Submissions are now open for the largest and longest-running comedy pitch programme, the 10th annual Just For Laughs’ Stand Up & Pitch in Montreal. CBC Comedy, Project 10 Productions and Tubefilter return as presenters of this unique programme, running from July 24-27, 2019 during ComedyPRO, Just For Laughs’ elite comedy industry conference.
Stand Up & Pitch: The Comedy Content Search will offer five finalists in each category the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pitch their digital or TV concept to a panel of seasoned development and production executives, in a room filled with over 100 comedy industry tastemakers and accredited industry professionals. Furthermore, a total of five Canadian projects will be selected to pitch directly to CBC executives and members of the Canadian creative community as part of the CBC Comedy Originals Pitch Program. One winner will be selected from each session format and will be invited back for the 2020 edition of Just For Laughs ComedyPro. He/she will receive one (1) free trip to the Just For Laughs Festival, including flight, a hotel room for up to three (3) nights, and a festival pass.
Several successful digital and TV series got their start during Just For Laughs’ Stand Up & Pitch, including Fatal Murder Mystery (Shaftesbury/Just For Laughs), That’s My Bus (FOX), My 90-Year-Old Roommate (CBC Comedy), Newborn Moms (CBC Comedy) and Epic Studios (Maker Studios).
Paul Ronca, Director of Industry and Special Events Programming, Just For Laughs said: “We are ecstatic to launch the 10th edition of Stand Up & Pitch and are looking forward to seeing what this year’s submissions have in store for us. This wouldn’t be possible without our partners, and we are delighted to have CBC, Project 10 Productions and Tubefilter back on board this year. Just For Laughs is a world renowned festival, where industry executives visit to discover new comedy talent. This pitch program offers the same opportunities for comedy creators in both the television and digital industry. We couldn’t be more proud to offer these creators a platform to showcase the next wave of comedy content.” -
Open to comedians, writers, producers and creators, Stand Up & Pitch offers two formats for submission, in addition to the CBC Comedy Originals Pitch Programme:
From Set to Screen: TV, OTT, SVOD and More
Presented by Project 10 Productions, submissions are now being accepted for single or multi-camera scripted sitcoms, game shows, reality shows, variety, sketch or animation series. These pitches are intended for television programs running 30mins. Previous panelists for this program have included executives from esteemed companies including Amazon, Bell Media, CBS, Comedy Central, FOX, HBO and more.
Beyond the Box: Playing It Short
Presented by Tubefilter, submissions are now being accepted for digital-first shows aimed for YouTube or other digital platforms, including scripted, animation, factual, variety and sketch. These pitches are intended for shows running 15mins or less. Previous panelists for this program have included executives from notable companies including Above Average, Adult Swim, Bell Media, Funny or Die, YouTube, and more.
CBC Comedy Originals Pitch Program
Presented by CBC Comedy, submissions are now open for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Projects will be drawn from both Stand Up & Pitch formats (Beyond The Box and From Set to Screen). The CBC is a long-time partner of Just For Laughs ComedyPRO, having helped develop the following programs from previous years in this program including How To Buy A Baby, Newborn Moms, My 90-Year-Old Roommate and the upcoming Diversity League.
Deadline to submit projects for this year’s event is May 6, 2019 at 11:59pm PST.
For additional details, full submission guidelines, and to submit for the 10th annual Stand Up & Pitch program, visit the Just For Laughs ComedyPRO website at www.comedypro.hahaha.com/submissions.
