Looking for Executive Producer Services?
YOUR STORY ON THE BIG SCREEN
KIFF and 1st Features have launched
THE PITCH TO SCREEN AWARD
In the hunt for a winning short script to produce.
KIFF and 1st Features have launched
THE PITCH TO SCREEN AWARD
In the hunt for a winning short script to produce.
Deadline: 30th April 2026
Pitching Workshop : 5th June 2026
Location: Kingston upon Thames, London
What’s on offer
The winning script will be optioned for a nominal fee by 1st Features.
1st Features will work with you as your
Production Company with full intent to raise funding and produce the film. In the course of doing so they will provide-
Mentoring
Script development
Budgeting and scheduling
Production services
Post-production supervision
Festival strategy
Exploring further distribution opportunities.
What they are looking for
short film script (maximum 10 pages).
All Genres welcome
Ideal budget: £10-15K
Who can apply
Writers at any career stage
There can be a producer or director attached already, provided they are open to co-producing with 1st Features
If you have projects that fit these criteria, we want to hear from you!
What you need to include in your SMASH Pitch
Your SMASH Snapshot must include at minimum:
Logline
Format; Genre; Setting; Runtime
Brief Biog of key creatives
Synopsis with all major plot points - set up; inciting incident; rising conflict; mid story twist; crisis; climax and resolution.
Creative vision
Visual references (poster/concept art optional)
Budget range
Any projects submitted without this information will not be accepted.
How to Apply
Create your FREE SMASH Pitch at app.mysmash.media.
Build your Snapshot with the required elements above.
Pay your entry fee
Earlybird deadline 19th February 2026 - Fee £15
Regular Deadline 2nd April 2026 – Fee £20
Final Deadline 30th April 2026 – Fee £25
Hit ‘Share Project’ and select KIFF - Get you short on the big screen from the Call Out page.
Submit before 23.59 on 30th April 2026
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
Submissions open 22nd January 2026
Closing date for submissions 30th April 2026
SIX FINALISTS will be announced on 15th May 2026
Finalists will then be invited to a pitching workshop with My Smash Media at KIFF 2026 on Friday 5th June. The My Smash team will work with you to refine your pitches.
The finalists will then pitch live to an industry panel later in the day. The winning pitch to be announced at KIFF Gala Awards Ceremony Sunday 6th June.
Important Notes
Decision on the final cut will be 1st Features
Earlybird deadline 19th February 2026 - Fee £15
Regular Deadline 2nd April 2026 – Fee £20
Final Deadline 30th April 2026 – Fee £25
Please pay submission fees by clicking here
On the wise payment page please put your name and script title in the description box
Questions about your SMASH Pitch? Contact: cupid@mysmash.media
Questions about KIFF Contact Shirley@blueelephantfilms.com
About Kingston International Film Festival
KIFF provides a platform for filmmakers from around the world, and in particular up and coming talent, to showcase their projects during three days in different venues in the beautiful and blooming town of Kingston upon Thames. As well as screenings, we offer workshops and masterclasses facilitated by leading industry professionals along with some great networking events. KIFF aims to bring the film community together along with industry professionals from all over the globe for three glittering days of screenings, workshops and events. Our long-term ambition is to build the festival into an internationally recognised event that showcases the work of the world’s leading independent filmmakers as well as becoming the premier platform for discovering remarkable new British talent. For more info please visit the Kingston International Film Festival
About 1ST Features
“1st Features was founded to nurture and support filmmakers on their journey from shorts to features, which is an ethos we bring with us to this prize” Simon Darkman 1st Features.
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.