Have a bold film idea? Pitch your project to the people who can make it happen and bring your story to the screen. Pitching and 1:1 Sessions offer a valuable opportunity to present your project to a representative from a major production organisation. These meetings are designed to provide feedback, expert guidance, and industry insight to help you refine your work and move it forward. Selected participants will be matched with a Development Executive for a 20-minute, one-to-one session. Applications are open to Unlimited Pass holders only.
Please note: While the focus of these sessions is on development and professional advice, some organisations may also be open to discussing future opportunities, which could include funding or collaboration. However, this should not be expected as a guaranteed outcome. We encourage you to approach the sessions with an open mind and a focus on growth, feedback and meaningful dialogue. Maximum two entries per applicant. Sessions will take place in person only in York, UK, during the festival. Deadline 21 September.
Organisations and Timetable
Film4 (Narrative Features)
5 November | 11:00-13:00
Film4 is Channel 4’s feature film division, developing and co-financing bold and original films. Their Academy Award-winners include Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things, Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest and Martin McDonagh’s The Banshees of Inisherin. Recent acclaimed releases include All of Us Strangers, Saltburn, The Kitchen and Rye Lane.
BBC Film (Narrative Shorts)
5 November | 13:00-15:00
BBC Film is at the forefront of UK independent filmmaking, developing and co-producing distinctive feature-length productions. Championing emerging voices while collaborating with leading writers and directors, it continues to shape the future of British cinema. BBC Film holds a BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema.
Goldfinch First Flights (Narrative Shorts)
5 November | 13:00-15:00
First Flights is an incubator for debut feature directors and producers, empowering creatives to craft commercially viable films and build international careers. The team supports each filmmaker from script to screen. The initiative has collaborated with Gary Oldman, Anjelica Huston, Bill Nighy, Sam Riley and rising talents across the indie scene.
Ridley Scott Associates (Narrative Shorts)
5 November | 15:00-17:00
RSA is a global production company founded by directors Ridley and Tony Scott. Celebrated for its creative excellence and production expertise, RSA has delivered award-winning campaigns for over 50 years. Its acclaimed short films include Oscar-winning work from bold voices across narrative, commercial and experimental film.
New York Times (Doc Shorts)
6 November | 10:00-12:00
Op-Docs is The New York Times‘ award-winning collection of short documentaries by independent filmmakers. Highlights include Molly O’Brien’s Oscar-winning The Only Girl in the Orchestra and Ema Ryan Yamazaki’s Instruments of a Beating Heart. Recent standout films tackle urgent themes, pushing the boundaries of short-form cinema.
World Productions (Scripted TV Drama)
6 November | 10:00-12:00
World Productions is a leading UK drama producer renowned for gripping storytelling. Its acclaimed slate includes Line of Duty, Bodyguard and Vigil. Recent highlights are The Bombing of Pan Am 103 by Jonathan Lee, The Gathering by Helen Walsh and Until I Kill You. As part of ITV Studios, World delivers award-winning, high-impact series.
Neal Street Productions (Narrative Features)
6 November | 14:00-16:00
Neal Street Productions is one of the UK’s most respected production companies, known for acclaimed film (Empire of Light, 1917), television (Informer, Britannia, The Third Day) and theatre. Founded in 2003 by Sam Mendes, Caro Newling and Pippa Harris, it continues to create award-winning projects with international impact.
BBC (Scripted Television Drama)
6 November | 14:00-16:00
Simon Nelson is an Executive at BBC Writers, overseeing writer development across TV, radio, and digital platforms. He leads initiatives, programmes and events to nurture emerging talent. With extensive experience in scripted development across multiple genres, Simon is helping to shape the future of storytelling across the BBC.
Blueprint Pictures (Narrative Features)
6 November | 14:00-16:00
Blueprint Pictures is an Academy Award, BAFTA, and Emmy-winning UK production company founded by Graham Broadbent and Peter Czernin. Its acclaimed films include The Banshees of Inisherin, All of Us Strangers, Wicked Little Letters and The Beautiful Game. Upcoming projects are Wild Horse Nine, Huntington and The Phoenician Scheme.
Origin Pictures (Narrative Features)
7 November | 10:00-12:00
Origin Pictures is an award-winning UK production company dedicated to creating high-quality, thought-provoking film and television. Known for its literary adaptations and original storytelling, Origin’s slate includes acclaimed titles such as The Sense of an Ending, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and the BAFTA-winning drama An Education.
