An inspiring event that empowers Indiana filmmakers by providing encouragement, recognition, training, feedback, valuable connections, publicity, and impactful awards, INDY PITCH CLINIC is a collaboration between Indy Film Fest and Indiana Filmmakers Network (IFN). This is the eighth pitch clinic organized by IFN and the first with Indy Film Fest.
The response to last year’s clinic was overwhelmingly positive: “Not only did I receive positive feedback from the audience but from the industry panelists as well. I made new connections and relationships” (Crystal Brooks, 2024 Pitch Clinic Participant & Award Winner).
“The application for Indy Pitch Clinic has helped me think realistically about how I can get my film made. I’ve practiced pitching it for a while, but this is much more in-depth.” Adam Carter, Pitch Clinic 2025 applicant
“The 2025 Indy Pitch Clinic is an exceptional opportunity for any filmmaker, no matter where you are in your career or how big or small your project is,” said Paul Nethercott of Studio Nethercott, Indy Pitch Clinic producer and the IFN Hub Leader in Indianapolis.
When & Where: The event costs $5.00, from 6:30 pm on April 29, 2025 at The Box Indy (1413 E Riverside Dr Indianapolis, IN 46202). To Attend, BOOK YOUR TICKET
Objectives ★Facilitate collaboration, networking, and mutual support ★Cultivate cinema culture through community engagement ★Professional development ★Stimulate Indiana’s creative economy ★Encourage Indiana filmmakers
Values & Approach ★Clarity of vision ★Valuable awards that provide practical help ★Experiential learning ★Educational ★Powered by dedicated volunteers ★Collaboration with aligned objectives to amplify impact
Key Partners
★Indianapolis Film Project, Inc., powering the Kan-Kan Cinema ★Film Indy ★Studio Auteur ★The Box Indy ★Inspire Music Collective ★INSPIREsmall.biz ★Roberts Camera ★AuthorHouse ★Studio Nethercott
Awards
- Best Pitch: $5,000 provided by Indianapolis Film Project, Inc., powering the Kan-Kan Cinema
- Second Place: $500.00 provided by Studio Nethercott
- Third Place: $250.00 provided by Studio Auteur
- Best Potential for Excellence in Sound & Music: a one-year membership at Inspire Music Collective provided by the collective
- Best Marketing & Distribution Plan (1st, 2nd, 3rd Place): Three networking memberships $2,100.00 value provided by INSPIREsmall.biz ● Best Potential for a Book Deal: $1,000 Book Publishing Package provided by AuthorHouse based in Bloomington, Indiana
- Best Student Pitch: $50.00 gift card provided by Roberts Camera
Jurors
- Jim Fisher: WGA; Second City Theater Alumni, writing credits include The Beverly Hillbillies, Here Come the Munsters, Under Surveillance, Star Kid II, and Blow Hard.
- Richard “Sleepy” Floyd: An accomplished musician and founder of INSPIRE Music Collective, Floyd has served on committees for Indy Jazz Fest, the Indiana All-Star Jazz Band, and the Super Bowl.
- Jennifer A. Haire: DGA, PGA; Production Manager; Line Producer; Educator, Author of KEYS TO THE PRODUCTION OFFICE
- Jerald Harkness: Award Winning Filmmaker; CEO, Studio Auteur, LLC ● Tyler Blaker: Indy Film Fest Head Programmer
FAQs
- Who is putting on the pitch clinic?
Indy Film Fest and Indiana Filmmakers Network (IFN). Paul W Nethercott (the IFN Hub Leader in Indianapolis) is the producer. Dan Moore (Executive Director, Indy Film Fest) and Nathan Bechtold (IFN President) are on the leadership team. Crystal Brooks (IFN member, banker, and filmmaker) is the treasurer. An Advisory Committee is providing guidance:
Clayton Taylor Clayton served as Vice President of Television Production at WFYI for 20 years. Under his direction, WFYI became a major producer of documentaries, arts, public affairs, and cultural programs, winning more than 100 Emmys, including four consecutive Emmys for Station Excellence.
Craig Pratter Craig began his film festival career with Sonny Bono as Executive Director for the Palm Springs International Film Festival. His extensive involvement in film festival leadership includes the Bangkok International Film Festival, San Diego Jewish Film Festival, San Diego International Film Festival, and the Greek Film Festival in Los Angeles. Most recently, Craig served as the President/CEO of Heartland International Film Festival..
