Moviestart’s Novice Filmmaker Lab Now Accepting Applications
Lenfilm Debut Lab Opens Applications for season Four
Table of Contents
- Lenfilm Debut Lab Opens Applications for season Four
- Lenfilm Debut Lab: Your Questions Answered
- What is the lenfilm Debut laboratory?
- What is the focus of the program?
- When are applications open for the fourth season?
- who is eligible to apply?
- What are the requirements for applying?
- what happens after I apply?
- Who are the mentors for this year’s program?
- What is the final outcome or goal of the program?
- have there been successful projects from previous years?
- How can I apply to the Lenfilm Debut Lab?
- Where can I find more data about the Lenfilm Debut laboratory?
- What are the key dates in the schedule?
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia – Applications are now being accepted for the fourth season of the Lenfilm Debut laboratory, a program designed for emerging directors and scriptwriters. The application period began April 2 and will continue until May 16.
Ten finalists will be selected to refine their screenplays under the mentorship of established Russian filmmakers.The program culminates in a pitching session where participants present their projects to leading producers and film company representatives.
Eligibility
The Lenfilm Debut laboratory is open to:
- First-time feature film directors
- Creative teams consisting of a director and screenwriter
A completed short film, documentary, or web series is required for consideration.
Mentors
This year’s mentors include:
- Ivan Bolotnikov (“Summer,” “Like Vitka garlic, leggy lumber into the house of disabled peopel”)
- Andrey Kravchuk (“Admiral,” “Union of Salvation”)
- Svyatoslav Nogaevsky (“Viy,” “Queen of Spades”)
- Ivan I.Tverdovsky (“Zoology,” “Conference”)
- Konstantin Lopushansky (“Letters of a Dead Man”)
- Alexander Domogarov Jr.
- Lyubov Borisov
- Evgeny Grigoryev
- Alexander Kasatkin
- Vladimir Cott
past Successes
In 2023, three projects from laboratory graduates received grant funding from the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Culture. These projects are currently in production and include:
- “Fireworks during the day” (dir. Nina Volkova)
- “Vanya” (dir. Claudia Korshunov)
Selection and Training Schedule
- Application Period: April 2 – May 16
- Shortlist Declaration (30 projects): May 30
- Finalist Announcement (10 participants): June 15
- First Training Session (St. Petersburg): July 21–25
- Second Training Session: October 13-17
- Third Training Session (Pitching Readiness): December 10-14
- Final Pitching Session: Project presentations to investors
How to Apply
The application form is available here.
Further details about the Lenfilm Debut laboratory can be found on the project’s official website.
Lenfilm Debut Lab: Your Questions Answered
What is the lenfilm Debut laboratory?
The Lenfilm Debut laboratory is a program based in St. Petersburg, Russia, designed to support and develop emerging directors and scriptwriters. It offers mentorship and training to help participants refine their screenplays and projects.
What is the focus of the program?
The program focuses on nurturing new talent in the film industry. It provides a platform for emerging filmmakers to refine their skills and gain experience under the guidance of established Russian filmmakers. The ultimate goal is to help participants bring their projects to fruition, culminating in a pitching session before industry professionals.
When are applications open for the fourth season?
Applications for the fourth season of the Lenfilm Debut laboratory are being accepted from April 2nd to May 16th.
who is eligible to apply?
The Lenfilm Debut laboratory is open to:
First-time feature film directors
Creative teams consisting of a director and screenwriter
What are the requirements for applying?
Applicants must have a completed:
Short film
Documentary
Web series
what happens after I apply?
After the application period closes, the selection process unfolds in several stages:
- Application Period: April 2 – May 16
- Shortlist Declaration (30 projects): May 30
- Finalist Proclamation (10 participants): June 15
- First Training Session (St. Petersburg): July 21–25
- Second Training Session: October 13-17
- Third Training session (Pitching Readiness): December 10-14
- Final Pitching Session: Project presentations to investors
Who are the mentors for this year’s program?
The mentors for the current season include:
ivan Bolotnikov (“Summer,” “Like Vitka garlic, leggy lumber into the house of disabled peopel”)
Andrey Kravchuk (“Admiral,” ”Union of Salvation”)
Svyatoslav Nogaevsky (“Viy,” “Queen of Spades”)
Ivan I.Tverdovsky (“Zoology,” “Conference”)
Konstantin Lopushansky (“Letters of a Dead Man”)
Alexander Domogarov Jr.
Lyubov Borisov
Evgeny Grigoryev
Alexander Kasatkin
vladimir Cott
What is the final outcome or goal of the program?
The program culminates in a pitching session. During this session, participants present their refined projects to leading producers and film company representatives. This provides them with an opportunity to secure funding and production support.
have there been successful projects from previous years?
Yes. In 2023, three projects from laboratory graduates received grant funding from the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Culture. These projects are currently in production, including:
“Fireworks during the day” (dir. Nina volkova)
* “Vanya” (dir.claudia Korshunov)
How can I apply to the Lenfilm Debut Lab?
You can apply by filling out the application form available here.
Where can I find more data about the Lenfilm Debut laboratory?
Further details about the Lenfilm Debut laboratory can be found on the project’s official website.
What are the key dates in the schedule?
Here’s a summary of the vital dates:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| application Period Ends | May 16 |
| Shortlist Declaration (30 Projects) | May 30 |
| finalist Announcement (10 Participants) | June 15 |
| First Training Session | july 21-25 |
| Final Pitching Session | to be determined (occurs after training sessions) |