Terms and Conditions

1. Definitions

The following definitions shall apply in these rules:

1.1 ‘Career Development’ = as set out in these Ts&Cs;

1.2 ’Clearances’ = collectively, as described in these rules, written clearances and permissions obtained by the Pitcher relating to Component(s), material(s), locations, actors and the like, such as are included within and relevant to the Pitcher’s video Pitch;

1.3 ’Component(s)’ =  elements such as but not limited to music, video/film, photographs, artwork, or similar;

1.4 ’Essential Additional Element(s)’ = an essential element of a Pitcher’s submission which is required to be fully complied with and/or completed in order to validate their submission. The absence or incomplete nature of any one or more Essential Additional Element(s), as detailed in these Ts&Cs and the Briefing, will invalidate the Pitcher’s submission. Please note: this highlighting does not mean that any/all other aspects of these rules, the Pitch Briefing and TPFF submission process are optional or not essential;

1.5 ‘Extenuating Circumstance(s)’ = as set out in clause 4.5 herein;

1.6 ’Finalist(s)’ = one, more or all of up to the ten highest placed Pitchers as determined through the Selection Process;

1.7 ’Finalists’ Weekend’ and ‘Finalists’ Development Residential’ (together ‘the Finalist’s Stages’) = as set out here;

1.8 ‘Force Majeure’ = as set out in clause 12 herein;

1.9 ’Investment’ = benefit received by the Recipient(s) from The Pitch Film Fund, as fully set out in the section describing the ‘Investment’ in these Ts&Cs;

1.10 ’Investment Agreement’ = the contract between Reel Issues Films and the Recipient relating to Investment in the Short Film;

1.11 ’Pitch’ (and ‘Pitches’) = a video pitch, of no more than two minutes, for a Short Film, submitted to The Pitch Website and accompanied by an official Entry Form completed in full;

1.12 ’Pitch Briefing’ & ‘Briefing’ = the first stage of the formal submission process. For the avoidance of doubt, the Pitch Briefing forms a material part of The Pitch Film Fund’s Ts&Cs;

1.13 ’The Pitch Film Fund’/‘the Fund’/’TPFF’/ (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;

1.14 ‘The Pitch Team’ = the individuals organising, representing and administering The Pitch Film Fund;

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

1.16 ’Pitcher’ (also informally ‘you’, ‘your’, ‘their’) = a person submitting a Pitch. Also used in the context of Finalists and Finalist’s Stages where the Pitcher has been selected as a Finalist;

1.17 ’Recipient(s)’ & ‘Investment Recipient(s)’ = Pitcher(s) chosen by the judges, through the Selection Process, and specifically during the Finalists’ Weekend, to receive the Investment;

1.18 ’Selection Process’ = as set out in the Briefing; and

1.19 ’Short Film’ = a scripted short film or films (up to a maximum of 10 minutes including credits) derived from a Recipient’s original two-minute Pitch, based on or inspired by the Bible. If you’d like some more information on what we mean by ‘the Bible’, check out this link.

2. Content of a Pitch

2.1 A Pitch must clearly demonstrate, both with its video and accompanying written elements, that the underlying source material is Biblical.

2.2 In preparing an idea and a Pitch, the Pitcher must take into account the premise and nature of their proposed Short Film – and the way they are seeking to tell it – 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 10 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, Pitches must not be in the form of a so-called ‘sizzle reel’ or ‘rippo’, 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. For the avoidance of doubt, a Pitch that includes work owned by a third party or parties under the Pitcher’s defence of ‘caricature’, ‘parody’ or ‘pastiche’ is also not acceptable. Any Pitches submitted in this way will not be considered;

2.4 An Entry Form, completed in full, must accompany each submission. Pitches not accompanied by an official Entry Form, or by an incomplete Entry Form, will not be considered;

2.5 Any Pitch in excess of two minutes will not be considered; and

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

3. Eligibility

3.1 Only one Pitch per Pitcher may be submitted;

3.2 If so desired, Pitchers may work in small teams to jointly develop a Pitch, or more than one Pitch, but, if selected, only one person, per team, per selected Pitch will be invited to attend the Finalists’ Weekend and Finalists’ Development Residential. Teams must nominate the individual at the time of entry (i.e. that being the person whose name a submission is in);

3.3 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 Finalists’ Weekend (see here for full details) and the Finalists’ Development Residential (details) (together, the Finalist's Stages). 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 TPFF;

3.4 Previous Pitchers may submit to The Pitch Film Fund, but no Pitch (or near-identical Pitch) previously submitted to TPFF by that Pitcher (or prior team members) will be considered;

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

3.6 Employees of The Pitch Film Fund and members of their immediate families (including any live-in partner) are ineligible to enter. Any such entries will be considered void and invalid;

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

3.8 The Recipient(s) must be available to make their Short Film(s) in the six months immediately following the Finalists’ Weekend;

3.9 In the context of the Career Development, Pitchers must be able to travel internationally if required; and

3.10 A Pitch that is not in violation of these rules but is deemed by The Pitch Film Fund, at its sole discretion, to contain content that may be unsuitable for minors, will require age verification prior to viewing on The Pitch Website.

