Terms & Conditions

The Pitch Commissioning Terms and Conditions

(collectively, below, defined as ‘Terms & Conditions’, ‘Ts&Cs’)

If you have submitted to The Pitch in previous year(s), welcome back! And if this is your first foray into exploring The Pitch, we’re thrilled you're here.

However, whether you’re new to The Pitch or a returning Pitcher, please keep in mind that The Pitch’s Ts&Cs have been reviewed and reshaped to fit the new commissioning format.

So, we ask that you actually read them and read them thoroughly, of course, as, during submission, you will be asked to confirm that you’ve read, understand and accept these Ts&Cs, and have entered information within the Ts&Cs where applicable.

Got questions?

By necessity, some of what follows is written in legal-speak, BUT we want these Ts&Cs to be crystal clear for everyone. So, if you’re unsure what something means while reading, drop us an email to ask for more info. As they say, the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask.

The Pitch is a project supported by a number of businesses and trusts and promoted by Bible Society, which is a registered charity (details at the bottom of these Ts&Cs).

Our first commission question is ‘What does it mean to be human in the age of AI?’ We are looking for short film concepts that draw on the Bible to inspire a fresh perspective. We have a series of lenses that invite you to explore that here. These Ts&Cs set out the context and approach we require if you want to apply to the commission.

This is what you're signing up to:

The following are non-negotiable requirements of application and participation. By completing and submitting an official Application form, you, The Applicant, are agreeing to be bound by the Terms & Conditions set out below.

The Pitch reserves the right to amend and alter these rules (‘Change(s)’). The Pitch will give seven (7) days’ notice of such Change(s), if any. Applicants shall have the right to withdraw their application to The Pitch in the event they don’t agree with the Change(s), such request to withdraw to be made in writing and within ten (10) working days of notification of the Change(s).

1. Definitions

The following definitions shall apply in these rules:

1.1. ‘Career Development’ = as set out in section 15 herein;

1.2. ‘Commissioned Writer(s)’ = five (5) writers commissioned by The Pitch to develop their Pitch(es) into a Screenplay(s) written and developed in accordance with the requirements of these Ts&Cs and as required by The Pitch under the terms of the Writer's Commissioning Agreement. Following announcement of the Production Commission(s), ‘Commissioned Writer(s)’ shall thereafter refer to those Writers whose Screenplays have not been selected for production by The Pitch;

1.3. ‘Commissioned Film(s)’ = short film(s) written by the Commissioned Writers, based on their Pitch(es), and otherwise written and developed in accordance with the requirements of these Ts&Cs and as required by The Pitch under the terms of the Writer's Commissioning Agreement. Following announcement of the Production Commission(s), ‘Commissioned Film(s)’ shall thereafter refer to those Screenplays that have not been selected for production by The Pitch;

1.4. ‘Commissioned Screenplay’ = see ‘Screenplay’ within these definitions;

1.5. ‘Commissioning Process’ (and ‘Commissioning’) = the period from The Pitch opening for submissions through to the selection of the Production Commission(s). Further, as defined in the Briefing, including without limitation information contained within the Commission Page and on The Pitch Website;

1.6. ‘Co-Writer’ = a writing partner, if any, to a Commissioned Writer. Together with the Commissioned Writer, ‘Co-Writers’;

1.7. ‘Extenuating Circumstance(s)’ = as set out in clause 4.4 herein;

1.8. ‘Force Majeure’ = as set out in clause 11 herein;

1.9. ’the Investment’ = as set out in clause 13.2 herein;

1.10. ‘Lens’ = as set out in clause 2.1 herein;

1.10.1. ‘Pitch’ (and ‘Pitches’, ‘idea’, ‘story’, ‘premise’) = a combination of written and video pitch (as indicated during the application process) submitted to The Pitch Website by the Applicant for an original Short Film based on the Theme, and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of these Ts&Cs, including without limitation clause 2.1;

1.11. ‘Pitch Briefing’ and ‘Briefing’ = pre-submission information as set out within ‘Before You Apply’ and including without limitation the Commission Page. For the avoidance of doubt, the Briefing forms a material part of these Ts&Cs;

1.12. ’The Pitch’/’TP’/ (also informally ‘us’, ‘we’, ‘our’) = one and the same as Reel Issues Films, the element of Bible Society responsible for producing the films we fund;

1.13. ‘The Pitch Team’ = the individuals organising, representing and administering The Pitch;

1.14. ‘The Pitch Website’ = the website located at www.enterthepitch.com;

