What is a written pitch?
A written pitch is a summary of your concept for a film project you intend to pursue. We ask that you present your ideas within 250 words. Film makers of all genres, styles, and levels of experience are encouraged to submit a written pitch.
What should be included in my written pitch?
1) Your awesome idea (the concept).
2) Why you should be the one(s) to make your film (the team and your vision).
It’s usually best to start with an introduction of who you are before you present your concept. You may want to tell us about your team, or any resources you have available to you, especially if your idea is highly technical or sounds like it would be challenging to produce. Perhaps you have music in mind to give a mood, or perhaps some visuals that you want to show that would give us a sense of your visual treatment.
Another key to a good pitch: show your passion. You need to believe in your film.
What if I can’t make it to the Live Pitch on April 14, 2012?
You are only eligible to participate in the contest if you and/or your team will be attending the Live Pitch at 6PM, April 12th, 2012 at the Malaspina Theatre, VIU Nanaimo Campus.
I live in Toronto/Vancouver/Paris can I submit a written pitch?
For this year we are only accepting pitches from residents of Vancouver Island.
How can written pitches be submitted?
We’re are only excepting written pitches through our website at http://visff.come/pitch. We will not be accepting any written pitches by email or delivered to our offices. You must submit your written pitch before March 1st, 2012, in order for it to be considered eligible.
Who will be judging my written pitch?
The Submissions Coordinator will being putting together a small panel of judges made up local professional filmmakers and writers. Judges will be announced soon.
What will the judges be looking for from our written pitch?
Judges will be excited to see creative ideas that are doable with a small budget and can be told in 12 minutes or less. They want to see outstanding content that helps keep VISFF on the map as a great festival with memorable films that engages audiences.
What happens next if I’m successful with my written pitch and I get selected as one of the 8 finalists?
The 8 finalists will be invited to pitch their story ideas to our live VISFF audience at 6PM on Saturday April 14, 2012 at Malaspina Theatre, Nanaimo BC. The winner of this pitch, as chosen by audience votes, will be given $250 to produce the film for the 2013 Vancouver Island Short Film Festival.
Do I have to do my pitch alone, or can I have others with me as well?
You do not have to pitch alone. You can include any team-members who will add to your pitch.
How much time do I have to pitch?
You will have 2 minutes for your in-person pitch.
Can we bring in video to help tell our pitch?
You’ve got 2 minutes to pitch, and how you want to present your pitch is up to you. We will not be providing any equipment other than a microphone, so if you are wanting to show something, you will need to provide your own laptop or video screen – keep in mind that you’ve got only 2 minutes and due to the scheduling of all the pitches, any setup time you need for the equipment will also eat into your pitch time. (We would highly recommend you also have your bases covered in the chance of “technical difficulties”.)
Can we bring artwork or other props to help with our pitch?
Yes, you can bring drawings or posters or other materials to help with your pitches – although it is not necessary. Keep in mind, since the audience are the judges, you will want everything to be clear and obvious even to those sitting at the back of a 300 seat theatre.
Can I have more than one person to co-write or co-direct or co-produce my film?
We do not enforce any limitations on the number of directors or producers or writers etc. Our goal is for the filmmaker to make the best possible short film (12 minutes or less) utilizing the $250 award.
And what do I get if I am selected by the audience at the 2012 VISFF?
If you are selected by the audience for your presented pitch at the 2011 VISFF you and/or your team will be awarded $500, which we hope will enable you to produce your short film. In addition to this prize money, we will also wave the submission fee for your finished film for the 2013 VISFF.
If you have further questions please email them to submissions@visff.com