The Second Annual NFFTY 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 for the opportunity to pitch in front of industry leaders at NFFTY’s second annual Pitch Competition during the LA Pop Festival! 

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 $5,000 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.

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).

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

  • Be represented by pitching filmmakers who are 24-and-under at the time they start 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 Los Angeles, California.

Application

Pitch Competition Timeline

  • Opens: Friday 8/5

  • Regular Deadline: Friday 9/16

  • Extended Deadline: Monday 9/19

  • Notification of finalists: Friday 9/23 

  • Pitch Competition: Saturday 10/15 @ 6pm PT

  • Announcement of winners: Sunday 10/16

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

Hear from the 2021 Pitch Competition Winners!

 
 

Take a Look at Last Year’s Competition!

 
 
 
 

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 Los Angeles, CA. You will need to arrive in LA through your own means.

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 $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! You can register here and join us on Thursday, September 1st for the Art of the Pitch + Art of the Pitch Video 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:

Any other pitch support?

We recommend that all applying pitchers attend Seed&Spark’s Art of the Pitch workshop on Thu 9/1 @ 12pm PT.

I have more questions. Who do I contact?

Email us at: pitch@nffty.org

 
 

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 will share approved BTS footage/photos on social media.

  • Project must acknowledge NFFTY support in end credits.

Pitch Competition Winners

In first place is Tiffany Lin!

Tiffany’s short documentary Untitled Tiffany Lin Documentary is being awarded $5,000.

LOGLINE: A woman named Tiffany Lin goes on the ultimate journey of self- discovery: a search for other women named Tiffany Lin.

In second place is Riley Street! Her short film Scooter is being awarded $4,000.

LOGLINE: Scooter, an unemployed 23 year old girl, makes a living by sleeping in high schoolers' beds as a body double while they sneak out of the house. When she accidentally takes a job from her friend’s little sister, she must find a way to do her job AND attend her friend’s engagement dinner– in the same house!

In third place is Natalie Harris! Her short film Grace is being awarded $1,000.

LOGLINE: 1957, USA. Every summer, Grace and her sisters visit their grandparents down south. Now that she’s 13, this summer is unlike any other.