Event
Skills: Cinematic Arts
The Art of the Pitch w/ Caitlin Mae Burke and Merrill Sterritt, IF/Then Shorts
Sun, April 10, 2022
Skills: Cinematic Arts
The Art of the Pitch
Caitlin Mae Burke and Merrill Sterritt
From elevator pitches with potential collaborators to reaching dozens of decision-makers at an international forum, pitching your documentary project becomes an essential skill for all filmmakers. Hear from pitch mentors Merrill Sterritt and Caitlin Mae Burke of Field of Vision’s IF/Then for sage advice on preparing a dynamic doc-pitch toolbox. Brave local filmmakers are invited to practice pitch their film live during the panel and receive feedback in real-time from industry experts.
In addition to the Skills sessions, attendees are able to apply for individual 1-on-1 Zoom meetings with Caitlin and Merrill for pitch practice and instruction. To be considered for one of the 1-on-1 meetings and participation in the event, filmmakers can complete the following application. Application does not guarantee selection.
About the Speakers
Merrill Sterritt brings years of experience supporting filmmakers and artists to their position as Co-Director of IF/Then Shorts. Previously as the Head of Alliances and Cultural Engagement at Cinereach, Merrill expanded Cinereach’s impact by developing methods of support for regional and community-focused film organizations and collectives. In 2010 Merrill co-founded Film Presence where they led theatrical outreach campaigns to connect films with crucial audiences outside the arthouse bubble. They also worked in post-production and managed the Production Assistance Program at Women Make Movies. In 2020, Merrill was named as one of DOC NYC’s inaugural New Leaders cohort.
Caitlin Mae Burke is the Co-Director of IF/Then Shorts. An Emmy-winning producer, inaugural inductee into DOC NYC’s 40 Under 40 and alumna of Berlinale Talents, Caitlin’s work has been broadcast in the US and worldwide, and screened in movie theaters internationally. Her films have been recognized with Emmy, Grand Clio, and Gotham Awards, and nominated for Critic’s Choice, Independent Spirit, and Cinema Eye Honors, as well as numerous “Best of” designations at festivals. Caitlin’s non-film projects include producing the Webby-nominated podcast OTHER MEN NEED HELP and installations for artists Duke Riley and Robin Frohardt.
About IF/Then Shorts
Launched in 2017 with support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, IF/Then Shorts is a fund and mentorship program at Field of Vision that supports storytellers in breaking barriers to access, exposure, and sustainability in both documentary film and the larger media ecosystem. A program of Field of Vision at First Look Institute, IF/Then works with creators who experience inequity based on factors such as race, gender, class, sexuality, ability, ethnicity, age, citizenship, and/or geography. Since its founding, IF/Then has supported 65+ U.S. and international short documentary films, many of which have achieved prestigious festival premieres, awards, and extensive media broadcasts on The New York Times Op-Docs, Al Jazeera English, PBS Reel South, POV Shorts, Cathay Pacific Airlines, Netflix, and more. In addition to founding support from the MacArthur Foundation, IF/Then Shorts is supported by The Redford Center, Kalliopeia Foundation, and Hulu, and has partnered with a diverse network of philanthropic funders and distribution partners including the Surdna Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, ESPN Films, RYOT Films, and others.
Date/Time
Sun, April 10, 2022
6 p.m.
Provided upon registration
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