Awards

'It’s surely the most supportive, generous scheme out there for filmmakers.'
Justine Hart, Director of The Script Factory. 

You don’t have to top The Pitch to benefit from it, as shown by previous finalist Francis Annan going on to direct the feature Escape From Pretoria (starring Daniel Radcliffe, produced by The Pitch consultants Footprint Films).

We strive to be supportive, candid and helpful – offering an open ear, even if we can’t always offer an open wallet. Here’s a breakdown of the training and awards available: 

MASTERCLASSES

Everyone who opens an account will have access to a recording of a workshop from Justine Hart of Script Factory, looking at how to outline a short film project for our submission process. 

Everyone who submits a pitch will have an opportunity to attend an optional masterclass which will explore key skills and deliverables that will aid you in your career. 

DEVELOPMENT RESIDENTIAL

If your pitch makes the final 10 then you will be invited on The Pitch Residential. This is a three-day course in story development and filmmaking, with The Pitch team and story consultants. Hosted at the Low Wood Bay Hotel, Windermere, it is a luxury experience, but finalists have most enjoyed the sense of community it provides.

THE FINAL

Taking place in London at BFI Stephen Street. The Pitch Final will see the top ten entrants pitch in person to a panel of industry experts. The top four entrants will be invited back the following day for further discussion before winning pitches are chosen in the Comedy and Drama categories.

AWARDS

Two filmmakers will get to make their short films with a cash budget from our £65,000 pot with further extensive support from our production team at Reel Issues Films.

You will be working with Pitch founder, Luke Walton, and producer, Jackie Sheppard of Footprint Films, to develop the script and plan the production, with the goal of shooting in the summer following the Final. The aim is to have the film finished for festival entries at the end of the year.

We are also pleased to offer The Lucy Scher Award for the outstanding female finalist. Lucy was an exceptional person, an expert story and script developer we were fortunate to have as a judge and friend. After her death in 2018 we sought to honour her memory with an award that supports an emerging filmmaker, as she did throughout her life. The awardee will receive script development and mentoring consultations with Justine Hart, a screenwriter and story consultant who worked closed with Lucy for many years.

THE FILM'S FUTURE

The finished films will play at The Pitch Finals and be entered into at least 10 film festivals. We don’t pretend The Pitch – or any one thing – is the ticket to success in filmmaking. But we want to help you with your journey.