Script Lab2023 applications closed - turn your short film idea into a completed script
Key information2023 applications closed
Taking place: June - November 2023
2023 applications closed
Taking place: June - November 2023
What's involvedDevelop a complete short film script
Attend industry events & grow your network
Develop a complete short film script
Attend industry events & grow your network
Our annual Script Lab programme supports writers to turn their early-stage ideas for short films into completed scripts.
** Update, June 2023: applications for Script Lab 2023 are now closed. Visit our Filmmaker Training page for more opportunities to improve your skills and grow your creative network. **
Running from June - November 2023, Script Lab will support 10 selected writers to explore the craft of short film screenwriting. Participants will develop their own scripts through a series of online workshops, where they’ll take part in peer-to-peer feedback sessions and receive mentoring from industry experts and our BFI NETWORK Talent Development Team.
In addition to online sessions, participants will attend industry events and networking sessions where they’ll get the chance to meet other writers, directors and producers working in the North of England.
Script Lab is a supportive and lively creative environment. Participants are encouraged to engage meaningfully with the work of their fellow writers. Our team will be on-hand to guide the development of your work during and outside of Script Lab sessions, as well as offering broader professional development advice.
Who is it for?
Script Lab is suitable for:
- Writers from any creative discipline with an initial idea for a short film under 15 minutes in length
- Script Lab is an ideal environment for artists/writers working in different art forms who want to make the move into screenwriting
- Writers with an original idea, not an adaptation of third-party existing material
- Individual writers and co-writing teams
- Applicants who are over 18, not in full time education and based in the North of England (see the areas we cover)
Key information
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an informal, online group interview on either Thursday 15 June or Friday 16 June.
Script Lab runs from June - November 2023. Selected participants must be able to commit to the online development sessions and industry events detailed in our Programme Overview, as well as completing assigned work outside of learning sessions.
Participation in Script Lab is free.
How to apply
Script Lab applications can be made via our online form.
The form will ask for details about your creative experience and your short film idea. You’ll also be asked to provide a sample of your previous work. If you’d like to prepare offline before completing the application form, we’ve put together a downloadable list of the questions asked for reference.
**2023 applications closed**
If you have any issues with the online form, require application support or would like to apply in another way, please email bfinetwork@filmhubnorth.org.uk using the subject line “SCRIPT LAB APPLICATION.”
Script Lab a development programme for early-stage short film script ideas. If you have a more developed idea with an existing script, you might want to consider applying for BFI NETWORK Short Film Funding.
Our training programmes support filmmakers to develop their craft and build industry networks both regionally and nationally. While we aim to offer continued support to graduates of our programmes, participation in Script Lab does not guarantee success in receiving BFI NETWORK Short Film Funding.