4. Attendance during The Process

4.1 Should the Pitcher be selected as a Finalist, the Pitch Film Fund stresses that the Pitcher’s attendance in-person at the Finalist’s Weekend and Finalist’s Development Residential (together, the Finalist’s Stages) is not negotiable and no exceptions will be made, except in the case of extreme hardship or Force Majeure;

4.2 Such in-person attendance by the Pitcher at the Finalist’s Stages provides key evaluation and learning points within the Selection Process. Attending in-person is required to give the Pitcher/Finalist (and all Finalists) the best advantage on the day. The Pitch Team want to support strong Pitchers towards giving their strongest Pitch in front of the judges;

4.3 It is therefore of the utmost importance for Pitchers to understand that in submitting a Pitch to the Fund the Pitcher is undertaking, personally and financially, to attend in-person the Finalist’s Stages (should the Pitcher be selected as a Finalist);

4.4 For the avoidance of doubt, TPFF is not able, nor will offer, to pay for travel or any other expense(s) related to the Pitcher participating in the Process, including costs relating to attendance in-person at the Finalist's Stages (such as but not limited to expenses as outlined in clause 3.3 herein). TPFF may be able to direct the Pitcher to third party sources of funding to help with such expenses however this is not guaranteed and must not be relied upon by the Pitcher;

4.5 Noting clause 4.6 herein, the Pitch Team recognise that genuine extenuating circumstances may occur during the Selection Process. At the absolute discretion of TPFF, the Pitch Team may allow a Pitcher to attend an in-person aspect(s) of the Finalist's Stages via video conference should one of the following (non-exhaustive) ‘Extenuating Circumstance(s)’ events occur:

1. Any Force Majeure event that prevents the Pitcher from attending in person (see “Force Majeure Events” herein);
    
2. Sudden death of an immediate family member;
    
3. Large wholly unexpected and/or unforeseen expense (verifiably arising/incurred after the Pitcher’s completion of the Fund’s submission process) leaving the Pitcher unable to reasonably afford travel; 
    
4. Sudden onset or recent resurgence (after the Pitcher’s completion of the Fund’s submission process) of a serious illness as certified in writing by a practicing medical doctor;

4.6 For clarity, even if a Pitcher is subject to such an Extenuating Circumstance (or similar, at the absolute discretion of TPFF (noting the following)) then TPFF will only be obligated to consider making an exception. Further, for clarity, missing a flight/train will not be considered as an Extenuating Circumstance as TPFF expects each Finalist to be in the United Kingdom in good time to attend the Finalist’s Stages (no less than 24 hours prior to the start of each aspect of the Finalist’s Stages); a Pitcher’s existing work commitments or exploring work-related opportunities will not be considered as an Extenuating Circumstance; etc (noting the examples given are not non-exhaustive). This is a reminder that non-United Kingdom resident Pitchers must be prepared and able to travel to the UK if their Pitch is selected as one of the up to ten highest placed Pitchers (Finalists);

4.7 If a Pitcher is granted permission to use video conference, TPFF will allow them to Pitch in their original and appointed UK time zone slot and will not make any changes to the UK time zone based timetable. Furthermore, in such an Extenuating Circumstance, the Pitch Team may require the Pitcher to undertake and deliver their Finalists' Weekend video conference pitch to the judges in accordance with other conditions (to be determined at the absolute discretion of the Pitch Team) beyond UK time zone consideration. Without limitation, this may include where and how a video conference pitch must be undertaken; and

4.8 In the case that a Force Majeure event effects TPFF and its ability to stage the Finalist’s Weekend and Finalist’s Development Residential in-person, then, by necessity, video conferencing may be used, unless such events can be re-scheduled. Instructions will be given to all Finalists at the earliest opportunity by the Pitch Team if such a change is needed.

