For over 30 years, Project Involve has been Film Independent’s most vital and impactful program, providing invaluable hands-on filmmaking experience from inception to completion.
Participants are paired with mentors at the top of their respective fields, and receive personalized guidance to help move their projects and careers forward.
Filmmakers from diverse backgrounds are given the opportunity to hone skills, form creative partnerships, create short films and gain industry access needed to succeed as working artists. Project Involve accepts filmmakers in various tracks that, together, form short film production teams.
Running February through October, Project Involve offers career-changing opportunities and experiences:
Mentorship: Working industry professionals share knowledge and give guidance on craft and career.
Conversations: 10+ master workshops offer insight on the art and business of filmmaking.
Short Films: Fellows are given resources to produce short films that debut at a special First Look Screening event.
Events: Fellows attend Film Independent’s signature education programs, screenings, networking events and more.
Fellowships: Fellows may be selected to receive cash grants from industry sponsors.
We also offer a two-year Project Involve LAIKA Animation Track, which includes six distinct tracks. Four tracks run through both years of the program: director/lead animator, supporting animator, producer and editor. The writer and cinematographer tracks run during the first and second year of the program, respectively. LAIKA Animation Fellows are provided with a production grant to create a 3-5 minute, stop-motion animated film during the two-year program. In addition, each of the five Fellows will receive a cash stipend in recognition of their two year commitment to the program.
Non-Member Deadline: Monday, July 14
Member Deadline: Monday, July 28
Project Involve Fellows include Andrew Ahn (The Wedding Banquet); Linda Yvette Chavez (Flamin’ Hot); Jon M. Chu (Wicked); Jomo Fray (Nickel Boys); Marvin Lemus(Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Roadtrip); LaToya Morgan(Duster); Jennifer Phang (Descendents: The Rise of the Red); Justin Simien (Haunted Mansion); Lulu Wang (Expats), Harry Yoon (Thunderbolts) and Kim Yutani (Director of Programming, Sundance).
Hear directly from our Project Involve Fellows about how the program helped shape their careers. This could be your next big step!
Project Involve was an incredible experience that introduced me to new and amazing collaborators who I hope to work with for years to come. – Michael Lei (2024 Directing Fellow, Project Involve).
Project Involve has been a key instrument in advancing my professional career as a producer; Constantly providing a place of community, education and sustenance. – Brian Grigsby (2020 Producing Fellow, Project Involve).
Are you a Member? Film Independent Members get an exclusive extended application deadline for Project Involve and save 30% on application fees, and Filmmaker Pro, Secret Members and Arts Circle Members can apply for free! Join, renew or upgrade for extra time and savings.
The Golden Globe Foundation has provided longstanding support to Project Involve, which is Film Independent’s first Artist Development program that was launched 31 years ago. Project Involve is a free, nine-month-long program dedicated to building a more inclusive and equitable film industry by providing mentorship and production experience to emerging filmmakers.
Each year, up to 35 talented filmmakers from communities underrepresented in film (primarily women and non-binary filmmakers, filmmakers from BIPOC communities, LGBTQ+ filmmakers and filmmakers with disabilities) receive the opportunity to hone skills, form creative partnerships, produce short films, and advance their careers as working artists. Through Project Involve, filmmakers often form long-term working relationships with other members of their cohort.