1.14.1. ‘Applicant’ (also informally ‘you’, ‘your’, ‘their’, 'they', ‘them’, ‘filmmaker') = a person submitting an application. Also used in the context when the Applicant has been selected as Shortlisted for Commission and/or a Commissioned Writer;

1.15. ‘Premise' = as set out in clause 7.4 herein;

1.16. ‘Production Commission(s)’ (and ‘Commission(s)’) = the Commissioned Screenplay(s) selected by The Pitch to go into production, as set out within these Ts&Cs;

1.17. ‘Production Commissioning Agreement(s)’ = a longform agreement(s) between the Commissioned Writer(s) of the Production Commission(s) and The Pitch including without limitation the full terms of The Pitch’s Investment in production of the Short Film(s) written by the Commissioned Writer(s);

1.18. ‘Screenplay(s)’ and ‘Commissioned Screenplay(s)’ = an original script(s) written by the Commissioned Writer(s), based on their Pitch(es), and otherwise written in accordance with the requirements of these Ts&Cs;

1.18.1. ‘Shortlisted for Commission’ = an Applicant and their application that have been selected by The Pitch for further consideration beyond the Applicant’s initial application. At such ‘Shortlisted for Commission' stage, the Applicant will be asked to create/provide further materials including without limitation reasonable additional Written Elements and/or Video Elements as determined by and at the absolute discretion of The Pitch Team, a writing sample, etc;

1.19. ’Short Film(s)’ = an original scripted short film or films derived from a Pitcher's original Pitch, based on the Theme and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of these Ts&Cs, including without limitation clause 2.1. Subject to the context of its use, 'Short Film’ may also be used in relation to the Premise for such a film and/or for a produced or yet to be produced short film subject to the context of its use;

1.20. ‘Theme’ = the inspiration and focus for the story-telling, the Pitch and the Screenplay(s), namely “what does it mean to be human in the age of AI?”, seen through the Lens of Biblical material and as more fully explored in the Briefing and on The Pitch Website;

1.21. ‘Video Elements’ (and alone and/or together with Written Elements, ‘Elements’) = video recording(s) forming part of a Pitch at submission stage(s) and, if selected, at Shortlisted for Commission, as more adequately set out, without limitation, in clause 2.3 and section 6 herein and within the submission/Application form;

1.22. 'Writer's Commissioning Agreement’ = a longform agreement(s) between the Commissioned Writer(s) and The Pitch including without limitation the full terms of each parties undertakings in relation to the development and writing of the Commissioned Screenplay(s);

1.23. ‘Writers' Retreat’ = the in-person, residential gathering of the Commissioned Writers, The Pitch Team and industry consultants -14-18th March 2027 in the Lake District, UK (if dates need to be changed at the discretion of The Pitch, attendees will be given forewarning) - to further engage with the Theme, source materials Lens and to begin writing their first draft Screenplay(s) with industry consultants’ support, advice and input; and

1.24. ‘Written Elements’ (and alone and/or together with Video Elements, ‘Elements’) = original written materials written by the Pitcher (noting without limitation clause 5.7 herein) and forming part of a Pitch at submission stage(s) and, if selected, at Shortlisted for Commission. The content and word count(s) specification for the Written Elements shall be as set out within the submission/Application form.

2. Content of a Pitch

(including information relating to Commissioning Process milestones)

2.1. A Pitcher must demonstrate, through the core Written Elements and accompanying Video Element(s), that the Theme, as explored in their Premise and storyline, has been unpacked within their Pitch with a biblical imagination and considered through a biblical lens ('the Lens’). If you’d like some more information on what we mean by 'biblical' and ‘the Bible’, check out the Biblical lens articles.

2.2. In preparing an idea and a Pitch, the Pitcher must take into account the Premise and nature of their proposed Short Film such that the finished Short Film would achieve a certification/classification of no more than a 12A (per United Kingdom BBFC film classification), be no longer than ten (10) to twenty (20) minutes including credits, be an original work and comply with all other requirements as set out in the Pitch Briefing and within these Ts&Cs.

2.3. As set out in the Briefing, the Video Element(s) of a Pitch should be simple so-called ‘pieces to camera’, phone or webcam recordings being sufficient; editing, music, titles and graphics are unnecessary. Further, the Video Element(s) must not be in the form of a so-called ‘sizzle reel’ or similar format which is created from third party/copyrighted material (ie video/clips/stills etc) edited together to create a video/audio mood board Pitch. Any Pitch Video Element(s) submitted in this way will not be considered.

