Stowe Launch Advanced Development Program Pilot Continued: Adds $8,500 Development Fund Per New Project
(Stowe, VT / February 4, 2022): Stowe Story Labs is pleased to announce it is running a second pilot year for Stowe Launch. In 2022, Stowe will admit two participants to the program and, in addition to existing elements of the program, each selected artist will receive $8,500 of curated development funds.
Stowe Launch is Stowe Story Labs’ advanced development program. The program is run by David Pope and David Rocchio, and managed by Launch Director Bryce Norbitz, who previously was the Tribeca Film Institute director of scripted programs. Stowe Launch incubates and develops feature films and television projects as part of its mission to bring screenwriters, filmmakers, and creative producers together with seasoned, working industry professionals to get their work made and seen. It is designed for top emerging independent screenwriters and filmmakers who are an alumnus of either a Stowe Lab or Retreat. Learn more about the program details here.
In the first year of its pilot program, Stowe Story Labs is developing five feature film projects: Before I Disappear by Kendra Arimoto and Justin Michael Jeffers, Daughters Lost to the Desert by April M. Sánchez, Guadalupe Mountain by Emily Ray Reese, High by Tisha Robinson-Daly and Jonathan Mason, and Night Guards by Lea Robinson. You can learn more about Stowe Launch and its current projects in development on its website.
Stowe Launch Director Bryce Norbitz
“We are having a wonderful time piloting the Launch program,” said David Rocchio, Founder and Director of Stowe Story Labs. “The projects and artists we are working with are fantastic. Bryce has done a wonderful job helping us define the program and support the artists, and we are excited now to open a second round and add the artist development fund to the process,” he said.
New projects will be selected from those attending one of Stowe’s 2022 Labs or Retreats and alumni who apply for the program. The next deadline to apply is February 8th. Stowe uses one application for all its Labs, Retreats, Fellowships, and Partial Scholarships.
Interested filmmakers and screenwriters can apply here. Stowe Alumni are encouraged to apply and note they are applying for the Stowe Launch program.
Stowe will select finalists based on the quality of their work, an assessment of Stowe’s ability to help advance the work, and a dedication to inclusivity and nurturing new and typically underrepresented voices.
Finalists will be interviewed by Stowe team members and have their materials reviewed by a jury for selection.
Writer, Director, Stowe Alumna/Mentor/Board Member, and now Stowe Launch Jury Chair Shari Lynnette Carpenter
The Stowe Launch fellowship jury will be chaired by Stowe alumna Shari Lynnette Carpenter (Kali’s Vibe, Queen Sugar). Carpenter also serves as a Stowe mentor and board member.
The two Stowe Launch fellows will be selected in late Spring or early Summer 2022.
“The Launch program, as a natural progression of Stowe Story Labs’ work, is enabling us to further our commitment to supporting diverse stories and voices by both assisting development and connecting the projects with industry partners,” said David Pope, Co-founder of Stowe Story Labs.
“Our mission is to support emerging artists and help get work made and seen. I am so excited we are continuing Stowe Launch, adding the artist development funds, and pushing the work forward. Best of luck to all who apply,” said Rocchio.
ABOUT STOWE STORY LABS
Stowe Story Labs is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit based in Stowe, Vermont. Now entering its 10th year, Stowe offers labs, retreats, writing programs, and mentoring programs to top emerging screenwriters, filmmakers, and creative producers from around the world. Learn more about Stowe Story Labs and its programs here.