Producers' Lab

Firelight Media’s Producers’ Lab is a mentorship program for independent diverse producers. Participating producers work with award-winning filmmaker, Stanley Nelson, and his team of senior producers, writers, editors, new media, and fundraising specialists to complete their projects for a national broadcast. The Lab also provides quarterly workshops and seminars to our producers on relevant and contemporary topics.

Mable Haddock spearheads this exciting project as Director. Haddock served as founding President and CEO of the National Black Program Consortium (NBPC) for 25 years.

Firelight Media started the Producers’ Lab as a way to provide infrastructure support for diverse producers to help overcome some of the barriers to completing their film or video. Services include support and consultation in the areas of writing, treatments, budgeting, script development, editing, and other areas as needed. In the future, we will have editing suites, a screening room, and a safe place for producers to create and complete their work.

So far, Firelight Media has accepted 19 producers, with three graduates so far.

Click here for profiles of current Producers’ Lab filmmakers and their projects.

Eligibility:

Firelight Media is looking for diverse producers who have work which is aimed for a national schedule, and that have received some funding for all or part of the film or video. Projects of any length, genre or subject matter will be accepted. The Producer should have a work sample or rough cut available for preview as well as a budget and treatment plan. We do not accept completed films. Producers maintain all copyright and ownership to his/her film or video. Once accepted into the program, the Producer is asked to sign an agreement that outlines both parties’ obligations. All services are free to the producer, but Firelight asks the producers for an acknowledgment in the film.

To Apply:

Firelight Media will be working with l5 to 20 producers annually. If you think you may be a good candidate, please fill out the online application. Only producers who fill out the online application will be considered.

Potential Consultants or Mentors:

Firelight Media is also seeking consultants/mentors who may be assigned to producers depending on their particular area(s) of expertise. Ideal candidates should have experience working on national broadcast projects, have at least two national broadcasts to their credit, and/or have recognized expertise as a writer, editor, outreach, new media specialist, director or producer. Firelight Media’s focus is long form documentary, however, specialists in the areas of new media content and narrative are also welcome.

These positions are strictly part-time, and the average duration could be anywhere from one consultation up to ten weeks depending on filmmaker’s need and the consultant’s availability, in addition to other factors. If you think you qualify, and are interested in working with developing filmmakers, please contact us at the telephone number listed below or send a resume and cover note to:

Mable Haddock
Director, Producers’ Lab
Firelight Media
68 E. 131st Street, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10037
E-mail: mable@firelightmedia.org
Phone: 212-234-1324