CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE NEW ORLEANS PITCH

 

NEW ORLEANS PITCH 2024 NARRATIVE FINALISTS AND PROJECTS

 

Demi Anais Robert, Louisiana

Demi Anais is a New Orleans bred filmmaker with a passion for telling rich, character-driven stories that explore genre conventions. Demi was formally introduced to filmmaking while attending The Willow High School. She was a student in their four year Media Arts program (2009 – 2013) through which she was introduced to Still Photography, Stop Motion, Documentary, and Narrative filmmaking. During the program, Demi was able to make two award winning short films, ‘What You See Is What You Get’ (2012) and ‘Asking Amber’ (2013).

Demi began working as an extra and after graduating in 2017 from Tulane University with her Finance degree, she was lucky to get an opportunity to day play as a PA on ‘Green Book’ (2018). From there she began working in the Camera department and eventually joined IATSE Local 600 in 2021. After four years of set work and independent study, in 2022 Demi took a step away from the camera department to learn as a Director’s Assistant on AMC’s ‘Interview with the Vampire’ (2023). This position allowed her to get a closer view of productions from prep to post and also introduced her to Stunt Work and Acting. Being a Director’s Assistant afforded Demi the knowledge she needed to Direct again and that year she completed her short film ‘Vodou’ (2023). Demi also began working as a Videographer to further hone her voice. Currently, Demi is in preproduction with her fourth short film, ‘Memory Walk’, which is expected to begin production in 2024.

Project Title: Memory Walk (Narrative Short)
In a future where reliving your own memories has been commoditized, a traumatized track star gets lost in the past.

 

Justice Singleton, Louisiana | FIRST PLACE

Justice Singleton (pronouns he/him) is a black trans educator, screenwriter, director, actor, poet, stand-up comedian and drag burlesque artist who lives in New Orleans. Originally from Los Angeles, Justice was Inspired by his spiritual faith to create a meditative writers’ program called Justify Writers Room. The workshops enlists BIPOC creators to build community and dismantle “writer’s block”, inspire radical education and systemic storytelling. In addition to working as a television and film imagineer, Justice performs stand-up comedy and co-stars in a podcast called Imposter Syndrome Survivor’s Club with Amelian Kashiro Hamilton. The podcast is spiritual audio exploring “Imposter Syndrome” within the creative industry. Currently, Justice Singleton spends time writing television, teaching workshops, producing and performing in New Orleans.

Project Title: Cockroach (Narrative Short)
A trans sex worker plans change when his late night hook up turns into a bounty hunt for a cockroach

 

Nolam Plaas, Louisiana | SECOND PLACE

Nolam was born in LaPlace, Louisiana, and attended Southern University and then American Conservatory Theater. After filming ‘this weary flesh’, his short script, Nolam realized being involved in every facet of filmmaking — writing, directing, acting, and producing — would be his path forward. Nolam aims to create stories that challenge structure. He hopes to push for and eventually create a new kind of cinema with the vibrant and relevant stories that he has in mind.

Project Title: pecan. (Narrative Feature)
Junie, a boy from Cancer Alley, Louisiana, is on the precipice of becoming a man. Influenced by his religious yet promiscuous uncle, his peers, and newfound access to porn, Junie attempts to maintain an intimate relationship with his girlfriend, Monique, but his quest for manhood may compromise all that they’ve cultivated.

 

Stevee-Rayne Warren, Louisiana

Stevee-Rayne Warren is the Workforce Program Director at NOVAC, where through consulting partnerships with major studios, she manages community-based job placement programs locally and across the country. Stevee-Rayne is also creative and field producer. She has a passion for socially moving stories and for cultivating and supporting individuals from different backgrounds to create them. Being a North Baton Rouge native, where there are limited opportunities to work in production, she is deeply invested in assisting those outside of Hollywood or larger production markets break into the film and television industry. Prior to her current position, she worked for the Louisiana Department of Health. Along with consulting for Disney, NBCUniversal, and Warner Bros. Discovery, Stevee-Rayne also managed multi-department paid internship programs for ESSENCE FESTIVAL and THE WALKING DEAD. Stevee-Rayne graduated from Southern University with a BA in English Literature and Liberal Arts. She is also an ABFF Greenlighters Academy alumna. She is currently based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and is the mother of a nine year old daughter.

