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Just for Laughs Speed Pitching
Program Description
Just for Laughs Speed Pitching
Program Description
JUST FOR LAUGHS SPEED PITCHING is an exciting new initiative launching at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, as part of ComedyPRO! Designed to be fast-paced and high-energy, this exciting program offers a rare and valuable opportunity for emerging and established talent alike—whether producers, writers, comedians, or content creators—to bring their most innovative and entertaining concepts to the table.
Participants will have the chance to pitch their original scripted and unscripted TV projects directly to top-tier industry professionals in a series of rapid one-on-one, speed-dating style meetings. These professionals will include major network executives, studio development teams, talent agents, production companies, and other key decision-makers from across the global entertainment landscape.
Whether you have an idea for a hit comedy series or a boundary-pushing unscripted format, this is your moment to get your ideas in front of the people who can help bring them to life.
If you’ve got a great idea and the passion to pitch it—this is the stage (or table!).
Fast. Focused. Funny. Submit now for a chance to pitch at Just For Laughs!
Submission Details & Event Format
This program is open to a SELECT number of participants.
Submission criteria are as follows:
Submission Details & Event Format
This program is open to a SELECT number of participants.
Submission criteria are as follows:
- Open to creatives worldwide! (All submissions must be in English.)
- Submissions MUST be made through FilmFreeway to qualify , NOTE: There is a $25 USD fee to submit.
- The project can be scripted or unscripted, but it must be comedic.
- Projects with existing attachments are permitted to enter (if so, please state who).
- Ideally, these projects have not been pitched to networks before.
As part of the application, participants must provide a logline and a 2-page pitch deck, which must include:
As part of the application, participants must provide a logline and a 2-page pitch deck, which must include:
If Scripted:
- Logline including title, protagonist, action, antagonist, goal, and stakes.
- Description of show including: Intended market (US, CAN, UK, other), logline, tagline, story, structure, characters, world, plot, tone, and answers to "Why you? Why this? Why now?"
If Unscripted:
- Logline including title, tone, genre, cast, setting, core action, goal, unique twist.
- Description of show including: Intended market (US, CAN, UK, other), title, tone, genre, cast, setting, format, structure, “what makes this successful?”
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Deadlines
Final submission deadline is June 20, 2025.
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- Selected pitchers will be invited to the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival to participate in a SPEED PITCHING session as part of ComedyPRO, which will take place from July 23-25 (exact date TBC).
- You will be provided a complimentary Industry Pass to take advantage of the festival offerings, including exclusive networking events.
- If selected, attendance is MANDATORY in order to participate. NOTE: A travel stipend will NOT be provided.
- Pitchers may bring materials for their pitch to distribute to the executives they are pitching to.
The submitter agrees to indemnify and hold JFL harmless from any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, or expenses (including attorney's fees and court costs) arising from any issues related to copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, or the loss or damage of the submitted project.
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JUST FOR LAUGHS PILOTS
Description:
JUST FOR LAUGHS PILOTS
Description:
Debuting at the 2025 Just For Laughs Montreal Festival, JFL Pilots presented by Just For Laughs in partnership with Will Arnett’s Electric Avenue, will spotlight 3 of the most original and hilarious independent half-hour pilots from around the world. We’re looking for bold, laugh-out-loud comedies—whether they’re sharp satires, clever mockumentaries, heartfelt rom-coms, or daringly unique concepts designed to captivate audiences. Each 20-30 minute pilot, live-action or animated, must be independently produced and undistributed as a multi-episode series.
Just For Laughs Pilots
Awards & Prizes
Just For Laughs Pilots
Awards & Prizes
The top 2-3 pilots will be screened live in July at our Just For Laughs Montreal Festival.
A jury of comedy and programming experts, including Just for Laughs and Electric Avenue, will select the chosen lineup, and also vote on a 1st place pilot, which will be announced at the screening.
- All final selections will enter into a development opportunity with Just For Laughs
- 1st Place will win a development opportunity with Just For Laughs and Electric Avenue, in addition to two industry passes for the 2026 festival.
Rules & Terms
Criteria for Submissions:
Rules & Terms
Criteria for Submissions:
- Open to artists worldwide! (All submissions must be in English.)
- Submissions must be made through FilmFreeway to qualify.
