NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab
About this opportunity
The NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab is a transformative 12-month, part-time talent development programme for emerging filmmakers delivered by the National Film and Television School in Edinburgh. It supports writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, and editors in advancing their craft through intensive workshops, professional development seminars, and mentorship from NFTS department heads. Successful graduates earn an NFTS Diploma in Filmmaking and a completed short film for festival submission.
Application tips
Applications for the 2026 intake closed in January (writers/directors) and February (cinematographers, producers, editors). The programme starts late April 2026 and runs to March 2027. Show that you are ready to advance beyond entry-level work with a clear creative vision.
Related opportunities
D'A Film Festival
Opens: October · Closes: December
D'A Film Lab Barcelona is an industry programme that promotes the internationalisation of Spanish emerging talent. The lab comprises three sections: Final Cut (Spanish and Catalan films in post-production competing for a EUR 20,000 award), Panorama Catalunya (Catalan-language projects in post-production), and Producció Emergent (training for emerging producers developing debut features).
goEast Film Festival
Opens: October · Closes: January
The East-West Talent Lab at the goEast Film Festival brings together emerging documentary filmmakers and producers from Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus for workshops, masterclasses, and one-on-one mentoring sessions with established film professionals. Two prizes are awarded: a Research Grant of EUR 3,500 for projects addressing human rights and/or minority rights, and the Pitch the Doc Prize (EUR 500 professional development).
Berlin International Film Festival
Opens: July · Closes: September
One of the most prestigious talent development programmes in world cinema, Berlinale Talents brings together 200 emerging film professionals for six days of labs, workshops, and masterclasses during the Berlin International Film Festival. The programme fosters cross-disciplinary exchange and offers direct access to industry leaders and the festival ecosystem.