Submissions are now closed.
The HamptonsFilm Screenwriters Lab champions the artistic visions of up-and-coming filmmakers from around the world. Submissions are now open for the 24th edition (April -7, 2024):
- November 16, 2023: Earlybird Deadline
- December 7, 2023: Regular Deadline
- December 21, 2023: Late Deadline
- January 18, 2024: Extended Deadline
- April 5-7, 2024: Screenwriters Lab
Mentors and screenwriters with HIFF staff and Board members at the 2023 Screenwriters Lab
An intimate gathering taking place each spring on Long Island’s East End, the Lab fosters emerging talent by pairing selected fellows with established writers and creative producers for a weekend of one-on-one mentorship. Over the course of the weekend, these film industry veterans advise the participating fellows on their feature length projects in a series of individual and group development sessions.
Additional events include nightly salons, roundtables, master class, and happy hours with industry guests, board members, alumni of the Lab, and members of the local artistic community.
> > Learn about the history of Screenwriters Lab participants and mentors
> > Archive of Lab Screenwriters
Screenwriters Jason Fitzroy Jeffers + Keisha Rae Witherspoon in a Lab session with mentor Samuel D. Hunter at the 2023 Screenwriters Lab
“The Screenwriters Lab gave me two of the things that screenwriters most crave: Honest, insightful feedback from creatives working at an incredibly high level in their field, and dedicated time devoted solely to bettering our scripts. The array of mentors and industry guests provided insight into both the creative process and the professional process of getting our films made. And because this Lab coincided with the Covid-19 quarantine, it gave me the permission and motivation to continue to work, which was a huge gift in itself. There’s no doubt that this Lab has made and will continue to make my script stronger, and I know the guidance I received will have a positive impact on all my future scripts.” — Kelly O’Sullivan, 2020 Lab Fellow (MOUSE), writer of SAINT FRANCES, and Melissa Mathison Award Recipient
Screenwriter Tyler Riggs in a Lab session with mentor Ekwa Msangi at the 2023 Screenwriters Lab
“The HIFF Screenwriters Lab is a uniquely valuable experience for emerging writers, an opportunity in one-on-one sessions and group settings to hone their craft and learn about navigating the industry. Both times I’ve served as a mentor (2016, 2019) I’ve come away from the weekend energized and inspired by these new voices, and in the years since it’s been thrilling to see so many of them become established, working writers and directors.” — Michael H. Weber, Oscar® nominated co-writer of THE DISASTER ARTIST and 500 DAYS OF SUMMER
