among other projects in various stages of development to apply.

PITCH COMPETITION - NEFL10 wraps with a virtual pitch competition on Day 3, Sun (1pm EST) Nov 5th Each contestant will have 2 minutes to pitch their project: feature, short, television series, or documentary. Verbal pitches only (no ppt, video clips, etc necessary).
Past prizes include Script Breakdown and Schedule, 1-on-1 Producer's Session with CREW ME UP, a 4 week Screenwriter's Course with Jacob Krueger Studios, legal consultations experienced entertainment attorneys, other discounts, professional consultations, all valued at over $10,000. The winner is chosen Sunday afternoon.

The application process includes a short video testimonial by each applicant. Using your cell phone create a short video, no more than 3 minutes, that ...

a) tell us who you are and how you discovered Northeast Filmmakers Lab (were you referred by someone?)
b) tell us about your project, why this project? why you? why now?
c) if chosen, why you would be a good fit -- what can you bring to share with other filmmakers? the Lab will help you, how will you help others in the lab?

1 minute for each question, short, simple ... on an iPhone.

We value our time and the information you will be receiving during the three day lab. Up to two participants per project may attend. At least one person must be present (virtual or in person) in order to participate in the Closing Pitch Competition.

If appearing in person, applicants cover their own travel and lodging, however, some meals may be provided such that the lab is at no cost to Lab Fellows. We also provide nominal travel stipends for those traveling in person. What filmmaker lab does that? We have for the past 10 years.

Chosen lab fellows are invited to attend follow-up meetings with industry mentors, making the lab a year round resource. Projects further in development may be the focus of the lab, however, projects in all stages are considered.

Upon completion of your project, filmmakers must recognize NEFL in your project's closing credits, "This project supported in part by (insert NEFL Logo)" which we provide.

Read our reviews from filmmakers and industry experts. We are well worth the entry fee.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Joel Lesko

    Generous, creative, supportive, and with a push to get going and make your film. Mike Camoin and his team put together an intensive that helped me move from dreaming to doing. Even though I attended the Lab on Zoom, I felt included. The team and the industry experts gave solid input that made a difference in my project. I'm grateful for the opportunity.

    January 2023
  • Don Colacino

    Great workshop environment for independent filmmakers. Lab fellows had a variety of experience levels, and came to the lab with a mix of scripts, stories, work-in-process, and finished films looking for distribution. The industry mentors were experienced, well-connected in the industry, and generous with their time and advice.

    The real value of the lab will come now that it's over, as we filmmakers digest the guidance we receive and follow-up with our mentors. Thanks to all who put this lab together, and to Armory Studios in Schenectady for hosting us!

    November 2022
  • I had the honor of participating in NEFL #9 and it was a such a great experience. The wealth of knowledge that I learned in such a short time was incredible. The organizers were thoughtful, kind and really made us feel heard. The industry professionals that they gathered were like mentors to us throughout the program and beyond. I would recommend NEFL to any filmmaker!

    November 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Michael, NEFL works when filmmakers like you, make the commitment to advance their project, show up, dive in, and ask questions. Congrats on completing the 3 day lab intensive. Love, Italian Style is on the right track!

  • Quinn Cooke

    NEFL #9 was fanstastic! The panels were very informative. The group meetings and 1-on-1s were amazingly helpful. The organizers were always there to assist and guide everyone. Plus, we made so many great connections and new friends! So many good films coming up!

    This year we were at Armory Studios in Schenectady, NY. This place is a MUST VISIT if you are in the region. The space is perfect for any film that wants to shoot in the Northeast. Plus, the film commission is supportive of everyone. This is the place to be making movies.

    The Capital Region is rapidly becoming the "Hollywood on the Hudson"!

    November 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Quincy, we agree! Good luck with heading into production on The Simple Truth. I know you know this by now ... you now have a dozen folks in your back pocket you can call. The Northeast Filmmakers Lab is a year-round resource. #BeDependent and have fun!

  • Vinícius de La Rocha

    The Northeast Filmmakers Lab & Pitch Contest was one of the most incredible experiences in my path as a documentary filmmaker in the U.S. so far. I received so much essential feedbacks about my project during this extraordinary event. Thank you, board members, fellows, and industry mentors. It was a pleasure to have joined it in this 2021 edition.

    December 2021