Film Independent Announces 2015 Selections

Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards and LA Film Festival, is pleased to announce the screenwriters selected for its 17th annual Screenwriting Lab. The Screenwriting Lab is an intensive four-week program designed to help writers improve their craft, and take their current scripts to the next level in a nurturing and challenging creative environment. During the Lab Fellows participate in individualized story sessions, are advised on the craft and business of screenwriting, and are also introduced to established screenwriters, producers and film professionals who serve as guest speakers and creative advisors. This year’s creative advisors include Maya Forbes (Infinitely Polar Bear), Ligiah Villalobos (Under the Same Moon) and David N. Weiss (Shrek 2). Guest Speakers include past Film Independent Fellows Ana Lily Amirpour (A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night) and Siân Heder (Orange is the New Black).

Past Screenwriting Lab projects include Chloé Zhao’s Songs My Brothers Taught Me, which recently screened in competition at Sundance and in Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes, Robbie Pickering’s SXSW winner Natural Selection and Scott Prendergast’s Kabluey. “ We are thrilled to welcome this diverse group of artists into the Film Independent community. Each of these writers possesses a distinctive vision and authenticity in their work that we are proud to support,” said Jennifer Kushner, Director of Artist Development at Film Independent.

For the fourth year, Film Independent will present the Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television Screenwriting Fellowship. LMU School of Film and Television alumnus Tom Huang will be awarded a $10,000 grant to develop his script, Dealing with Dad, through the Screenwriting Lab.