Ridley Scott Associates (Narrative Shorts)
7 November | 10:00-12:00
RSA is a global production company founded by directors Ridley and Tony Scott. Celebrated for its creative excellence and production expertise, RSA has delivered award-winning campaigns for over 50 years. Its acclaimed short films include Oscar-winning work from bold voices across narrative, commercial and experimental film.
The Pitch Film Fund (Narrative Shorts)
7 November | 11:00-13:00
The Pitch Film Fund specialises in the reimagining of classical narratives. They exist for emerging talent in the film industry, providing unique training and development. Each year, The Pitch have also awarded funds of up to £35,000 to short films that adapt stories from one of cinema’s most enduring sources of inspiration – The Bible.
Doc Society (Documentary Shorts)
7 November | 14:00-16:00
The BFI Doc Society Fund supports storytellers across the UK, backing documentaries with bold cultural and social ambitions. It is committed to supporting fact-based films and connecting them to audiences. Projects include Shiori Itō’s Black Box Diaries, Kim Hopkins’ Still Pushing Pineapples and the Berlinale-winning Dahomey by Mati Diop.
Guardian Docs (Documentary Shorts)
7 November | 14:00-16:00
The Guardian Documentaries is an award-winning strand showcasing independent short films. Recent highlights include Fox Chase Boy, exploring trauma through stand-up comedy and No Man Is an Island, chronicling the UK’s gay rights movement. These films exemplify The Guardian’s commitment to storytelling that resonates with audiences.
New York Times (Documentary Shorts)
7 November | 15:30-17:30
Op-Docs is The New York Times‘ award-winning collection of short documentaries by independent filmmakers. Highlights include Molly O’Brien’s Oscar-winning The Only Girl in the Orchestra and Ema Ryan Yamazaki’s Instruments of a Beating Heart. Recent standout films tackle urgent themes, pushing the boundaries of short-form cinema.
Ink Factory Films (Narrative Features)
8 November | 10:30-13:00
The Ink Factory is an independent studio founded by Stephen and Simon Cornwell to produce bold, authored stories for audiences around the world. With a focus on high-end film and television, the company is best known for adapting the work of John le Carré, including The Night Manager, The Little Drummer Girl, and The Pigeon Tunnel.
Ridley Scott Associates (Narrative Shorts)
8 November | 14:00-16:00
RSA Films is a global production company founded by visionary directors Ridley and Tony Scott. Celebrated for its creative excellence, craft and production expertise, RSA has consistently delivered award-winning campaigns for leading brands and agencies for more than half a century. Clients include famous international brands, such as Alexander McQueen, Lancôme, Samsung and Renault. Its acclaimed short films include distinctive, Oscar-winning work from bold voices across narrative, commercial and experimental film.
1:1 Feedback Sessions
These 1:1 Sessions offer a valuable opportunity to present your project to a representative from a major production organisation. Gain feedback, guidance, and insight to help you refine your work and move it forward. Selected participants will be matched with a Development Executive from one of these organisations for a 20-minute, one-to-one session.
Applications are open to Unlimited Pass holders only.
PACT
5 November | 13:00-17:00
Pact is the trade association for independent production and distribution companies across film, television, animation, and digital media in the UK. Since 1991, it has championed members through policy advocacy, business support, and initiatives, leading on diversity, equity, and inclusion to shape a thriving UK screen sector.
BBC Comedy (Writing for Comedy)
7 November | 11:00-14:30
BBC Comedy is the broadcast home of British humour, commissioning new shows across BBC platforms. The team is dedicated to developing fresh creative voices, as well as collaborating with established names. Recent releases include Death Valley starring Timothy Spall, Smoggie Queens and the animated series The Golden Cobra.
Dartmouth (Non Fiction / Documentary Projects)
7 November | 11:00-14:30
Dartmouth Films is a pioneer of independent documentaries in Britain, championing bold, socially engaged and impactful storytelling through its innovative funding and distribution models. Recent standout releases and projects include The Stimming Pool, Big Star: The Nick Skelton Story, Eric Ravilious: Drawn to War, Children of the Cult, Dying to Divorce and The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru. Dartmouth continues to champion and amplify diverse, underrepresented voices and bring important, compelling stories to life with impact.