What Is Pitchfest?

You're here because you have a unique and invigorating story to tell.
We're here to support you and your vision with $100 000 to build a pitch, then present to buyers!

Pitchfest is an event hosted by Wellington's Floating Rock Studio!
In 2022, they received an investment by Hillfarrance and are using that money
to invest in YOU, the creator, of your upcoming film or TV series, or game.

Pursue Your Passion Project!

Pitchfest events are approximately every 6 months. It's an opportunity for you to develop your story idea into a pitch with the support of Floating Rock, to then be on our slate when we present to buyers!

“Pitchfest has given the creative community a massive boost of momentum and energy, not just in Wellington, but across the motu with creators coming from all over NZ and now Oceania. The networking opportunity Pitchfest provides is fantastic and so rare in NZ! Connections made at Pitchfest have gone on to bear fruit in our first greenlit series from NZOA!!!”

Ben Powdrell

Stinky Pits Stage 2 Creator / Suite Habana Productions Ltd

“I was really blown away by the talent on display at the latest Floating Rock Pitchfest. We have an incredible pool of very talented people in New Zealand, and fantastic to see Floating Rock leading the industry by creating such an excellent platform for those incredible people to shine. Can’t wait for next year!”

Mark Williams

Lane Neave

I feel proud to have seen how the event has grown over the last few years. You’re doing a great job and I really think the Pitchfest is having an effect on the creativity and the quality of animation storytelling in NZ.

Raqi Syed

Director & Technical Artist

It was an amazing opportunity and experience for me, someone who doesn’t work in the industry to learn and understand the pitch process and also make connections to other creators and industry experts.

Mereana Beconcini

Pitchfest Stage 1 Creator

“Floating Rock’s Pitchfest is not only an incredible incentive for nurturing and developing individuals ideas and creative dreams but it gives their own company of skilled industry professionals agency and determining powers over what will potentially be made both in their studio and the wider industry.

The breadth of talent and commitment to creativity is evident at every Pitchfest event and I’m often moved to tears watching creatives enhance their ideas throughout the Pitchfest process. Projects that reach the final round develop to a consistently high industry standard , are realistic in their scope and always maintain the original seed idea of the creator at their heart. Pitchfest is a boost to the New Zealand creative sector as a whole.”

Kate Venables

Creative Performer & Costume Techinican

It gives people with an idea an option. A potential path forward. So often the reason creatives in our industry don’t pursue their own projects is that it all seems so daunting and fraught. How many good ideas have been buried in a desk drawer because the writer/artist didn’t think it was worth investing in, only to struggle to get it in front of the right person? Not only does Pitchfest connect them to the right person, but it connects them to a community of like-minded creatives all going through the same struggle. The positive impact of Pitchfest can’t be overstated. You guys are doing an awesome thing here.

Karl Essex

Showrunner

Floating Rock asks, “What would happen if Aotearoa went all-in supporting the arts and creative sector?” and answers it with Pitchfest: a rousing, timely event that captures the unrealized potential of Aotearoa’s creative sector by opening a door to anyone, anywhere, who might have the next sparkling idea that can grab attention on the world stage. Outstanding.

Slavko Martinov

“Pecking Order” Director

“The Pitchfest does not only provide a great opportunity for creators to showcase their amazing ideas but also offers a platform for the creation community to connect and develop. It is a bridge that brings your idea alive.”

Ken Xia

Theia Ltd