Market Programs
Pitch Me!
Pitch Me! (formerly Speed Dating) is a dynamic format that allows independent producers to present their projects directly to Decision Makers in short, one-on-one meetings. During these 15-minute sessions, producers pitch their projects to industry professionals including Commissioning Editors, Acquisition Executives, Distributors, and Funders.
This format offers a unique opportunity for Decision Makers to discover fresh programming from outside their usual regions and for producers to connect with the right partners to bring their ideas to life.
Pitch Me! submission phase is now closed
If you missed the submission window, please contact mfriedemann@wcsfp.com regarding individual exceptions.
Current phase: Selection phase
All participants can now select their preferred meeting partners: log in to your account, then navigate to Pitch Me! .
Confirmed Decision Makers for 2025
Albatross World Sales GmbH, bilibili, CBC/Radio-Canada, GBH/NOVA, GEDEON Media Group - Terranoa, ITV Studios, Jambika Docs, National Geographic, ORF Austrian Broadcasting Corporation, S4C, Scorpion TV, Sideways Film, SVT - Swedish Television, TVF International, ZDF German Television, ZED, HitPlay Productions, PBS NATURE (WNET), Spiegel TV, CICC, ZDF Studios GmbH, Filmoption International, Take Action Films, NHK, PBS, yap films, and GLOBOPLAY.
Timeline
October 2 – November 14:
During this period, all accredited participants can join the Pitch Me! program by setting up their profiles. Decision Makers create their profiles, and Project Pitchers can submit their projects.
November 17 – November 28:
The selection phase begins. Both Decision Makers and Project Pitchers can log in to the platform to review, prioritize, and select their preferred meeting partners.
Early December:
Individual meeting schedules for the two Pitch Me! sessions will be finalized and made available through your account.
Pitch Me! 2025 Session Schedule
Tuesday, 09.12. — 4:45 PM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday, 10.12. — 9:15 AM to 10:30 AM
Each meeting lasts 15 minutes, allowing for up to 10 meetings in total across both sessions. While we cannot guarantee every meeting request, we will do our best to accommodate as many as possible.
If you have any questions, please contact Maria Friedemann at mfriedemann@wcsfp.com.
Close Encounters of the Funding Kind
One of the Congress’s most popular sessions, Close Encounters of the Funding Kind offers producers a rare chance to hear directly from leading broadcasters, platforms, and funders about their upcoming editorial priorities and commissioning needs. In this 30-minute session, the presenter will share insights on target formats, budgets, delivery timelines, co-production parameters, and preferred partners, while also outlining the pitch pathway and showcasing recent projects that reflect current commissioning focus. A brief Q&A will follow as time allows.
In 2025, confirmed companies taking part include ORF Universum, TV Brasil, NHK, France Télévisions, Globo, National Geographic and Instituto Serrapilheira.