2.3.1. An Application form, completed in full, must accompany each application. Applications received with an incomplete Application Form, will not be considered.

2.4. If a Pitch is selected as Shortlisted for Commission, the Pitcher(s) will be asked to create/provide further materials in relation to their Pitch(es), including without limitation reasonable additional i) Written Elements, ii) Video Elements (both i) and ii) as determined by and at the sole discretion of The Pitch Team), iii) a writing sample, etc. Full notification of the specification for such further materials will be sent to Pitcher(s) upon notification of their having been Shortlisted for Commission (‘Notification’)). To be eligible for consideration to be selected as a Commissioned Writer(s), the Pitcher(s) Shortlisted for Commission must submit the required further materials to The Pitch no later than the deadline indicated by The Pitch Team at the point of Notification.

2.5. Commissioned Writer(s) will be selected by The Pitch from those Pitches Shortlisted for Commission by the end of February 2027. They will be required to attend the Writers' Retreat, the in-person, residential gathering of the Commissioned Writers, The Pitch Team and industry consultants - 14-18th March 2027 in the Lake District, UK. If dates need to be changed at the discretion of The Pitch, attendees will be given forewarning. The retreat will engage with the Theme, source materials Lens and provide space for commissioned writers to begin writing their first draft Screenplay(s) with industry consultants’ support, advice and input. All accommodation and subsistence costs relating to the Writers' Retreat will be met by The Pitch. Transport to the Lake District is not included but we will be able to point to external help that may be available to filmmakers to help with travel costs.

2.6. Selection of the Production Commission(s) - the Commissioned Screenplay(s) chosen by The Pitch to go into production - shall be at the sole discretion of The Pitch. Although subject to change, such selection is anticipated to be made in May 2027. In 'Season 1' (2026/2027) of The Pitch Commissioning, The Pitch anticipates selecting one (1) Commissioned Screenplay to receive Investment to go into production. However, at its sole discretion The Pitch may choose to revise this number during the Commissioning Process.

2.7. A Pitch with Written Elements in excess of the stated word count(s) and/or the Video Elements’ maximum running time (as set out in the submission/Application form and, if applicable, at Notification relating to Pitches Shortlisted for Commission) will not be considered.

2.8. Submissions must be made in the English language or use English subtitles.

3. Eligibility

3.1.1. Only one application per Applicant may be submitted.

3.2. All Pitchers, including those who are not United Kingdom (‘UK’) residents (or currently residing in the UK), must be able to attend in person the Writers' Retreat (see 2.5 for dates). It is the responsibility of a non-UK-resident Pitcher to meet all costs of travel and accommodation, and the like, and to arrange all necessary visa requirements (if required) resulting from participation in any aspect of TP.

3.3. For the avoidance of doubt, all previous participants in The Pitch (formerly The Pitch Film Fund), including so-called Winners/Recipients, may submit to The Pitch, but no Pitch (or near-identical Pitch) previously submitted to TP or The Pitch Film Fund by that Pitcher (or previous pitching partner(s)) will be considered.

3.4. If so desired, Pitchers may work with a Co-Writer to jointly develop a Pitch. However, if selected as a Commissioned Writer, only one person per Commissioned Film will be invited to attend the Writers’ Retreat. Pitchers working with a Co-Writer must nominate the individual at the time of entry (i.e. that being the person whose name a submission is in). Further in the same regard, also note clause 13.5 herein.

3.5. Pitchers must be aged 18 or over as of the final submission date.

3.6. Employees of The Pitch and members of their immediate families (including any live-in partner) are not eligible to apply. Their applications will not be considered.

3.7. No Pitch submitted after the final submission date will be considered.

4. Attendance during The Commissioning Process

4.1. The five Commissioned Writers must be available to write and develop their Commissioned Screenplay(s) during March-July 2027, including in person attendance at the Writers’ Retreat and participating in occasional online/in person (to be agreed in good faith) Screenplay development meetings/mentoring sessions. Such availability shall be on a non-exclusive basis throughout the Commissioning Process save for being exclusive during the Writers' Retreat and, if applicable, in the fulfilment of an additional Production Role, if any, during production of the Production Commission(s).

4.2. The Commissioned Writer(s) whose Screenplay(s) is commissioned to go into production (aka Production Commission(s)) must be available to write further drafts of their Screenplay, and, if so required, at the sole discretion of The Pitch Team, participate in the making of their Commissioned Screenplay(s) in the six months immediately following announcement of the Production Commission(s).

