IFP's Independent Filmmaker Labs launched their 4 day Narrative Lab program yesterday at Soho House in New York City. For the first time in the history of the lab program, 2008 Narrative Lab participants will be eligible for the Independent Filmmaker Finishing Grant, which totals $50,000 provided by an anonymous donor. Lab leaders Scott Macaulay and Gretchen McGowan will be joined by 24 additional lab leaders who will mentor filmmakers and key crew on topics that range from festival strategy to music selection to DIY promotion and publicity. Last year's Narrative Lab participants (pictured above with filmmakers John Sayles and Maggie Renzi) have gone on to great festival acclaim, including The New Year Parade, which won the Grand Jury Prize this January at Slamdance. For more information on the labs, check out IFP's website. www.filmmakermagazine.com/blog/