The Director Incubator, sponsored by Netflix, is an intensive production grant designed to empower emerging filmmakers who tell stories from the perspectives of women and gender-expansive individuals. This initiative provides the necessary tools, resources, funding, and guidance to successfully develop and produce short films that reflect their unique creative vision.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Director Incubator will support five directors in bringing their narrative short films to life with a $35,000 production and post-production grant per film. This incubator aims to serve as a stepping stone for participants looking to develop their work into feature films or television projects, or furthering their careers as directors in the entertainment industry. Selected filmmakers will receive hands-on mentorship and guidance throughout the entire filmmaking process—from pre-production through post-production and distribution strategy.
Participants will also gain industry exposure through NALIP’s signature events, including:
- NALIP Media Summit
- Diverse Women in Media Forum
- NALIP Accelerator program
2021 Cohort • 2022 Cohort • 2023 Cohort• 2024 Cohort
• Applications have closed. Thank you to everyone who applied! Announcements and application updates coming soon.•
2025-26 INCUBATOR TIMELINE
- (07/18) Submission opens
- (07/21) Q&A Office Hours Webinar with Veronica Kompalic, Program Associate - Watch Recording Here
- (08/01) Submission closes [11:59 PM Hawaii time]
- (08/01-08/21) Reviewing period
- (09/01) Incubator opens
- (September) Script Stage & Review
- (10/01) Development and Team Building
- (October - November) Production
- (December - March) Post
- (March/May) Sound + Color / Final Post
- (June 2026) NALIP Media Summit Screening - Showcasing work by the fellows.
All five films will be showcased at a special screening at the NALIP Media Summit in June 2026
APPLICATION MATERIALS
Applicants must submit the following materials for consideration:
- Valid NALIP Membership ($100 membership required, replacing an entry fee) - Become a Member
- Applicant Information (Role: Writer, Director, Writer/Director, or Showrunner if intended for television)
- Personal Bio (200 words max)
- Logline (1-2 sentences)
- Link to Applicant’s Reel or previous work
- Production Team Roster
- Budget Outline (Top Sheet - $35,000)
- Production Timeline
- Short Screenplay (15 pages max)
- Pitch Deck/Lookbook (including highlights, visual references, tone, synopsis, team bios, character bios, director’s statement, etc.)
- Community Statement (400 words)
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Applicants must be emerging or mid-career filmmakers.
Emerging is defined as having completed at least one short film, web series, or independent project with festival or public release experience. Mid-career applicants should have a demonstrable track record that may include a feature film, a significant body of work, or series credits.
- The submitted project must be a narrative short.
- Applicant tells stories from the perspective of women and gender expansive people
- Projects must be in late development or pre-production stages. The project must be ready to enter production no sooner than 4 months after the application deadline.
- A producer must be formally attached to the project.
- A core creative team (e.g., director, writer, and producer) must be identified at the time of application.
- Applicants must hold or share the rights to the submitted project.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Please refer to the questions below before emailing us at [email protected] with your questions.
Due to the high number of submissions, please allow up to 3 business days to return your email.
Can previously submitted projects be resubmitted?
You may apply with same project from previous cycles. Applicants should review their materials before resubmitting. We love to see growth between the different application cycles.
Does the project need to be a narrative short film?
Yes, submissions must be a narrative short-form project. Documentary projects are not accepted for this program. Due to the nature of the program, features will not be accepted for the incubator, however, you may adapt your feature into a short film and apply. Animation is accepted.
What if the budget goes over by a bit? Will the project still be considered?
If your projects go over the $35,000 budget, please provide a full breakdown of your production costs to illuminate the feasibility of your short film and how you plan to come up with the remainder of the funds. Be as detailed as possible. Additional confirmed funds, such as donations, crowd-funding, and grants should be included.
Can you submit two different projects in separate applications?
Yes.
Does the film have to shoot in Greater Los Angeles area?
Filmmakers may apply and film anywhere within the US. If you plan to film outside the US, please share the logistics in your production plan and budget. The cohort will be invited to Los Angeles to attend the NALIP Media Summit and for the screening of the incubator films.