Hamptons International Film Festival Accepting Submissions For 2018 Screenwriters Lab

The Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) is now taking submissions for the 2018 Screenwriters Lab taking place in East Hampton April 6-8, 2018. The Lab is going into its 18th year and helps developing screenwriters develop their skills by pairing them with established writers and creative producers. The early bird submission date is November 28 and the regular submission date is December 12. Late submissions will be taken until January 2, 2018.

"What makes the Lab so unique is both the quality of mentors that we've been able to secure for the writers, as well as the intimacy and focus that is at the heart of the process," remarked David Nugent, Artistic Director of the program. "Emerging writers get to spend days with talented mentors learning both their craft, and insight of how to navigate the many challenges of getting one's films made."

HIFF is seeking a wide selection of screenplays addressing a variety of subjects. The Screenwriters Lab is an intimate experience where creative minds are able to learn, grow, and blossom. There's no better way than to learn from established individuals in the industry. The mentors will advise in a one-on-one creative setting while additional events will give the participants a chance to come together. The group sessions include meetings with board members, the local artistic community of the Hamptons, and other partners of the festival.

The Lab continues to be an inspiring place where artists have the chance to hone their creative vision. A number of recent projects in the Lab have gone on to be produced, distributed, and sent to screen at festivals around the world, such as Sundance, South by Southwest, Karlovy Vary, Locarno, and the Los Angeles Film Festival. Selected highlights include Short Term 12 with Brie Larson and John Gallagher, which won the Grand Jury and Audience Award at SXSW, The Discoverers starring Griffin Dunne, Little Accidents featuring Elizabeth Banks and Chloe Sevigny, Fort Bliss starring Michelle Monaghan and Ron Livingston, and 2010 Sundance Film Festival Closing Night film Twelve starring Ellen Barkin and Emma Roberts.

Participants have the opportunity to work one-on-one with professionals. (Courtesy Photo)

Recent mentors at the lab include Alex Dinelaris (Birdman); Nicole Perlman (Guardians of the Galaxy); Debra Granik (Winter's Bone); Oren Moverman (The Messenger, Love and Mercy); Michael Cunningham (The Hours, Evening); James Vanderbilt (Zodiac, Truth); Robin Swicord (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button); Mark Heyman (Black Swan, The Skeleton Twins); Rob Siegel (The Wrestler, The Founder); Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Half Nelson, Mississippi Grind); David Siegel (What Maisie Knew); Hawk Ostby (Children of Men, Iron Man); Billy Frolick (Madagascar); J.D. Zeik (Ronin); J. Robin Baitz (People I Know, The Substance of Fire); Ted Griffin (Oceans Eleven); Whit Stillman (Metropolitan, Love and Friendship); Ira Sachs (Little Men, Love is Strange); Andy Bienen (Boys Don't Cry); Jeff Sharp (Producer, The Yellow Birds, Evening); Lawrence Konner (The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire); Maria Maggenti (The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love); Sabrina Dhawan (Monsoon Wedding, Cosmopolitan); Gregory Widen (Highlander, Backdraft); Mark Christopher (54); Maggie Greenwald (Songcatcher, Ballad of Little Jo); Laurie Collyer (Sherrybaby); Lawrence Lasker (Sneakers, War Games); Chap Taylor (Changing Lanes, National Treasure); and Dylan Kidd (Roger Dodger, P.S.).

The submission fees range from $50 to $85. For more information, visit hamptonsfilmfest.org.