INDY PITCH CLINIC is a collaboration between Indy Film Fest and Indiana Filmmakers Network (IFN). The event is an inspiring pitch clinic that empowers Indiana filmmakers by providing encouragement, recognition, training, feedback, valuable connections, publicity, and impactful awards.
The pitch clinic will be held during this year’s Indy Film Fest. This is the sixth pitch clinic organized by IFN and the first with Indy Film Fest. The response to last year’s clinic was overwhelmingly positive.
The pitch clinic will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 6:30 pm at The Box Indy
Submit your application here. There is a $25.00 fee to ensure serious applicants. If you want to pitch more than one idea, please submit one application per idea (the $25.00 fee applies for each application).
Key Partners: Studio Autuer Inspire Music Collective The Box Indy Studio Nethercott
Awards (there will be more)
- Studio Autuer: $250.00
- Studio Nethercott: $500.00
Jurors
- Jerald Harkness: Award Winning Filmmaker; CEO, Studio Auteur, LLC
- Jennifer A. Haire: Directors Guild of America, PGA; Production Manager; Line Producer; Educator, Author of KEYS TO THE PRODUCTION OFFICE
- Nathan Bechtold: IFN President, writes studio reviews for films, a script doctor, character developer, and creative consultant.
- 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.
- One of the Indy Film Fest Programmers
FAQs
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.
Why would I want to apply? To learn how to pitch effectively. To practice pitching. To get input on your project. To make new connections. To establish new relationships. To build your credibility. To gain recognition. To promote your film project. To win an award that will benefit you.
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 guidelines, 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.”
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.
Who is on the advisory committee?
- 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 here in Indy.
I don’t know how to pitch, will you offer any training? Yes, we plan to hold one or more online sessions to help you prepare to pitch your project.
What will the application be like? You will be asked to provide a title, logline, tagline, short synopsis, your motivation, 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.
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 applicants will there be, and how many finalists will get to pitch at the event? Based on the enthusiastic response in 2024, we expect many applicants. We will have time for about ten live pitches at the event.
How much time will I have to pitch? Five minutes.
QUESTIONS? Contact Paul Nethercott, pwnethercott@gmail.com