Story Lab Level I: Story Development

In the first funding phase, we support projects that are in the early phase of story development. Our aim in this phase is to create space for experimentation and exploration.

The Story Lab offers funding at two levels: projects that have received level I funding have the opportunity to receive support at level II in the autumn for the consolidation phase. 

All formats are supported: feature cinema film (documentary, full-length fiction film, animated film, etc.), short film, series, XR (VR, AR, 360°), cross-media projects, games and open-format development. 

Writers, directors, producers, actors, freelance artists, designers and technicians in the audiovisual narrative field can apply.

The Migros Culture Percentage Story Lab is open to experienced cultural practitioners and newcomers.

The projects submitted will be assessed by an international jury.

• Portal opens for Stage I entries: Monday, 13 January 2025 
• Closing date for Stage I entries: Monday, 24 February 2025, 5 p.m. 
• Stage I jury meeting: Thursday, 15 April 2025 
• The decision will be announced in the following week.

To prevent unconscious bias, all submitted applications are anonymised before being presented to the jury in the first stage. The aim of this anonymisation is to achieve the greatest possible diversity in the selected projects.

The selected applicants will receive a financial contribution between CHF 7'000 and CHF 25'000 to support their independent realisation of the modules.  

As part of the Story Lab's ongoing partnerships, the selected applicants have the opportunity to present their project (matchmaking) and take part in workshops and masterclasses.

Newcomers, both young talents and career changers, receive coaching that accompanies the story development process.

The Migros Culture Percentage Story Lab thus promotes young talent and offers career changers the opportunity to integrate into a new environment. Rather than an advisory session on dramatic performance, this entails support in entering the industry. 

The selected applicants are brought together with international mentors who offer individual advice for their project across various areas (dramaturgy, animation, team building, etc.).