Returning in-person this year to the Galway Film Fleadh is the annual Pitching Competition. Ten finalists have been selected to pitch their idea as an ‘Elevator Pitch’ of 90 seconds, in front of an audience and a panel of industry judges on the closing day of the Galway Film Fleadh.
The ten finalists are: Jason Branagan for his horror film Crooked; Maeve Keane for her coming-of- age drama Emer; Brendan Boland for his heist romance Falling In Love Again; Conor Dowling for his drama The Family Band; Maureen O’Connell for her drama Haven; Megan Elle Day’s dramedy Late for the Sky; Eannai O Sullivan for her drama My Big Day Out; Nick Kelly for his drama The Sea Lion; Sean Mullan for his drama The Siege Of Tory Island and Ruth Earley for her psychological drama Wild Atlantic.
The winner will be announced at the Awards Ceremony that evening and will receive a cash prize of €3000.?In addition to the prize money, and the opportunity to pitch to industry professionals, the real benefits of being selected for the Film Fleadh Pitching Competition are multifarious.
Previous participants have cited: opening the door to producers, having their project optioned by producers, being invited on mentorships to hone their craft, bolstering their confidence, and providing the first opportunity for them to win over an audience.
2021’s winner Giles Brody said: “Winning was surreal…. I used some of the winnings to pay for a script editor which has been invaluable. The Fleadh folks have been really helpful and encouraging, checking in on my progress and connecting me with the industry. I’ve had some encouraging conversations with producers and agents. Everything is still in the early stages but the goal is to keep the momentum up and eventually debut the film at the Fleadh”
The Pitching Competition will take place on July 10 at 12:00pm in the Galmont Hotel. This is a free event, but pre-registration is advised.
For further information on all this year’s screening and events, see www.galwayfilmfleadh.com
