MEMBERSHIP

New member applications for our Spring 2026 NYC workshops are open!

Using this form, you can apply to our NYC-based general works-in-progress chapters, our NYC-based documentary-focused chapters, as well as our chapter focused on projects in episodic format, TVShop.

Applications are due by January 11, 7:59pm ET, and the season begins the week of February 23 and ends the first week of June for most chapters.

We encourage all applicants to attend one of our virtual open house events on January 6, 12pm ET or January 7, 8pm ET. RSVP on Eventbrite here.

(Existing Filmshop members: Please fill out our separate returning member application to apply for the coming season. Do not fill out the form on this page.)

Before you apply, please keep in mind:

  • New members apply to join a specific chapter. In the application you will be able to indicate your top choice, as well as your backup chapters, if any.

  • This spring, in NYC, we plan to offer three general works-in-progress chapters:

    • One chapter meeting in-person on Tuesday night in Downtown Brooklyn

    • One chapter meeting in-person on Thursday night in Manhattan

    • A virtual chapter meeting Wednesday night on Zoom

  • In addition to our general works-in-progress chapters, documentarians can also apply to join our documentary-focused Docshop chapters:

    • Docshop Virtual meets Tuesday nights on Zoom

    • Docshop In-Person meets Wednesday nights in Manhattan

    • If you are open to joining a different (non-Docshop) chapter, please indicate your backup choice(s) in the application as well. (Documentaries may be workshopped in any of our works-in-progress chapters, though typically our non-specialized chapters feature more fiction than doc projects.)

  • As a new offering this season, you may also apply directly to our special program focused exclusively on workshopping projects in episodic formats, TVShop. (Please note that TVShop applicants may be asked to submit some additional materials by our selection committee.) TVShop begins on February 22 and ends May 31.

  • Filmshop members are expected to miss no more than 4 meetings per season (out of 15 total). Meetings are typically 2.5 hours long and take place on weeknights, with a 7pm or 7:30pm start time, depending on the chapter. (TVShop meets on Sunday afternoons.)

  • For all chapters, we ask that you be actively working on a project you’d like to workshop with the group. (Questions about what this means? See the “What project do you plan to workshop” section of the application below, or read more here.)

  • Members are vetted and admitted on an individual basis. If you are working on a project collaboratively with other filmmakers, each team member must apply separately for Filmshop membership.

  • In addition to filling out this application form, applicants may be asked to speak with a current Filmshop member via a phone or video call for an informal interview.

  • Dues for the season are $175 upon acceptance. We also offer financial aid for those who are unemployed or underemployed; priority is given to artists from communities that are underrepresented in the industry. If you are interested in applying for discounted fees, you will be able to request a financial aid form once you are accepted.

  • It is free to submit an application.

We look forward to learning more about you!

If you have additional questions, feel free to email us at contact@thefilmshop.org.