DOCUMENTARY STORY DEVELOPMENT FELLOWSHIP 2026 (In Person)

Docs In Progress’ Documentary Story Development Fellowship is designed for filmmakers who are in the conceptual or development stage of a project. Through six monthly facilitated meetings, Fellows receive guidance and peer feedback as they shape their documentary ideas. During the program, Fellows learn how to research, write, and develop a non-fiction film, while gaining insight into fundraising, pitching, and identifying their target audience. The documentary may explore any subject, viewpoint, or style; however, projects must still be in development and not yet in production. For films that are already in production or post-production, please see our Legacy Fellowship Program.

We are glad to announce that the Story Development Fellowship sessions are guided by Docs In Progress Artistic Director Adele Schmidt. 

COHORT MEETING DATES 2026:  Wednesdays from 6:30pm to 9:00pm at the Docs In Progress office in Silver Spring:

May 27, June 24, July 29, August 26, September 30, October 28

FEES:  There is no application fee.  If accepted into the Fellowship Program, Fellows pay a participation fee of $575 (due in full before the program starts).

The submission deadline for the 2026 Story Development Fellowship Program is Friday, April 17, 2026.

The Story Development Fellowship experience includes: 

• Accountability: By setting realistic goals for progress and having monthly in person meetings with the facilitator and other participants, Fellows will make significant progress developing their concept into a complete documentary proposal.
• Expected Deliverable:  A well-written proposal that includes a funding plan and budget for the documentary.
• Expertise from seasoned industry professionals who as guest presenters will share their knowledge and provide feedback to the Fellows.
• Safe Zone where constructive advice and feedback is fostered.

Other Benefits for Fellows:

• A professional development voucher  that can be applied to certain Docs In Progress workshops during the course of their Fellowship. 
• Featured as a Fellow on the Docs In Progress website, including a photo and the title of the project.
• Fellows will receive added consideration for Docs' Trailer Night and Work-In-Progress screenings.
• Become part of our 90+ Alumni Fellows network at the conclusion of the Fellowship.

WHAT IS THE DEVELOPMENT STAGE OF A DOCUMENTARY FILMS?

The development stage in documentary filmmaking is the initial phase where filmmakers shape their ideas and research into a coherent and compelling story. At this stage, the project is still at a conceptual stage, with core indicators such as:

1. Filmmakers have not yet started capturing visual or audio elements for their documentary.
2. Interviews with subjects, experts, or key figures relevant to the topic have not been conducted or recorded.
3. Projects are in the research stage: The focus is on exploring the subject matter, gathering information, and identifying potential narrative structures and themes, writing a draft of the treatment and proposal, and working on the financial logistics of the project.

APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS

We encourage both first-time and more seasoned filmmakers to apply for the STORY DEVELOPMENT FELLOWSHIP. Fellows must agree to not miss more than 1 meeting.

Docs In Progress review committee will review the individual application and assess the overall composition of the cohort in their decision-making. Filmmakers should have a solid idea that they want to develop, specific goals for how the Fellowship will help at their stage, and a willingness to give and receive feedback as part of the cohort. The Docs In Progress Documentary Development Fellowship Program is an incubator where peer-centered discussion is at the forefront.

APPLY NOW