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. For more about the 3 day lab visit: http://filmfreeway.com/NortheastFilmmakersLab2020

This year we host the first PITCH CONTEST on Sunday, November 15, 2020 which takes place over Zoom. Each contestant will have 3 minutes to pitch their project: feature, short or television series, preferred, yet you can also pitch a documentary.

Moving into a 100% virtual 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.

Awards & Prizes

PITCH COMPETITION - NEFL7 will end with a pitch competition on Day 3, Sun 1pm EST Nov 15th. Prizes will include Script Breakdown and Schedule and 1 on 1 Producer's Session to review by CREW ME UP, a 4 week Screenwriter's Course with Jacob Krueger Studios, a 1 hour legal consultation with Vinca Jarrett of FILMPRO FINANCE, and other discounts, professional consultations, all valued at over $10,000.

The winner will be chosen on Sunday, November 15th.

Rules & Terms

The Northeast Filmmakers Lab prides itself on inclusion. We don't host parties you cannot attend. 11 new projects were chosen this year. Here's how it works.

One, we value our time and the information you will be receiving. In addition to the 3 Day lab, chosen fellows agree to attend monthly follow-up Zoom conferences with industry mentors (30 minutes per month). As mentioned prior, up to two participants per project may attend NEFL7. At least one person must be present in order to participate in the Closing Pitch Competition.

Projects further in development may be the focus of the lab, however, projects in all stages are considered in the application process. How does the lab work best? Referrals by other filmmakers and industry representatives matter. Our final requirement: 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 will provide.

21 Reviews
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  • Tamara Daley

    Highly recommend NEFL! I was able to learn so much and get amazing feedback from both the mentors and the fellow participants.

    December 2020
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  • Robert Gregson

    NEFL was a really great experience. This is the first lab I've taken part in and didn't know what to expect, but the environment was extremely collaborative and welcoming. We had opportunities to pitch, received a lot of one on one mentoring, and got invaluable feedback on our work. Mike, the founder/organizer, is great at creating the right atmosphere and gathering the right people together. I would definitely recommend applying!

    November 2020
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  • Madeline Leshner

    NEFL7 was an incredible and super valuable experience. Even though everything was virtual due to the pandemic, Mike made it a great experience and was very on top of coordinating dozens on dozens of zoom sessions. Having one on one sessions with the lab's incredible and inspiring industry mentors was a priceless experience and I feel a new fire underneath me to push my feature further towards realization!

    November 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Madeline, we're on fire for JOAN.

  • Nina Gielen

    NEFL is the only lab I've ever taken part in that gives fellows direct access to a dozen mentors from different disciplines and professional backgrounds who each take the time to offer meaningful advice on one's project. The 2020 edition was virtual, but still resulted in three work-intensive and productive days of presenting and receiving feedback on one's project, and learning to pitch it effectively. Well worth applying.

    November 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Nina, thank you for workshopping your dramatic feature screenplay, MAGIC WINDOW. Continued forward progress!

  • Jomo Merritt

    This is the best filmmakers lab in the land! The panel was awesome, professional, very informative, and they gave amazing feedback that was extremely helpful. Northeast Filmmaker's Lab was a dream come true and the networking was out of this world. I can't wait to catch up with everyone in the future follow sessions. Mike was extradionary! There are no words to describe how thankful I am to help pushing my filmmaking career to the next level!!

    November 2020
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    Response from festival:

    We're thankful to you Jomo for trusting us with your well-crafted screenplay, AUGUST SWEENEY: THE MONSTER BARBER OF HARLEM.