Fresh Cuts Documentary Pitch Returns for 2024
A PITCH INITIATIVE EXCLUSIVELY FOR DOCUMENTARY STORIES THAT APPEAL TO YOUNGER AUDIENCES
Do you have a distinctive and bold documentary story in development that will appeal to and engage young adult audiences?
Would you like the opportunity to pitch your project at AIDC 2024 for the chance to secure market interest and up to $30,000 in development funding?
Apply now for the second 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 be under 30 minutes in duration, but can be any form or format including; shorts, singles / one-offs or web series, and for a range of platforms. There are no restrictions on visual style, aesthetics, or treatment.
Up to six teams will be selected to pitch their projects live on Sunday 3 March at AIDC 2024 to a world-class line-up of industry decision makers representing platforms, broadcasters, festivals, funds and online publications. Three teams will be in the running for up to $30,000 in development funding from Screen Australia for their project.
DR. NAOMI KOH BELIC, PITCHING BIMBO BODY BIOLOGY BREAKDOWN AT FRESH CUTS 2023 | PHOTO: MELISSA BUTTERS
“AN INCREDIBLE CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY”
“After a successful first year of Fresh Cuts, we are excited to once again partner with AIDC to support a new cohort of creatives in 2024,” said Screen Australia’s Head of Documentary, Alex West.
“This initiative offers documentary makers an incredible career development opportunity — providing access to training and mentoring from some of the leading names in the industry, not to mention the live pitch experience gained at AIDC. Together, we want to uncover new voices and support our emerging talent to grow their careers and tell the stories that matter to young audiences. I encourage everyone who is eligible for this career defining initiative, to apply.”
AIDC’s CEO/Creative Director, Natasha Gadd, added, “The inaugural Fresh Cuts Initiative uncovered exciting new voices with unique stories to pitch at AIDC 2023 and receive development funding from Screen Australia.
“The response to these projects from our curated line up of decision makers — representing the likes of VICE, New York Times Op Docs, Doc Society and ABC Online — saw a number of projects receiving market support in addition to funding from Screen Australia. We can’t wait to see what bold new storytellers and projects the next instalment of Fresh Cuts 2024 will unearth!”
LYNDAL REDMAN & DAN CLARKE, PITCHING GLITTER GANG AT FRESH CUTS 2023 | PHOTO: MELISSA BUTTERS
FRESH CUTS DECISION MAKERS AND MENTORS
We’re also pleased to announce the decision maker panel for the 2024 Fresh Cuts Documentary Pitch at AIDC on Sunday 3 March, 2024.
The line-up contains an array of important players in the documentary shorts space, including Opal H. Bennett, Senior Producer, POV / Executive Producer, POV Shorts, American Documentary, Inc. (USA); Christine Kecher, Senior Commissioning Editor, The New York Times Op-Docs (USA); Sarah Lash, Senior Director of Acquisitions, Condé Nast (USA); Hollie Fifer, Director of Australian Programs, Doc Society (Australia); Chloe Cassidy, Executive Producer – Development, ABC (Australia); Mia Falstein-Rush, Program Manager, Melbourne International Film Festival (Australia), Cieron Cody, Investment & Development Manager – Documentary, Screen Australia (Australia), and Louise Cocks, Investment & Development Manager – Online, Screen Australia (Australia).
Prior to the Fresh Cuts Pitch at AIDC 2024, moderated by Anu Hasbold (Development Producer, Sweetshop & Green), our newly announced Fresh Cuts mentors Yvonne Ashley Kuadjo (Series Producer, The New York Times Op-Docs, USA) and Jess Langely (Senior Producer, Truce, Australia) will offer bespoke pitch training and feedback to all selected pitching teams.
You can learn more about all the Fresh Cuts Decision Makers and Mentors HERE.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, one key creative in the team must have 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 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 Thursday 11 January and Friday 14 February 2024.
One applicant or member of the team must also attend the final live pitching event to be held at ACMI in Melbourne on Sunday 3 March 2024.
Applicants 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 5pm AEDT Thursday 16 November day 2023. Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 23 December 2023.
Got an idea? Ready to apply?
LANEIKKA DENNE & ADAM FINNEY, PITCHING THE REAL MEANING OF PLEASURE AT FRESH CUTS 2023 | PHOTO: MELISSA BUTTERS