5. Disqualification

5.1 The power to disqualify a Pitch and/or Pitcher is at the sole discretion of TPFF and unless otherwise specified (either here in this clause 5 or elsewhere in these Ts&Cs) disqualification is not automatic;

5.2 Unless subject to automatic disqualification, TPFF may choose to allow a Pitch which meets the criteria of disqualification, or non-consideration, to continue in the Selection Process. TPFF has no obligation to inform other Pitchers why such a Pitch has been allowed to continue in the Selection Process as such details may be personal and/or confidential to the associated Pitcher;

5.3 Notwithstanding the above, if a Pitch and/or Pitcher commits a disqualifying breach due to a Force Majeure Event (as set out herein) then such events will be taken into consideration;

5.4 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 TPFF, will not be considered;

5.5 Any Pitch which or Pitcher whom breaches these terms and conditions may be disqualified;

5.6 Previous Investment Recipients, as defined herein (or, variously, ‘Winner’), may not submit a new Pitch to the Fund in any subsequent year. Any Pitch submitted by a previous Winner will not be considered;

5.7 Noting clause 4 herein, any Pitcher who cannot attend the Finalist’s Stages in-person may be disqualified; and

5.8 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, will not be considered. In the case of such matters coming to light at any later stage of the Selection Process, then the Pitch shall be subject to automatic disqualification

6. Format

6.1 The Pitcher is responsible for ensuring that their Pitch is uploaded to The Pitch Website in accordance with the content, formatting and similar requirements as set out in these Ts&Cs and elsewhere on The Pitch Website; and

6.2 All Pitches must be filmed landscape and in 16:9 screen ratio.

Please see the FAQ page for more information about technical specifications and uploading your Pitch.

7. Ownership

All about ... Ownership and Origin of a Pitch:

7.1 The Pitcher must be at least one of the producer, director, writer, or creator of their Pitch

7.2 Pitches may only contain music, video, photographs, artwork, or similar such Component(s), that have been created by the Pitcher (or that are clearly demonstrable by the Pitcher as ‘royalty free’/’public domain’);

7.3 In the highly unlikely (and ill-advised) event a Pitch includes any third-party-owned item(s) (including without limitation, any Component(s), trademarks or other copyrighted material(s)) the Pitcher must have a valid and subsisting licence for use of the same in perpetuity (ie the person(s) or company that owns the copyrighted Component(s)/material(s) has given the Pitcher their permission in writing to use the Component(s)/materials in the Pitch for ever);

7.4 As an Essential Additional Element, it is the sole responsibility of the Pitcher to obtain permission(s) for any such aforementioned Component(s)/material(s) prior to submitting their Pitch, and evidence of such permission(s) must be made available by the Pitcher to The Pitch Film Fund as and when requested. If there is any doubt in relation to permissions and clearances having been obtained by the Pitcher, The Pitch Team will take all reasonable steps to clarify the situation with the Pitcher but may disqualify the Pitch at any stage of the Selection Process and at The Pitch Team’s sole discretion;

7.5 As an Essential Additional Element, in further relation to the content of the Pitcher’s video Pitch, the Pitcher must ensure that i) all locations (if any used) have been approved for use by the legal owner of the location and ii) written permission has been obtained from all actors or other individuals shown in the video that are not the Pitcher for their appearance in the video and its use as a Pitch, and that such approval and permission has been granted for use within the video in perpetuity, without further remuneration;

7.6 A submitted Pitch shall not have been previously broadcast, transmitted or commercially distributed in any form prior to its submission to The Pitch Website, nor shall a submitted Pitch have previously received any awards, accolades or support from any other fund, competition, broadcaster or similar;

7.7 If a Pitch is selected by TPFF as ‘In Consideration’, The Pitch Film Fund shall have the exclusive right (subject to the following paragraph) to upload, post, transmit, display and broadcast the submitted Pitch over the internet on The Pitch Website, or otherwise, for a period of two years following the submission of the uploaded Pitch. During the exclusive period, all Pitchers shall use reasonable efforts to prevent any posting, transmission, display or broadcast of the submitted Pitch over the internet, including without limitation via YouTube and similar websites without the express written consent of The Pitch Team. TPFF reserves the right to broadcast or display all submitted Pitches on other websites at its sole discretion;

7.8 Following the exclusive period, above, the Pitcher hereby grants The Pitch Film Fund a royalty-free, non-exclusive, worldwide licence in the submitted Pitch, in perpetuity, for the life of copyright, to exhibit, broadcast, transmit, display, distribute, reproduce in copies, couple with other Pitches, synchronise and otherwise perform the submitted Pitch;

