ABOUT

FILMER FORGE is the industry program of IN THE PALACE International Short Film Festival which includes: educational modules, industry meetings, short film market, pitching training and pitching sessions and a range of opportunities for formal and informal networking.

The platform brings together emerging and established filmmakers, producers, distributors, agents, broadcasters, exhibitors, festival programmers, representatives of funding bodies, etc. to find collaborators for their current and upcoming projects.

FILMER FORGE PITCH is an international session for public presentation of short film projects in pre-production stage of development. The initiative provides the participants opportunities to find new collaborators and/or compete for financial grant in a support of their projects. FILMER FORGE PITCH programme is running for 3 days and includes pitching training, national and international pitching sessions, one-to-one meetings and networking opportunities.

More information about structure, regulations and how to submit a project you can find below. 

If any questions arise or you need some additional information, please contact us on filmerforge@inthepalace.com

STRUCTURE

Bulgarian and foreign filmmakers, writers and producers who seek producing, co-producing, funding, and development opportunities for their current or upcoming short film are invited to apply for the FILMER FORGE PITCH. The most promising projects will have the opportunity to take part in the PITCHING DAY 2.

• THE PITCH

Each project team/representative will have up to 7 minutes to present their project and answer questions from the jury.

The order, in which the representatives pitch their projects, will be randomly selected. 

Every project, in each phase, must be pitched in English!

PITCHING DAY 1: Bulgarian projects only.

PITCHING DAY 2: PITCHING DAY 1 winning Bulgarian projects + International projects.

• ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS

The program includes One-to-one meetings in 2 phases after the TWO PITCHING DAYS:

1^st phase: Speed dating with pitching panelists. To ensure that all projects receive feedback, the programme is initiating “speed dating” meetings between projects’ representatives and each jury member from the FILMER FORGE PITCH.

2^nd phase (if there is an interest): Meetings with potentially interested collaborators.

• WHO CAN APPLY?

Film professionals who seek producing, co-producing, funding, and development opportunities for their upcoming short film.

Short film projects in pre-production stage are accepted.

Short film projects in any genre are eligible to apply.

Secured funding by third parties is not an obligatory condition to submit a project.

Eligible participants must have gained an educational degree in any subject in filmmaking (Film Directing, Producing, Script Writing, etc.) and/or have at least 2 completed short films released to festivals and been programmed in official selection of international film festivals.

Participants from all countries are eligible to submit a short film project.

• REQUIRED MATERIALS

Please, provide us with a link to a zipped folder, titled by the name of the short film project, and containing the following materials:

1. Synopsis, treatment, and script.

2. Short biography, photo of director/writer and contacts (phone number and email).

3. Director's statement of artistic choices (image, sound, music, cast, etc.).

4. Production company: profile and selected filmography (if applicable).

5. Short biography and photo of producer and contacts (phone number and email).

6. Producer's statement and strategy for producing this film.

7. Confirmation of secured funding (letter of intent, positive notice, grant, etc.) - if applicable.

8. Any visuals (storyboard, locations, rough cut, animatic, etc.) that will support the application.

! All materials sent must be in English !

• AWARD

The winning Bulgarian, or International short film will be rewarded with 15 000 BGN in cash.

• DEADLINE FOR APPLYING - MAY 9^TH, 2023

Please, send the requested materials and the filled form (attached below) to filmerforge@inthepalace.com 

You can also download the form from this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NFQf6hAdE7vPSnq0au5lf5usWDxh9rPy?usp=share_link

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PLEASE NOTE:

Film projects will be taken into consideration only if in compliance with the following:

1. Answer to eligible criteria

2. Provided all requested information and materials

Any applicant submitting a project to FILMER FORGE PITCH commits to attend the event in person in case of selection.

FILMER FORGE PITCH accepts the attendance of up to 2 representatives per a project.