Now accepting Pitching Competition Applications for 2021 

This year’s Script Pitching Competition at the Galway Film Fleadh will be a live-streamed event, taking place as part of the online edition of the festival.

Our Pitching Competition emphasises that good writing is still the backbone of the audio-visual sector and has provided many writers with an opportunity to get their foot in the door of the industry.

Entry requirement is a 500-word written pitch (from beginning to end – no cliff-hangers!) from writers of any skill level. Any genre of feature drama, documentary or animation will be considered. Finalists will be selected to pitch their idea live online as an ‘Elevator Pitch’ of 90 seconds to a virtual panel of industry judges and an audience. The winner will be announced at the online Awards Ceremony and will receive a cash prize of €3000.

In addition to the prize money, and the opportunity to pitch to industry professionals, the real benefits of being selected for the Film Fleadh Pitching Competition are many faceted. Previous participants have cited: opening the door to producers, having their project optioned by producers, being invited on mentorships to hone their craft, bolstering their confidence and providing the first opportunity for them to win over an audience. As for the winner, the prize can allow them the time to develop and expand their pitch into a full feature film script.

Both the 2019 winner Roisin Jones and last year’s winner Alice McDowell have received development funding through Screen Ireland’s for their respective projects.

“Rainsong’ – a cinematic ode to rain, through story, song, ritual and prayer took its first breath at the Galway Film Fleadh Pitching Competition in 2020.

My idea developed a deep sense of urgency earlier that year, as ferocious wildfires devoured the Australian bush, my homeland. A brutal testimony to changing climate conditions and the fragility of our natural world.

The competition was held online, I am not a seasoned ‘pitcher’, but I followed my instincts and absolutely loved the experience. The judges asked important questions and gave precious feedback. The quality of the other pitches was incredible, I was truly surprised and humbled to receive the award” Alice McDowell, 2020 winner

Closing date for applications is 28th June 2021. Application forms and further details available here.