Are you an independent podcast maker with a groundbreaking idea?
Submission deadline: 26 February 2027 (12:00 PM GMT)
Event Date: June 2027
Location: Sheffield DocFest, UK
What's on offer
A £15,000 production award for the winning project
A £5,000 award for the runner-up
For finalists: a free pass to Sheffield DocFest, three nights' accommodation, reasonable travel expenses, and access to leading audio industry professionals and commissioners
An in-person pitching opportunity at Sheffield DocFest in June 2027
What they are looking for
Original podcast projects in English
New authored stories rather than additional seasons of existing series
Projects rooted in curiosity, independence and fair-minded storytelling, including investigative journalism where relevant
Stories that reveal something fresh or unexpected about the world, with a strong sense of audience engagement and narrative momentum
Contributors with agency, whose stories can emerge in their own words
Strong interviewing and storytelling craft, with clear structure, emotional pull and the ability to keep listeners hooked
Creative use of sound, technology and audio form, including imaginative approaches to stereo or binaural sound design
Projects should be personal rather than partisan, and not driven by campaigning agendas or political theories
Submissions must include up to four minutes of original teaser audio and a still image
Projects should have a minimum budget of £15,000
Who can apply
Audio producers from anywhere in the world
Applicants should have an executive producer or named mentor attached at the time of applying
Applicants must be able to attend the final in person at Sheffield DocFest if selected as a finalist
Applications may be made by a registered production company or by an individual applying as a sole producer
What you need to include in your SMASH Pitch
Your SMASH Snapshot must include at minimum:
Logline
Format; Genre; Runtime
Brief Biog of key creatives
Treatment
Creative vision
How to Apply
Developing a SMASH Pitch is optional, though you are welcome to build your FREE pitch at MySMASH and attach it within the designated area on The Whickers submission form here
Submit before 26 February 2027 (12:00 PM GMT)
Best of luck!
Protect your IP
At SMASH, protecting your creative work is at the heart of everything we do. Every project uploaded to the platform is automatically timestamped and securely stored, giving you a verifiable digital record of ownership. Your pitch is only shared when you choose, and with the people you choose — ensuring your ideas remain yours, always. We call it Pitch Protection, and it's how we make sure creators can share their work with confidence, knowing their IP is safe and traceable.
Key Dates
5 November 2026: Submission window opens
26 February 2027 (12:00 PM GMT): Submission window closes
April 2027: Announcement of shortlisted nominees
June 2027: Finalists present their pitches live at Sheffield DocFest
June 2027: Announcement of the Podcast Pitch Award winner at the Sheffield DocFest Awards Ceremony
Important Notes
It's FREE to create and submit a SMASH Pitch.
Selected participants must attend the final in person at Sheffield DocFest.
Industry experts may not commission your project directly but will provide feedback, connections, and guidance.
The judges' decision is final.
Award funds will be paid to the winner's registered production company, or to the individual applicant if applying as a sole producer.
Questions? Contact: cupid@mysmash.media
About The Whickers
Founded in 2015, The Whickers champion original, innovative documentary-making. Utilizing the generous legacy of pioneering broadcaster Alan Whicker, the foundation supports emerging film and audio creators producing director-led content. Their flagship initiatives include two annual honors—the Film & TV Funding Award alongside The Podcast Pitch Award—as well as a Bursary Scheme aiding four global regions where funding options remain restricted by economic or socio-political factors.
About My SMASH Media
SMASH is the pitch builder and pitch protector for creators. It helps you build a professional, shareable pitch deck that can be discovered by industry decision-makers. SMASH is free for creators. Upgrade to SMASHPro for SMASHCupid support & advanced tools to make your pitch perfect.