Pitch-A-Thon!

PREVIEW on filmfreeway

Submissions open August 18

View the Pitch-A-Thon Roadshow

Learn More

Timeline
Awards & Prizes
Entry Materials

Previous Winners
Previous Jury Members

Submission FAQs

All Festival Submissions:

Independent Pilot Competition: Drama

Independent Pilot Competition: Comedy

Digital Short Series Competition

International Spotlight Competition

The Pitch-a-Thon is SeriesFest’s signature event where filmmakers have the opportunity to pitch their unproduced projects—and advance their careers—in front of a live audience and a panel of industry experts. Creators selected for the opportunity will receive one-on-one pitch coaching from our partners at Working Artist Group to prepare them to present their 5 minute pitch, live at SeriesFest.

About the workshop:

In the weeks leading up to SeriesFest, creators selected for the Pitch-A-Thon, will participate in a two-part virtual workshop to hone their pitch skills. Creators participate in an exclusive workshop led by the Working Artist Group.

SeriesFest is the only international festival dedicated exclusively to episodic storytelling. Our community brings together independent artists, television leaders, industry and community partners, and passionate audiences, all invested in the future of episodic storytelling.

Watch more on Youtube

Timeline

Select a competition to view submission deadlines and fees.

Competition

Dates and pricing are valid until 11:59 PM local time.

Official Selections will be notified by March 4, 2027.
SeriesFest: Season 13 will take place in Denver, CO, from April 23–27, 2027.

Funds, Awards & Prizes

Select Inclusivity Initiative Funds: Awarded to projects that demonstrate a thoughtful and deliberate approach to using storytelling as a means of leveling the playing field for marginalized communities, including but not limited to women, people of color, Indigenous, AAPI, Latinx, LGBTQIA+, and disabled artists
- Inclusive Creator Fund presented by the Anna & John J. Sie and the Global Down Syndrome Foundations
- Rural Intersectionality Fund
Outstanding Series Format Deck Award, presented by Canva: Canva acknowledges the creativity and skill required to build the perfect series format deck with this recognition, accompanied by a $5,000 cash prize.

ENTRY MATERIALS

A 3–5 minute video submission of Creator(s) pitching their project.

Pilot Script

Series Format Deck
All submissions must include a Series Format Deck, uploaded to the FilmFreeway application page under “Files & Attachments”. This document includes a logline, series regular and recurring character descriptions, and Season One story arc or future episode descriptions.

An effective Series Format Deck introduces your project in a visually exciting and emotionally powerful way. It captures the reader’s imagination, allowing them to see the full scope of the series and embrace the characters. The Series Format deck is essential to our review process, providing a clear and compelling way for us to understand your vision.

The Series Format Deck should be 2–15 pages, must be in English, and include the following:

Log Line
Pilot Synopsis
Season One Outline
Main Character Descriptions (Up to 5)
- For unscripted pilots, include key onscreen subjects/talent
Tone of your series (can include no more than 2 comparisons)
Producing Team
Key Creatives
Goals for your Series
A Creator Statement that includes: Why This Idea, Why Me, and Why Now?

If your submission is selected for final programming you will be required to submit more information regarding your pilot, cast, and crew so SeriesFest can maximize your experience with executives at the Festival in May. Full details will be sent to submissions selected for SeriesFest: Season 12 in an acceptance email by April 2026.

Not sure where to get started? You don’t have to start from a blank page. Check out our Canva template or Canva’s Entertainment Templates and make them your own.

FilmFreeway Entry Fee
(see above)

Please note, entry materials will not be returned.

Previous Award Winners

Robyn Matuto & Malachi Ellis

The Haunting of Trisha Lozada

Brittany Ballard

Death Doula

Harold Abrams

Grave Affairs

Amy Janes

Honkers

Margaret Byrne and Rachel Pikelny

Fighting Time

Previous Jury Members

Sarah Minnie

Head of Artist Development & Production, OTV

Kyle Castellanet

VP, Development and Production, Echo Lake Entertainment

Christin Davilia

TV Development Executive and Producer

Jessika Borsiczky

Writer, House of Lies

Thank you to our partners

Working Artist Group

Working Artist Group (or WAG), was created in 2014 by expert industry insider, Krista Gano, as an umbrella brand that encompasses all elements necessary for a professional career in the entertainment industry. Offering coaching services, and specialized workshops, it is a one-stop shop for the needs of the working artist and a trusted seal among casting directors, producers, directors and agencies. Krista has spent a career working and advising within every aspect of the industry and has a keen understanding of how the business works. In addition to being a dynamic creative herself, she has helmed the SeriesFest Pitch-a-Thon for many years, presenting the program throughout the US and Canada. She is currently working with creators all over the globe, creating a safe place for creatives to focus on the all important pitch.

Canva

Canva supports SeriesFest across the board on creative and professional development resources to bring SeriesFest’s annual festival and year round programs to life. From pre-show content to social media design, to motion graphics—and everything in between—SeriesFest is thrilled to have Canva as its Official Design Partner. Be sure to follow @SeriesFest and @Canva on Instagram as we share the details of this incredible partnership.