4.3. In-person attendance by the Commissioned Writers at the Writers’ Retreat provides key learning, mentoring and evaluation opportunities within the Commissioning Process. Attending in person is required to give all Commissioned Writers equal advantage. The Pitch Team want to support the Commissioned Writers towards the best development of their idea.

4.4. Further, should the Pitcher be selected as a Commissioned Writer, The Pitch stresses that the Pitcher’s attendance in person at the Writers’ Retreat is not negotiable and no exceptions will be made, except in the case of Force Majeure, extreme hardship, a death within the Pitcher's immediate family, or the sudden onset or very recent resurgence of a serious illness as certified in writing by a practising medical doctor (individually or collectively ‘Extenuating Circumstance(s)’).

4.5. For clarity, even if a Pitcher is subject to such an Extenuating Circumstance (or similar, at the absolute discretion of TP (noting the following)) then TP will only be obligated to consider making an exception. Further, for clarity and by way of example, without limitation: missing a flight/train will not be considered as an Extenuating Circumstance as TP expects each Commissioned Writer to be in the United Kingdom in good time to attend the Writers' Retreat (no less than 24 hours prior to the start of the Writers’ Retreat); a Pitcher’s existing work commitments or exploring work-related opportunities will not be considered as an Extenuating Circumstance; etc. This is a reminder that non-United Kingdom resident Pitchers must be prepared and able to travel to the UK if they are selected as one of the five Commissioned Writers.

4.6. In the case that a Force Majeure event effects TP and its ability to stage the Writers’ Retreat in person, then, by necessity, but at The Pitch Team's sole discretion, video conferencing may be used, unless such event can be re-scheduled. Instructions will be given to all Commissioned Writers at the earliest opportunity by The Pitch Team if such a change is needed.

5. Applications that will not be considered or will be withdrawn from the process

5.1.1. The power to decline to consider an application and/or withdraw an Applicant from the process is at the sole discretion of TP, although unless otherwise specified (either here in this clause 5 or elsewhere in these Ts&Cs) such a decision is not automatic.

5.1.2. Unless an application is subject to automatic withdrawal from consideration, TP may choose to allow an application that otherwise meets the criteria for withdrawal or non-consideration to continue in the Commissioning Process. TP has no obligation to inform other Applicants why such an application has been allowed to continue in the Commissioning Process as such details may be personal and/or confidential to the associated Applicant.

5.1.3. Notwithstanding the above, if an application and/or Applicant is in breach of a requirement that could result in withdrawal from consideration due to a Force Majeure Event (as set out herein) then such events will be taken into consideration.

5.2. Any content within a Pitch that is deemed, at the absolute discretion of The Pitch Team, to be blasphemous, offensive, pornographic, defamatory or obscene, or in any other way against the spirit of TP, will not be considered.

5.3. Any application that breaches these Terms & Conditions may not be considered or may be withdrawn from further consideration; an Applicant who breaches them may be withdrawn from the process.

5.3.1. Noting section 4 herein, any Applicant who cannot attend the Writers’ Retreat in-person may be withdrawn from the process.

5.4. Any Pitch containing intellectual property not owned/licensed by the Pitcher, or found to have been plagiarised, or found to be AI-generated, in part or in whole without clear declaration of the specific use of AI, will not be considered. In the case of such matters coming to light at any later stage of the Commissioning Process, then the Pitch shall be subject to automatic disqualification.

6. Format

6.1.1. The Applicant is responsible for ensuring that their application is complete and, in the case of the Video Element(s), uploaded to The Pitch Website in accordance with the content, formatting and similar requirements as set out in the Application Form, in the Briefing, in these Ts&Cs and elsewhere on The Pitch Website.

7. Ownership and Origin of a Pitch:

7.1.1. Noting also clause 7.6 herein, the Applicant must be the Writer and creator/originator, or co-writer/creator of their Pitch.

7.2. A Pitch and/or short film premise thereto (ie a story's central concept, 'what if?’, driving force, core idea, foundation, etc) (‘Premise’; and together ‘Pitch/Premise’) must not be currently under consideration by another production company, investor, development consortium or similar.

7.2.1. The Applicant must not have sold, conveyed, granted or assigned any right, title or interest in their Pitch/Premise and the Applicant guarantees there are no legal encumbrances on the submitted Pitch/Premise of any kind, and that the Applicant is not subject to, nor is the Applicant aware of any matters, facts or circumstances which could lead to any claims, proceedings or litigation or other allegation of infringement, in respect of their Pitch/Premise.

