The Lab is addressed to women filmmakers:

• writer-directors or
  
  
• teams of screenwriter and director or
  
  
• teams of writer-director and producer (max 2 individuals per project),

working on a fiction feature film or TV series, currently at the stage of treatment, first or advanced draft. There are no restrictions on genre or subject matter.

Each edition we invite 8-10 filmmakers (or teams) from around the world. We especially welcome women filmmakers from countries where gender inequality in the film industry is most pronounced.

As English is the working language of the lab, good knowledge of written and spoken English is required.

• The opportunity to work intensively on your script / treatment with the support and mentorship of established professionals during group and one-on-ones sessions;

• An intensive, immersive, communal experience of working in a supportive circle of like-minded female creatives;

• Advice on how to pitch your project to producers, investors, funds and other labs;

• Dedicated writing time;

• Online follow-up session 2-3 months after the end of the residential Lab;

• Participation in additional activities: film screenings, case studies and discussions on cinema and others;

• Exposure to the international film community;

• Pleasures of Southern Italy, including delicious food, beautiful scenery and history.

The lab is project-based, which means that the work revolves around helping participants in developing their stories, treatments and drafts of their feature films or TV series pilots.

Sample schedule:

DAY 1: Project presentations
DAY 2: Project discussion in two groups facilitated by mentors
DAY 3 & 4: One-to-ones with the mentors
DAY 5 & 6: Individual work
DAY 7: Final presentations

Each day is structured around meals which we always have all together. These are a great opportunity to continue conversations that started earlier in the day, and to enjoy the fantastic food & drink of Casa Seliano. In the evening we organize activities such as screenings and meetings with guest speakers. At the end of the day, we all chill with some limoncello in the “lemon-chill room” :)

Optional activities such as a visit to Paestum Archeological Park or the beach are also possible. Otherwise, participants have bikes at their disposal and can visit the town on their own.

2-3 months after the residential lab we hold an online follow-up for which participants are asked to submit updated drafts.

 

The Lab takes place twice a year: in the spring and in the fall. The dates of the 4th edition of HerArts Film Lab are October 29 - November 4, 2023.

The Lab is set in the 18th century estate of Azienda Seliano in Paestum, in the beautiful Italian region of Campania, around 80 km south of Naples. The nearest airport is Naples International Airport (Aeroporto di Napoli Capodichino).

The fee for the Lab is 2350 euro and includes:
• 7 days of training & consultations with our mentors;
• Accommodation for 8 nights in a comfortable room with ensuite bathroom;
• Delicious breakfast, lunch AND dinner throughout your stay;
• Transportation between the Naples airport and Paestum
• Online follow-up session 2-3 months after the Lab..

In case of a team of two (e.g. writer and producer) a double-room is available. The fee is 1750 euro per team member.

Please note we do not cover travel expenses.

As we do not offer scholarships at this time, we encourage participants to apply for financial support with their national or regional funding bodies.