- Eligible content must have been completed in 2024 or 2025.
- Premieres (World, North American, or Canadian) are encouraged but not required.
- Running time should be between 20 and 30 minutes
- Content must not have been released on web, TV, streaming, or theatrically in Canada prior to the festival’s closing date (festival screenings are okay).
- Submissions screened at other festivals are allowed, but they must not be publicly available in Canada (private YouTube or Vimeo links are fine).Submission deadline is May 5, 2025.
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Deadlines
April 14, 2025: Early Bird Deadline - $40 USD submission fee
May 5, 2025: Regular Deadline $50 USD submission fee
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- Selected pilots will be compiled into a screening program in a format determined by the Festival. You’ll be notified about the required format.
- Selected filmmakers are expected to make every effort to attend the festival. A small travel stipend will be provided to help facilitate attendance. Please note: your content may not be included in the final screening if you cannot attend.
- You’ll need to complete, sign, and return a screening agreement provided by the Festival.
- We may request additional marketing materials, such as artwork, film stills, or filmmaker photos, for use on our website, press kits, and promotional efforts.
- Each project will receive one (1) artist pass to the festival.
- Filmmakers may also have the option to distribute their content through JFL platforms and distribution networks, to be determined by the Festival.
By submitting a film to JFL, the submitter grants the Festival the right to use an excerpt from the film for promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film confirms they are authorized to commit the film for screening and understands and accepts all requirements and regulations outlined.
The submitter agrees to indemnify and hold JFL harmless from any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, or expenses (including attorney's fees and court costs) arising from any issues related to copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, or the loss or damage of the submitted screening video.
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JUST FOR LAUGHS SHORTS
Description:
JUST FOR LAUGHS SHORTS
Description:
JUST FOR LAUGHS SHORTS, presented by Just For Laughs in partnership with Will Arnett’s Electric Avenue, will showcase the very best short films, highlighting the sharpest and funniest comedic voices from around the world. We’re seeking comedy in all its forms—whether it’s a parody ad, a witty mockumentary, a heartfelt rom-com, or an edgy original sketch. Your short can be a hilarious standalone hit or packed with potential for long-form adaptation. Submit your film and show us why you’re the future of comedy!
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Awards & Prizes
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Awards & Prizes
The top short films will be screened live in July at our Just For Laughs Montreal Festival.
A jury of filmmaking, comedy, and programming experts, selected by Just for Laughs and Electric Avenue, will select the chosen lineup, and also vote on a 1st place short film, which will be announced at the screening.
- All final selections will enter into a development opportunity with Just For Laughs
- 1st Place will win a development opportunity with Just For Laughs and Electric Avenue, in addition to two industry passes for the 2026 festival.
- An audience award will also be awarded with two industry passes for the 2026 festival.
Rules & Terms
Criteria for Submissions:
Rules & Terms
Criteria for Submissions:
- Open to artists worldwide! (All submissions must be in English.)
- Submissions must be made through FilmFreeway to qualify.
- Eligible content must have been completed in 2024 or 2025.
- Premieres (World, North American, or Canadian) are encouraged but not required.
- Running time should be between 1 and 10 minutes (including credits)
- Content must not have been released on web, TV, streaming, or theatrically in Canada prior to the festival’s closing date (festival screenings are okay).
- Submissions screened at other festivals are allowed, but they must not be publicly available in Canada (private YouTube or Vimeo links are fine).
- Final submission deadline is May 5, 2025.
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Deadlines
April 14, 2025: Early Bird Deadline - $40 USD submission fee
May 5, 2025: Regular Deadline $50 USD submission fee
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- Selected shorts will be compiled into a screening program in a format determined by the Festival. You’ll be notified about the required format.
- Selected filmmakers are expected to make every effort to attend the festival. A small travel stipend will be provided to help facilitate attendance. Please note: your content may not be included in the final screening if you cannot attend.
- You’ll need to complete, sign, and return a screening agreement provided by the Festival.
- We may request additional marketing materials, such as artwork, film stills, or filmmaker photos, for use on our website, press kits, and promotional efforts.
- Each project will receive one (1) artist pass to the festival.
- Filmmakers may also have the option to distribute their content through JFL platforms and distribution networks, to be determined by the Festival.
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.