SeriesFest

A Celebration of Episodic Storytelling

Independent Pilot Competition: Comedy

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Submissions open AUG 20

Learn More

Timeline
Awards & Prizes
Entry Materials

Previous Winners
Previous Jury Members

Submission FAQs

All Festival Submissions:

Now in its twelfth season, the Independent Pilot Competition: Comedy celebrates original voices in episodic storytelling that are sharp and satirical, heartfelt and quirky, and unapologetically funny. Selected pilots (18–60 minutes) will spotlight comedic innovation, distinct points of view, and the ability to entertain while pushing boundaries.

“To be here and be boots on the ground and feel the energy and see the creativity is mind-blowing—and it’s the future of our industry.“

Annie Laks
SVP, Creative Content Shondaland

Timeline

Submission Open August 20

*FilmFreeway Gold

Funds, Awards & Prizes

ENTRY MATERIALS

Produced Pilot
Submitted via FilmFreeway’s Secure Online Screener system. All entries must be between 18 and 60 minutes in length.

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)

Press Kit Material
Any available press kit material.

Please note, entry materials will not be returned

Pilots selected do not need to retain any sort of premiere status, however, programmers do consider premiere status, previous festival screenings, and awards when deciding on official competition selections. If your pilot has been released via any home video outlet, broadcast on television, or had a ticketed public theatrical exhibition anywhere in the USA, it is not eligible for this festival. Submissions are welcome from around the world, but submissions must be in English or include English subtitles.

Previous Award Winners

GROWN

SeriesFest: Season 8, 2022

WHO’S ANNIE?

SeriesFest: Season 9, 2023

CHANSHI

SeriesFest: Season 9, 2023

EVERYONE IS DOING GREAT

SeriesFest: Season 5, 2019

GENERATION PORQUE

SeriesFest: Season 6, 2020

BROKEN TOILETS

SeriesFest: Season 10, 2024

THE BOY WHO WAS AFRAID OF EVERYTHING

SeriesFest: Season 10, 2024

UNCONVENTIONAL

SeriesFest: Season 10, 2024

HELLO FROM TAIWAN

SeriesFest: Season 7, 2021

Previous Jury Members

Michael Falbo

Partner Pacific Electric Picture Company

Nina Dobrev

Actor

Kim Cattrall

Actor

Jim O'Heir is a white man with gray and white hair. He has a big smile, large cheeks, and a stripped collared shirt with a dark gray jacket over it. The picture is a circle, and the background of the headshot is dark green.

Jim O’Heir

Actor

Yasmine Pearl

Talent Agent UTA

Thank you to our partners

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