7.2.2. The Applicant must own all title right and interest in the submitted Pitch/Premise, including without limitation the worldwide copyright in their Pitch/Premise and any and all extensions and renewals of that copyright. A Pitch/Premise must be an original work which does not infringe on the rights of any third party person, firm or company.

7.3. All rights in and to the Production Commission(s), together with the Screenplay(s) and any and all development materials thereto, will be owned by The Pitch. For the avoidance of doubt, this shall apply to all and any Future Exploitation of the rights in and to the Production Commission(s), if any, in all media, including without limitation a feature length version, or drama series adaptation of the Production Commission(s), although this does not provide a guarantee of such Future Exploitation.

7.4. All rights in and to the Commissioned Screenplays(s) which have not been commissioned for production by The Pitch will be owned by the Commissioned Writer(s). For the avoidance of doubt, this shall apply to all and any Future Exploitation, if any, of the rights in and to such Commissioned Screenplay(s). This clause is subject to clauses 7.9 and 7.10 herein.

7.5. The Commissioned Writer(s) undertakes to ensure that production of any film, drama, series or the like which is based on or inspired by their Commissioned Screenplay(s) ('Third Party Production’) shall include a credit in its closing credits, 'Developed from an original screenplay commissioned by The Pitch – www.enterthepitch.com' or similar wording to be agreed in good faith between The Pitch and the Commissioned Writer(s).

7.6. Further to clause 7.9, other than in the case of the Commissioned Screenplay(s) being produced (whether 'as is’ or with revision(s) to the Screenplay(s)) as a short film of under 20 minutes running time, the Commissioned Writer(s) undertakes to ensure that the budget for any such Third Party Production shall include first day Principal Photography repayment of the individual Fee(s) paid by The Pitch to the Commissioned Writer(s) together with the uplift percentage, if any, paid to the development investors of such Third Party Production.

8. Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Racism in the Screen Industries

8.1. Reel Issues Films and Supporters of The Pitch are committed to playing their part in seeking to eradicate anti-social behaviour in the film and television industries. They do not tolerate bullying and/or harassment, racism or any other forms of discrimination.

8.1.1. Applicants agree that they will not commit, participate in or condone any act of bullying, harassment, racism or victimisation – as described in the BFI/BAFTA ‘Guidance: A practical workplace guide for the prevention of bullying, harassment and racism in the screen industries’ (the ‘Guidance’) – i) at any point in the Commissioning Process, ii) if selected as having been Shortlisted for Commission iii) if selected as a Commissioned Writer and iv) if applicable, at any point during development, production and exploitation of a Commissioned Writer’s Short Film, aka the Production Commission (individually and collectively, ’TP Term‘).

8.1.2. An Applicant chosen as Shortlisted for Commission and/or as a Commissioned Writer will be required to confirm that they have read in full and will follow the Guidance during each and any stage(s) of the TP Term in which they are involved.  Applicants understand and acknowledge that failure to follow the Guidance will be considered a material breach of these Ts&Cs which will result in the Applicant’s withdrawal from the process.

8.2. In the case of the Commissioned Writer(s), whose Screenplay is selected as the Production Commissioned, failure to follow the Guidance, such failure will be considered a material breach of these Ts&Cs and the terms of the Production Commissioning Agreement and will, under the provisions of such Agreement, result in immediate termination of the Production Commissioning Agreement and withdrawal of the Investment/Commission.

9. Declaration

9.1.1. The Pitch relies on the support of its sponsors and financiers, and representatives thereof (collectively ‘Supporters’), many of whom are charities with required codes of operation and conduct. As such, The Pitch needs to retain the right during the Commissioning Process and during the development of the Commissioned Screenplays, and production and post production of the Production Commission(s) (individually and collectively ‘Production Period’ to include, where applicable, exploitation of the Production Commission(s)), to reflect the focus, heart and priorities of The Pitch and the Supporters in decisions made by The Pitch Team and in relation to the content of the applications Shortlisted for Commission and the Commissioned Film(s).

9.1.2. The Pitch may decline to consider or withdraw an application from further consideration at any point in the Commissioning Process and/or Production Period if The Pitch Team or Supporters become aware of any fact, matter or allegation concerning either an Applicant or application that brings or might bring The Pitch, any member of The Pitch Team, Reel Issues Films or any of the Supporters into disrepute in any way.

