AIDC & Screen Australia Announce Fresh Cuts Documentary Pitch
a bold new pitch initiative for documentaries that appeal to younger audiences
Do you have a unique and bold documentary in development that reflects the diverse interests, concerns, dreams and desires of the young adult experience?
Would you like the opportunity to pitch your project at AIDC 2023 for the chance to secure market interest and up to $30,000 in development funding?
Apply now for the Fresh Cuts Documentary Pitch, presented by Screen Australia and AIDC!
We are now inviting documentaries in development that shine a spotlight on stories that reflect a diversity of interests, concerns, dreams and desires that will appeal to and engage audiences aged 15 – 35. We are looking for bold stories told with a fresh perspective, distinct voice and unique style
Projects must not exceed 30 minutes in length, but can be any form or format – from micro docs, to shorts, singles and /or web series – for a range of platforms. There are no restrictions on visual style, aesthetics, or treatment.
Six projects will be selected to pitch their projects live at AIDC 2023 to a world-class line up of industry decision makers representing platforms, broadcasters and online publications. All projects will be eligible to apply for up to $30,000 in documentary development funding from Screen Australia for their project.
“UNCOVER GREAT STORIES”
“We’re thrilled to partner with AIDC to provide documentary makers this bespoke career development opportunity to improve their pitching skills through industry mentorship and a live pitch to market at AIDC,” said Alex West, Screen Australia’s Head of Documentary.
“We want to see distinctive documentary content aimed at 15-35 year-olds across a wide range of platforms. This is an audience who we want to provide more factual content to, and we’re calling on the documentary community to get involved, uncover great stories, and apply to be a part of this fantastic opportunity.”
AIDC’s CEO/Creative Director, Natasha Gadd, added, “The Fresh Cuts Documentary Pitch is a vital new initiative designed to support the creation of bold stories that reflect the diverse interests and lived experiences of young people. Importantly, it will provide documentary creators with the opportunity to pitch to industry representatives who can support their projects on the platforms where younger audiences are tuning in.
“AIDC is honoured to partner with Screen Australia on the inaugural Fresh Cuts Documentary Pitch at AIDC 2023 – with pitch mentoring, up to $30,000 on offer from Screen Australia in development funds, and a world-class line up of buyers seeking content, we can’t wait to see what engaging and unique stories will be unveiled”.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, applicants or one key creative in the team must be able to demonstrate they have created at least one documentary or factual title as screen content which is readily available to Australian audiences via widely used platforms such as broadcasters, and/or social media.
They must also demonstrate a focus on factual subject matter that seeks to connect to younger adult audiences and present a clear pathway to find the target audience.
Applicants must be available to attend (virtually or in person) a minimum of two AIDC pitch training and mentorship sessions to be scheduled between Monday 23 January and Monday 20 February 2023, as well as the final live pitching event to be held at ACMI in Melbourne on Sunday 5 March 2023.
Applications from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply. This can include First Nations practitioners; people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; Deaf and/or hard of hearing; people with disabilities; gender diverse identities; LGBTQIA+; people located in regional and remote areas.
Applications are now open and close at 17:00 AEDT Thursday 22 December 2022. Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 20 January 2023.
Got an idea? Ready to apply?