Chicken & Egg Pictures (Egg)celerator Lab

Overview

The (Egg)celerator Lab is Chicken & Egg Pictures' primary program for emerging gender-expansive documentary filmmakers working on their first or second feature-length documentary. The lab brings together approximately ten projects per cohort and provides a combination of direct grants, mentorship, professional development workshops, and community building over an extended program period -- making it one of the most comprehensive development programs available to gender-expansive nonfiction filmmakers in the United States.

The program was formerly known as the Accelerator Lab before being renamed, reflecting Chicken & Egg Pictures' evolution toward fully inclusive eligibility across all gender-expansive identities rather than its earlier women-only focus.

What It Provides

(Egg)celerator Lab fellows receive:

• Direct grant funding toward the development or production of their feature documentary
• Mentorship from established documentary filmmakers and industry professionals matched to each project's specific needs and stage
• Professional development workshops covering documentary craft, financing strategy, impact distribution, and the business of independent filmmaking
• Peer community with a cohort of fellow gender-expansive documentary filmmakers, creating lasting professional relationships
• Industry introductions to co-producers, broadcasters, fund managers, and distribution partners through Chicken & Egg Pictures' extensive network

The extended program period -- spanning multiple months rather than a single event -- distinguishes the (Egg)celerator Lab from shorter grant competitions. Fellows develop their projects and careers within a sustained support structure.

Eligibility

The lab is open to gender-expansive documentary filmmakers, defined to include women, non-binary, trans, third-gender, two-spirit, and agender individuals. Eligible filmmakers must be working on their first or second feature-length documentary -- the lab is specifically designed for directors at the emerging stage of their feature careers rather than for those with an established feature track record.

Both US and international filmmakers may be eligible depending on the program cycle. Geographic eligibility should be confirmed on the current application guidelines.

Relationship to Other Chicken & Egg Programs

The (Egg)celerator Lab is distinct from Chicken & Egg Pictures' Research and Development Grant, which targets established gender-expansive filmmakers with at least one completed feature documentary who are developing their next project. Filmmakers earlier in their careers should target the Lab; those with an established feature track record should look at the R&D Grant.

Who Should Apply

Gender-expansive documentary filmmakers working on their first or second feature documentary who want a structured, extended lab experience combining financial support, mentorship, and peer community. The (Egg)celerator Lab is particularly valuable for filmmakers who want sustained development support rather than a single cash award.

See Also

For the Chicken & Egg R&D Grant for established filmmakers, see the Chicken & Egg Pictures entry. For documentary financing strategy, see Documentary Financing: Building Your Stack.