The Lab is addressed to women and non-binary 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 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.

As group discussions are an important part of the Lab, participants must be prepared to read other writers' scripts ahead of the Lab and share feedback on their work.

Sample schedule:

DAY 1: Project presentations
DAY 2: Project discussion in groups facilitated by mentors
DAY 3: One-to-ones with mentors
DAY 4: Writing day (optional activities available)
DAY 5: One-to-ones with mentors
DAY 6: Individual work
DAY 7: Final presentations

In the evenings, there are additional activities such as screenings, talks and meetings with guest speakers.

Each day is structured around meals which are a great opportunity to continue conversations started earlier in the day, and to enjoy the fantastic food and drink of Casa Seliano. At the end of the day, we savor homemade limoncello in the “lemon-chill room” together :)

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

 

The Lab takes place twice a year: in the spring and in the fall. The dates of the 7th edition of HerArts Film Lab are April 28 - May 4, 2025 (arrival on April 27, departure on May 5).

 

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 airports are: Salerno-Amalfi Coast and Naples International Airport (Aeroporto di Napoli Capodichino).

If you apply ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31 (23:59 CET zone), you will be entitled to an EARLY BIRD discounted participation fee of 2190 EURO! If you apply ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 1, the participation fee is 2450 EURO.

For a team of two, the EARLY BIRD participation fee is 3500 euro per team. The regular fee is 3700 EURO per team.

The fee covers:

• 7 days of training & consultations with our mentors;
• Accommodation for 8 nights in a single room with ensuite bathroom;
• Delicious breakfast, lunch AND dinner throughout your stay;
• Transfer between Salerno and Paestum;
• Online follow-up 2-3 months after the Lab.

The regular fee is 3700 euro per team. The Early Bird fee is 3500 euro per team.

Please note we do not cover travel expenses.

We encourage participants to apply for financial support with their national or regional funding bodies.