The Pitch invites original pitches of up to two (2) minutes in length, showcasing the potential of the entrant to make a film. The entrant will demonstrate this with a pitch for an original contemporary short film (recommended maximum length of 15 minutes) that takes inspiration from a biblical story, parable, character or book. Any genre is acceptable, and the pitch may be a simple piece to camera telling the story, or it may be a storyboard, pilot piece, etc.
Each pitch must be accompanied by the official entry form, which will outline the case for supporting the film maker, cite the biblical source material for the pitch, and include a rationale for the choice of material.
The competition is open to everyone aged 18 years or over as of 8 December 2019.
Entry is conditional upon full agreement to The Rules and The Small Print (see below for more details).
The competition will take place over three rounds: round one, round two and final round.
We know that deadlines are an artist’s best friend! The early bird entry to The Pitch is free. But to stagger entries - and help support the film fund - there are charges for later entry. All funds go back into supporting filmmakers through The Pitch.
Deadline | Last submission | Fee |
---|---|---|
Early Bird | 12 Noon UK time, Monday 23 September 2019 | Free |
Standard | 12 Noon UK time, Monday 7 October 2019 | £20 |
Late | 12 Noon UK time, Monday 21 October 2019 | £50 |
Selection of Pitches to be ‘in consideration’ will be made by The Pitch Team consisting of film professionals, theologians, communication and media production staff.
Pitches will be critiqued based on the following criteria:
1. the originality and potential of the Pitch
2. the Pitcher's passion and vision for film making
3. the Pitcher's skill and ability to communicate
4. the Pitcher's understanding and/or interpretation of the emotional core of the bible story; and
5. contemporary approach of the Pitch
Once the Pitch Team have screened and selected pitches internally a LONGLIST will be published on the website on 1st November 2019.
In previous years there has been a public vote to select the Shortlist of 20 from which the finalists are drawn. However we have listened to feedback and know that as filmmakers you value simplicity and being assessed by your peers. So the public vote has been replaced by a ‘Panel of Peers’.
This Panel – consisting of Pitch consultants and filmmakers from our alumni – will review the longlist. Using the same criteria as above they will select the SHORTLIST of 20 to be published on 8th November 2019.
The SHORTLIST will be reviewed by the industry judges from this year’s pitch, who will be listed on the Judges page. The judges will select the 10 finalists who they wish to see pitch in person at the Finalists.
The ten finalists will be notified on 20 November 2019, when the final ten will also be announced on www.enterthepitch.com
If you are a finalist in 2019, you will have a greater opportunity to help develop and hone your pitching skills, as we will be inviting you to attend a residential course in December 2019 ahead of the Finalists Weekend. The course will take place between Sunday 8 December 2019 and Tuesday 10 December 2019. This course will offer you a master-class worthy of the big studios, feedback on your pitch and help in preparing for the pitch.
The ten finalists will be invited to participate in the finalists’ weekend, taking place on 17-19 January 2020.
The ten Finalists will be responsible for their own travel, but The Pitch will arrange and pay for accommodation on Saturday 18 January for all ten finalists.
The weekend will include making a face-to-face pitch with the judges and a subsequent interview. There will also be a variety of activities including workshops, screenings and critique.
Only three of the ten finalists will go through to pitch on day two (Sunday19 January), the other seven finalists will attend a special presentation.
The winner will be announced on Sunday 19 January, 2020.
The winner will work with a budget (which has a value in excess of £30,000) to make their short film (recommended maximum length of 15 minutes). The winner will be expected to demonstrate the ability to undertake the practical production of the film but will be offered production assistance from an established film production company.
The short film will be filmed, and completed during the first half of 2020, at dates to be agreed with the winner. This will take into account the period for pre-production and will proceed to principle photography as and when the project is ready.
The winning pitcher will then take the completed film to Los Angeles in 2020, and there will meet with industry professionals who will give feedback and advice on the film. The industry professionals will be people such as Ralph Winter (Producer X-Men; Fantastic Four; Wolverine) (although The Pitch retains the right to alter and amend the meetings as necessary with due regard to the availability of individuals).
The following are non-negotiable requirements of entry. By completing and submitting an official entry form, you are agreeing to be bound by terms and conditions set out below. The Pitch reserves the right to amend and alter these rules without notice.
Definitions
The following definitions shall apply in these rules:
Content
Eligibility
Format
The pitcher is responsible for ensuring that their pitch is uploaded to The Pitch website in the format outlined.
Please see the technical information page for more information about uploading your pitch.
Ownership
No matter the previous experience and background of the pitcher, the pitcher should have a vision for their future role in the industry as producer, director or writer. During the process, and particularly the Finalist’s Weekend, The Pitch Team and judges will, in discussion with the winner, determine the most appropriate role for the winner in the production of the winning film. In doing this, The Pitch Team will seek to build and develop a crew and cast around the pitcher in a way that best supports and develops the gifts of the winner. The judges’ decision in these matters will be final.
The Pitch Team and competition organisers will pay for one economy class airfare between London and Los Angeles, and will provide accommodation for six nights for the winning pitcher.
The pitcher shall be responsible for travel insurance and all necessary legal paperwork, i.e. valid and subsisting passport (with at least six months before renewal is required at the time of travel), visas (where appropriate) and ESTA forms for the pitcher. Proof must be provided of these prior to travel.
The prize is not transferable. No cash or credit alternatives will be offered.
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