Sundance Episodic Lab Relocates to Dunaway Gardens in Georgia

In November 2025, it was announced that Dunaway Gardens in Newnan, Georgia will be the new host for the Sundance Institute Episodic Lab program. The immersive six-day lab provides early-career writers with creative and strategic advice from seasoned showrunners, producers, and executives to help advance their projects and careers.

Dunaway Gardens founder Tena Clark expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that the gardens have a long history of supporting both established and emerging artists. The Sundance Institute's founding senior director of artist programs, Michelle Satter, also shared enthusiasm for the new collaboration, noting that the Episodic Lab has been instrumental in elevating the work of many writers over the years.

The Episodic Lab is designed to unite writers with original series concepts that have not yet been produced. Fellows will have the opportunity to workshop their pilots, pitch their ideas, and participate in one-on-one story meetings, case study screenings, and writers' rooms to further develop their series. The program also offers pre-lab workshops and ongoing support from the Sundance Institute.

This partnership aims to provide a nurturing environment for independent voices, empowering them to move their projects and careers forward in the industry.