9.1.3. In all aspects of TP and the Commissioning Process and Production Period, The Pitch Team work closely with Applicants, the Supporters, cast, crew, consultants and the like, to ensure that the safeguarding of under 18s and vulnerable adults is given due and proper priority and prominence. Please also keep this in mind when responding to the following, below.

9.1.4. If selected as Shortlisted for Commission or a Commissioned Writer, in light of previous clauses in this ‘Declaration’ section, if there are any Issue(s) that the Applicant thinks may impact the Applicant’s full participation in the Commissioning Process of The Pitch and/or Production Period, or hinder The Pitch and Supporters being able to fully engage with the Applicant (for example, noting section 10 herein, a criminal conviction/caution, an allegation of bullying/abusive behaviour, etc), then the Applicant must declare the same in writing in the text box, below.

9.1.5. To be clear: if an Applicant makes such a declaration in the text box, below, this will not automatically prevent the Applicant from participating (other than in the case of clause 10.1.1). The Pitch Team and Supporters believe in second chances. This is about being informed, upfront discussion, avoiding surprises, and The Pitch seeking to help Applicants take next steps.

9.1.6. If you, the Applicant, have anything to declare in regard to the above (see also footnote clause 9.7, and section 10, below), then please write it in the following text box. If you have nothing to declare, please tick/check ‘none’ immediately below the text box (If an Issue(s) is not declared, but is subsequently brought to the attention of The Pitch or Supporters, then The Pitch reserves the right to withdraw an Applicant from the process for failing to disclose the Issue(s)):

☐ None

9.1.7. Having also reviewed all clauses within section 10 herein, if you are at all unsure about the need to declare any matter, above, then, in confidence, and prior to completing your application to TP, you should contact The Pitch Producer, Luke Walton, here, providing your daytime telephone number and name to enable a discussion by phone.

10. Criminal Convictions Policy

10.1. Bible Society works in prisons to help offenders turn their lives around. The Pitch Team share Bible Society’s values, while also needing to put guidelines in place for aspiring filmmakers who might have a criminal conviction. For clarity:

10.1.1.1.1. if a filmmaker, exploring making an application to The Pitch, is still serving a sentence – for instance if their sentence was suspended and the suspension period has not yet ended, or they’ve been released on licence and their sentence has not yet expired, or they’re under supervision or doing community service – such a filmmaker is not eligible to make an application to The Pitch;

10.1.2. if a filmmaker has a criminal conviction and it’s spent, they don’t have to tell The Pitch about it;

10.1.3. if a filmmaker's conviction is spent but they’re on the Sex Offenders Register, they should tell The Pitch when they apply – within the text box following clause 9.6 herein – or talk to Luke Walton (as set out in clause 9.1.7) before they do so; and

10.1.4. if a filmmaker's conviction is not spent, they should tell The Pitch when they apply – within the text box following clause 9.6 herein – or talk to Luke Walton (as set out in clause 9.7) before they do so.

10.1.5. In the case of clauses 10.1.3 and 10.1.4 The Pitch can’t guarantee that a filmmaker will be able to make an application to The Pitch, but The Pitch Team will talk with them and assess the issues. If they’ve already made an application to The Pitch and paid an application fee, and The Pitch decides they can’t continue because of the status of their conviction, The Pitch will refund their application fee (if any paid).

11. Force Majeure Events

11.1. The following is a non-exhaustive list of Force Majeure Events (events outside of any party’s control):

11.1.1. war, acts of terror, act of a hostile army, riot, civil commotion or disorder;

11.1.2. any act which; hinders stops, prevents, interrupts or breaches the supply of any material, power or resource required under these Ts&Cs;

11.1.2.1.1. exposure to any hazardous or dangerous or otherwise unsafe material, chemical or substance that threatens the health and safety of either TP or the Applicant;

11.1.3. pandemics, floods, fire, arson and ‘Acts of God’;

11.1.4. theft, vandalism, criminal damage, sabotage or any other criminal acts causing damage or destruction and death, injury and/or illness of key personnel; and

11.1.5. Government action, orders, commands or similar limiting travel domestically and/or internationally.

12. Miscellaneous

12.1.1. The Pitch shall have the right to record and broadcast, or otherwise disseminate as it so desires, any aspect of The Pitch (including without limitation the Commissioning Process and the Production Period) and the Applicants’ participation in it.

