After shooting to fame with Dangal last year, Aamir Khan’s new film Secret Superstar has caused another sensation. In the film, Insiya, who dreams of becoming a singer, breaks free the shackles of reality and finally realizes her value. Her bravery and perseverance are touching.
Poster of Secret Superstar
In the Project Pitches of Film Market of the Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) over the past years, there is also a group of brave young people chasing their dreams. They crafted their own stories by heart and finally won flowers and applause. Here we have witnessed the birth of Mountain City, produced a miracle—The Bodyguard and won an underdog's win—The Seventy—Seven Days and soon we will release Till the End of the World. The Project Pitches platform of BJIFF is proving to young filmmakers with fruitful results over the past years that: everybody should have a dream, and that dream may come true.
According to 2017 Survey Report on Living State of Young Chinese Directors, the biggest problem faced by young filmmakers is financing in the current stage. 58% of young directors take over a year to find investments. Even after financing is completed, they also find it difficult to find a stable production team. The BJIFF Project Pitches platform, which integrates investment, production, marketing, promotion, etc., tries its best to help young filmmakers solve their pressing issues, effectively links excellent works with industry resources and provides all-round support and incubation for excellent works and talents.
Results of 2017 Survey Report on Living State of Young Chinese Directors
This year, BJIFF Project Pitches, a grand meeting for young filmmakers, has arrived in time. The 8th Beijing International Film Festival is calling for film projects. So far the platform has received signup of over 100 projects. Compared to previous years, the works received this year are even better in quality and more varied in genre. There are films adapted from IP, suspense films, humanitarian films and also films that satirize reality. Some take you to travel through time, some take you to a crazy trip…Those works will amaze judges with the infinite imagination of young filmmakers and also bring infinite pleasant surprises to the platform.
The soliciting work for film projects will end on March 4, 2018. We believe there are still more young filmmakers who itch to have a try. Come and take the challenge. We are looking forward to seeing more surprises from you.
Seize the opportunity and you may see your own films shown on the big screen. Do not be overcautious; otherwise, you will only be audience of other people’s stories. Come to BJIFF Project Pitches and let us set sail for your talents and dreams!
You must have some questions. Here we have summed up some Q&A that you may want to find out the most.
Q: It’s my first time to participate in Project Pitches. How do I sign up?
A: The online signup is very easy. Click http://bfm.bjiff.com/2018/pitches-rule.html to enter the registration page of BJIFF Project Pitches and complete the registration form. Be sure to fill out your correct and effective email address and telephone number!
Q: What materials should I submit during signup?
A: A synopsis with no more than 5,000 characters and the entire screenplay. We suggest uploading the files in the form of PDF and add the watermark “For the Use of Beijing International Film Festival Film Market Project Pitches” on the files. Your works are the fruits of painstaking effort. Be sure to keep your works safe and confidential.
Q: My pockets are limited. Do I need to pay relevant fees to sign up for BJIFF Project Pitches?
A: It’s a good question. Many people think that the registration fee for such a high-end platform must be high. In fact, the BJIFF Project Pitches platform does not charge any fee from any project party. If your project is short-listed and wins an award, we will give you funding. It’s a great platform, so don’t hesitate to sign up~
Q: What requirements does the platform have on works?
A: First, your film hasn’t started shooting yet and hasn’t completed all financing activities; second, your film can be released to the public in China and has relatively strong market potential; your film should have commercial value or artistic value. Of course, we prefer projects that have not participated in other film markets or project pitches.
Q: My screenplay currently only has an outline and synopsis. Can I sign up?
A: Then you need to work harder. To sign up for Project Pitches, you need to submit a synopsis with no more than 5,000 characters and at the same time, the complete screenplay. That is to ensure the true level and professionalization of each project. After all, screenplays are important basis for review at all stages of Project Pitches.
Q: There are so many works submitted each year. Can the jury see my work?
A: Rest assured. Our jury will review all the works submitted before the deadline. If you worry your work may be ignored, work harder on your outline and attract our jury to read on with your talent!
Q: What’s the deadline? Can I sign up during the Spring Festival holiday?
A: The soliciting work will officially end on March 4. Even though there are some procrastinating friends who sign up at the last minutes before the deadline every year, we hope you can sign up early. Just draw the bow when you are ready! Of course you can sign up during the Spring Festival holiday. Thumb up to every “tomorrow child” who prepares for the program during the holiday!
Q: How do I know if I get in the shortlist?
A: Don’t worry. If you are in, we will contact you. Therefore, make sure you fill out your contact information correctly and clearly. We will contact you using the information.
Q: If I’m shortlisted, what help can I get?
A: Those who enter the final-round selection will participate in the training organized by the Project Pitches platform. The training expert team, which comprises experienced screenwriters and producers in China, will provide one-to-one guidance on screenplay and project problems to young filmmakers. The ten works that finally enter the roadshow round have the opportunity to work with investors and partners.
We welcome you to follow us further!
Sign up for Project Pitches:
http://bfm.bjiff.com/2018/pitches-rule.html
If you have any question or need more help, please contact:
Tel.: +86-10-6408 1105 18311109903 (Ms. Zhao)
Email: projectpitches@bjiff.com