Unscripted Pitch Competition

SUBMISSIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED.

True Calling Media, in partnership with Pink Buffalo Films, is proud to announce our Unscripted Pitch Competition, open to independent filmmakers around the world. This is an exciting opportunity to pitch your unscripted series or feature documentary to industry experts. We want to give aspiring documentarians the opportunity to showcase their vision and story and make an impact with their work.

All participants are encouraged to submit an unscripted documentary proposal that features an innovative look at people, culture, places or events from around the world. With this Unscripted Pitch Competition sponsored by True Calling Media, we hope to reward creative and talented filmmakers for their pioneering ideas and captivating stories.

Application Form

Deadline: February 5th, 2023 at 11:59pm PST

How it Works

15

15 proposals will be selected to move to the next round of the competition. These submissions will have an opportunity to take feedback into account, revise and resubmit their proposal.

5

5 finalists will be selected to pitch their project directly to a team of industry professionals. They will receive feedback on the quality and feasibility of their project. 

1

Ultimately, 1 project will be awarded a development deal with True Calling Media*.

Key Dates

  • Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documents:

    • A Logline and working title (50 word max description)

    • Treatment (PDF upload; maximum 10MB)

      • Artist statement outlining your inspiration and intentions behind your pitch (300 words max)

      • Key Characters

      • Synopsis

      • Style and Feel

      • Community Relevance and Connection to Story / Access

    • Team (PDF upload; 2 page maximum)

      • Who is involved, previous projects

    • Financial projections (PDF upload)

      • Estimate of development, production, and post-production costs

    • Applications must be submitted in English.

    • Incomplete submissions will not be considered

    • Projects with existing equity investment and/or distribution commitments are ineligible

  • The following Submission materials will be reviewed by a selection committee. They will not be available to the public.

    • Phone Number

    • Mailing Address

    • Optional (Social Media)

    • Where did you hear about this competition? (dropdown menu)

    • True Calling Media Submission Release Agreement (check boxes)

    *Development at True Calling Media (TCM)
    Entering into a development agreement with TCM means that you are granting TCM the first and exclusive option to pick up your project. This means that you will have to withdraw your project from consideration for development with other commissioners (unless agreed by TCM). During development, TCM and you will agree upon creative deliverables which could be a script, a demo, a research report etc. Once a creative deliverable is completed and sent to TCM, the 12 month option period begins. At any time during the 12 months, TCM may exercise its option to do further development or to green light your project for production, where you and TCM will enter into negotiations for the license of your program.

Apply Now

Questions? Contact pitch@truecallingmedia.com

Please make your subject line: “Unscripted Pitch Competition - [WORKING TITLE]”

Deadline: February 5th, 2023 at 11:59pm PST