A Sitcom Pitch Initiative for Comedy Performers

Presented by the New York Television Festival and Just for Laughs

 

NYTVF and Just for Laughs are looking for hilarious new sitcom ideas (and the masterminds behind them) to compete in a first-ever joint initiative slated for the Just for Laughs Comedy Conference in Montreal, July 26 – 28, 2012. Five finalists will be selected to pitch live during the event before a panel of comedy experts with one winner selected for exclusive showcase opportunities and participation at the 2012 New York Television Festival in October.

 

The pitch competition is open to worldwide applicants age 18 and over. Sitcom concepts not currently under development at a network, studio or major production company and meeting all other criteria in the Official Rules are eligible for the competition. For consideration, creators will be asked to submit a series treatment and outline along with supporting video and will retain all rights to their concepts throughout the process. Official contest rules and dates can be accessed through the contest Web site located at www.hahaha.com/conference.

 

What are we looking for?

 

Some of the world's most beloved TV shows stemmed from comedy performers with a strong story and point of view that uniquely translated to the small screen. From The Cosby Show and Seinfeld to Everybody Loves Raymond, Ellen and Louie – a substantial swath of television history has been paved by comedians and we're looking for the next big thing. Submissions should be based on or inspired by stories, sketches or characters that have been developed and honed by performance. Single-camera, multi-camera or animation concepts are welcome. We're looking for fresh sitcom ideas that make us laugh.

 


How do you submit?

 

All entries must be submitted via the Just For Laughs upload page and must include the following:

  • Series treatment
  • Summaries for 4 episodes
  • Professional CV
  • Supporting Video
  • A non-refundable fee of $40.00 CAD
  • Full rules and submission requirements can be found at http://comedyconference.hahaha.com/info

 

Please note:

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA THE JUST FOR LAUGHS SITE.

NYTVF WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY SUBMISSIONS.

 

ALL ENTRIES ARE DUE BY MAY 18, 2012


Just for Laughs

 

The New York Television Festival was founded in 2005 as the industry’s first creative festival for television artists. A pioneer of the “independent television” movement, the Festival strives to construct new and innovative paths of development and talent identification, while simultaneously complementing the traditional television development model.

NYTVF Pitch

If you're selected as winner of the Just For Laughs-NYTVF "FROM SET TO SCREEN: THE SITCOM SEARCH", you will be invited to participate as an Official Artist in the 2012 New York Television Festival, from October 22 - 27 in Manhattan.

As an Official Artist, you will have the exclusive opportunity to participate in NYTVF Pitch.

2012 NYTVF Pitch Partners

BIO Channel 4 Hasbro Studios Logo SevenOne RedArrow Sundance Channel

NYTVF Pitch is a closed initiative hosted on-site at the 2012 New York Television Festival that is open ONLY to Official Festival Artists. Each Pitch Partner is offering a guaranteed deal for an outstanding pitch, but you can ONLY participate if you are named an Official Selection in the 2012 Independent Pilot Competition or a semi-finalist, finalist or winner in one of the NYTVF's stand-alone partnered development initiatives.

More information about NYTVF Pitch.

More information about the NYTVF Artist Experience.