Hollywood Pitchfest update 2023

 Latest email from FadeIn Magazine...

 

(I have a little to say about this, but will do so in another post).

"

Important Update

 

Hollywood's labor unions continue to keep the industry in a state of high anxiety. The only thing certain is uncertainty. In light of these "force majeure" events, we are writing to update you, as promised, about the status of this year's Hollywood Pitch Festival.

First, where things stand...
As of today's date, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) remains on strike. When and how an agreement will be reached remains a cliffhanger.
SAG/AFTRA's contract expires at midnight so they may go on strike as early as next week. This will bring all remaining production to a halt.
And, why not make it a trifecta... Los Angeles hotel workers have also authorized a strike, which could start as early as July 4.

That's the bad news.

Now on to the good news...

The show must go on! (As it did each year of the pandemic, so good thing we are accustomed to improvising.) However, instead of producing a lesser-quality event (by not inviting signatory companies – studios, networks, top production companies – for you to pitch), we've decided to move the event to a new, highly-likely, post-strike(s) 2023 date.

The 27th Hollywood Pitch Festival will now be held September 29-October 2, 2023.

This new date was selected after speaking with industry execs, agents and managers who anticipate the WGA strike will end by Labor Day. (This seems feasible, as the last WGA strike in 2007-8 lasted 100 days.) They will then need about a month to get back up to speed before being able to participate in any extra-curricular events, such as the HPF.

As we offered during the pandemic, if this presents a conflict for you and you'd prefer to move your participation to 2024, just let us know via email no later than August 1, 2023.

Otherwise, we will look forward to seeing you at the end of September. 

HPF Staff

Note: Per our terms of use, you agreed to when registering, there are no refunds, including for force majeure. Hotel room nights being the only exception."