- Why would I want to apply?
To develop your project, learn how to pitch, practice pitching, get input on your project, make new connections, establish new relationships, build your credibility, gain recognition, promote your film project, and win one or more awards that will benefit you.
- I don’t know how to pitch; will you offer any training? Yes, we plan to hold an online session to help you prepare to pitch.● Who is the pitch clinic for?
The 2025 Indy Pitch Clinic is an opportunity for any filmmaker, no matter where you are in your career or how big or small your project is.
- Do I have to be from Indiana to apply?
No. If your project meets the following criteria, as written in the Indy Film Fest submission guideline, you qualify: “To encourage and recognize filmmakers and filmmaking in Indiana, this (Indiana Filmmaker) category is for films with an especially strong connection to Indiana.”
- What will the application be like?
You will be asked to provide a title, logline, tagline, short synopsis, your motivation, and the audience you aim to reach, among other details.
- How long will it take to fill out the application?
If you are starting from a raw idea, with no written material, completing the application for Indy Pitch Clinic could take a great deal of time.
- Who will I be pitching to?
Finalists will primarily pitch to the panelists. There will also be an audience.
- How will you decide who pitches and who wins awards?
We are looking for compelling stories. Other factors include the relevance of the story, its feasibility, its market potential, its potential social impact, and the clarity and effectiveness of the pitch.
- How many finalists will get to pitch at the event?
There will be 8 finalists who will pitch at the event on April 29th.
● Will I be able to project images on a screen?
When you apply, you are required to submit a graphic. That graphic will be on the screen while you present. Videos are not allowed.
- How do I apply, and how much will it cost?
APPLICATION LINK The fee is $25.00. Deadline is April 10, 2025
- Can I apply more than once?
Yes! Every project submitted will need to pay the $25.00 fee.
- What are the deadlines for the 2025 Pitch Clinic?
– April 1, 2025, at midnight EST: To receive feedback on application – April 10, 2025, at midnight EST applications close
– April 14, 2025, Applicants will be notified
- How much time will I have to pitch?
Five minutes, you will be timed.
- What is the book publishing award?
The custom AuthorHouse Flex Publishing Package – valued at $1,000 – includes E-book and Softcover formats, custom interior and full-color cover design, ISBN assignment, worldwide online distribution, Amazon “Look Inside” and Barnes & Noble “Read Instantly” previews and assistance from AuthorHouse publishing
experts. Author House is based in Bloomington, Indiana.
- What are the three INSPIREsmall.biz networking awards and why are they important?
Networking is crucial to the successful promotion and distribution of your film project. How will anyone see your film if no one knows about it or how to view it? We are delighted that Ryan Henry, Idea Guy at INSPIREsmall.biz is providing three exclusive membership prizes to help filmmakers expand their network and grow their business. Each winner will receive one of our three membership levels,
unlocking valuable resources, networking opportunities, and promotional benefits.
1st Place – Local Connector Membership ($1,200 Value)
Our most comprehensive membership, Local Connector includes:
✔️ All Networking Groups, Events & Live Streams
✔️ Featured Directory Listing on INSPIREsmall.biz
✔️ The ability to share guest content for publication on our website
✔️ Your logo displayed on the INSPIREsmall.biz homepage
✔️ Online Library Access & the ability to add recurring event listings
2nd Place – Business Builder Membership ($600 Value)
Perfect for small business owners looking to expand their reach, the Business Builder membership includes:
✔️ All Networking Groups, Events & Live Streams
✔️ Featured Directory Listing on INSPIREsmall.biz
✔️ Online Library Access
✔️ The ability to add both single & recurring event listings
3rd Place – Side Hustle Membership ($300 Value)
A great starting point for entrepreneurs and freelancers, the Side Hustle membership includes:
✔️ All Networking Groups, Events & Live Streams
✔️ Standard Directory Listing on INSPIREsmall.biz
✔️ Online Library Access
✔️ The ability to add event listings
With these memberships, winners will have access to a thriving community of entrepreneurs, exclusive resources, and opportunities to grow their business and brand. We’re excited to support Indiana’s creative minds and look forward to seeing your incredible pitches!