Film Independent Selects Six Writers for 2025 Episodic Lab with Netflix as Founding Sponsor
Film Independent has announced the six writers chosen for its 2025 Episodic Lab, which will run in person from August 11–22, 2025. This year’s participants are Bryce Cracknell, Spencer Jamison, Rom Lotan, Lilian T. Mehrel, Leah Sarbib, and Ida Yazdi.
The Episodic Lab is designed to offer individualized story and career development for writers with original television pilots. Fellows receive personalized feedback from experienced showrunners, creative producers, and industry executives, along with insights on navigating today’s evolving TV landscape. As the Founding Sponsor, Netflix will provide unique opportunities for participants to learn directly from its showrunners. The lab will conclude with a networking and pitch event connecting Fellows with studio and network executives.
Creative Advisors and Guest Speakers for 2025 include Christian Alvarez, Wendy Calhoun, Sera Gamble, Eric Heisserer, Marvin Lemus, Kyle Lau, Felischa Marye, Loretta Ramos, Beth Schacter, and many more industry veterans.
Dea Vazquez, Associate Director of Fiction Programs at Film Independent, expressed enthusiasm for this year’s group:
“Amidst the changing landscape for television writers, we’re honored to uplift such bold and innovative voices… We cannot wait to continue to support them as they progress forward in the television industry.”
Additionally, Lilian T. Mehrel will receive a $20,000 grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to support development of her pilot Baddies.
2025 Episodic Lab Projects
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Baddies – Lilian T. Mehrel: A romantic comedy about a dating app team using behavioral science to change their bad reputation, beat the competition, and help others find love — if they can figure it out themselves first.
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Cycle Four – Leah Sarbib: In The Domain, where no one dies or gives birth, Miriam’s visions turn out to be memories of an erased past that demands attention.
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Golden – Ida Yazdi: A rebellious young Iranian immigrant becomes a sugar baby for wealthy women in Tehrangeles, navigating wealth, desire, and unconventional clients to chase the American Dream.
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Lacuna – Bryce Cracknell: A haunted soldier is sent into the Lacuna, a surreal realm where myths are real, time is unstable, and his past awaits.
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Subpar – Spencer Jamison: After a public meltdown, a disgraced LPGA golfer returns home to coach her half-sister’s struggling golf team in a quest for redemption.
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Zer0 Trust – Rom Lotan: Elite cybersecurity expert Amelia Hayes leads a breach response team racing against time, confronting vulnerabilities in both code and human nature
