Vision
The WIP Lab envisions a globally connected filmmaking community, where filmmakers across different regions engage in meaningful discussions about their work. By bridging the strength of CFA’s US-based industry network with NOT Film Festival’s European presence, we aim to create an international feedback ecosystem that enhances the creative process.
A strong film is one that resonates with its intended audience. However, when filmmakers only receive feedback from close collaborators and personal contacts, they risk limiting the film’s potential. This initiative provides a wide variety of viewpoints from peers, professionals, and audiences beyond their immediate circle, ensuring that filmmakers receive diverse perspectives similar to those used in feature film testing.
Through this initiative, filmmakers gain access to mentors, post-production resources, and potential funding opportunities, ensuring that their films are not only refined but also positioned for success on a global scale. By offering a consistent and structured approach to work-in-progress screenings, we empower filmmakers to tell more compelling, engaging, and universal stories that can succeed in both the festival circuit and distribution markets.
Mission
The NOT Work-in-Progress (WIP) Lab is dedicated to helping filmmakers refine their short films through structured feedback and industry insights. Our goal is to replicate the professional test screening process, allowing filmmakers to gain audience-driven insights that go beyond their immediate network.
In the feature film and studio system, test screenings are a critical tool for fine-tuning a film before its final release. Major productions regularly gather feedback from external audiences to adjust pacing, narrative clarity, and emotional engagement. However, short films rarely receive this level of structured evaluation, leaving many filmmakers without the opportunity to see how their film truly plays for a fresh audience before locking the picture.
By offering a safe and constructive environment, we ensure that filmmakers receive actionable feedback to strengthen their storytelling, technical execution, and festival strategy.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to short films under 25 minutes.
Films must be near picture lock, meaning that the film should have a fully assembled narrative structure with no major missing components.
Temp VFX, sound, and color are acceptable, but films should be in a state where feedback can be effectively applied to final refinements before locking the picture.
No music videos, experimental films, or adult content (films promoting unsafe acts, pornography, etc., are not accepted).
Filmmakers must be actively seeking festival and/or distribution opportunities.
Submissions must be in English or have English subtitles.
Filmmakers must be willing to participate in the structured feedback process, including both live and written feedback sessions.
Preference may be given to projects that align with CFA and NOT Film Festival’s mission of fostering diverse, innovative, and impactful storytelling.
Application Fee: $85
(The application fee is non-refundable and directly funds mentorship stipends, screening fees, and structured feedback sessions.)