Sundance Institute names 2023 Lab fellows

Sundance Institute Announces 2023 Episodic Lab Fellows Photo: Courtesy of The Sundance Institute

SUNDANCE, Utah — The nonprofit Sundance Institute recently unveiled the individuals selected for the 10th Episodic Lab program at the Sundance Resort, in Utah. This year’s lab fellows, Daniela Bailes (The Letters), Elaine Hsieh Chou (Get Home Safe), Marissa Díaz (Cochinas), Sam Dunnewold (Guts), Laurie Hartung (Rabbit Hole), Farah Merani (The Painted Muse), Sylvia-Anne Parker (Blackbirds), and Hernando Cortes Watson (Horsepower), bring forth a fascinating array of original series ideas.

The Episodic Lab offers an immersive experience, bringing together emerging writers to work closely with esteemed showrunners and executive producers in refining their ideas. From Nov. 3–7, fellows will engage in workshop sessions, one-on-one story meetings, case study screenings, and panels focused on their scripts.

Esteemed creative advisors including Shal Francis (The Morning Show), Jason Katims (Friday Night Lights), Christina Lee (Search Party), LaToya Morgan (The Walking Dead), Erica Rivinoja (Clone High), Sanjay Shah (Everybody Still Hates Chris), Sarah Treem (The Affair), and Graham Yost (Slow Horses) will provide valuable guidance throughout the lab.

“These fellows arrive swinging heroes and scoundrels over the threshold, leaving readers jolted by surprise or capsized in laughter; their voices are singular, spanning genres, yet tethered by an unyielding belief in humanity,” said Jandiz Estrada Cardoso, Episodic Program director, in a press release. “After a season of fatigue throughout the industry and for all the artists who sustain it, I’m so grateful to our Sundance partners, who continue to uplift this phenomenal program.”

Before the November lab, the fellows participated in three pre-lab virtual workshops, honing their craft. These workshops covered various aspects of storytelling, featuring renowned industry professionals such as Dara Resnik (The Horrors of Dolores Roach), Kevin Etten (The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent), Monica Macer (Queen Sugar), Ingrid Escajeda (Griselda), James Wong (American Horror Story), Vali Chandrasekaran (Modern Family), Mike Flynn (Power Book III: Raising Kanan), and Alissa Nutting (Made for Love).

For a complete list of projects and fellow, visit The Sundance Institute.