Indy Pitch Clinic

Welcome to the Indy Pitch Clinic!
Tuesday, April 29th, 2025, 6:00-9pm - at The Box Indy (1413 E Riverside Dr Indianapolis, IN 46202) - Doors open at 6:00 pm. With hosts Paul Nethercott and Nathan Bechtold, and our special guest judges (see below).

INDY PITCH CLINIC is a collaboration between Indiana Filmmakers Network (IFN) and Indy Film Fest. This is the eighth sixth pitch clinic organized by IFN and the first with Indy Film Fest. The vision is an inspiring event that empowers Indiana filmmakers by providing encouragement, recognition, training, feedback, valuable connections, publicity, and impactful awards.
Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this clinic is the perfect opportunity to hone your pitching skills. Our team of experts will provide valuable feedback and tips to help you craft a compelling pitch that will impress any audience. Don't miss out on this chance to take your pitch to the next level!
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).
Entrance fee is $5, this is for audience participation and networking.

Please register ahead to be part of this year's Pitch Clinic, submission is $25 (Application and Link provided below).

The Program:
Pitch your film concept in front of an audience and get valuable input from a panel of experts. We will begin promptly at 6:30PM with introductions of the panel members. Next, we will hear from as many participants as time allows. After each 5-7 minute pitch there will be 10 minutes for the panelists and the audience to respond with comments and questions.

Event Coordinator:
Indianapolis IFN Hub leader - Paul W. Nethercott, International film producer/director; CEO, Studio Nethercott.

Sponsors and Partners:
Indiana Filmmakers Network Inc., Indy Film Fest, Indianapolis Film Project, Studio Auteur, Inspire Music Collective, Studio Nethercott, The Box Media Production Space, FilmIN, INSPIREsmall.biz, PopCon, Roberts Camera, Film Indy, and others TBA.

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
• Indy Film Fest Head Programmer (TBA)

Essential Rules for Participants:
How do I apply, and how much will it cost? The pitch schedule will follow the order of your registration. In other words, the first person to complete the registration will be the first to pitch at the clinic on April 29th.
Why would I want to apply? What are the deadlines for the 2025 Pitch Clinic?

APPLICATION LINK The fee is $25.00.

• Can I apply more than once?

Yes! Every project submitted will need to pay the $25.00 fee.

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.

• 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?

5-7 minutes to pitch, you will be timed.
Minimum of 1 graphic to project on the screen, option of showing a trailer.

Be eager to receive all of the input offered to you.

Be at The Box and ready to pitch, by 6:00 pm.

Whether you are trying to get a script read, talent attached, or raise funds, a polished pitch can often help garner more attention and increase the odds of success. Learn how to pitch your story or project clearly and concisely as well as tailor it to fit your audience!

This special April IFN event will be ticketed for audience and open networking ($5), please share this event and invite all those you believe would benefit from and be interested in attending, thank you! Come join fellow Creatives and Cinematic Artists for an evening of open networking at THE BOX Media Production Space.

Indiana Filmmakers Network Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit helping connect Indiana's Creative Community. Please join us! You can learn more about IFN by attending one of the free monthly meetings and at indianafilmmakers.org

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Box Media Space, 1413 East Riverside Drive, Indianapolis, United States