Producer's Workshop at Ucross, held by Sundance Institute
The Sundance Institute Producers Lab, a yearlong fellowship for fiction and nonfiction film producers, has commenced at the Ucross Foundation in Wyoming. This annual program aims to support independent film producers across various career stages by refining their craft and providing a community for networking, professional development, and project work.
This year marks the second time Ucross Foundation hosts the Producers Lab. The partnership between Ucross and Sundance Institute, which started 26 years ago, has seen more than 100 artists benefit, including Billy Porter, Hannah Gadsby, and Tanya Saracho.
Emerging independent producers selected for the Producers Lab receive project-specific support in one-on-one meetings and small group sessions. During the lab, they develop strategies for pitching, securing funding, managing production, navigating the marketplace, and achieving sustainability.
Fellows also gain access to Sundance Collab, a digital platform that connects artists with resources, mentors, and peers. They participate in ELEVATE, Sundance Institute's professional development track, and enjoy regular cohort gatherings throughout the year.
Following the lab, fellows receive ongoing support through a yearlong mentorship from a dedicated advisor. This mentorship continues to sharpen their leadership and problem-solving skills while cultivating creative thinking.
The Producers Lab provides fellows with blocks of solo creative time and opportunities for networking and professional development. This year's Producers Lab has a fresh energy that mirrors the changing landscape of contemporary storytelling.
The Producers Lab is the focal point of the Sundance Institute Producers Program. It takes place at Ucross Foundation's historic 20,000-acre ranch in northern Wyoming, offering an uninhibited environment for creativity and professional growth.
While the specific participants and details of the 2022 Producers Lab at Ucross Foundation could not be confirmed due to limited available sources, the 2025 cohort included a total of eleven film producers, six fiction film producers, and five nonfiction film producers.
For those interested in learning more about this year's Producers Lab fellows, the list can be found on the Ucross Foundation's official website. The lab runs from July 22 to July 26.
The Residency remains dedicated to uninhibited creativity, professional growth, and peer mentorship, making it an ideal setting for independent film producers to hone their craft and build their careers.
- The Producers Lab, as part of the Sundance Institute Producers Program, offers a unique opportunity for independent film producers to focus on sustainable living, as they develop strategies for pitching, securing funding, and managing production, all within the context of a home-and-garden-like setting at Ucross Foundation's historic ranch in Wyoming.
- The Sundance Institute Producers Lab, with its emphasis on sustainable living and the home-and-garden-like environment at Ucross Foundation, is designed to foster a lifestyle of growth, both creatively and professionally, for independent film producers.
