Demistifying Film Talent Labs
Are you an emerging Filmmaker thinking about applying for Film Talent Labs?
In this two hour workshop, Director and HOME Resident Filmmaker Dan Thorburn (Salt Water Town, Lit) will demystify the world of Film Talent Labs.
Sharing his own experience to help you make the most of Talent Labs, Dan will cover:
- What are Film Talent Labs?
- Who are they for?
- How do you find out about them?
- Practicalities of creating a strong application
- National vs International
- Are they worth it for emerging filmmakers?
Bring your notebooks and questions, this will be a vital space for you to learn about the film world! More importantly, you can ask questions to an experienced film Director in an intentional space designed to support your development as a Filmmaker.
Dan Thorburn is a writer & director from the North of England. Originally a painter, he studied at Central Saint Martins School of Art where he transitioned his practice into film. His short film, Salt Water Town - a harrowing tale of climate change and generational difference starring Owen Teale and Tom Glynn-Carney, played at BFI London Film Festival, Raindance, In The Palace International Film Festival and has gained recognition from festivals world-wide. Dan was part of Screen Yorkshires inaugural FLEX program, is a member of BAFTA Connect and won the Sony Future Filmmaker Award 2023, judged by Justin Chadwick, Nicole Brown (President of TriStar) and Roger Deakins. He is currently based in Manchester where he sits as the HOME (Greater Manchester Art Centre) filmmaker in residence and works as a SONY ambassador. His feature film Lit was developed at Stowe Narrative Lab 2025 and his film Shattered is being produced in partnership with BAFTA winning producer Chris Hees and Ken Loach’s Sixteen Films with Giant and Limbo star Amir El-Masry attached as lead and exec and was developed at the Reykjavik International Film Festival Talent Lab in 2026.
