Hamptons International Film Fest to host 10th Annual Screenwriters’ Lab

Over the course of one long weekend – from April 16-18th – emerging screenwriters will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one each day with established screenwriting mentors who will advise them on how to develop their scripts and move their projects closer to production. Within this supportive environment, the screenwriters are encouraged to take risks and discover new possibilities for their projects. Participants also attend group discussions over meals, while evening events bring them together with board members, sponsors and the local artistic community.

“The Screenwriters’ Lab is one of our most exciting year-round activities because it allows us to be involved with artists and the creative process at an early stage,” states Director of Programming David Nugent. “The lab revolves around a relaxed exchange of ideas and creative energy, and it allows us to support emerging artists which has always been at the heart of our mission as an organization.”

Following the lab, the festival will assist writers in making contact with industry producers, agents, and development executives, and continue to support the writers as they revise their scripts. According to Executive Director, Karen Arikian, “Thanks to the continued generosity of the Sloan Foundation, several of the screenwriters will also be invited back to the festival in October to continue to refine & advance their projects. This is one of a number of our initiatives that we think is crucial to nurturing the next generation of artists.”

2010 Screenwriters’ Lab Mentors include screenwriter/filmmakers Billy Frolick, Maria Maggenti, J.D. Zeik and Karin Chien.

Find out more about at hamptonsfilmfest.org.