The NYU Production Lab is a development center whose mission is to support the next generation of artists in designing and launching thriving careers in their industries.
The Lab serves as an experiential-learning bridge for students navigating the transition from an academic classroom to their professional field. Our approach is twofold. First, we are a creative incubator working across disciplines: providing mentorship, funding and space for works in development. And second, we provide professional development opportunities to students and recent alums through career coaching, workshops and student assistantships. These opportunities dynamically assist students in creating a trajectory for their growth and understanding of their artistic fields through experiential learning.
The Production Lab aims to serve students and new alums at all stages with a commitment to diversity and an intent to foster an inclusive artistic industry. The Lab strives to be at the forefront of cultural entrepreneurship, preparing today’s emerging artists for the jobs of tomorrow and expanding the arts ecosystem.
Our History
The NYU Production Lab began with a focus on supporting filmmakers — making its first film investments in fall 2014 — before opening its doors to NYU’s wider creative community in fall 2015. To date, the Production Lab has signed over thirty projects onto its Slate, many of which have premiered at film festivals such as Sundance, Tribeca, and Cannes, and reached audiences on Netflix, Amazon, iTunes, and Hulu. The Lab has pledged over $450,000 in film financing to the NYU creative community; hosted over 46,500 visits and over 2,458 auditions; and supported 19 Writing Fellows developing feature-length scripts from 200-word ideas.
Beyond the film scope, the lab has held over 68 career-oriented events and panels; produced 24 podcast episodes with the support of NYU Abu Dhabi’s Music Technology & Sound Recording Group, and so much more.
The Lab continues to expand with innovative creative program opportunities — including the Creative Career Design Fellowship and the VICE Episodic Storytelling Workshop.