Project Title: Bless Your Heart (Narrative Feature)
Two former high school marching band enemies reconnect at homecoming and unpack their unresolved childhood issues in their gentrifying hometown.

 

Zain Hashmat & Haley Kastner, Louisiana

Zain is a film worker and film programmer based in New Orleans. He is deeply interested in contemporary Southern stories told through a tender, comedic lens that heightens the everyday. His work explores contemporary struggles through a nostalgic viewpoint rooted in film history, the machinations of the cinema, and Southern culture. Much like his favorite films, he’s short and sweet.

Haley is a filmmaker and production manager based in New Orleans, LA. She’s worked on various film and commercial productions and produced within festivals and live events in the area. Born and raised in south Louisiana, she aims to help carve spaces in the art world that amplify stories from the American South. Her passions lie in community engagement and artist resource support, both of which guide her producing ideals. Haley has a deep interest in utilizing film as a means of preservation and connection. Outside of making and watching movies, she loves reading humor essays and petting neighborhood cats.

Project Title: Feast (Narrative Short)
At Thanksgiving dinner, a young Pakistani man grapples with his tumultuous relationship to food while navigating his family’s constant judgments and criticisms.

 

 

 

 

REGISTER HERE To Reserve Your Free Seat To The 2024 New Orleans Pitch!

Date: Thursday, April 25th

Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: Tulane University’s Village Theater (31 McAlister Drive New Orleans, LA 70118)

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE NEW ORLEANS PITCH

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

THE NEW ORLEANS PITCH IS DESIGNED FOR EMERGING LOUISIANA-BASED FILMMAKERS TO SHOWCASE THEIR WORKS IN PROGRESS AND PITCH FOR VALUABLE PRODUCTION RESOURCES.

Whether you’re a film professional or not, the New Orleans Pitch is an invaluable opportunity to gain insight into the making of a film and see first-hand how leading decision makers evaluate projects. The New Orleans Pitch program will select 5 film teams to pitch their works-in-progress to a distinguished panel of industry professionals and funders. Each pitch lasts 5 minutes, followed by 8-10 minutes of feedback. 

The New Orleans Pitch will take place on April 25, 2024. The first place team will receive a $12,000 camera rental package courtesy of Keslow Camera and a $6000 equipment rental package courtesy of Quixote Studios. The second place team will receive an $8000 camera rental package courtesy of Keslow Camera and $4000 equipment rental package courtesy of Quixote Studios.

The New Orleans Pitch was designed to provide a unique outlet for filmmakers from across Louisiana to gain visibility and constructive feedback on their projects while pitching for valuable production resources.

The live event, which is free and open to the public, not only provides a platform for these important stories but also offers an opportunity to witness how leading industry professionals evaluate proposals.

“At the New Orleans Film Society, we believe in the power and importance of Southern stories,” said Clint Bowie, Artistic Director of the New Orleans Film Society. “And we also believe that Southern artists should be the ones telling these stories. There’s insight and nuance that come when filmmakers tell the stories that they’re closest to: films inspired by the communities they’re a part of and the regions they know best.” 

Thank you to our sponsors!

How To Apply

Applications for the 2024 edition are now closed.

Eligibility

This program is for FULL-TIME Louisiana-based filmmakers only. We seek to bring increased visibility and access to resources to underrepresented filmmakers in the area.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to be considered:

  • Applicants must be a director or producer on the project.
  • The project must have a director attached that is available to pitch in-person at the live event.
  • Applicants must reside in Louisiana FULL-TIME and are responsible for their own travel and accommodations for the duration of the program.
  • Projects must be in development, pre-production, production, or post-production at the time of the live event. Projects that are completed or near completion are not eligible to apply for this program.
  • Applicants must not be enrolled in a film school and/or seeking funds for a student project.

 

We welcome applicants regardless of immigration status, including applicants who were born abroad and are not U.S. citizens or U.S. legal permanent residents.

