Micro-budget feature film lab launches

The University of North Georgia’s (UNG) School of Communication, Film & Theatre (CFT) is launching the Micro-Budget Narrative Feature Lab, a new initiative designed to support emerging Southern filmmakers in developing feature-length projects. 

Applications for the inaugural 2026–27 cohort opened Nov. 1, following the official announcement at the Georgia Film Festival, held Oct. 16-18 at UNG’s Gainesville Campus.

The lab will support innovative film-making teams in developing and completing micro-budget narrative feature films over the course of 18 months, starting in January 2026. These teams will provide feedback and support to each other while using resources from UNG's film and digital media program to successfully complete their projects.

The first cohort of the lab will consist of up to five productions, including two led by UNG film faculty members James Mackenzie and Andrew Salerno, respectively.

Mackenzie, associate professor of film and digital media, said the application and interview process will allow UNG to gather information about the independent filmmaking community in Georgia.

"The goal of the lab is to champion independent, cinematic voices in Georgia who approach their work with an originality of vision and creative innovation," Mackenzie said. "This can't come at a better time. We have a deep well of filmmakers in our state who don't need big Hollywood budgets to tell their stories."

Salerno, a lecturer of film, said the goal of the lab is to make the film-making process more feasible.

"The barrier to making a feature film can seem insurmountable," Salerno said. "By working together and pooling resources, these lab teams will help reduce that barrier for each other."

UNG film alumni are among those who could benefit the most from the lab.

"The entry-level prospects for UNG graduates hoping to enter the film and television industry have shifted in recent years," Mackenzie said. "The lab will help UNG foster opportunities to replace those no longer provided by the industry, and we are eager to review applications from all interested filmmaking teams."

The Lab application closes on Dec. 1.