MEMBERSHIP

Fall 2026 new member applications are now open!

Using this form, you can apply to our NYC, Los Angeles, and New Orleans-based general chapters; our virtual general chapter; our in-person and virtual documentary-focused chapters; as well as our virtual chapter focused on projects in episodic format, TVShop.

Applications are due by July 16, 7:59pm ET (4:59pm PT, 6:59pm CT), and the season begins the week of August 31 and ends mid-December for most chapters.

We encourage all applicants to attend our virtual open house event on July 11, 2:00pm ET (11:00am PT, 1:00pm CT). 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.)

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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 fall, we plan to offer the following 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 chapter meeting in-person on Wednesday night in Los Angeles (NOTE: chapter previously met on Wed; week night still subject to change at this time)

    • A chapter meeting in-person on Thursday night in New Orleans

    • 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.)

  • We also have a chapter focused exclusively on episodic content, TVShop, meeting virtually on Sunday afternoon.

  • 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? Read more here.)

  • 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.

  • 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 6:30pm, 7pm, or 7:30pm start time, depending on the chapter. TVShop meets on Sunday afternoons, 3-6pm ET (12-3pm PT).

  • 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 for most chapters ($150 for some of our regional chapters). 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.

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

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