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Calling All Aspiring Filmmakers: Craft Your Winning Pitch and Win Big with Film Columbus

in Press Releases September 18, 2023 3 min read

In partnership with Gateway Film Center, Greater Columbus Arts Council and Cinema Columbus Film Festival

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Film Columbus is excited to announce two opportunities for local filmmakers to shine: a Crafting a Pitch That Hooks workshop and the Pitch Cbus 23 contest. These events aim to empower filmmakers with the skills and resources they need to turn their creative visions into reality.

Workshop Details: Crafting a Pitch That Hooks

  • When: Sept. 29, 2023 to Oct. 1, 2023
  • Where: OHD Studios, 350 W. Johnstown Rd., Columbus, OH 43230
  • Times:
    • Friday, 4-6 p.m.
    • Saturday, 2-5 p.m.
    • Sunday, 2-5 p.m.
  • Cost: $35 for all three sessions, $20 for students
  • Limited to: 25 participants

In this hands-on workshop series, filmmaker and designer Jenny Deller will guide participants through the art of crafting a pitch that grabs the attention of funders and collaborators. The workshop comprises three sessions, allowing attendees to refine their pitches and receive valuable feedback. Topics covered include creating effective pitch decks, mastering the logline and delivering a compelling live pitch.

Jenny Deller, an accomplished filmmaker and designer, will lead the workshop. With a track record of assisting award-winning film, television and commercial creators, Deller has a knack for helping fellow creators launch their visions successfully. Her work has made a significant impact in the industry, and her insights are invaluable for aspiring filmmakers.

Pitch Cbus 23 Contest Details

  • When: Nov. 4, 2023, 6:30-9:30pm
  • Where: Gateway Film Center, 1550 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43201

Pitch Cbus 23 is an opportunity for Columbus-based filmmakers to win up to $15,000 in prize money to bring a film project to life. The contest is open to filmmakers aged 18 and older living in Franklin or contiguous counties. With various prize categories, including features and shorts, and five finalists each receiving $1,000, this competition offers a wealth of opportunities for budding filmmakers. A total of $50,000 will be given away at Pitch Cbus 23.

“We’re so thrilled to be able to get money into the hands of local filmmakers, especially during these challenging times,” said Film Commissioner John Daugherty. “Providing a workshop on putting together the proper pitch makes it even more exciting. I’m so proud of the work Film Columbus is doing and am excited to see the projects that come out of the contest.”

The Pitch Cbus 23 finals will take place in front of a live audience and a panel of industry professional judges. Each participant will have five minutes to pitch their idea, and winners will be announced that evening. Participants must be present to win.

For interviews or further inquiries, please contact John Daugherty at john@filmcolumbus.com.

Film Columbus, in collaboration with Gateway Film Center, the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) and Cinema Columbus Film Festival, continues to be at the forefront of supporting the local filmmaking community through advocacy, workshops, grants and networking events. Stay tuned, as Film Columbus plans to give away even more money and opportunities in the future, bringing Columbus-based filmmakers’ cinematic dreams closer than ever to becoming a reality.

About the Greater Columbus Film Commission: The Greater Columbus Film Commission (Film Columbus) aims to grow the film industry in Columbus and central Ohio by creating jobs and providing significant economic impact for the area. Film Columbus strives to build Columbus as a top city for film education, exhibition, and production. Film Columbus is a division of the Greater Columbus Arts Council and is primarily supported by funds provided by the City of Columbus. For more information, visit filmcolumbus.com.

Mission of the Greater Columbus Arts Council: To support and advance the arts and cultural fabric of Columbus. www.gcac.org

The Greater Columbus Arts Council receives major financial support from the City of Columbus, Franklin County Commissioners, the Ohio Arts Council and The Ohio State University.

For translations of this release and other pages, please see the dropdown menu at the top right corner of gcac.org.

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CONTACT: John Daugherty
(614) 221-8648
john@filmcolumbus.com