8. Ownership - further provisions:

8.1 The Pitcher must be the originator/owner of the rights to their Pitch;

8.2 A Pitch and/or associated Short Film premise (‘Premise’; and together ‘Pitch/Premise’) must not be currently under consideration by another production company, investor, development consortium or similar;

8.3 The Pitcher must not have sold, conveyed, granted or assigned any right, title or interest in their Pitch/Premise and the Pitcher guarantees there are no legal encumbrances on the submitted Pitch/Premise of any kind, and that the Pitcher is not subject to, nor is Pitcher 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;

8.4 The Pitcher 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;

8.5 All rights in and to the Short Film made by the Investment Recipient will be jointly and equally owned (50/50) and controlled by The Pitch Film Fund and the Recipient. For the avoidance of doubt, this shall apply to all and any Future Exploitation of the rights in and to the Short Film, if any, in all media, such as but not limited to a feature length version, or drama series adaptation of the Short Film, although this does not provide a guarantee of such Future Exploitation;

8.6 In the event that the Recipient(s) and TPFF differ in opinion on the nature and extent of any potential Future Exploitation of the Short Film, the same agree to negotiate in good faith to resolve any potential disagreement. In the event direct negotiation fails to reach an agreement, the Recipient(s) and TPFF will submit to mediation of the disagreement, using a mediator agreed by both parties.

8.7 The Finalists participate in the Finalists' Weekend, the Finalists’ Development Residential and various story and career development opportunities, with input, support and mentoring from industry professionals offered by The Pitch Film Fund to the Finalists. In consideration of the same, those Finalists (who are not selected as the Recipient(s)) grant to The Pitch Film Fund, for a period of twelve (12) months, the exclusive first refusal to develop and produce, in conjunction with the Finalist, a film based on or inspired by the Finalist’s Pitch (‘First Refusal’). For the avoidance of doubt, i) there shall not be any obligation on the part of The Pitch Film Fund to develop or produce such a First Refusal film (as descried above), and ii) the First Refusal period shall expire twelve (12) months from the date of the final day of the Finalists' Weekend;

8.8 In the event a Finalist (other than the Recipient(s)) wishes to develop their Pitch with another party within the 12 month period of the First Refusal, as above, a hard copy request detailing the same should be sent by ‘signed for’ delivery to The Pitch Film Fund. TPFF shall have ten (10) working days from acknowledged receipt of such a written request from the Finalist in which to either agree to the request or for TPFF to undertake to develop the Finalist’s Pitch. After 10 working days, should the Finalist have received no response from The Pitch Film Fund, then release from the First Refusal shall be deemed to have been given by The Pitch Film Fund and the Finalist shall be free to develop their Pitch with another party, subject only to the following; and

8.9 The Finalist(s) undertakes to ensure that production of any film, drama, series or the like, which is based on or inspired by their Pitch, whether such endeavour is produced with The Pitch Film Fund or by a third party, shall include a credit in its closing credits, 'Developed from an original idea for The Pitch Film Fund – www.enterthepitch.com' or similar wording to be agreed in good faith between The Pitch Film Fund and the Finalist(s).

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

9.1 

1. Reel Issues Films and Supporters of The Pitch Film Fund 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. Pitchers agree that they will not commit or participate in any act of bullying, harassment, racism or victimisation - such as those terms are described in the BFI/BAFTA ‘Guidance: A practical workplace guide for the prevention of bullying, harassment and racism in the screen industries’ (the ‘Guidance’) - at any point in the Selection Process and, if selected as an Investment Recipient, at any point during production of the Recipient’s Short Film (together with the Selection Process, ’TPFF Term‘). A Pitcher chosen as a Finalist will be required to confirm that they have read in full and will follow the Guidance during each and any stage(s) of TPFF Term in which they are involved.  Pitchers understand and acknowledge that failure to follow the Guidance will be considered a material breach of these Ts&Cs which will result in the Pitcher’s disqualification. In the case of the Pitcher’s selection as an Investment Recipient, failure to follow the Guidance will be considered a material breach of the terms of the Investment Agreement and will, under the provisions of such Agreement, result in immediate termination of the Investment Agreement and withdrawal of the Investment.

