Pitching is a skill that all filmmakers need to hone, whether they are just starting out or have years of experience. But how do you get better?
To mark the launch of The Pitch 2021 we’re teaming up with Film Hub South West and The Pitch Film Fund for a double header of events all about the art of pitching. Join us from 7 - 8.15pm on Thursday, 8 July for the first instalment in the series.
Pitching for Producers is hosted by Jackie Sheppard of Footprint Films. In the session, Jackie will draw on her experiences - including making the 2020 feature Escape From Pretoria (starring Daniel Radcliffe) - and share her insights into pitching as an established Producer.
Jackie will also discuss her work with The Pitch Film Fund and their role in developing emerging talent. Through The Pitch’s annual funding process, Jackie has heard hundreds of developing filmmakers pitch. Expect to hear about common pitfalls, tips for how to improve and the similarities and differences between pitching shorts and features.
Pitching for Producers is free to attend and takes place via Zoom. All you need to take part is a reliable internet connection. Automatic captions and BSL will be provided. You can also book for the second session, From Pitch to Screen presented by Film Hub South West on Wednesday, 28 July.
Jackie Sheppard
Following collaboration with Mark Blaney and Footprint Films on projects in development over several years, Jackie joined Footprint as Joint Managing Director of the company in June 2004. At Footprint, Jackie has produced the feature films Africa United and Escape from Pretoria. She has also produced the funded shorts, Home (Reel Issues Films), Curfew (Screen South/UKFC), and Supraman and the School of Necessity (The Doorpost) with Mark Blaney. They also produced, with Kae Bahar, the multi award-winning short film I Am Sami and A Special Guest.
Together they Exec Produced four short films for the UKFC/Screen South’s Digital Shorts programme. Away from Footprint Jackie produced the short films Unscripted, Derelict, Rahab, The Black Scholes Conspiracy, The Light, Pulsar, the BAFTA Cymru nominated Only Child, The Widow’s Last, Leash, Bingo and White Gold (all for Reel Issues Films), as part of Footprint’s consultancy for The Pitch Film Fund (www.enterthepitch.com). She also Executive Produced Alex Marx’s Fingers.
The Pitch Film Fund
The Pitch Film Fund exists to give emerging filmmakers a chance. We offer an array of training and support and have £40,000 to spend on two short films, offering you the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of everyone from Monty Python to Martin Scorsese in making a film inspired by the Bible. We are open to filmmakers of any background.
The 2022 Fund will make two films, falling broadly under the categories of Comedy and Drama, but there is freedom to explore genres within this. The Pitch judges include the director of the National Film and Television School, while finalists have gone on to make internationally praised feature films, securing agents, managers and a roadmap for their career.
