Sell Your TV Concept NowA lot of writers treat Sundance Labs like a lottery ticket. But the language on the application makes something very clear: these programs are designed for work-in-progress feature projects, with a focus on development support and creative growth.
So what does that mean for you?
It means you don’t apply because you “have a script.” You apply because you have:
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a voice,
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a coherent project,
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and a plan for what the project becomes next.
Also: timing matters. Sundance’s Development Track FAQ has described specific application windows (for example, April to May for certain cycles). Even if those dates shift year to year, the lesson doesn’t- don’t start thinking about labs a week before the deadline.
How to strengthen a lab application:
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A clear artistic intention (“what am I saying?”)
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A story that matches that intention
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A personal connection that feels specific—not generic
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A draft that shows you can execute
And remember: labs don’t just pick the “best script.” They pick the most promising writer-project combination for that program’s goals.
This week’s action: write a 200-word “why this story, why now” statement for your feature. If you can’t do that yet, that’s not failure—that’s a compass telling you what your rewrite needs.
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