Call for entries is now open for the '09 PaleyDocFest pitch workshop / competition in New York. Five preselected emerging nonfiction filmmakers will get to pitch their story ideas to a panel of top documentary producers. They, in turn, will give feedback on not only the concept, but the presentation, as well. How you present and pitch your idea is just as important to commissioning editors and other funders as the idea itself, so even if you don't get a shot at one of the five slots, you should attend this pitch session (actually, as many as you can) and watch, listen and learn. It's nerve-wracking and scary but mastering the pitch is a key component to successfully getting your project funded in this very competitive (and flooded) marketplace. There is an art to it.
The panel this year will be Rick Allen, CEO, SnagFilms, Diana Holtzberg, VP-US Operations Acquisitions, Films Transit International, Charlie Maday, Senior VP of Programming for The History Channel, Molly Thompson, Programming Director for A&E IndieFilms, and an executive from PBS' P.O.V. series. This is an amazing opportunity to pitch in front of people of this caliber.
The best pitch will win a $5,000 grant, sponsored by SnagFilms, the Paley Center for Media's online distribution collaborator. The grant money is to be used toward the completion of the pitched film. The entry deadline is September 25th and the workshop will take place on Saturday, October 17th. Visit the Paley's site for more information, official entry rules and the entry form and submission agreement.
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