10. You Helping Us To Help You – Declaration

10.1 The Pitch Film Fund 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 Film Fund needs to retain the right during the Selection Process, and during development, production and post production of the Short Film(s) (‘Production’), to reflect the focus, heart and priorities of The Pitch Film Fund and the Supporters in decisions made by The Pitch Team and in relation to the content of the Short Film(s);

10.2 The Pitch Film Fund may disqualify a Pitch at any point in the Selection Process and/or Production if The Pitch Team or Supporters become aware of any fact, matter or allegation concerning either a Pitcher or a Pitch that brings or might bring The Pitch Film Fund, any member of The Pitch Team, Reel Issues Films or any of the Supporters into disrepute in any way;

10.3 In all aspects of TPFF and the Selection Process and Production thereof, The Pitch Team work closely with Pitchers, the Supporters, cast, crew 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;

10.4 In light of previous clauses in this ‘You Helping Us To Help You – Declaration’ section, during the submission process the Pitcher will be asked to declare if there are any Issue(s) that the Pitcher thinks may impact the Pitcher’s full participation in the Selection Process of The Pitch Film Fund and/or Production (if selected as a Recipient), or hinder The Pitch Film Fund and Supporters being able to fully engage with the Pitcher should they be selected as a Finalist or Investment Recipient (for example, noting clause 11 herein, a criminal conviction/caution, an allegation of bullying/abusive behaviour, etc). If applicable, the Pitcher will be required to declare the same in writing during the submission process;

10.5 To be clear: if a Pitcher makes such a declaration during their submission, this will not automatically disqualify the Pitcher from participating (other than in the case of clause 11.1.1). The Pitch Team and Supporters believe in second chances. This is about being informed, upfront discussion, avoiding surprises, and The Pitch Film Fund seeking to help Pitchers take next steps;

10.6 If a Pitcher has anything to declare in regard to the above (noting clause 10.7, and clause 11, below), they will be asked to make a detailed written declaration of the same. If an Issue(s) is not declared, but is subsequently brought to the attention of The Pitch Film Fund or Supporters, then The Pitch Film Fund reserves the right to disqualify a Pitcher/Recipient for failing to disclose the Issue(s); and 

10.7 Having also reviewed clause 11 herein, if a Pitcher is at all unsure about the need to declare any matter, above, then, in confidence, and prior to completing submission to TPFF, a Pitcher should contact The Pitch Film Fund Producer, Luke Walton, here , providing a daytime telephone number and name to enable a discussion by phone.

11. Criminal Convictions Policy

11.1 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

11.1.1 if a filmmaker, exploring making a submission 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 a submission to The Pitch;

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

11.1.3 if a filmmaker's conviction is spent but they’re on the Sex Offenders Register, they should tell The Pitch before they apply by speaking with Luke Walton (as set out in clause 10.7); and 

11.1.4 if a filmmaker's conviction is not spent, they should tell The Pitch before they apply by speaking with Luke Walton (as set out in clause 10.7).

11.2 In the case of clauses 11.1.3 and 11.1.4 The Pitch can’t guarantee that a filmmaker will be able to make a submission to The Pitch, but The Pitch Team will talk to them and assess the issues. If they’ve already made a submission to The Pitch and paid a fee, and The Pitch decides they can’t continue because of the status of their conviction, The Pitch will refund their submission fee (if any paid).

12. Force Majeure Events

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

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

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

12.1.3 exposure to any hazardous or dangerous or otherwise unsafe material, chemical or substance that threatens the health and safety of either TPFF or the Pitcher;

12.1.4 pandemics, floods, fire, arson and “Acts of God”;

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

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

13. Miscellaneous

13.1 The Pitch Film Fund shall have the right to record and broadcast, or otherwise disseminate as it so desires, any aspect of TPFF and the Pitchers’ participation in it;

13.2 During the Briefing a Pitcher is asked to complete TPFF’s Equality Monitoring Form (EMF). Although completing the EMF is an Essential Additional Element of a submission, the answers a Pitcher gives will be anonymous. A Pitch and a Pitcher’s EMF answers will never be seen side by side by The Pitch Team; so whatever a Pitcher says on the EMF won’t impact the Pitcher’s progress in The Pitch Selection Process;

13.3 Pitcher agrees that at any and all point(s) in the Selection Process and, if selected as an Investment Recipient, at any point during production and exploitation of the Recipient’s Short Film, 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 Fund and/or, as applicable, the Short Film (or individuals or organisations associated with the Fund and/or the Short Film) to a third party. In addition, Pitchers/Recipients, as applicable, shall not at any time present or future do anything detrimental to or say anything detrimental about the Fund or the Short Film, any of the persons or companies detailed herein, or any persons involved in or associated with the Short Film or the Fund, 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 or the Fund or any individual or organisation associated with the Fund or the Short Film (including Reel Issues Films as Producer of the Short Film (‘Producer’), anyone employed by or acting as agent for the Fund and/or the Producer, any member of the cast or crew of the Short Film 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; 

