The Pitch's New Commission to Launch at Aesthetica 2026
In November, The Pitch comes to the Aesthetica Film Festival in York to open its new annual commissioning process: a programme supporting bold, cinematic stories that bring biblical imagination into conversation with the questions shaping life today.
Luke Walton
Running from 4th-8th November 2026, Aesthetica brings together filmmakers, audiences and industry leaders across York. The Pitch will be there throughout the week with workshops, masterclasses, screenings and opportunities for writers and filmmakers to meet the commissioning team. We would love to see you at one of the events!
Learn about adaptation
Wednesday 4 November, 14:00–15:00 | Spark
A practical workshop for writers, directors and film lovers exploring how source material can be transformed for the screen. Using case studies, discussion and exercises, the session will consider the creative balance between fidelity and innovation, with the Bible presented as an enduring source of cinematic inspiration.
Discover the new commission
The first commission asks: What does it mean to be human in the age of AI?
We are looking for emotionally grounded short-film ideas exploring areas such as intimacy, memory, grief, identity and human connection. This is not a call for simple stories about technology saving or destroying us. We want compelling characters, cinematic ideas and stories with something truthful to say about being human.
Five writers will each receive a £2,500 paid writing commission, together with development support and a writers’ retreat. At least one project will progress towards further development and full production. Applications open on 6 November 2026 and close at midday on 14 December 2026.
Watch the 30 second trailer for our new commission below:
Interested in applying? You can find out more on the Commission page.
The Art of the Short
Thursday 5 November, 16:00 | Yorkshire Museum
Screenwriter and script consultant Justine Hart joins The Pitch for a practical masterclass on creating memorable characters, shaping dramatic momentum and telling a complete story within the compressed form of a short film. The session will also introduce the new paid writing opportunity.
Writing the Future
Friday 6 November, 11:30 | York Theatre Royal Studio
Nathan Mladin and invited guests will open up the ideas behind the new commission. How is AI changing our relationships, and what might be lost, gained or rediscovered? The session will explore friendship, intimacy, grief, identity and mortality, while considering how enduring stories about human nature can inspire unexpected responses to emerging technology.
Bring your ideas
Friday 6 November, 13:00–14:30 | York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer
Meet members of The Pitch commissioning team, ask questions and begin a conversation about your story. Writers, writer-directors, producers and filmmakers at every stage are welcome.
Unmissable
Aesthetica is a BAFTA & BIFA-qualifying festival, playing 100s of short films and bringing together a broad range of filmmakers and industry professionals, taking place in the heart of York, England's only UNESCO City of Culture.
If you're not already heading to the festival, you can book your ticket here.
Luke Walton
Founder & Director
Luke is the founder and director of The Pitch and its production arm, Reel Issues Films. He has been developing and producing films since 2008.