GALWEGIANS AGED between eight and 16, who have an idea for a film, TV series, documentary, web series, video game, or animation, are being asked to submit a pitch for the 2017 Junior Film Fleadh Story Pitching Competition.
So what is a pitch? In the film industry, pitching is the way in which you as a writer, director, or producer, give others a sense of your passion for the story you want to tell. When someone asks you what your story is about, and you tell them, you are verbally pitching your story to them. If they ask you for a written version, you are submitting a written pitch.
The fleadh is calling on entrants to submit a written pitch (no more than 500 words ). Three chosen finalists will be invited to present a verbal pitch before an audience and jury of industry professionals on Thursday November 9 in the Town Hall Theatre. This year’s prize will be a drama or animation summer camp sponsored by Galway Film Centre, which will include one year’s membership to the centre (allowing entry to the RTÉ short script award.
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Last year’s winner, 12-year-old Ely Solan from St Cuana’s NS Headford, said this about his experience: "Winning the pitching competition meant the world to me because I have always wanted to be a director. I really enjoyed it as I got to make my very own stop motion animation short film. I did voices for characters. I also got to edit it. Everyone there was extremely nice and helpful and though we were making short films and working hard, We had lots of fun. This was the best camp I have ever been to."
The competition is run in association with the Galway Film Centre and SpunOut.ie The fleadh runs from November 8 to 11. The closing date for entries to the competition is Friday October 20. Online entry is via www.galwayfilmfleadh.com/index php/home/juniorfilmfleadh/script-pitching.