Pitch Film Idea: Opportunity for Feature Film, Animation and Documentary Projects

Deadline: 27-Oct-2026

Pitch Film Idea is a pre-application programme that allows producers and experienced screenwriters to present feature film, feature animation, and feature documentary concepts to an independent industry panel. A positive pitch enables the filmmaker to apply for script development support, although it does not guarantee funding. The programme has four pitch rounds each year, with applicants able to submit up to 10 projects per calendar year. What Is Pitch Film Idea? Pitch Film Idea is a film development opportunity designed to help filmmakers test and strengthen the concept behind a proposed feature-length project before applying for script development funding. The programme focuses on whether a film idea is sufficiently convincing and developed to justify further script development. Applicants present their concept to a panel of five independent professionals from the film industry and wider cultural sector. The pitch is intended to answer four central questions: What kind of film is being proposed? Who is the intended audience? With whom will the film be made? Why should this film be made?

The programme covers:

Feature films Feature-length animated films Feature documentaries Script development Film concept development Professional pitching and feedback How Does Pitch Film Idea Work? Pitch Film Idea is a two-stage development process.

Stage 1: Pitch the Film Idea

The producer or eligible experienced screenwriter presents the film concept to the independent panel. The panel evaluates whether the idea has sufficient potential as a feature-length audiovisual project.

Stage 2: Apply for Script Development

A positive pitch outcome allows the filmmaker to submit a subsequent application for script development support. Applicants can use the panel’s feedback to strengthen their script development application. However, a positive pitch does not automatically result in a development grant. If the pitch outcome is negative, the filmmaker cannot yet apply for script development support through this route. Who Is Eligible? Eligibility depends on whether the project is a feature film, animated film or documentary and who is presenting the project. Producers for Feature Films and Long Documentaries For feature films and long documentaries, the project team must be registered for the pitch by a producer. The producer must represent a production company that: Is a legal entity. Has been established for at least two years. Is established in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, an EU member state, the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. Continuously produces and exploits films and other audiovisual productions. The producer must also have been primarily responsible for the realisation and release of at least one: Independent film production; Non-commissioned production; Majority Dutch production; Production longer than 70 minutes; Professional production released in the Dutch film and/or television sector. The producer cannot also be the proposed film’s director or screenwriter. Experienced Screenwriters An experienced screenwriter may independently pitch a feature film or feature-length animated film if they intend to independently oversee the subsequent script development phase. The screenwriter must previously have been primarily responsible for the screenplay of at least one: Feature film; or Feature-length animated film

The previous film must:

Be longer than 60 minutes; and Have been released in Dutch cinemas. Documentary Projects For documentary pitches, the producer must satisfy the applicable production company and professional film production requirements. The producer must also be separate from the director and screenwriter of the proposed documentary. What Types of Projects Can Be Pitched? The programme supports concepts for three main categories: Feature films Feature-length animated films Feature documentaries The emphasis is on the underlying film idea and its potential for further development, rather than simply presenting an unfinished script. Why Is the Pitch Important? Pitch Film Idea provides an opportunity to receive professional feedback before committing to a full script development application. Incorporate expert feedback into a later script development application. The programme therefore functions as an early-stage film development and concept assessment mechanism. How to Apply Applicants should follow the applicable pitch-round requirements and ensure that the person submitting the project meets the relevant professional eligibility conditions.

Step 1: Determine the Project Category

Identify whether the proposed project is:

A feature film; A feature-length animated film; or A feature documentary.

Step 2: Identify the Eligible Applicant

Determine whether the project must be submitted by: An eligible producer; or An experienced screenwriter who meets the independent pitching requirements.

Step 3: Check Professional Requirements

Producers should verify the company’s establishment, audiovisual production history and previous qualifying Dutch film production. Experienced screenwriters should verify that they meet the previous screenplay and Dutch cinema release requirements.

Step 4: Develop the Film Concept

The pitch should clearly communicate:

What the film is about. What makes the concept distinctive. Who the intended audience is. Who will make the film. Why the project should be developed. Why the idea has potential as a feature-length production.

Step 5: Register for a Pitch Round

The project must be registered for one of the available pitch rounds. There are four pitch rounds each year. There is no longer a maximum number of projects that can be submitted in a single pitch round. However, each producer or experienced screenwriter may submit a maximum of 10 projects during one calendar year.

Step 6: Present the Project to the Panel

The filmmaker presents the project to the five-member independent panel. The panel’s assessment determines whether the pitc