About the Pitch Black Summit
For the first time ever, the Variety-EbonyLife Pitch Black Summit welcomes film and series pitches from black writers, producers, and directors worldwide. Our goal is to showcase diverse and compelling narratives that amplify black voices on a global stage.
The theme for the Pitch Black Summit is “Global Resonance: Elevating Black Stories Worldwide.” It invites filmmakers to explore the depth and diversity of black experiences, through historical perspectives, present-day realities, and future visions, with an emphasis on fostering universal connections and understanding. Through this theme, the summit seeks to empower black creators to tell stories that challenge stereotypes and contribute to a more inclusive and interconnected global narrative landscape. Submissions should align with the “Pitch Black” theme.
The initiative will open for submissions between 1 March 2024 and 10 May 2024. The shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Pitch Black Summit, held in Los Angeles, in July 2024. The event will attract major studios and features panel discussions, workshops and networking opportunities. Here, the filmmakers will have an opportunity to pitch their work to studio executives, potentially securing funding, production and distribution deals.
EVALUATION CRITERIA:
– Adherence to the “Pitch Black” theme.
– Originality and creativity of the concept.
– Clarity and coherence of the synopsis and treatment. Strength of characters and character development. Potential for global appeal and impact.
ELIGIBILITY:
Open to black writers, producers, and directors from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and the United States, who are:
(i) 18-years-old or older
(ii) Not a member of a writer’s guild and/or writer union whose bylaws conflict with the terms of the this Initiative, the Official Guidelines and/or any and all of the terms of the Acceptance Documents.
(iii) Not currently engaged in any exclusive contractual commitments or relationships in the entertainment industry (i.e. relationships or contractual commitments with writer and/or director) preventing them from entering, unless entrant provides verifiable proof of permission from employer.
NOT ELIGIBLE:
(i) individuals employed (or previously employed in last six months) by Variety, EbonyLife and/or affiliates, or connected with Initiative – includes Immediate family.
(ii) Entries created or funded by broadcast networks, cable networks or studios or other similar content distributors are ineligible.
ENTIRES ‘MUST NOT’ (making it subject to disqualification)
(i) be currently under development at a network, studio, production company or distribution company;
(ii) previously purchased or produced by a network/channel, studio, production company or distribution company or is in any way encumbered (including liens and/or talent attachments including Entrant) by a third party as of the date of submission;
(iii) become optioned, developed, purchased or produced by a network/channel, studio, production company or distribution company or in any way encumbered (including liens) by a third party during the Selection Term; or
(iv) violate, misappropriate or infringe another person’s rights, including, but not limited to, privacy, publicity or intellectual property rights.
MULTIPLE ENTRANTS
(i) Entry Material may only be submitted by one Entrant. If there are multiple contributors (maximum two), both contributors must agree among themselves upon a single individual who will be the entrant with respect to that Entry Material.
(ii) Limitations to entry – Only one (1) copy of the “Entry Material” may be submitted. No substitutions of new drafts or corrected pages will be accepted once the Entry Materials has been entered into the Initiative, unless requested by Sponsors. Entry Materials may only be submitted in one Entry Period. Any Entry Materials resubmitted in subsequent Entry Period, including any revisions thereto, will be ineligible.
– The Sponsors reserve the right to verify and confirm entrants’ ages and compliance with other eligibility requirements.
– Submissions may be individual or team efforts.
– All entries must be in English.
– Original content is preferred, but adaptations with proper rights clearance are accepted.
SUBMISSION MATERIALS:
1. Title Page: Project Title
2. Name(s) and biographies of the Writer(s), Producer(s), and Director(s)
3. Contact Information (Email, Phone)
4. Logline: A brief, one-sentence summary that captures the essence of the project.
5. Synopsis: (1-2 pages):
(i) Provide a concise overview of the story, including key plot points, themes, and central characters.
(ii) Highlight how the project aligns with the “Pitch Black” theme.
6. Treatment (5-10 pages):
(i) Expand on the synopsis with more detailed information about the narrative, character development, and overall story arc.
(ii) Include information on the intended tone, style, and visual elements. Sample
7. Script (if available):
(i) Submit a sample script, preferably the first 10 pages, showcasing the project’s writing style and narrative direction.
8. Creator’s Statement (optional but encouraged):
(i) A brief statement from the creator(s) discussing their motivation, inspiration, and personal connection to the project.
FORMATTING GUIDELINES:
– Use industry-standard formatting for all documents (Courier or Times New Roman, 12-point font.)
– PDF format is preferred for all submissions.
– Include page numbers on each document.
– Clearly label each section (e.g. Title Page, Logline, Synopsis, etc.)
SUBMISSION PROCESS AND KEY DATES:
– Submit your pitch, and all required material, through the official Pitch Black Summit online platform, www.thepitchblacksummit.com
– Submissions close on, 10 May 2024.
– Upon successful submission, participants will receive a confirmation email.
– Late submissions will not be considered.
– Shortlisted participants will be notified by, 31 May 2024.
– The Pitch Black Summit will be held in Los Angeles on, July 2024.
ABOUT VARIETY:
Variety, a renowned industry publication, is the #1 entertainment business news publication in the world. Variety produces over 70 live events annually. Variety’s extensive experience in running a wide range of events, including those focused on diversity and inclusion, provides valuable insights into what it takes to create a successful and impactful summit. Variety’s involvement underscores the credibility and potential reach of the Pitch Black Summit.
ABOUT EBONYLIFE MEDIA:
EbonyLife, a pioneering media and entertainment company founded by Mo Abudu, stands as a beacon of African storytelling, reshaping global perceptions of the continent. Through its acclaimed television productions and ground-breaking films, EbonyLife challenges stereotypes and celebrates the richness of African culture. Beyond entertainment, EbonyLife engages in advocacy work, leveraging its platform to address pressing social issues and champion causes that uplift African communities. With a commitment to excellence and social impact, EbonyLife continues to inspire audiences worldwide, driving positive change and fostering a more inclusive and diverse entertainment industry.
The combined experience of Variety and EbonyLife along with our strong commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, makes the Pitch Black Summit a promising and impactful event. The summit will draw on the expertise and resources of our organizations to create an event that will drive meaningful change in the industry. The anticipated quality of our guests from around the world, comprising the best of black filmmakers, further solidifies the summit’s potential for fostering important discussions, collaborations, and actions to combat the lack of diversity in the industry.