The Second Annual Stowe Story Labs will be held in Stowe, Vermont at the Helen Day Arts Center on September 13, 14 and 15, 2014. The Labs are a three-day intensive retreat bringing emerging writers, filmmakers and creative producers together in the heart of Vermont to work with industry professionals. The Labs give participants the chance to work on their stories, learn from industry experts and build relationships in this collaborative art.
Returning as lead presenter is David Pope, a London filmmaker, educator, facilitator and mentor. David runs programs such as Story Labs throughout Europe, including facilitating the Rotterdam Film Festival’s “Producers Lab,” a premier event for emerging producers.
“I am thrilled to be building the Labs in Vermont,” said Pope. “Stowe Story Labs presents a precious space for filmmakers to firmly challenge their stories together in a supportive environment. The experience last fall was wonderful. I cannot wait for this September to roll in.”
Stowe Story Lab participants are selected through an application process, which is now open. “The fee to apply is $5,” said Rocchio, “which is designed to cover administrative costs only.”
The Labs are offering four competitive Fellowships to top candidates. The deadline to apply for a Fellowship is July 22, 2014. “We are excited to be collaborating with some outstanding organizations in offering fellowships this year,” said Rocchio.
The Fellowships are being offered in collaboration with PAGE International Screenwriting Awards, NewEnglandFilm.com and the Vermont International Film Foundation.
A Story Labs Fellowship will be offered to a quarterfinalist in the PAGE Awards this year. “The Stowe Story Labs weekend is a very special event, and this year’s Lab promises to be an extremely valuable experience for all the writers who attend,” said Jennifer Berg, Administrative Director of the PAGE contest. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer this Fellowship to one of our talented Quarter- Finalists,” she said.
NewEnglandFilm.com will as well nominate a slate of applicants for a Story Labs Fellowship. According to Michele Meek, publisher and founder of NewEnglandFilm.com, “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Stowe Story Labs this year and look forward to supporting a local aspiring filmmaker through this fellowship.”
Finally, the Vermont International Film Festival is again nominating applicants for a Story Labs Fellowship. Orly Yardin, Executive Director of VTIFF said, “This is another wonderful opportunity for VTIFF to support Vermont filmmakers and ensure that the film community remains vibrant.”
The Labs are limited to no more than sixteen participants and if not awarded a Fellowship the fee to attend is $750. Admission to the intensive three-day program includes light breakfast and coffee each morning and receptions with light food each night. In addition to daily programming the Labs will bring participants and mentors together in informal settings for receptions, screenings and evening programming. Local businesses, inns and lodges are offering discounted rates for participants during the Labs.
Stowe Story Labs will begin reviewing applicants July 22nd. Admissions are rolling so it is wise to apply early. The Labs will announce Fellowship winners by August 12, 2014.
Stowe Story Labs is not-for-profit and is made possible in part through a grant from John M. Bissell Foundation, Inc., a Lamoille County Foundation with the mission to promote film production and exhibition in our community, and through the collaborative efforts of many people and groups, including the Lamoille Economic Development Corporation; the Helen Day Arts Center, of Stowe, Vermont; River Arts, of Morrisville, Vermont; VTIFF; NewEnglandFilm. com; the Stowe Reporter; the Bellwether Project; and Inns and Lodges throughout Stowe, including Auberge de Stowe, Ten Acres Lodge and Stowe Mountain Lodge.
For more information on the workshops and accommodations please visit www.stowestorylabs.org or contact info@stowestorylabs.org.
