Frequently Asked Questions
How many filmmakers and projects will be participating in the Lab? The Front Porch Film Lab will select between 6-10 projects, which means anywhere from 12-20 filmmakers could ultimately be participating in the Lab.
Who are the mentors? Lab mentors will be announced around the time our filmmaker teams are selected and announced. The reason is that our mentors are active filmmakers themselves and committing to our Lab 5 months in advance could prove for changes down the road. Our team has connected with some incredible mentor options and we are excited to share both our Lab participants and mentors later this summer!
Why doesn’t the Lab include feature films? For this first year of our Lab, we have chosen to focus solely on short films as we want to ensure all projects get the same amount of time and focus during our 10-day program. Additionally, writing, funding, directing and finishing a feature film is something that can take years so we have chosen to focus on short films for this inaugural year as we feel it will allow us see a larger number of Fellows complete their projects.
Who/what are underrepresented voices? Underrepresented voices refer to the perspectives and experiences of individuals or groups that have historically been marginalized or excluded from dominant cultural narratives. In the film industry, there have historically been fewer opportunities for individuals based on gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, race, ethnicity and class and the 502 Film Front Porch Lab seeks to ensure inclusion of those voices in our incubator and in our industry. All individuals who meet the eligibilty requirements are encouraged to apply.
Why is the Lab for Louisville-based filmmakers only? We believe strongly in creating something that is sustainable and something that can grow. For this first year, we will focus on storytellers from our 502 region.
Why are you including Eastern Kentucky and not the rest of the state? When it comes to underrepresented voices, access to opportunity is often a major roadblock. Utilizing our partnership with Appalshop, we hope to bridge the urban-rural divide by opening the opportunity to attend our Lab to up to 2 filmmaking teams selected by Appalshop. For more information on being nominated by Appalshop, please contact them.
What qualifies as Eastern Kentucky? Filmmakers from Eastern Kentucky may request a nomination by contacting Appalshop. Applicants must be residents of the counties indicated in this map.
Do I have to be available for the entire Lab? Yes, the Lab is best as an immersive experience where the filmmakers can commit to giving their all to their project, the Lab and their team. That said, we realize that extenuating circumstances might require someone to take weekend days or hours outside of the 9a-5p Lab to conduct personal or professional business.
Can I keep my job and participate in the program at the same time? Yes, however you are expected to participate in all required activities. These include, but are not limited to the opening night dinner on Sunday October 12 and project/career development sessions M-F 9a-5p. Sessions will be held in-person in Louisville. The weekend activities will be optional but attendance is highly suggested.
Who are the Lab mentors? The Lab mentors and guest speakers are a curated group of experienced industry professionals who are not only talented storytellers, but also skilled and passionate mentors who are deeply committed to shepherding emerging artists in their career journeys. Lab mentors will be announced mid-Summer.
What is the selection timeline?
May 14 – June 30: Application Open
June 30: Application Deadline
July 1 – 31: Application Review Period
End of July – Projects Selected and Notified
October 12 – Fellows arrive - Group Dinner!
October 13 – October 24: 502 Film Front Porch Film Lab
Who selects the Lab participants? A range of local and organizational film professionals.
How does the selection process work? There will be several rounds of judging (2-3 depending on number of submissions) and then a virtual interview of the 15-20 selected finalists which selected projects being announced by the end of July 2025.
Can I mail or email my application, including submission materials? All applications must be completed via the online form.
Can I apply if I am outside Kentucky? The Front Porch Film Lab is for residents of Louisville (included counties: Jefferson, Oldham, Spencer, Bullitt and Shelby). An additional 2 spots are reserved for applicants from Eastern Kentucky by nomination only through Appalshop. Please contact programs@502film.org with further questions about your eligibility if you’re outside of the above locations.
Can I apply alone if I am the director and producer of the film? We understand that there are situations where a director is also a producer on a project, but given the collaborative nature of film, the access to information within our Lab to strengthen the production process for your team and the fact that majority of productions have a producer who is working with the director during the prep, shoot and post, we strongly encourage director/producer teams to apply.
Can I make edits to my submission ahead of the deadline? If you’d like to make edits to your application before the June 30, 2025 deadline, please contact programs@502film.org and we will issue you a link so you can edit your submission. Once the deadline has passed, no revisions will be accepted.
Am I locked into workshopping the material I submitted? While you are able to workshop revised material after the project is accepted to the Lab, the project itself must be the same project with which you originally submitted to the Lab.
Will my travel and accommodation be provided? 502 Film will be covering each team’s hotel accommodation during the 10 days of the Lab (one room per project), should they choose to accept it. However, we will not cover your travel to Louisville. In addition to covering your accommodations, we will offer a total stipend of $1500 per team to be appropriated as you see fit.