What is Sizzle Pitch?
Sizzle Pitch is a independent film and television production company making short films, sizzle reels, and similar projects with the aim of serving as proofs-of-concept for future feature films and TV shows. We partner with a community of movie lovers to help fund these projects and give everyone access to the filmmaking process.
What is a sizzle reel?
A sizzle reel is a term in the movie business that describes a small film project that serves as a proof-of-concept for creating a larger film project. It can also stand on its own as its own creative endeavor. Creating sizzle reels allows more people to see the magic of filmmaking with a low barrier of entry. A cast and crew create the project just like they would a full-length movie, but on a smaller scale.
Sizzle reels are then used to market the project to production companies and financiers to make a feature film or TV show.
Here’s a timeline of how that could work in this model:
What is a cohort?
A cohort is a group of people who have paid to be a part of the production team on a project. Cohort members (like you!) will get to experience filmmaking from the inside with insight into budgets, casting, behind-the-scenes videos from set, and more. Cohorts are meant to be learning opportunities for those interested in being filmmakers or just want to see how movies get made. It can ALL be done remotely from your own home and most can be experienced asynchronously on your own timeline.
What do I have to do as a cohort member?
There’s no requirement for involvement in a cohort, though the more you’re involved, the more you’ll get out of the experience. There will be opportunities such as video meetings and interviews with cast, crew, and your other cohort members, email recaps with videos, photos, Q&As, and more. Each project is different and will provide a different experience, but you’ll always get really cool insight into the production process.
Will this help me break into the movie business?
If you’re new to making movies, this experience will offer you an abundance of insight into how filmmaking works, from budgeting to the creative process to seeing how the various crew members work from their own perspectives. You’ll especially find resources within the production and on-set videos that will give you a behind-the-scenes look at various aspects of making movies.
You may also meet other like-minded creatives in your cohort who could help you find your voice within the industry, become creative partners, and more.
At the end of your cohort, you’ll get access to a Linkedin certificate to show off your newfound knowledge to potential employers in the movie industry.
Will I get a return on investment?
Production cohorts are purely experiential, meaning there’s no return on the investment. But you’ll be paying for a level of access that most people will never be allowed to see and support independent filmmaking and up-and-coming creatives at the same time.
You may even find networking opportunities within your cohort that can lead to more inroads into the movie business.
Get in touch to learn more about joining the community.
How is this different than crowdfunding?
You may have seen Kickstarters for films that allow for special perks like merchandise, early access, and similar. While we are harnessing the power of a larger group to give access to creative projects, this isn’t crowdfunding in that way.
When you join one of our projects, you’ll get access to production meetings to see behind the curtain of making a film. You’ll get access to the filmmakers to ask questions and learn more. The team will keep you informed about progress and other opportunities to learn and virtually meet members of the cast and crew. There are many opportunities available, though each project is different.
What experience do I need to join?
You don’t need any specific experience to become a part of our community. Anyone with an interest in film and television can enjoy the experience. Whether you’re a film school graduate looking for insight into the industry and access to amazing cast and crew or a movie-goer looking to take your Letterboxd hobby further, you can find a place in our cohorts. The less you know, the more you’re bound to learn.
Can I join remotely?
There is no in-person element required to be a part of the community. All meetings and events will be available remotely and recorded to enjoy asynchronously. Any merchandise or physical perks will be mailed to you as well.
Can I purchase this experience for someone else?
Absolutely. You can choose to pay for someone else to be involved in the community. Note that one gift payment allows for one person’s involvement in the cohort.
What if the project I want to join doesn’t get funded?
There’s always a chance that a project doesn’t receive the fund necessary to move forward, especially in our beta phase. If this happens, we’ll offer to transfer your cohort membership to another project of your choosing.
Do you have any success stories?
Yes! Our first feature-length film was funded successfully for more than triple our initial budget projection. We were able to assemble a fantastic crew and a cast that includes stars of major films and television, including from American Horror Story, The Craft: Legacy, Dear Evan Hansen, the Halloween franchise, and more. We are currently in production through early 2023. While we’re newer to the industry, we already have multiple distribution offers and will be targeting key film festivals for distribution.
Additionally, we have successfully funded two more short films which will begin production in early 2023 and a number of feature films securing funding. More projects are now available to join.
We anticipate many more successes to come. Here are some testimonials from our community members:
Who is Umbrella Pictures?
Umbrella Pictures is a film production house from producer/executive producer Robert Jarosinski and writer/producer Catherine Clark. Sizzle Pitch is a subsidiary of Umbrella Pictures.
Check out our current projects to learn more.
Have more questions? Email us at [email protected].