What to Expect at PitchBLACK 2024
by Leslie Fields-Cruz
Most people never get to hear from media makers while they’re in the process of making their films or emerging media projects. They don’t get to ask: What makes this story different from others? Have you considered an alternative approach? Who do you see as the audience for this? How much money do you really need to bring this vision of yours to fruition?
Moreover, it’s not often that Black media story tellers get to pitch to a panel of industry experts in a room filled with prospective funders. All while having the prospect of walking away with up to $150,000 in project funding. At PitchBLACK, that’s exactly what you can expect.
PitchBLACK Festivities
This year marks the seventh time we’ve hosted the PitchBLACK Forum & Awards. Festivities kick off this Thurs., April 11 with the launch of our Sam Pollard Film Retrospective. The special screening of Spike Lee’s Bamboozled, which Pollard edited, is co-presented by BPM and ImageNation. For the full slate of curated films and ticket information, go here. All screenings are free, but registration is required.
At the PitchBLACK Forum, on Wed., April 24, you’ll witness pitches from 11 project teams.
The next evening (April 25), NPR’s Brittany Luse will interview BPM Trailblazer, Sam Pollard about his work and career. Baltimore-based comedian “Sir Alex” will keep the PitchBLACK Awards lively as our emcee. And you’ll be among the first to congratulate winners of this year’s PitchBLACK Forum, the NCU Fellowship and the Jacquie Jones Memorial Fund award. Afterwards, mingle with the media makers, industry executives, and BPM staff and board members as we dance the night away with help from DJ Iven.
Haven’t secured your tickets yet? What are you waiting for?
— Leslie Fields-Cruz is the executive director of Black Public Media
