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Pitching for success? BECTU shows you how

 

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Running for the second year in a row after a strong reception in 2008, we are pleased to announce that this year's Pitching for Success panel will include:

Emily Renshaw- Smith, Current tv

Jane Stephenson, Community Channel; and

Dominique Young, Al-Jazeera.

Visitors are invited to submit their programme proposals (maximum 200 words)  to arrive by 17.00 on Monday 22 June (deadline extended from Thursday 18 June).

Session organisers, who include producer, Benetta Adamson,  will select a number of pitches for presentation at Pitching for Success, which kicks off at 15.15 at the Freelancers' Fair on Friday 26 June at BAFTA, Piccadilly.

Successful pitching is vital to securing a commission; the session offers an opportunity to develop skills and to receive instant feedback in a supportive atmosphere. At last year's session, pitchers of the proposal judged to be the most successful were asked to do some further development work.

Thanks to the space generously provided by BAFTA, places at the Fair are still available.

This year's other seminars are:

• Getting Started aimed at new freelancers keen to find out how to get established. Our panel includes Tony Lennon, BECTU president, Joe Mahoney, MD of Production Base and Anna Stacey from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills;
• Directing the Camera is a masterclass-style session which will reveal and discuss the cinematographer's skills; and
• Breaking Through: Film-making which makes a difference will enthuse those with a commitment to documentary film-making. Our panel includes leading film-makers Franny Armstrong (The Age of Stupid, McLibel) and Tony Garnett of World Productions whose credits reflect a long and ground-breaking career (some highlights: Cathy Come Home, Between the Lines, This Life, The Cops and Party Animals). See earlier news story.

Once again, credit for this year's Fair programme is due to members of BECTU's Writers, Producers and Directors branch.

Industry training showcase

In addition, the Freelancers' Fair 2009 provides an important showcase for those involved in industry training. Some 25 exhibitors will provide information and advice on the range of training courses and also on tax returns and employment law.

Looking ahead to this year's event, Tim Waters from accountancy firm, Hard Dowdy, said:

"Hard Dowdy has developed a large portfolio of clients within the entertainment industry by building relationships with entertainment trade unions, theatrical agents and existing clients. I, together with my colleagues, will be happy to meet you on 26 June to discuss individual requirements."

This year's sponsors are: BAFTA; Skillset; Hard Dowdy, Thompsons Solicitors and Production Base.

Admission to the Freelancers' Fair is free for BECTU members; non-members pay just £10.00.