The MiFILM 2021 Lab was a mentorship-based virtual lab designed to develop and accelerate the careers of underrepresented groups in film. Over the course of four weeks, five Directors were paired with respective industry leaders and challenged with responding to briefs from our agency partners.
Created to demystify the process of working in the commercial and advertising space, The Branded Lab seeks to ensure representation that reflects the overall population.
With the help of our partnering agencies and companies behind some of the leading brand advertisements globally, the finalist will be briefed, develop treatments and learn how to use their unique voice to create standout commercial content, allowing them to gain hands-on experience working with agencies and production companies. This year, 10 fellows will be given the opportunity to direct commercial projects with support from production companies in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and London.
Applications for this year's lab are now closed!
Submission Criteria
All applicants must submit the following materials in order to be eligible for the Lab:
-
A link to a reel, portfolio, or website
-
Resume (pdf)
-
A written Personal Statement describing your influences, artistic voice, or how your world has shaped your ambitions as a Director. (500 words or less)
-
A short statement in response to our prompt. (300 words or less)
This Branded Lab is open to Black, Indigenous, and POC of all physical abilities currently residing in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta or London. In order to be eligible to advance as a finalist, Directors must agree to attend all workshops, panels, and mentorship sessions scheduled throughout the month of August. Additional information on the program schedule will be provided to the finalists when notified.
F. A. Q.
Q: I do not have any professional or paid experience as a Director, but I do have paid experience as a Producer, Cinematographer, Assistant Director, Digital Creator, etc and I want to accumulate Director credits. Can I still apply?
A: Yes. We understand that many aspiring Directors moonlight as others above and below the line roles. As long as your submission demonstrates your creative and technical knowledge and awareness as a filmmaker, you are eligible to apply.
Q: I am currently repped by an agency or studio, am I eligible?
A: Unfortunately, you are not eligible for this lab. However, you may meet the qualifications of being a judge during Round 1 of the submission phase. If you are interested in being inducted as a Peer Judge feel free to email us at minoritiesinfilm@gmail.com.
Q: I am a midlevel professional however, I feel as if my career in the commercial space has plateaued. Can I apply for the Lab?
A. As long as you are a freelancer or independent contractor not currently repped by an agency you are eligible to apply.
Q: What virtual platform will the Lab be hosted on?
A: Zoom.
Q: When will the Lab start?
A: The first day of the lab will be August 23rd, 2022.
Q: I am a person with a disability and I have questions about accommodations.
A: Feel free to email us your questions to minoritiesinfilm@gmail.com with "Branded Lab Accessibility" as your subject title.