Sesame Workshop Pitch

Thank you all that applied. Applications are now closed.

We all grew up on the Sesame Street characters, learning our ABCs and numbers through this beloved program, which is celebrating its 50th season. We are excited to once again offer an opportunity for Canadian filmmakers to be discovered by this iconic company, and to have their work shown to young children all over the world. The Sesame Workshop team will join us in Toronto for a Breakfast at TIFF on April 12. They're here to catch up with local content creators and to hear great pitches on short-film ideas!

What’s Included

• The chance to have your short film commissioned by Sesame Workshop, which will fund its production.
• Become part of the Sesame Workshop family of filmmakers — a go-to bunch the company asks to create all kinds of content to suit their programming.
• Access to our new interactive exhibition, TIFF Picture Palace.
• Tickets to all 2019 Breakfast at TIFF events for accepted pitch participants.
• A FREE Industry Conference pass for TIFF 2019 for the best pitch, selected by the Sesame Workshop committee. It provides access to the Conference and screenings during the Toronto International Film Festival. See more details about the pass here.

Eligibility

This program is open to anyone who has directed, produced, or written a minimum of one short film or has contributed to a kids’ TV show or online series.

• Applicants must be Canadian. Please note that all sessions will be held in English. Applicants should be able to speak and understand English fluently.
• Only one submission per applicant.
• Applicants must submit a link to one previous project (short or feature film, documentary, fiction, or animation).

Please note that, by submitting an application, you acknowledge that TIFF Inc. reserves the right to film, record, or photograph its events and activities for its own purposes.

Questions about Sesame Workshop Pitch and the application process should be directed to industry@tiff.net.

Key Dates

Submission Guidelines

Selected candidates will prepare pitches according to the guidelines of the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by Sesame Workshop that will be sent to teams with their notification of acceptance. A pitch coach will provide feedback and guidance on the pitch in the first week of April (either via Skype or in person). Following this session, selected participants will be able to refine their proposals. Finally, they will present their pitch directly to Sesame Street producers with a time slot of 10 minutes maximum during April's Breakfast at TIFF. Complete the application form below to register your interest.

What Sesame Workshop is seeking

• Ideas for one-minute short films that inspire kids and help them learn.
• Proposed short films can be animated, live action, or mixed media.
• Short films should NOT include any Sesame Street characters.
• Short-film ideas will be based on a number of options set out in the Sesame Workshop RFP, which will be distributed to the selected participants.

Materials Required

• Copy of resume/filmography as a PDF
• Professional biography (maximum 150 words)
• Link and password to a digital copy of a one-minute clip from one of your films

IMPORTANT: TIFF Industry takes applicant confidentiality seriously and will ensure that submitted materials (excluding bios) are not shared with any third parties without the owner's explicit consent. The material will be viewed and downloaded by the TIFF Industry team and selection committee.

Questions?

Contact us at 416-599-8433 ext. 2707 or email us at industry@tiff.net.