AACTA and Monster Pictures announce the MOTHER of all horror film pitching initiatives
Australia’s ultimate horror and genre film development initiative is back for a third year. This time, we are keeping it in the family with AACTA Pitch: MOTHER in Partnership with Monster Pictures.
Applicants are invited to pitch their horror or elevated genre feature film concept that incorporates this year’s theme: MOTHER. Mothers play one of the most essential roles in our lives; protectors, providers, and caregivers. Mother Earth personifies this as the guiding force of the natural world. There's a long history of horror movies chronicling what happens when this goes horribly wrong - the evil mothers of classics like PSYCHO, CARRIE, RELIC and FRIDAY THE 13TH; natural disaster movies like EARTHQUAKE, TWISTER, THESE FINAL HOURS and DANTE'S PEAK; or when Mother Nature hits back in films like JAWS, RAZORBACK, BLACK SHEEP, THE REEF and CUJO. Interpret it however you want, just hit the brief as creatively as possible.
This year’s recipient will get a massive $10,000 in development funds and an Australian theatrical distribution agreement with Monster Pictures Distribution. In addition, 2 tickets to the 2022 AACTA Awards and a 12-month AACTA Professional Membership will be awarded, giving our winners the chance to attend AACTA Events, access to AACTA TV, and opportunities to network with some of the biggest names in the Australian screen industry.
AACTA Pitch in partnership with Monster Pictures is now in its third year. Previous recipients include writer and director Jordan Watton and producer Julia Corcoran for their winning concept BURNING, which took out AACTA Pitch: Isolation in 2020; and Josh and Laura Sambono, the recipients of AACTA Pitch: Bite in 2021 for feature film concept DROP BEARS.
“This is such a fun initiative and we’re always impressed by the inventive interpretations of the brief that get pitched our way”, said Ivan Vukusic, Awards and Industry Development Manager at AACTA. “If you’re an aspiring genre film maker, this is a great way to road test your horror chops, with a very real pathway toward production and distribution. Mum’s the word, so get cracking.”
"AACTA Pitch has become a vital part of Monster Pictures' yearly activities as we continue to support independent Australian cinema, especially as the first two years have unearthed a fantastic crop of talent and projects. We can't wait to see what year three brings!” said Director of Monster Pictures Grant Hardie.
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) in partnership with Monster Pictures invites writers, directors and writer/director teams to submit original feature film concepts that incorporate the theme of MOTHER. Keeping in line with the overall spirit of the initiative, the project ideas must work effectively with minimal locations, small casts, and lower budgets.
Projects that demonstrate the following are likely to be the most successful:
- New, creative and unique ways to engage audiences;
- Strong characters that resonate with audiences;
- Concise stories demonstrating clear, dramatic tension;
- Ideas that bend genres and break new ground.
AACTA encourages emerging or experienced content creators to enter, particularly those from diverse and under-represented backgrounds. Entry is $60 for AACTA members and $95 for non-members. For a limited time, AACTA will be waiving the entry fee for applicants who become a new AACTA Professional or AACTA General Member. For more information on AACTA membership, visit aacta.org/membership/choose-your-membership/.
Initial entry requirements include: Title, logline, 3-minute video pitch, 500 word synopsis and résumé of the writer/s and/or director/s. Round One entries close at 11:59pm AEST on Friday 23 September 2022.
AACTA PITCH ENTRY & ELIGIBILITY
For full eligibility requirements and entry details, please visit click here.
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