Frequently Asked Questions

When is the initial application period open? - Initial application period for the 2024-2025 cohort will open on June 15 and will close September 10. Fellows will announced October 10.

When will labs be held this year? Labs for the 2024-2025 cohort of Fellows will be held on the following dates:

·      StoryLab October 25-27

·      Legal Workshop TBD

·      Screenplay Lab TBD, spring 2025

·      DocLab TBD, spring 2025

·      Production Lab TBD, summer 2025

PLEASE NOTE: All labs are in person. Please watch this space, sign up for notifications and/or contact us for regular updates!

When are funding applications due? - Applications for funding for the 2024-2025 Cohort will be open in late 2024.

Who is eligible to receive funding? – Current Saul Zaentz Fellows.

Can we apply as a team or only as individuals? - Applicants may apply individually or in teams.

I’ve been a Fellow in the past. Can I skip the initial application process and apply only for the funding round? - Fellows in each round are treated as a new cohort, which means that even though you have participated as a Fellow in the past, you must first participate in the StoryLab and mentoring with the current cohort in order to be eligible to apply for funding. Only Fellows who have been accepted into and participated in the current year’s StoryLab and mentoring will be eligible to apply for funding in any given year.

Can I apply with a project in postproduction? - No, the Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund is a program that emphasizes development, mentorship and production. We don’t offer completion funding.

Can I apply to the Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund even though I was a Fellow in an earlier round? - Previous Fellows who are still Baltimore residents are eligible to apply to the Fund as long as they are applying with new, or materially different projects.

Can I apply to the Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund with a project that was previously accepted, but not funded? - Previous Fellows who are still Baltimore residents, are eligible to apply to the Fund as long as they are applying with new, or materially different projects.

I applied with a project in the past, but was not accepted into the program. Can I apply again with the same project? - Applicants may apply with projects that were not accepted in previous rounds, if the project is materially different their original proposal.