12.1.2. During the Briefing an Applicant is asked to complete The Pitch’s Equality Monitoring Form (EMF). Although completing the EMF is an essential additional element of an application, the answers an Applicant gives will be anonymous. An application and an Applicant’s EMF answers will never be seen side by side by The Pitch Team; so whatever an Applicant says on the EMF won’t impact the Applicant’s progress in the Commissioning Process.

12.1.3. Applicant agrees that at any and all point(s) in the Commissioning Process and, if selected, during the Production Period and, if applicable, exploitation of the Commissioned Film(s), they will not, other than to their professional advisor(s), make any statement, announcement, or give any sensitive information directly or indirectly relating to The Pitch and/or, as applicable, the Production Period (or individuals or organisations associated with The Pitch and/or involved during the Production Period) to a third party. In addition, Applicant shall not at any time present or future do anything detrimental to or say anything detrimental about The Pitch or the Commissioned Film(s), any of the persons or companies detailed herein, or any persons involved in or associated with the Commissioning Process, the Production Period or The Pitch, such as doing or saying anything with the intention of or that has the effect of causing damage or harm (whether physical, financial, reputational or otherwise) to the Short Film(s) or The Pitch or any individual or organisation associated with The Pitch or the Short Film(s) including Reel Issues Films as Producer of the Short Film(s) (‘Producer’), anyone employed by or acting as agent for The Pitch and/or the Producer, any member of the cast or crew of the Short Film(s), and the like. Such undertakings shall include so-called posting(s) on social media which have not been pre-agreed in writing by The Pitch Team and/or the Producer.

12.1.4. The Pitch and The Pitch Team holds itself accountable to the highest standards … but we don’t always get it right. So, for the avoidance of doubt, clause 12.3, above, shall not restrict the right of the Applicant to make a formal complaint (biblesociety.org.uk/complaints-procedure) and/or, if not pursuant to such a formal complaint, the right of Applicant to express, in the first instance to any member of The Pitch Team or Bible Society, any concern, observation or the like relating to section 8 herein at any point in the Commissioning Process and, if applicable, during the Production Period.

12.2. Notices sent by The Pitch concerning these Ts&Cs will be in writing, generally by email. Please make sure to check your emails regularly and let The Pitch know if your email changes during the Commissioning Process and/or the Production Period.

13. Compensation

13.1. For writing services provided to The Pitch, the five Commissioned Writers will each receive an individual fee of £2,500 (two thousand five hundred pounds GBP) (‘Fee’) in remuneration for their writing one or more draft(s) of a Screenplay(s) for their Commissioned Film(s). Such Fee shall be paid in several tranches as set out in a Writer's Commissioning Agreement to be entered into between The Pitch and the Commissioned Writer(s) no later than the Writers' Retreat.

13.2. The Short Film(s) commissioned by The Pitch, to enter into further/final development and production (aka the Production Commission), will receive financial investment from The Pitch, ie a budget, administered by The Pitch Team, to enable production and post production of such Production Commission(s) ('the Investment’).

13.3. The value of such financial investment, and the number of Short Films invested in for production by The Pitch, shall be determined at the sole discretion of The Pitch Team.

13.4. In addition to the Fee as set out in clause 13.1, the Commissioned Writer(s) of the Production Commission(s) will receive an additional fee of £1,000 (one thousand pounds GBP) (‘Additional Fee’) in remuneration for their writing further draft(s) of the Screenplay(s) for their Short Film(s), such drafts to include a so-called 'shooting draft'. The Additional Fee shall be paid as set out in the Writer(s) Commissioning Agreement to be entered into, between The Pitch and the Commissioned Writer(s) of the Production Commission(s), no later than the first day of principal photography of the Short Film.

13.5. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event a Commissioned Screenplay(s) and/or Production Commission(s) is written by Co-Writers, the Fee and Additional Fee, as applicable, set out herein shall be shared by the Co-Writers.

13.5.1. During the Commissioning Process and/or the Production Period, Applicant(s) will receive mentoring from The Pitch Team, story and script development support, and will work with The Pitch Team film industry Producers and consultants and other industry professionals.

13.6. At the discretion of The Pitch Team the Commissioned Writers may receive further Career Development opportunities as set out herein.

13.6.1. The Investment is not transferable. It cannot be exchanged for a cash payment or credit.

14. Production Role(s)

14.1.1. No matter the previous experience and background of an Applicant, all Applicants should have a vision for their ambition/pathway/next steps in the industry.

14.2. During the Commissioning Process, The Pitch Team will work closely with the Commissioned Writer(s) to determine whether, in addition to being the Writer(s), there is an appropriate role for the Commissioned Writer(s) during production of their Commissioned Screenplay(s) (‘Production Role’), including without limitation but, noting the following clauses, without guarantee, as the director of the Short Film.

