Live Pitching Workshop & Mentorship Panel
DEADLINE: November 30, 2023
Want to try your hand at pitching live to a panel of producers?
Submit your project to participate in a Live Pitch!
*Limited to 5 participants*
Do you have a project in the works and want to pitch it to some industry pros?
The 2023 Digi60 Filmmakers’ Festival is excited to offer 5 writers, producers or directors the opportunity to pitch their original idea to a panel of producers who will provide real world feedback and expertise. This exciting opportunity will include:
December 16th - a 4-hour Workshop on polishing your pitch with scriptwriter, educator and industry knowledge-house Teri Loretto.
December 17th - an exciting Mentorship opportunity as you pitch your project to film and television industry professionals.
COST: FREE
Pitchees must have a concept that is fleshed out, be open to constructive feedback, and feel that they are ready to pitch their project in the real world! Check the specifics below for recommended criteria. Stories and quality of writing will be considered. Only 5 projects will be selected.
Selected Projects will be announced December 5th.
Submission Requirements
WHO CAN APPLY?
Applications are open to anyone with a good idea with an emphasis on emerging artists who identify as equity-deserving, including: persons with a disability, Women+, LGBTQ2S+ or BIPOC due to the historical marginalization of these groups in the film and television industry.
Deadline: November 30, 2023, midnight
Your submission should have, at the minimum:
Logline;
Synopsis.
Please include supplemental materials or supporting documents:
TV Series or Web/Digital Series: 3-6 page pitch bible comprising a one-pager, character bios and series arc/episode synopses;
Feature or Doc: 2-page treatment demonstrating strong, compelling story arc;
Short Film: Completed script as appropriate;
Animated project: Concept design or Storyboards and 1-2 pages about the project (e.g. short, series, feature), laying out its story/season arc.
You will be working with these items to create your verbal pitch. These items must be submitted in advance by the deadline of November 30, 2023 midnight.
All selected projects will be announced on December 5, 2023.
Selected Filmmakers will participate in the following events:
Selected Participants will receive a full festival pass for the 2023 Digi60 Filmmakers’ Festival.
December 16, 2023 - PITCHING WORKSHOP
Teri will work directly with 5 screenwriters to hone their story arc and perfect their verbal pitch in a peer environment, preparing them to pitch to a panel of producers on Sunday. Teri draws on her decades of experience as program coordinator and professional screenwriter, leading the Algonquin College Scriptwriting program. This included helping students prepare pitches for film, TV series and documentaries at local events like Pitch Perfect! and Digi60, and Scriptwriting’s annual Toronto Pitching Trip, with broadcasters and producers such as CTV, CBC, eOne and Boat Rocker. She will provide honest, constructive feedback to writers based on industry trends and outlooks, so pitchees can build their pitch effectively. Pitchees will also have the benefit of peer support and constructive peer feedback.
December 17, 2023 - PITCHING & PRODUCER MENTORSHIP PANEL
Pitchees will present their verbal pitch to a panel of producers who will provide feedback and constructive mentorship to round out their project. The Pitchees will also get an opportunity to ask the producers about their process for choosing projects, industry trends, and career advice.
This live pitch is open to the public so as to simulate a real-life live pitch scenario. Everyone is welcome to attend.
**Panelists will be announced along with the selected pitches on December 5th.**
