Curious about applying to our Podcast PitchFest? Not sure how to prepare, or what the process involves? This FAQ covers everything you need to know—from crafting a pitch that stands out to understanding what producers are looking for. Don’t miss your chance. Applications are open until October 22!
What should I prepare for my pitch?
Take a deep breath: you don’t need a fully developed pitch deck or a polished trailer. A strong story idea with key details is enough.
Be prepared to discuss all aspects of the story, including the subjects or characters you’d like to feature, the amount of access you have, the number of episodes you’re envisioning if you’re pitching a series or full show, and any audio material you may already have. And, of course, research the networks and producers before requesting a meeting by reading about them in the PitchFest Handbook. Beyond that, you should listen to episodes and shows by the networks you’re interested in and ask yourself, who is their audience, and why would it be a good fit for them specifically?
Need more tips on pitching an audio project and how the whole process works? Canadaland has a fantastic FAQ of their own — we love their advice on pitching with a great story, a great character, a unique sound and a purpose in mind.
And don’t forget that as a PitchFest participant, you’ll be attending a Podcast Development & Pitching Workshop with Mia Lobel on Friday, Nov. 1 at 6pm ET, giving you two weeks before PitchFest to take what you’ve learned and fine-tune your pitch.
Can I share audio/visual materials during my pitch?
Yes! While not required, you’ll have the option on Zoom to share pitch decks, trailers, or other audio/visual assets if it’s helpful. Click here for a tutorial on Zoom’s sharing features.
Can I pitch a new show or just single episodes?
You can pitch individual episodes, segments, stories or full series projects, depending on what the distribution and production partners are looking for. Reading the PitchFest handbook in advance will give you a clearer idea of the format and content they’re currently commissioning. Some producers may prefer a series, while others may be open to stand-alone episodes. We have designed the handbook like a cheat sheet for putting your best foot forward.
What if I don’t have a specific idea, and want to pitch myself as freelance talent?
Amazing! We designed PitchFest to get you those rare audiences with producers from across the industry. Canadaland, Futuro, Frequency, and iHeart Podcasts are all seeking a variety of freelance audio professionals with such skills as reporting, sound designing and fact-checking. Check the PitchFest handbook to see which specific skills they’re seeking. You could even pitch a new show to some networks, pitch yourself as freelance talent to others, or do both with a single network.
Do I need to be a professional podcaster or journalist to apply?
No — that’s not a requirement. But you do need a great story and a journalistic sensibility. You should be able to demonstrate professionalism and an understanding of audio storytelling during your meetings. And remember, PitchFest is focused on narrative or reported podcasts only. Please don’t pitch shows designed around co-host conversations, repurposed content, fiction and monologues. If you’re unsure whether a concept is eligible, email us at pandemicuniversity@gmail.com.
What else can I expect during and after my meetings?
Producers probably won’t greenlight your idea on the spot — even if they love it. The best-case scenario is that a producer will want to stay in touch to explore your idea further. In these cases, they may reach out to you directly after PitchFest or pass your contact information to us at Pandemic University so you can continue the conversation.
At the very least, producers will offer valuable feedback on your pitch, sharing insights on story structure, character development, or audience engagement. Many will offer specific suggestions on how to refine your idea or make it better suited for their network. Think of this as a chance to sharpen your pitch with the guidance of industry experts. Even if your idea doesn’t advance right away, you’ll leave with new skills and insights to apply in future opportunities.