Early in Career Filmmaker Resources
PA Pathways’s Program: Deadline February 23rd, 2026! The best way to stay updated is through the Oregon Film & Outside the Frame instagram.
Film Schools & Entry Programs in Oregon:
Oregon Internships for College Students/Recent Graduates:
OPB - Apply Early January
Laika Scholarship/Fellowship (Thru PSU) 2024-2027
Bend Film Festival Internships - March (usually announced via instagram)
NW Film Camp - Apply Mid March
National Internships for College Students/Recent Graduates:
Open to: University Students & Recent Graduates
Summer Deadline: - Early March
Fall Deadline - Mid June
Spring Deadline - Late September
Open to": University Students & Recent Graduates
Writers Program Deadline - Late July
Director’s Program Deadline - Late March
National Film Programs & Fellowships for Early in Career Filmmakers:
Open to": All Levels
LA
Episodic Lab - Early February
Documentary Producing Lab - Early May
Fiction Producing Lab - Early May
Fast Track - Early June
Screenwriting Lab - Late June
Project Involve - Mid July
Episodic Directing Intensive - Mid Sept
Documentary Story Lab - Mid December
Fiscal Sponsorship - Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
Nonfiction Works-in-Progress Series - Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
Open to": All Levels
Vermont
Narrative Lab - Late Nov
Producer Lab - Mid Feb
Fellowships & Scholarships Available
Open to: Ages 18-25
Utah/Remote
Submission Deadline: -Early Nov - Early Feb
Open to: All Levels
Maine
Submission Deadline: - Late January through Late March
Open to": First Time Filmmakers
LA/Remote
Screenwriter Lab Deadline: Early Nov
Short Film Studio Deadline: Early Feb
I didn’t find out about this festival until I was 21 and wish I knew about it sooner! I encourage everyone under the age of 25 to submit because it is incredible for connecting with other filmmakers at a similar stage!
Open to": Filmmakers under 25
Deadline: Mid June to Late December
Location: Seattle, WA
The Latest Generation Film Contest invites young filmmakers ages 14–22 from across the United States to create compelling short historical documentaries (5–8 minutes) that bring American history to life. Presented by Lincoln Presidential Foundation and The Better Angels Society.
Open to": Filmmakers under 23/Short Docs
Deadline: Mid September to Late February
Location: Chicago, IL
1.4 - Deadline: Late January
YDA - Deadline: Early March
Director’s Notes - Deadline Late March
Girls in Film - Short film distribution for next generation of women, non-binary, & trans filmmakers. All year round.
Film Awards/Distribution for Early in Career Directors:
Inspiring PNW Based Young Artists:
When I first moved home from college, I had written a short film but struggled knowing where to start with finding collaborators, actors, & funding.
Here are some other resources that helped me!
