Arc & Beat Lab

For filmmakers and storytellers shaping their films from the inside out.

At the heart of every unforgettable film lies rhythm, emotion, and story.

Arc & Beat Lab is a post-production dramaturgy programme connecting filmmakers with an experienced dramaturgy mentor to help shape and refine their story throughout the editorial process - exploring structure, rhythm, and emotional truth. It’s a creative space to refine your narrative arc, find your story’s heartbeat, and strengthen the artistic integrity of your film.

Think of it as a development studio for story craft — a collaborative environment where ideas are challenged, elevated, and supported from first spark to fine cut.

Who It’s For

Arc & Beat Lab is open to directors, editors, and creative producers with a project that has finished principal photography and is entering post-production.

It is ideal for those working on feature docs, and feature drama across fiction, documentary, or hybrid formats.

We encourage and support applications from:

  • Underrepresented voices across the UK’s film landscape.
  • Regional storytellers working outside traditional hubs.
  • Emerging filmmakers seeking structured creative guidance.
  • Collaborative teams eager to explore story form in a supportive lab environment.
Our Vision

Arc & Beat Lab believes that great films are crafted as much in the edit as on set.

We nurture distinctive voices, helping filmmakers develop sustainable creative practices while fostering a vibrant, inclusive UK filmmaking community.

The programme reflects our commitment to:

  • Inclusivity and access – hybrid participation reaches filmmakers across the UK.
  • Sustainability – prioritising low-impact, remote-first collaboration models.
  • Public benefit – sharing insights and outcomes through an open-access learning report.
Programme Structure

The Lab is designed as a four-session mentorship journey, supporting filmmakers at critical stages of the post-production process:

1. Vision Deep-Dive (1:1 session)

A private session with the dramaturgy mentor to explore — the filmmaker’s core vision, motivations, and the emotional truths that inspired the film.

2. Early Assembly Review

An exploration of the rough cut to identify story rhythms, character arcs, and emotional beats. The mentor helps the filmmaker see the narrative patterns emerging in the edit and consider choices that can strengthen clarity and engagement.

3. Second Rough Cut Review

A deeper look at the evolving cut, focusing on pacing, structure, and emotional resonance. The session inspires filmmakers to experiment with narrative shifts, juxtaposition, or scene adjustments, encouraging them to trust their instincts while staying aligned with the story’s core.

4. Early Fine Cut Review

The final session before picture lock, guiding the filmmaker to refine subtle narrative rhythms and emotional beats. The mentor helps sharpen the story’s impact without imposing solutions — inspiring creative decisions that elevate the project’s storytelling power.

Throughout the Lab, the approach is to inspire, not dictate, offering insight, reflection, and structured support to help filmmakers find their best story in the edit.

Programme Format

Duration: 4–6 months, tailored to align with each project’s post-production timeline.

Format: Hybrid delivery — a mix of online sessions and in-person meetings at Bloomsbury Post House, London, depending on the project’s needs.

Cost: Available to all Bloomsbury Post House Members. Participation involves a one-off application fee, with affordable per-session dramaturgy fees billed to the project’s production company.

"The Arc & Beat Lab provided dramaturgy support over a number of sessions during the post production process - that expertise helped craft a strong narrative which brought the filmmaker into the story, adding emotional depth and a way for the audience to connect with the film's subject - in this case chimpanzees."

- Director, Chimpanzee (Feature Documentary)
How to Apply

Applications open 15th January - 15th November.

To apply, submit:

  • A brief synopsis or treatment (max 2 pages).
  • A short statement of your creative goals.
  • A bio or CV for director, producer and editor (max 1 page).
  • Details of production company responsible for finance.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a selection interview. Successful candidates will join a dynamic, collaborative cohort.

E: Connect@bloomsburyposthouse.co.uk