14.3. It is important to note that The Pitch seeks to create opportunity, recognise talent, support next steps at all stages, help filmmakers to develop their ‘voice’, and celebrate ‘promise’.

14.4. The Pitch Team will seek to build and develop a crew and cast for the Production Commission(s) that best supports the nature, scale and ambition of the Short Film(s) as well as assessing opportunities for career development.

14.5. In relation to a Production Role, having their Commissioned Screenplay(s) selected to become the Production Commission(s) does not guarantee a specific additional such role for the Commissioned Writer(s) during production of their Short Film(s). In all respects the decision of The Pitch Team will be final.

15. Career Development

15.1. The Pitch endeavours to seek-out and create opportunities for Career Development for the Commissioned Writer(s) that best suit individuals’ needs, the stage they’re at in their career, their ambition and trajectory, what will best serve the Commissioned Writer’s Short Film(s), and other similar contributing factors. In addition to, and/or as part of the Commissioning Process and/or the Production Period, some examples of what Career Development could include (subject always to available finance and other variables) are:

15.1.1. As an integral part of the development of the five Commissioned Screenplays, the Commissioned Writer(s) receiving story and script development support/mentoring from industry professionals (see here and here for some of the industry script and story consultants we work and have worked with);

15.1.2. TP seeking opportunity for the Commissioned Writer(s) to meet industry professionals for advice and feedback on their Screenplay(s) and/or Production Commission(s) (as applicable);

15.1.3. Seeking opportunity for the Commissioned Writer(s) to attend key film festival(s) and/or other key industry events in which, if/as applicable, their Short Film is being screened/featured and/or which is considered a targeted opportunity for networking;

15.1.4. Support from The Pitch Team in relation to submission, if/as applicable, of the Short Film(s) into festivals and the like, including, in partnership with The Pitch, exploring all opportunities for exhibition and exploitation of the Short Film(s);

15.1.5. In partnership with the Commissioned Writer(s), exploring avenues for further development of/financing for those Commissioned Screenplays written by the four Commissioned Writers which have not been commissioned by The Pitch to go into production (ie not received Investment);

15.1.6. Support from The Pitch Team in relation to career next steps, including seeking advice on agent representation; and

15.1.6.1.1. In previous years, the Career Development has involved international travel. Although this is not currently an expected element of potential Career Development, in accordance with the terms of Eligibility to apply (as set out in these Ts&Cs), Applicants must be able to travel internationally if required.

The above is not an exhaustive list nor are any elements guaranteed.

16. Data Protection

16.1. By completing and submitting an official Application form and agreeing to these Ts&Cs, The Pitch will by necessity need to collect personal data information. TP also requires your consent to use your personal data (such as name, picture, etc.) in relation to the Commissioning Process.

16.2. By agreeing to these Ts&Cs, you consent to The Pitch using your personal data in relation to the Commissioning Process and day to day operation of The Pitch.

16.3. The Pitch will process your data according to our privacy policy and only in relation to The Pitch and related purposes as described in these Ts&Cs. Your data will not be used for any other purposes.

16.3.1. In the case of applications developed by Co-Writers, the Applicant representing the Co-Writers, and who completes the Application form, certifies that their Co-Writer partner has read and agreed to these Ts&Cs and specifically to the provisions of this section 16.

17. Jurisdiction

17.1. These Terms & Conditions, duly formed in England, shall be subject to and will be interpreted in all respects according to the law of England and Wales.

17.2. Subject to clause 17.4, in the case of any dispute arising under or in relation to these Terms & Conditions, neither party shall commence court proceedings until after the parties have attempted to settle the dispute through mediation or other alternative dispute resolution.

17.3. Any dispute that cannot be settled in accordance with clause 17.2 or relief sought under clause 17.4 shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

17.4. Clause 17.2 shall not apply if it is necessary for either party to obtain urgent relief in order to protect its assets or reputation through court proceedings. Once any hearing or headings in relation to such urgent relief have been concluded, the parties shall attempt to settle any aspect of their dispute that remains to be resolved in accordance with clause 17.2 before continuing the court proceedings.

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If you have a query about these Terms & Conditions please email [email protected]

As mentioned at the beginning of these Ts&Cs, The Pitch is promoted by The British and Foreign Bible Society (‘Bible Society’), charity number 232759, Stonehill Green, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DG.