13.4 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 13.3, above, shall not restrict the right of the Pitcher/Recipient, as applicable, to make a formal complaint (https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/complaints-procedure/) and/or, if not pursuant to such a formal complaint, the right of Pitcher/Recipient, as applicable, to express, in the first instance to any member of The Pitch Team or Bible Society, any concern, observation or the like relating to clause 9.1 herein at any point in the Selection Process and, if selected as an Investment Recipient, at any point during production of the Recipient’s Short Film; and

13.5 Notices sent by TPFF concerning these Ts&Cs will be in writing, generally by e-mail. Please make sure to check your emails regularly and let The Pitch know if your email changes during the Selection Process.

14. Investment

14.1 The Investment Recipient(s) will receive financial investment from The Pitch Film Fund (ie a budget, administered by The Pitch Team) for production of the Recipient’s Short Film;

14.2 The total financial investment made by The Pitch Film Fund in a Recipient’s Short Film will be determined by the judges and The Pitch Team during the Finalists’ Weekend, or shortly thereafter. The value of such financial investment, and the number of Short Films invested in by The Pitch Film Fund, shall be determined at the sole discretion of The Pitch Team;

14.3 During the process of development, production, post production and exhibition of the Recipient’s Short Film, the Recipient(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; 

14.4 At the discretion of The Pitch Team the Recipient(s) may receive the Career Development opportunities set out below; and

14.5 The Investment is not transferable. No cash or credit alternatives will be offered.

15. Recipient’s Production Role

15.1 No matter the previous experience and background of a Pitcher, all Pitchers should have a vision for their ambition and future role in the industry; 

15.2 During the Selection Process and Production, and particularly during the Finalists’ Weekend, The Pitch Team and judges will work closely with the Recipient(s) to determine the most appropriate role for the Recipient(s) in the production of the Recipient’s Short Film;

15.3 It is important to note that The Pitch Film Fund is about opportunity, recognising talent, supporting next steps at all stages, helping filmmakers to develop their ‘voice’, and celebrating ‘promise’ that burns in first-time and less experienced filmmakers;

15.4 The Pitch Team will seek to build and develop a crew and cast around the Recipient(s) in a way that best supports and develops the gifts, talents and ambition of the Recipient(s); and

15.5 Relating to the Recipient’s Production Role, receipt of the Investment does not guarantee a specific role(s) for the Recipient during production of the Recipient’s Short Film; although, to emphasise clauses 15.1 to 15.4, above, it is The Pitch Team’s priority and focus to encourage, enable, support and champion new, emerging and growing talent. In all respects the decision of The Pitch Team will be final.

16. Career Development

16.1 TPFF seeks to tailor opportunities for Career Development to best suit the Recipient’s needs, the stage they’re at in their career, the Recipient’s ambition and trajectory, what will best serve the Recipient’s Short Film, and other similar contributing factors. In addition to the support in developing and producing the Recipient’s Short Film, some examples of what the Career Development could include (subject always to available finance) are:

16.1.1. as noted in clauses 8.7 and 14.3 herein, and therefore as an integral part of the Recipient(s) making their Short Film, the Recipient(s) receiving story and script development support/mentoring from industry professionals during development of the Recipient’s Short Film (see here and here for some of the industry script and story consultants we work and have worked with);

16.1.2. TPFF seeking the opportunity for the Recipient(s) to meet industry professionals for advice and feedback on the Recipient’s Short Film;

16.1.3 The Recipient(s) attending key film festival(s) in which the Recipient’s Short Film is being screened and/or which is useful for networking;

16.1.4. Support from The Pitch Team in relation to submission of the Recipient’s Short Film into festivals and the like, including, in partnership with The Pitch Film Fund, exploring all opportunities for exhibition and exploitation of the Recipient’s Short Film;

16.1.5. Support from The Pitch Team in relation to career next steps, including seeking advice on agent representation for the Recipient(s); and

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

…but because TPFF aims to tailor-make the Career Development for the Recipient(s), the above is not an exhaustive list nor are any elements guaranteed.

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

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

Having made it this far, it’s time to reward yourself by watching Groundhog Day and eating some cake. And when you’ve finished that, you can reward yourself by watching Groundhog Day and eating some cake. And when …

Go well!