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2025/06/20 10:08:46
DaVinci LaunchPad: Where Ideas Take Flight and Movies Get Made.

DaVinci LaunchPadThe LaunchPad is connecting DaVinci filmmakers with Hollywood’s Decision-Makers.

Screen your proof of concept at AMC Theaters, The Grove and ignite your feature film or TV series project.

The DaVinci International Film Festival proudly presents DaVinci LaunchPad®, an exclusive, closed-door pitch session designed to connect filmmakers with top industry executives. If you have a compelling proof of concept – a completed teaser, trailer, or ultra-short film (<10m TRT*) showcasing the potential of your feature film or TV series – this is your opportunity to take it to the next level.

Tell Me More!

DaVinci LaunchPad offers a unique platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their completed proof-of-concept projects to a select group of industry professionals, including producers, financiers, development executives, and studio representatives (Executives TBA). We’re offering you a one-shot opportunity to pitch your project in a private screening environment at the prestigious AMC Theaters, The Grove on a massive 60′ screen.

The Pitch: Lights, Camera, Launch!

DaVinci LaunchPad isn’t just a screening; it’s a pitch session on steroids! Imagine this: You step into the prestigious AMC Theatres at The Grove, the energy buzzing with anticipation. Before a select group of influential industry executives—producers, financiers, and development gurus—you have a few minutes to introduce your passion project, hand out a Treatment with contact information, and paint a vivid picture of your vision, the story you’re burning to tell, and why it deserves to be made.

Then, the lights dim. Your proof of concept, your polished teaser, trailer, or short film (<10m TRT), explodes onto the giant 60-foot screen. This is your moment to captivate, to immerse the executives in the world you’ve created. Every frame, every sound, is a testament to your talent [vision] and the potential of your project.

When the credits roll, the lights come up, and you return to the front of the room. The executives, notebooks in hand, are ready. This is your chance to engage in a focused Q&A. They’ll ask about your creative choices, your target audience, your budget, your long-term plan for the project. Be prepared to articulate your vision, defend your choices, and demonstrate your understanding of the market. This is a conversation, an opportunity to connect with these key players and show them you’re not just a filmmaker, but a visionary with a viable project.

Once the Q&A concludes, you’ll exit the room, leaving the executives to individually consider your project. These are key players from across the industry—producers, financiers, development executives, and studio/streamer representatives—each with their own unique perspective and needs. They won’t necessarily discuss your project amongst themselves; instead, they’ll each evaluate its potential based on their own criteria. This is your chance to make a lasting impression on each of them. Imagine: your project resonates with several executives, sparking their individual interest and potentially leading to multiple offers. While you’re not in the room for their private deliberations, your presentation—your introduction, your compelling proof of concept, and your insightful responses—will have set the stage. The next filmmaker enters, and the process begins anew. But your project, your vision, has been launched. It’s now in the hands of those who can make it a reality, and potentially, the subject of competing offers. This is DaVinci LaunchPad.

Why Participate?

  • Direct Access: Pitch directly to key decision-makers who have the power to green-light, finance, and develop your project.
  • Unparalleled Exposure: Showcase your work on a state-of-the-art 60′ screen at the renowned AMC Theaters, The Grove.
  • Executive Audience: Connect with executives specifically seeking promising new projects in development.
  • Expert Feedback: Receive invaluable feedback and guidance from seasoned industry professionals.
  • Launch Your Career: DaVinci LaunchPad can be the catalyst that propels your project from concept to reality.

Who Should Apply?

Filmmakers with completed teasers, trailers, or ultra-short films (<10m TRT) that serve as a compelling proof of concept for a feature film or TV series are encouraged to apply. Projects in all genres are welcome.

DaVinci Masquerade

Categories & Format:

  • Completed teaser, trailer, or ultra-short (<10m TRT*)
  • Narrative, Documentary, Animation, Unscripted TV showing the potential for bigger story development (feature or TV series)

Screening File:

  • If selected, a DCP file is required for showcase.

Submission Requirement:

Submit your proof of concept: filmfreeway.com/DaVinciLaunchPad 

Submission Disclaimer:

DaVinci International Film Festival prioritizes the security and privacy of all submissions.

Do not send any film files or confidential information directly via email to DaVinci. We will not be held accountable for any information, intellectual property, or files shared in this manner.

If submitting via DaVinci, please provide links to private, secured, or film-specific platforms (e.g., Vimeo, YouTube unlisted, etc.) for your submissions. Please understand that multiple individuals will be reviewing your submission for Selection consideration.

Please do not inquire if we’ve received all your files. If something is missing or we can’t access your film file link, we’ll reach out to you. If your project is selected, we’ll also be in touch!

Upon review, if your project is selected as a Finalist, we will ask for additional material to be submitted to support your pitch at DaVinci LaunchPad. This will include a pitch deck and treatment (limit 2 pages for treatment).

Submitting your project does not guarantee selection for the program. If your project is not selected, all associated files and links will be deleted from our systems.

By submitting on FilmFreeway or via DaVinci, you acknowledge and understand that DaVinci International Film Festival, its managers, agents, and representatives are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or unsecured intellectual property or confidential information shared.

*Important Note: While we welcome proof of concepts up to 10 minutes in total running time (TRT), you will have a total of 15 minutes for your entire presentation. This includes your introduction, verbal setup, and a Q&A session. Please time your materials accordingly to ensure a well-rounded and impactful pitch.

IT’S FREE TO ENTER.  Submission Open June 20th.  FilmFreeway.com/DaVinciLaunchPad

INQUIRIES: launchpad@davincifilm.org (DO NOT SEND LINKS OR SUBMISSIONS; Inquiries Only)
DECK
: DaVinci LaunchPad