Introducing NFFTY’s first-ever pitch competition

Cash grants of up to $5,000 available!

Do you have a project that you are looking to get production and post-production support for? Are you 24-or-under? Submit an application for the chance to pitch live to a panel of industry judges at NFFTY’s first ever Pitch Competition!

Ready to learn more? Here we go!

2021 Pitch Competition Judges

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).

• Have already completed progress on pre-production, including full outline or screenplay

• All pitching filmmakers must be 24-and-under at the time they start production on their film. Production must start no earlier than December 2021.

Application

Pitch Competition Timeline

• Opens: Thursday 9/9

• Closes: Thursday 10/7 @ 9pm PT/12pm ET

• Notification of finalists: Monday 10/11

• Pitch Competition: Thursday 10/21 @ 6pm PT

• Announcement of winners: Monday 11/8

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

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.

What does “cash grants of up to $5,000” mean?

You can request any amount between $1,000 - $5,000 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 $5,000 — go for it!

Does it cost money to submit to the Pitch Competition?

We’re asking that applicants submit $5 so we’re able keep programs like the Pitch Competition alive, but you could return that investment a thousand times over…literally! 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 $10 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.

How long does my verbal pitch need to be?

Your verbal pitch to the live judging panel should be 2-3 minutes long, 5 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:

• https://screencraft.org/2021/01/11/virtual-pitching-advice-for-screenwriters/

• https://screencraft.org/2020/11/20/virtual-pitch-tips-from-pros/

• https://seedandspark.com/blog/making-a-perfect-crowdfunding-pitch-video

• https://seedandspark.com/blog/our-favorite-pitch-videos-of-2020

• https://nofilmschool.com/2017/03/how-to-pitch-your-movie-tv-series

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFL0qLOihzc

• https://seedandspark.com/education/crowdfunding-class#Dont-Make-Another-Boring-Pitch-Video

• https://youtu.be/--01Wzktdfk?t=915 (starting where the link starts through about 40:35 in particular)

• https://cutaway.shift.io/the-ultimate-guide-to-film-pitch-decks-plus-examples

Any other pitching support?

We recommend that all applying pitchers attend Seed&Spark’s Art of the Pitch workshop on Wed 9/29 @ 4pm PT.

THE FINE PRINT

• Project must demonstrate that it is in active production to receive cash payments. 

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

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

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

  • For example, NFFTY shares BTS footage/photos on social media.

• Project must acknowledge NFFTY support in end credits.

• Project must not be actively running a Kickstarter or other crowdfunding campaign until after November 2021.