We accept Narrative and Documentary short, feature, and episodic projects actively in development, pre-production, production or post-production. We are not accepting New Media/installation projects at this time.

Up to two team members are welcome to pitch during the live event. Please note, all compensation is distributed per project (not per individual). The pitch competition takes place in-person at the South Summit Conference in the Spring. Therefore, accepted applicants must be available to participate in-person.

You will not be able to save your application while in progress. We recommend that you prepare your answers to the questions in a separate document, then copy and paste your answers into the application form.

You will be asked for proof of residency, headshot, link(s) to your website or social media handles, and link(s) to your past work and current project. Please have these items prepared before filling out the application.

We encourage you to provide thoughtful and succinct written responses. Please do not exceed the maximum word count indicated.

 

Application Materials

All projects should be prepared to submit a pitch deck and work sample. Narrative projects in development that do not have a video sample must prepare a 10-page excerpt of the draft script as a project work sample. Documentary projects that do not have a video sample must prepare a detailed film treatment as their work sample.

You will not be able to save your application while in progress. We recommend that you prepare your answers to the questions in a separate document, then copy and paste your answers into this form.

The maximum word count listed next to the questions is not a required length. Responses can and should be succinct.

Please have the following items prepared before filling out the application:

  • proof of residency
  • a headshot
  • link to your website or social media handles
  • link to your past work
  • link to your current project

The New Orleans Pitch program is for full-time Louisiana residents only. Please be prepared to provide official documentation with your full name and Louisiana address. If you do not have a government-issued ID, acceptable documents include a Voter Registration Card, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, Paycheck Stub, Tax Return, or W-2.

 

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel and will be scored according to the following criteria:

  • Originality and vision
    Does the project have a unique vision and perspective? Does the visual component of the pitch support the description and artistic approach of the project? Is it clear why this project needs to be made now?
  • Ability to execute the project
    Does the applicant’s past body of work demonstrate an ability to execute the current project? Does the project have committed collaborators? Is there a clear plan for current and future phases of the project?
  • Connection to the story
    What is the film team’s relationship to the story and communities represented in the film? How are they working with the community to ensure the story is crafted with care and respect?
  • Connection to the region
    What is the film team’s relationship to the South? How much of the project will be filmed in the South? How connected are they to their Southern community? Is their body of work focused on Southern stories?
  • Ability to leverage the opportunity
    Is the project developed enough to take advantage of the award? Does the project have a realistic budget? Is there a clear explanation of how the award will move the project forward?

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of documents are acceptable proof of residence?
Please be prepared to provide official documentation with your full name and Louisiana address. If you do not have a government-issued ID, acceptable documents include a Voter Registration Card, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, Paycheck Stub, Tax Return, or W-2.

Can applicants also serve other roles on the project?
Yes. While applicants must be a director or producer of their project, they may also additionally identify as writers, editors, DPs, etc.

Can co-directors apply as a team?
Co-directors may apply and should submit one application.

If I don’t have a video work sample, should I submit something else?
All projects should be prepared to submit a pitch deck and work sample. Narrative projects in development that do not have a video sample must prepare a 10-page excerpt of the draft script as a project work sample. Documentary projects that do not have a video sample must prepare a detailed film treatment as their work sample.

TULANE VILLAGE THEATER 

LOCATION & PARKING

The Village Theater is located at 31 McAlister Drive on Tulane University’s campus, directly behind the Small Family Collaboration Hub building.

Permits are not required to park on campus after 5:30 p.m. though patrons  should adhere to all posted signage and not park in reserved 24 hour spots. Additional street parking is limited but available in the neighborhood off of Willow Street or Freret Street. Read more on Tulane Guest Parking Information here.

There are conveniently placed bicycle racks near the Theater.

FACILITIES

There is a level, exterior pathway to the Theater doors. There are 3 accessible seating options that have a level approach and are 72 inches wide by 36 inches deep. There are companion seats adjacent to accessible seats in the theater. The general theater seating is in sloping sections with steps and railings. 

RESTROOMS

The theater has (2) ADA-compliant restroom options. 

ACCESSIBILITY

Please request any additional accommodation by completing this form.