About the lab

The Script Revision Lab gives independent filmmakers from around the world the opportunity to work intensively on their feature-length narrative scripts in an environment structured to foster professional collaboration and high-quality script development. The lab consists of a two-week residential workshop and a two-day online follow-up session.

The lab is facilitated by a professional in the field with long-standing experience. In addition to the script guidance provided by the facilitator through workshop sessions and one-on-one meetings, participants have ample time for writing. The lab offers the participants the opportunity to workshop their projects with other international filmmakers, be part of a community of like-minded artists, and access the Cine Qua Non Lab film professional network.

Language

The lab is held in English. All applicants must have a good knowledge of English.

Dates and location

The 2025 Script Revision Lab will be held in Tzintzuntzan, a small town in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, approximately 50 km from the city of Morelia. The workshop, writing, and living spaces are tucked amidst the beauty of the Sierra Madre mountains, overlooking Lake Pátzcuaro, a quiet natural retreat.

The residential workshop will take place from Wednesday, August 6^th, through Wednesday, August 20^th, 2025. The follow-up session will be held online in October 2025.

Eligibility

• Writers or writer/directors developing a narrative feature film
• Only completed narrative feature scripts ready for the revision process
• Co-written scripts are eligible, but only one person per project will be accepted to the lab
• Proof of ownership/copyright of the script

Application deadline

The application deadline is Wednesday, April 30^th, 2025 at 11:59 pm (Mexico City time).

Participation fee

There is a non-refundable application fee of 40 USD.

Cine Qua Non Lab covers with resources of the organization and its members the bulk of the cost of participation of each applicant accepted to the lab, so that participants pay only a 3,500 USD fee for attending the lab. This fee is required upon acceptance to the lab. In case of cancellation more than 15 days prior to the starting date of the lab, there is a 50% refund of the attendance fee. There is no refund in case of cancellation less than 15 days prior to the starting date.

In addition to the professional script guidance during the workshop and the follow-up session, Cine Qua Non Lab provides accommodation and meals throughout the two-week residential workshop.

Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses to and from the residency. Participants must submit proof of medical insurance covering the period of the residential workshop.

Giving back

Participants must give official recognition to Cine Qua Non Lab in the future production of their work, by including an acknowledgement and the Cine Qua Non Lab logo in any published rendition of the script, in the project’s website or when applying for additional development labs and funding for the same project, as well as mentioning Cine Qua Non Lab’s support in any interview or article about their project.

In addition, once completed, films that have been supported by Cine Qua Non Lab must indicate that support both in the opening and closing credits, by displaying the Cine Qua Non Lab logo and the caption “Developed with the support of Cine Qua Non Lab”. Participants are also required to give recognition to the lab facilitator with an on-screen credit of script consultant.

Selection process

All applications are read and evaluated by a jury panel comprised of film professionals. Applicants short-listed by the Selection Committee for consideration in the final round of evaluations may be interviewed by video conference.

For further information, please address inquiries to [email protected].