Film Columbus will award $50,000 in prizes to the winners of the film pitch competition

Forty local filmmakers will bring their best ideas as they shoot to win over $50,000 in prizes awarded at Film Columbus’ annual pitch competition.

The creators of the 10 selected projects will be invited to pitch their ideas to a panel of film directors and producers and other industry representatives during an event taking place Wednesday from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Gateway Film Center, 1550 N. High St.

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The grand prize winner receives $15,000.

The event, which is free to attend, will provide networking opportunities as well as pitching and discussions about the film industry in Columbus. To reserve a spot, go to bit.ly/4eEBH4U.

Last year’s winner, Julia Applegate, used the first place award to help create her documentary film, “Free Beer Tomorrow,” which tells the story of Jack’s/Summit Station, Ohio’s oldest lesbian-owned bar, which has been in existence since The 1980s is open until 2008.

Film Columbus also recently announced Ohio’s first local film production incentive program. Highlights of the pilot program include:

• A 10% discount for projects spending $150,000 or more in Franklin County

• A maximum rebate of $20,000 per project with an annual cap of $50,000 for 2024

• The requirement that at least 75% of the film crew be local to ensure job creation in the region

• Advertising Columbus in subsequent media is intended to strengthen the city’s profile as a film-friendly destination

Productions submitted for consideration will be ranked based on the number of local crew members hired, number of filming days and estimated economic impact, among other criteria.

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Applicants for the incentive program must be at least 18 years old and live in Franklin County or surrounding counties. Applications are open until October 31st at filmfreeway.com/pitchcbus. The winners will be notified by December 1st at the latest.

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Film Columbus awards $50,000 in pitch competition and offers incentive program