Online workshops feature creators, writers and producers behind shows like South Park, Fargo, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Stars Wars:Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Australians in Film (AiF) has announced its first ever film International online pitching workshopas part of the recently launched Insider Sessions.
Set to take place in March 2026, Australian and international film executives, producers and writers unpack what makes an effective pitch in today’s global marketplace.
“Pitching is an essential skill in the film industry – and if this pitch works, you’ll understand why,” says Peter Ritchie, executive director of Australians in Film. “Many Australians find pitching challenging, so we’re excited to bring together experienced industry professionals to provide practical insight into what makes a pitch effective in the real world.”
Delivered in four live online sessions, the International Pitching Workshop 2026 is designed to provide practical, realistic insights into pitching at every level: from introductions and general presentations to personal branding and full project presentations. The program focuses on clarity, confidence and market awareness, with an emphasis on how pitching expectations vary by territory and format.
The workshop will feature studio executive and producer Deborah Liebling (PEN15, South Park), writer-producer April Shih (Fargo, Dave), Anonymous Content’s partner, manager and producer Bec Smith, Netflix Content Director of Live Action Features Jiao Chen, writer-producer Lindsay Calhoon Bring (Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) and writer-director-producer Stuart Beattie (Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Faraway) present. Downs).
Participants can attend as an observer or register to pitch live. Live pitches are randomly selected and receive real-time feedback from panelists, creating an environment closely aligned with professional pitch meetings. During the four sessions, participants will pitch the three core types expected of screen creatives: the elevator pitch, the personal pitch and the project pitch.
In addition, two judges will offer a 30-minute general meeting to the participant whose pitch resonates most, to be scheduled at a later time.
Session 1: Pitching Basics
Tuesday, March 3, 3:00 PM PST / Wednesday, March 4, 10:00 AM AEDT
Panelists: Bec Smith, Lindsay Calhoon Bring, Stuart Beattie
Moderator: Rebecca Windsor
A discussion of the basics of pitching, including initial meetings versus project pitches, Zoom versus in-room dynamics, common pitfalls, and cultural differences between the US and Australian industries.
Session 2: Elevator pitch
Thursday, March 5, 3:00 PM PST / Friday, March 6, 10:00 AM AEDT
Panelists: Deborah Liebling, Rebecca Windsor
Live elevator pitches with feedback focused on clarity, positioning and impact.
Session 3: Personal pitch
Tuesday, March 10, 4:00 PM PDT / Wednesday, March 11, 10:00 AM AEDT
Panelists: April Shih, Rebecca Windsor
Participants present a personal pitch in which they express their creative identity and long-term goals.
Session 4: Project pitch
Thursday, March 12, 4:00 PM PDT / Friday, March 13, 10:00 AM AEDT
Panelists: Jiao Chen, Rebecca Windsor
Full project pitches with comments on structure, storytelling and market alignment.
The cost is $125.
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