Development lab
Dolly Llama Development Lab
Most filmmakers don’t fail because of talent.
They fail because they never reach the market.
Not because their work isn’t strong -
but because they don’t understand development.
That is the gap.
The Dolly Llama Development Lab is built to bridge it.
A progression system
designed to move
projects into real
industry enviroment
at every
stage of development
Build
Develop the project from foundation to first draft and proof of concept.
01
Build
Develop the project from foundation to first draft and proof of concept.
01
Scale
Refine, position, and prepare the project for industry entry.
02
Build
Develop the project from foundation to first draft and proof of concept.
01
Excute
Move the project into real industry environments and active market engagement.
03
Build
Develop the project from foundation to first draft and proof of concept.
01
Dolly Llama Development Lab
Tier 1
Build
tier 01
Objective
Transform a structured idea into a working film project.
Participants enter with a complete outline (Act 1-2-3).
Participants exit with:
a complete first draft screenplay
a working pitch deck
a clear pathway toward execution
Core Principle
Tier 1 is designed to build discipline, consistency, and momentum - not just output.Projects are developed across multiple tracks simultaneously
Story
Script
Visual identity
Proof of concept
Early-stage funding awareness
This is not a linear writing process.It is a project-building system.
Dolly Llama Productions is built on the philosophy of creating an environment where filmmakers become
the creators they aim to be - through consistent execution, discipline, and real project development, not theory alone.
Duration
Core Build Phase
10 Weeks
Proof of Concept Production (selective)
Approx. 10 hours per week (~2 hours per day, Monday-Friday)
+ 2 Weeks
The program is structured around a 10-week development cycle. However, progression is based on
readiness - not rigid deadlines.
Participants are expected to take ownership of their pace within the structure.
The minimum requirement for completion is the full duration of the tier. Beyond that, progression is based on readiness - not speed.
As the program evolves across the year, projects are continuously evaluated for progression into higher
tiers based on consistency, development strength, and alignment.
Weekly Structure
Monday
Story Foundation
Story structure, character archetypes, themes, and symbolism. Establishing authenticity before cinematic execution. Guided session with Chelsea. Homework assigned.
Tuesday
Proof of Concept & Production Thinking
Identify key scenes, define visual approach, and understand production fundamentals and cost drivers.
Wednesday
Pitch Deck & Visual Identity
Build tone, world, references, and deck structure. Shape the project beyond the script.
Thursday
Script Development & Directing Workshop
Script writing, scene construction, dialogue. Directing workshop and feedback session. Review and apply structural improvements.
Friday
Finance & Pathways (Light Day)
Explore private vs public funding, development pathways, and aligned opportunities.
Milestone Targets
Week 4
Act 1 completed
Week 7
Act 2 completed
Week 10
Act 3 completed
These milestones represent the intended pace of development.
Proof of Concept
Production Phase (Weeks 11-12)
This phase is not guaranteed for all participants.
Projects that demonstrate readiness move into active proof of concept production.
To qualify, projects must have
Script intact and production-ready
Location identified
Crew in place
Actors attached
Funding or fundraising in motionSelected projects enter a guided production phase, with support in sourcing, coordination, and execution.
Important
Completion of Tier 1 does not guarantee entry into proof of concept production.
Projects must demonstrate readiness.
Participants are expected to continue developing their project beyond the core program if needed.
What Participants Leave With
First draft screenplay (or strong draft progression)
Working pitch deck
Proof of concept plan (or finished piece for selected projects)
Clear next steps toward execution
Dolly Llama Development Lab
Tier 2
Scale
tier 02
Objective
Transform a completed project into an industry-ready package. Participants exit with:
a refined, submission-ready script
a complete pitch package
a clear pathway into markets, labs, and funding opportunities
Core Principle
Tier 2 is about positioning, alignment, and execution. The intensity shifts from output to precision, execution, and decision-making.
Projects are positioned to compete within the industry.
Duration
Scale Phase
6 Weeks
A concentrated development period focused on refining the project, positioning it for the industry, and preparing for real-world opportunities.
This phase is designed to maintain momentum and align with key market timelines.
Weekly Structure
Monday
Script Development (Story Focus)
Refining structure and integrating workshop feedback. Preparing the script for external readers.
Tuesday
Production Calendar
Mapping the project into execution: pre-production, shoot, and post-production planning.
Wednesday
Pitch Deck & Visual Identity
Finalising presentation materials and developing verbal articulation of the project.
Thursday
Funding, Applications & Market Positioning
Executing submissions, advancing funding strategies, and aligning the project with the right ecosystem.
Friday
Script Workshop & Directing Focus
Cinematic storytelling, peer and mentor review. Feedback feeds into Monday refinement.
What Participants Leave With
Completion of Tier 2 establishes eligibility for Tier 3.
Advancement is not automatic and is determined.
by project strength, consistency, and readiness for live industry environments.
Refined script (submission-ready)
Complete pitch deck
Application materials submitted or ready
Identified submission targets
Clear funding and development pathway
Dolly Llama Development Lab
Tier 3
Execute
tier 03
Objective
Enter the Market
Tier 3 is where projects move into active industry execution.
Projects are selected based on strength, alignment, and readiness - and enter the Dolly Llama Productions
slate for advancement.
Selection prioritises participants who demonstrate the ability to operate confidently and professionally within
industry environments.
Projects are advanced based on readiness, timing, and strategic alignment.
This stage operates in real time, where timing and readiness directly impact opportunity.
This Stage Is Defined By
Market Participation & Industry Presence
Engagement across major international markets including IFFR, Berlinale, and Cannes. Participants are expected to initiate conversations, represent their projects professionally, and operate within live industry environments.
Execution of Funding Strategy
Applying and activating funding pathways developed in Tier 1 & 2.
Direct Industry Engagement
Exposure to meetings, conversations, and real project positioning.
Ongoing Development & Reshaping
Refining the project based on market response and strategic direction.
In-House Strategy & Direction
Internal sessions to evaluate progress and determine next moves.
Production Alignment
Advancing the project toward financing, partnerships, and production readiness.
What Participants Leave With
positioned within the market
aligned with clear next steps
actively moving toward financing, partnership, or production
having built meaningful industry relationships, with ongoing connection and collaboration nurtured alongside Dolly Llama Productions - with progress measured through real industry traction