CineComedies Lab: a writing residency dedicated to comedy scriptwriters
Because writing a screenplay is a journey through deep, sometimes turbulent waters, the CineComedies Lab offers a residency designed as a lighthouse for comedy writers, at a crucial moment in the development of their project.
This program, initiated by the CineComedies Festival and supported by numerous partners on both sides of the border (see below), offers tailor-made support for up to six carefully selected feature film projects.
Under the writing direction of Jonathan Rio, the authors benefit from the expertise of script consultants, who are themselves embroiled in the daily storms of dramaturgy. On the menu: work on narrative structure, characters, dialogue… as well as an introduction to the art of pitching, an essential step in attracting financiers and producers.
KEY DATES
September 7 to 11, 2026 at Arenberg Creative Mine (France)
The first session focused on evaluating each project in order to set up the narrative structure of the scenarios and the character sheets.
October 5 to 9, 2026 at Arenberg Creative Mine (France)
Second work session on the script, its structure and dialogues.
November 9 to 11, 2026 at SPA (Belgium)
Third session: preparation for the art of pitching (concept pitch / elevator pitch).
November 12, 2026 in Liège (Belgium)
As part of the FIFCL Film Market, presentation of projects to producers and industry professionals.
– A short synopsis (pitch) of 3 lines
– A long synopsis of 3 pages maximum
– Two dialogue sequences
– A note of intent
– A biography
– Visual references
Residence locations
Arenberg Creative Mine, a regional center of excellence in digital imaging and media, will host the first two sessions. Liège will host the final session.
Submitting projects by e-mail
lab@festival-cinecomedies.com
PDF max 4 Mb.
Cost of residency
The residency is free of charge. Accommodation, meals and car transfers are provided by CineComedies Lab. However, residents are responsible for their own travel to and from > > residence. Only one author per project is admitted. Selected authors must be available on the dates of the residency.
Contact
The CineComedies Lab is a program initiated by the CineComedies Festival and supported by the Communauté d’Agglomération La Porte du Hainaut, Creative Mine, Pictanovo, the Institut Français and the Hauts-de-France Region, the Walloon Region, the Liège International Comedy Film Festival and Wallimage. It takes place in Arenberg Creative Mine (France), Spa (Belgium) and Liège (Belgium).
