#SSD25 > June 23-26, 2025
Sunny Innovation Lab
move your innovation forward
Are you exploring new forms of documentary storytelling? Need to accelerate your project’s development, increase visibility, and connect with international partners, co-producers, and distributors? Join our unique training program for non-linear narratives.
Call for applications open until March 25, 2025.
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What is Sunny Innovation Lab?
Sunny Innovation Lab (formerly Innovation WIP) is a unique training program for non-linear documentary projects such as podcasts, VR, AR, immersive installations, AI, video games, and more.
Six selected projects will benefit from tailored mentoring, industry insights, and personalized guidance to help creators develop their projects and prepare for international exposure.
Designed as a flexible program, Sunny Innovation Lab includes:
- Online sessions prior to the market,
- On-site workshops and networking opportunities during the event,
- A live presentation in front of top industry professionals at Sunny Side of the Doc.
Why participate?
This program offers creators a one-of-a-kind opportunity to:
- Showcase their projects to a targeted, qualified audience.
- Gain insights and personalized advice from industry experts.
- Connect with leading distributors, broadcasters, and cultural institutions.
- Learn how to navigate the international co-production ecosystem.
- Sharpen their skills to pitch and sell their projects to key decision-makers.
Who can apply?
We welcome all creators exploring non-linear formats, such as podcasts, VR, AR, MR, immersive installations, AI, video games, sound immersion, web series, dome experiences, and more.
Applicants may include filmmakers, producers, and writers—whether emerging or experienced. Projects must be in advanced development (early-stage concepts or finished works are not eligible). Applications from all countries are welcome.
Note: Sunny Side of the Doc does not cover travel and accommodation costs. Participants are encouraged to seek financial support from local or regional institutions.
how to apply?
Read carefully the call for applications and submit before March 25, 2025 - 12h CET.
option 1
accreditation + application
Log on to MySunnySpace to request your accreditation (10% off until 28 February 2025). Once accredited, select the "Apply to Sunny Innovation Lab" option (€90) and start the application process.
option 2
application only
Visit the submission platform and submit your application to the "Sunny Innovation Lab" (€90 excl. VAT) without purchasing your Market Pass. You’ll have the option to buy your accreditation at a later stage.
where to apply?
From our dedicated page, choose your product and access the platform that meets your needs.
*Opening date for submissions & accreditations: 17 December 2024.
Closing date for submissions: 25 March 2025, 12pm CET.
what we are
looking for
Eligible projects
- All non-linear narrative forms: podcast, VR, AR, MR, immersive installation, artificial intelligence, video games, sound immersion, web series, dome, etc.
- All talents, established or not, can submit their project: directors, producers, authors;
- Projects must be at an advanced stage of development. We do not encourage projects whose creation has been finalised or which are in post-production;
- Entries from all countries are welcome.
- Applications must be submitted in English.
Project assessment
Projects will be assessed and selected by a jury of industry professionals based on the following criteria:
- Power and originality of the story and the storytelling;
- International relevance and potential for international co-production;
- Financial feasibility;
- Without being a prerequisite, other elements will be taken into consideration, such as plans for an impact strategy or a green / sustainability certification.
why pitch at sunny side?
With 300+ top-level international decision-makers in attendance, representing leading broadcasters, streamers, foundations, sales agents and other funders looking for impactful stories, pitching at sunny side is a unique opportunity to reach your future partners.
what benefits?
Key benefits also include: accessing a qualified and diverse professional audience, mentoring from industry experts, sealing potential financial deals, finding new partners, meeting with peers for potential co-production discussions, and much more.
Our pitching sessions will be held during the marketplace (La Rochelle, 19-22 June) and we will accomodate those who may not be able to travel to France to pitch online. Wherever you are, you’ll have the same chance to pitch.
What we are looking for
The Innovation WIP is aimed at documentary or documentary-inspired stories, regardless of category, format or technology used:
- XR (virtual reality, mixed reality, augmented reality),
- podcasts,
- video games,
- dome creation,
- video mapping.
In order to benefit from the support programme and the market in the best possible conditions, your project must be sufficiently advanced and mature, but not yet in post-production.