Application
It is strongly advised that you first review the application form and prepare your materials, as many fields have word count limits. Prepare materials in a separate text document, then come back to complete your application. All projects must be submitted via online application. Applications must be complete and all pertinent materials and fees must be received by The Gotham for your submission to be considered. Be sure to follow the steps below.
All narrative series projects for TV and digital platforms from breakthrough creators are eligible as long as they are in development. This includes both short-form series (episodes < 15 minutes) and long-form series (episodes > 22 minutes, including half-hour and hour-long TV episodes). Proof of concepts are welcome but not mandatory. Projects already in post-production are not eligible for the Gotham TV-Series Lab (but they are eligible as Narrative Series at Gotham Week).
WHAT TO PREPARE TO SUBMIT
– Active The Gotham Membership at any membership level: get started by joining The Gotham now;
– Be ready to complete an online application including synopsis, creator and other crew members’ bios if applicable, and goals for participating in the Lab;
– $50 entry fee paid online by credit card;
– Note: All project creators must be U.S.-based, meaning either U.S. citizens and/or living and working in the U.S.
PROJECT MATERIALS
– Pilot script;
– If you have a proof of concept to a pilot/episode or a visual representation of the show, you can share it in your application via password-protected link. You must still include a pilot script.
– A pitch deck or a show bible with at least the projects’ basic information (arc of the story, episodes breakdown, tone description, characters, sustainability after season 1 if applicable, etc.).
Selection Process
- The project selection is based on quality of the work and ability to benefit from the Lab’s curriculum and mentorship.
- All submissions are confidential and only viewed by The Gotham’s senior programming team and reviewing committee.
- Final selection is determined by The Gotham senior programmers.
- At no time is footage screened for any Industry during the submission or acceptance process.
- Up to 10 series projects will be selected for each Lab.
General Information
- Free of charge to those invited to participate, but all Lab attendees must be The Gotham members.
- Selected projects must participate in the Lab and Gotham Week.
- Applications are not accepted for individual sessions of the Lab.
- Filmmakers are responsible for their own travel and accommodations. A modest travel stipend is available for filmmakers living outside the NY area.
- Each project is entitled to have up to three members of its team participate in the Labs. This typically includes the creator(s) and producer(s).
- Past Gotham TV-Series Lab (and IFP Episodic Lab) creator alumni are not eligible.
- Projects selected for past years’ Gotham Week that want to apply to the Gotham TV-Series Lab will be evaluated case by case (if important improvements and real goals to attend the program are presented): reach out to Gabriele Capolino ([email protected]) first.
- All Lab sessions take place in New York City.
Confidentiality
Gotham TV-Series Lab project submissions are evaluated only by the Gotham TV-Series Lab curatorial team. Projects selection is based on quality of the work and ability to benefit from the Lab’s curriculum and mentorship. Projects are not made available to anyone outside the team. The Gotham TV-Series Lab is attended by members of the industry, but materials and samples are available to them on an opt in basis pre-approved by creators. The Gotham TV-Series Lab is not open to TV/series critics for reviewing purposes.
Acknowledgement of Receipt
Shortly after submitting your online Application Form, you will receive an email notification acknowledging that your form and documents have been received.
Acceptance Notification
Up to 10 series projects will be selected for the Gotham TV-Series Lab. All submissions will be notified of acceptance or rejection by end of May. Preliminary calls from The Gotham concerning your entry do not indicate acceptance.