Paradigm Shift: The Current State of Development Labs

Filmmaker-driven nonprofits, such as the Tribeca Film Institute, the Gotham Film & Media Institute, and the Sundance Institute face challenges due to cutbacks and program eliminations—often attributed to shifting corporate sponsorship preferences and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic—raising concerns about the future of artist support in the independent film community. With the phasing out of some programs, questions surface relating to what is truly helpful for rising artists, as well as opportunities for innovation.