The Northeast Filmmakers Lab and Pitch Contest enters its 9th 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: NEFL9 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 9th edition will balance in-person 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.

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

NEFL9 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.  

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.

NEFL9 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.

The Northeast Filmmakers Lab prides itself on inclusion. We encourage past participants to continue to utilize the lab for ongoing year round support.

Capital Cinema Cultural Exchange, Inc (CCCE), a not-for-profit, hosts the Northeast Filmmakers Lab 9th edition November 11-13, 2022. We welcome SHORTS, DOCUMENTARIES, EPISODIC, ANIMATIONS and FEATURE FILMS among other projects in various stages of development to apply.

Awards & Prizes

PITCH COMPETITION - NEFL9 wraps with a pitch competition on Day 3, Sun (1pm EST) Nov 13th Each contestant will have 2 minutes to pitch their project: feature, short, television series, or documentary. 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.

Rules & Terms

Here's how it works.

First, 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 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 and the lab is at no cost to Lab Fellows.

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 worth the entry fee.

27 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
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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
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  • 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
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  • Michael Gabriele

    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
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