Narrative Labs
4-DAY IN-PERSON INTENSIVE
Stowe, Vermont
Spring Lab: June 6 - 9 •Fall Lab: September 5 - 8
DESIGNED FOR EMERGING TALENTS LOOKING TO DEVELOP SKILLS AND ADVANCE PROJECTS
Successful applicants will be top emerging screenwriters, filmmakers, and creative producers presenting a strong story idea, a good writing sample, and a collaborative nature required to succeed in this complex industry. During the Lab, participants will work with a community of peers and top industry mentors to develop projects, skills, and a strategy to advance work.
GOALS + OUTCOMES
Participants will leave the Lab with story insights and ideas for next steps on the project workshopped, a refined pitch and ability to present their project, peer script notes, and new friends and colleagues.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Work with industry mentors in structured small group table top pitching sessions. Past Narrative Lab mentors include Aaron Janus (Director of Original Film at Netflix), Blake Avery (Manager of Original Film at Netflix), Jen Au (Literary Manager), and Melody Cooper (Screenwriter, Co-Founder of NYX Horror Collective). Mentors do not read scripts at the narrative labs.
Receive script notes from other participants in your peer group
Skill development and focus on story structure, character, and theme; conversation about story; packaging; elements of creative production; casting; adaptation; and finance and distribution
Build knowledge, skills, and insights to navigate the film industry
Network with talented peers, vital in this collaborative art and business
Workshop, roundtable, and social time
A beautiful setting to develop your craft
Artists gather for the June 2024 Stowe Narrative Lab at The Current in Stowe, Vermont.
Narrative Lab News
Congratulations to Stowe Alum Adam Ansell on optioning his Feature Dramedy, MINYAN, to Price Productions in 2024.
It was a pleasure to work with Adam to develop MINYAN at our 2016 Stowe Narrative Lab. Thank you, Adam, for your kind works on your experience at the Lab.
2025 Narrative Lab applications are closed.
FOUR DAYS TO INVEST IN YOUR STORY AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Lab is an intensive program that mixes presentations, in-conversation interviews and Q&A sessions, carefully built exercises, structured small group sessions (both peer-to-peer and mentor-led), and social and networking time. We focus on story structure, theme, and character; work closely with participants on how to advance your project in this deeply collaborative industry; and help identify the right next steps to develop your work to get it made and seen.
Photo: 2024 Stowe Narrative Lab participants attend a presentation at The Current in Stowe, Vermont.
EVERYDAY
Mix of peer-to-peer script notes and mentor-run pitch tables
Focused workshop time on elements of development
Focused workshop time on why this story, why now, why you?
DAY 1
Workshops and icebreakers
Workshop: Conversation about Story
Story development
Group table meetings: theme and character
Lunch and social time
Mentor Q&A/discussion panels
Reception
DAY 2
Small group sessions: pitching
Story structure
Casting
Workshop: logline and synopsis
Lunch and social time
Mentor Q&A/discussion panels
Joint reception with Producers’ Lab
DAY 3
Presentation and discussion on production process
Presentation and discussion on traditional and innovative finance, sales, and distribution systems
Facilitated peer-to-peer story notes
Lunch and social time
Mentor Q&A/discussion panels
DAY 4
Small group story discussions and workshop time to focus on next steps
Navigating competitions, festivals, and markets
Polishing pitches, loglines, and synopses
Sad and long farewells
Optional “it’s over, but we don’t want to go” dinner
Narrative Lab Fee
$2,650
Dozens of Fellowships and Scholarships Available
Stowe Story Labs is proud to support artists’ projects and professional development through Fellowships and Scholarships.
Stowe, Vermont
Our lodging partners offer discounts (and some offer breakfast), and we provide group lunch and light dinners during the time together, so expenses during the program are kept to a minimum.
MEET YOUR MENTORS
Specific program mentors are announced closer to Lab start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Applications are closed. Subscribe to our newsletter here to stay up to date.
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There is no separate scholarship application. You may indicate you are interested in financial support on your application.
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A team of two may apply, and if admitted the team will share mentor meetings and peer group slots (not take separate meetings or seats), and will need to cover a room and board surcharge.
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Yes!
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Just email us at info@stowestorylabs.org.