OUTFEST ARTIST DEVELOPMENT

The Outfest Artist Development Programs have given thousands of underrepresented artists, filmmakers, and future leaders in entertainment the opportunity to discover and develop their careers in entertainment. 

The Outfest Producers Lab

In partnership with Netflix and launching in Fall 2023, the Outfest Producers Lab is a five-day intensive program designed to support 10 emerging, independent LGBTQIA+ narrative and documentary producers toward career sustainability, creative innovation and industry impact.

OutSet: The Young Filmmakers Project

In partnership with the Los Angeles LGBT Center Outfest selects a group of diverse 16-24-year-old young emerging filmmakers to embark on a 6-month film lab with courses in screenwriting, pre-production, production and post-production, instructed by industry experts. The program culminates in their final thesis project being presented at the Outset Shorts Showcase at one of our Outfest Festivals or Special Events.

OutSet: The Young Filmmakers Project

In partnership with the Los Angeles LGBT Center Outfest selects a group of diverse 16-24-year-old young emerging filmmakers to embark on a 6-month film lab with courses in screenwriting, pre-production, production and post-production, instructed by industry experts. The program culminates in their final thesis project being presented at the Outset Shorts Showcase at one of our Outfest Festivals or Special Events.

Screenwriting Lab

Outfest selects 5 fellows every year from hundreds of scripts submitted annually. This incubator format program begins with an intensive three-day lab with industry experts. Next, fellows work with an Outfest mentor to present their screenplay on stage with a live reading at the Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ Film Festival. Screenwriting Lab Fellows continue to receive guidance for the full calendar year.

Screenwriting Lab

Outfest selects 5 fellows every year from hundreds of scripts submitted annually. This incubator format program begins with an intensive three-day lab with industry experts. Next, fellows work with an Outfest mentor to present their screenplay on stage with a live reading at the Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ Film Festival. Screenwriting Lab Fellows continue to receive guidance for the full calendar year.

Outfest Artist Workshops and Series

Outfest’s workshops provide attendees, free or low-cost access to top studio brands in safe and inclusive educational environments throughout the city. Many workshops are taught by Outfest alumni and range across a series of relevant industry topics. During Outfest Fusion there is a workshop series for those interested in making a one-minute film, culminating in our finale event, the One-Minute Movie Contest.

Outfest Artist Workshops and Series

Outfest’s workshops provide attendees, free or low-cost access to top studio brands in safe and inclusive educational environments throughout the city. Many workshops are taught by Outfest alumni and range across a series of relevant industry topics. During Outfest Fusion there is a workshop series for those interested in making a one-minute film, culminating in our finale event, the One-Minute Movie Contest.

Outfest InFusion Studio Symposium

Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal, InFusion is a symposium led by industry professionals that includes speakers, panels, workshops, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Universal Studios, the world’s largest motion picture and television studio. InFusion forges connections between emerging diversity and inclusive filmmaker’s LGBTQIA+ — writers, directors and producers — and established entertainment professionals to nurture talent and skills.

Outfest InFusion Studio Symposium

Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal, InFusion is a symposium led by industry professionals that includes speakers, panels, workshops, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Universal Studios, the world’s largest motion picture and television studio. InFusion forges connections between emerging diversity and inclusive filmmaker’s LGBTQ+ — writers, directors and producers — and established entertainment professionals to nurture talent and skills.

The Outfest Trans Actors Fellowship

With an increasing trend of mainstream film and television continuing to cast straight actors to play trans roles, Outfest and renowned acting coach, Anthony Meindl teamed up to develop a program that would provide five scholarships to trans and non-binary individuals to train at Anthony Meindl’s Actor Workshop. The goal is to not only provide free training, but to assure that the fellows have a safe, affirming space in which to develop their talent.

The Outfest Trans Actors Fellowship

With an increasing trend of mainstream film and television continuing to cast straight actors to play trans roles, Outfest and renowned acting coach, Anthony Meindl teamed up to develop a program that would provide five scholarships to trans and non-binary individuals to train at Anthony Meindl’s Actor Workshop. The goal is to not only provide free training, but to assure that the fellows have a safe, affirming space in which to develop their talent.

Donate Today

We are currently exploring new ways of meeting the growing needs of our LGBTQIA+, non-binary, indigenous, women and people of color communities through our career development programs. Make a donation to support the future of Outfest whose programs empower artists to transform the world through their stories.