Feature Blueprint Lab
(Next Lab Begins July 30, 2026)
The Cohort
Applications for the next Cause Pictures Lab, which begins July 30, 2026 are open now. To keep the conversations meaningful and ensure every filmmaker receives personal attention, the cohort will be limited to only 10 filmmakers.
The Focus
Helping filmmakers confidently create the right strategy to develop and release an independent feature, whether they are seeking to make their next feature, or make the transition from short films to feature films. This is done through a small, collaborative, hands-on working group.
If that's where you are in your filmmaking journey, please join us.
Applications for the next Cause Pictures Lab, which begins July 30, 2026 are open now. To keep the conversations meaningful and ensure every filmmaker receives personal attention, the cohort will be limited to only 10 filmmakers.
The Focus
Helping filmmakers confidently create the right strategy to develop and release an independent feature, whether they are seeking to make their next feature, or make the transition from short films to feature films. This is done through a small, collaborative, hands-on working group.
If that's where you are in your filmmaking journey, please join us.
What’s included?
- 5 weeks of live working sessions (recorded in case you can't attend a session).
- Two one on one strategy calls
- Direct feedback on your project
- Guest practitioners across festivals, distribution, and impact
- Access to the Cause Studios network
- Small cohort of filmmakers (limit ten)
- Independent Film Players Guide
- Film Festival Playbook & Workbook
- Monthly coaching calls for the remainder of the year
- Festival strategy upon completion of your film (a value of $1,500 for features)
Live case study
You won't just learn what works—you'll see how real decisions are made. Throughout the Blueprint experience, you'll have an insider's view into the production, festival strategy, audience development, and distribution planning for the feature film, Alchemy in Venice. Rather than studying completed case studies, you'll see strategies evolve in real time as the film moves toward release.
For you If...
- You have a feature or ambitious short in development, production, or post
- You want a career, not just a release
- You’re ready to do the real work involved in setting your project up for succes
- You want to build a clear, intentional strategy for your film
Can’t make every session live?
All sessions are recorded, summarized and available to all participants to revisit sessions on your own time.
Why this moment matters...
- The systems that once supported independent and impact filmmaking are changing.
- What used to be centralized is now fragmented—creating both uncertainty and opportunity.
- Filmmakers who understand how to build strategy around their work will define what comes next for their projects.
I’ve spent 25 years helping filmmakers navigate this space, through consulting,
classes, and conversations. Now I’m bringing that experience into a focused, hands-on lab that supports your film across its full lifecycle,
from positioning to festivals, distribution, and impact. - Jon Fitzgerald
Cost
Fee for Lab: $1,500.00
(20% Tuition Discount for Current & Previous Clients)
(20% Tuition Discount for Current & Previous Clients)