Make It Happen, Manchester: The Film Pitch Night That Gets Short Films Made
About this Event
Presented by The Developing Room and ABC Buildings, Make It Happen is a live pitching night for early-career filmmakers actively developing short film projects.
Selected filmmakers each take the stage for a 5-minute pitch, sharing their project, where it’s currently at (development, financing, packaging, production, post-production, etc.), and — most importantly — what they need to move forward.
Instead of a competition, the event features a panel of industry advisors who respond to each pitch with feedback, guidance, and practical insight. The focus is on support, connection, and real progress, not judging or elimination.
This is a space where ideas meet expertise, and filmmakers leave with clearer direction, new relationships, and tangible next steps.
Why Attend
Be in the room where films begin to take shape.
Make It Happen offers a rare opportunity to watch projects being developed in real time — and to see how filmmakers articulate their ideas, challenges, and ambitions directly to industry professionals.
But it’s not just about watching pitches.
Throughout the evening, attendees may also hear about open roles, collaboration needs, and specific areas where filmmakers are actively looking for people to get involved — from crew positions and production support to creative collaborators and development partners.
After the pitches, the networking session becomes a space where you can put yourself forward directly, start conversations, and explore ways to get involved in projects that genuinely need people right now.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, creative, industry professional, or film enthusiast, you’ll gain insight into:
- How projects actually get developed and financed
- What filmmakers are looking for at different stages
- How industry professionals respond to new work in progress
- Where real collaboration opportunities are opening up
Stay afterwards for drinks and networking, where conversations sparked on stage continue in the room — and hopefully turn into working relationships.
If you're interested in pitching, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/b3iH311Vs5XKJ5z8A
FULL LINE UP OF PITCHES AND INDUSTRY ADVISORS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
Event Format
- 6:30pm – Arrival & Welcome Drinks
An informal start with drinks and introductions among filmmakers, industry guests, and attendees.
- 7:00pm – Live Pitch Session
Each filmmaker presents a 5 minute pitch, and gets a live response from the industry advisor panel.
Feedback includes creative insight, practical advice, suggestions for collaborators, and development steps.
- 9:00pm – Networking & Open Collaboration Space
An open session where attendees can connect with filmmakers and advisors. This is where open roles, collaboration needs, and project gaps may be shared more informally, giving attendees the chance to step forward and get involved directly in projects that interest them.
Outcomes
Rather than a traditional competition, the focus is on real-world progress and collaboration, which may include:
- Mentorship and follow-up conversations
- Opportunities for attendees to get involved in active projects
- New creative and professional relationships formed on the night
Audience Prize
All ticket proceeds will be combined into a single Audience Prize. At the end of the event, attendees will vote for their favourite project, and the winning team will receive the full prize pool as a non-recoupable grant to help their project move forward. The audience prize amount is dependent on audience attendance.
About The Developing Room
The Developing Room is a UK-wide film creative network dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers through networking, industry access, skills development, and opportunities for creative collaboration. Through regular events and programmes, The Developing Room helps connect the country’s film talent with the people, knowledge, and resources needed to advance their careers and projects.
About ABC Buildings
ABC Buildings is a landmark creative workspace in Manchester, home to a diverse community of businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, and creative practitioners. Through its events programme and partnerships, ABC Buildings supports collaboration, innovation, and cultural activity across the city.
About The Dome
Located within ABC Buildings, The Dome is one of Manchester's most distinctive event spaces. With its unique circular architecture and vibrant creative atmosphere, it provides an inspiring setting for live events, talks, screenings, and community gatherings.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 11.55
