NFFTY Pitch Competition

POST PRODUCTION FINISHING FUND

 
 

Cash grants of up to $4,000 available!

Do you have a project in need of post production support? Are you 24-or-under? Submit for the opportunity to pitch in front of industry leaders at NFFTY’s third Pitch Competition, presented by Adobe Premiere Pro!

Applicants can submit any NFFTY eligible project -- we accept narrative, documentary, animated & experimental shorts, music videos, and episodic (pilots or short form web series under 40 minutes) -- and a request for up to $4,000 of support. Up to six finalists will be chosen, and they will be paired with an industry mentor ahead of time to practice their pitches and ensure they're putting their best foot forward.

This program seeks to provide a much-needed source of financial contributions to youth artists who often struggle to secure funding to complete their works. Grant funds may be used for any post-production costs including closed captioning and audio descriptions, editing, special effects and graphics, music licensing, and photo licensing.

Ready to learn more? Here we go!

 
 

Eligibility

Your project must:

  • Be eligible to screen in a NFFTY festival — we accept narrative (live action) shorts, documentary shorts, animated shorts, experimental shorts, music videos, or episodic (pilots or short form web series under 40 minutes).

  • Grants are given ONLY for completion; therefore, projects must have majority of production finished and be in the post-production phase or ready to begin post as soon as funding is in place.

  • Projects must utilize Adobe software as their primary post production workflow.

  • Projects in development, script development, pre-production, or production will NOT be considered.

  • Be represented by pitching filmmakers who are 24-and-under at the time they started production on their film.

The live pitch:

  • Must be around 5 minutes long, 8 minutes max.

  • Can include visuals such as PowerPoint, images, or videos.

  • Will be conducted live and in person in Seattle, Washington.

Application

Pitch Competition Timeline

  • Application Opens: Wednesday 12/10

  • Application Deadline: Friday 1/31

  • Notification of finalists: Friday 2/14 

  • Pitch Competition: Held April 5 @ NFFTY 2025

  • Announcement of winners: Sunday 4/6

Application Materials

You should be prepared to submit your materials in a single PDF. If you have a Pitch Deck already prepared for your project, you can submit with your application. Submitters are required to provide the following for review by submission committee. Projects will be judged on strength of CONCEPT (what project you want to make and for whom), BUDGET (what will it take to make your project a reality), and KEY PLAYERS (who is making the project).

REQUIRED

  • CONCEPT — materials include:

    • Project description, including story synopsis, logline, target audience, creative comps. Limit to 2-3 pages max!

    • Full Outline or Screenplay.

  • BUDGET

    • Including any funds or in-kind support already secured - can use own, or NFFTY’s provided template here.

  • KEY PLAYERS — materials include:

    • Link to portfolio(s) - could be YouTube channel(s), Vimeo profile(s), etc.

    • A list of pitching filmmaker(s) past projects - could be IMDB profile, Instagram feed, etc.

OPTIONAL, IF AVAILABLE (may be used in deciding finalists)

  • Lookbook

  • Storyboards

  • Pitch Deck

  • Festival/Release Strategy

  • EPK

  • Poster

  • Video Materials

 
 

Check out the 2022 Pitch Competition!

 
 

Hear from the 2021 Pitch Competition winners!

 
 
 
 

FAQs

Do I have to pitch by myself?

Nope! You can pitch in teams of up to three (3) filmmakers. We recommend you pull from your core creative team.

Where will I be pitching?

Your live pitch will happen in Seattle, WA. You will need to arrive in Seattle through your own means.

What does “cash grants of up to $4,000” mean?

You can request any amount between $1,000 - $4,000 USD. Be sure to request the appropriate amount for your project in the application form below.

Do I have a better chance of receiving funding if I pitch for a lower award request?

We will be looking at your budget in comparison to your award request to ensure that you have a clear reason. If your project could use the full $4,000 — go for it!

Does it cost money to submit to the Pitch Competition?

We’re asking that applicants submit $15 so we’re able to keep programs like the Pitch Competition alive, but you could return that investment many times over! If you have financial circumstances which prohibit you from paying the entry fee, you can select “Hardship” on the application form…or even chip in $30 as a “Supporter.”

You say I’m going to be paired with a mentor, what does that mean?

We want to set you up for the best chance at success and to feel confident. All projects that move forward to the Pitch Competition will have the option to meet with an industry professional to help practice and tighten your verbal pitch.

What if I need more help outside my time with my mentor?

We know it can be nerve wracking. NFFTY has teamed up with Seed & Spark for a free workshop!

How long does my pitch need to be?

Your pitch to the live judging panel should be 5 minutes long, 8 minutes max. Remember, short is sweet! See some of the below resources for successful examples of precise and punchy pitches.

I already have a pitch video prepared for my project. Can I include in my application materials?

Yes! However, if you’re chosen as a finalist, you will still need to pitch live to the judging panel.

I’ve never pitched before, can I still apply?

Of course! We hope that this will be a positive and rewarding learning experience if this is your first time. Here are some videos and reading materials to build your confidence:

I have more questions. Who do I contact?

Email us at: pitch@nffty.org

 
 

THE FINE PRINT

  • Project must demonstrate that its primary production has been completed and has entered into post-production to receive cash payments. 

  • Project funds must be used for approved expenses, as noted on the Pitch Competition budget template.

  • Project is expected to run an accessible and inclusive environment — in alignment with NFFTY values, and in compliance with all CDC, OSHA, and other public health and safety guidelines.

  • Projects must utilize Adobe software as their primary post production workflow.

  • Project is expected to report to NFFTY progress made on film.

    • For example, NFFTY will share approved BTS footage/photos on social media.

  • Project must acknowledge NFFTY support in end credits.