Each edition of the JSFL lasts 7- 8 months over 3 sessions that take place in Jerusalem and/or online.
The first session is an online 4-6 days session, held usually in December. The second is a 4-6 day session, held in Jerusalem, usually in March or April and the final 3–5-day session takes place in July.
The first two sessions focus on writing: each filmmaker progressing through dialog with the script editor they have been assigned. The producer must attend one online meeting during these sessions. Between these two sessions, and before the final one, an online meeting is scheduled to aid the progression of the writing.
The third session revolves around the JSFL pitching event, which takes place during the Jerusalem Film Festival, and introduces the projects to an internationally renowned jury and an audience of influential decision makers including producers, sales agents and festival programmers.
The film producers must be present and take part in the pitching.
In preparation for the third and final session, the filmmakers are required to produce one scene from the script (not longer than 3 min), which will be screened at the pitching event and will serve to communicate the artistic vision of the director. The scene will also be uploaded to the Lab's website. Ahead of the pitching event filmmakers will receive a short pitching training (courtesy of the Shuster Polakoff Foundation).