Empire State Development Opens Applications For 2026 PitchNY, Connecting New York’s Next Generation of Storytellers with Entertainment Industry Leaders

Two-Day Program Returns November 4-5, Pairing Emerging Filmmakers and Content Creators with Industry Professionals

Applications Due September 21; Program Information and Application Details Available at esd.ny.gov/pitchny

Builds on New York State's Broader Efforts to Develop Talent and Expand Career Pathways Across the Film and Television Industry

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that applications are open for PitchNY 2026, a two-day professional development and networking program that connects emerging student filmmakers and content creators with experienced professionals from New York's film, television and entertainment industry. Taking place November 4-5, the event will give participants the opportunity to sharpen their storytelling and pitching skills, receive direct feedback and guidance from industry professionals, and begin building relationships that can help turn creative ambition into career opportunity.

Applications are due September 21, 2026. Students enrolled in film, television, media, communications, production and related programs at participating New York colleges and universities are encouraged to apply. Eligibility requirements, application instructions and additional program information are available at esd.ny.gov/pitchny.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "New York's film and television industry is powered by talent and maintaining our position as a global center for production means ensuring that the next generation has opportunities to learn, make connections and build careers here. PitchNY gives emerging creators something that can be difficult to replicate in a classroom: the chance to put their ideas in front of working industry professionals, strengthen how they tell their stories and gain firsthand insight into how the business works. Together with programs like our CREW Diversity Grant, we are building stronger pathways into the industry and helping New Yorkers from a broad range of backgrounds see a future for themselves in film and television."

Designed to help cultivate New York's creative talent, PitchNY provides emerging filmmakers, writers, producers and other content creators with direct exposure to professionals working across the entertainment industry. Participants learn how to effectively communicate their creative vision, gain a better understanding of career opportunities in film and media and develop professional relationships that can support their growth beyond the program. This year's program will be hosted by Amazon, which is providing the venue along with speakers and industry experts joining ESD's roster of mentors.

A centerpiece of the event is its one-on-one pitching sessions, which simulate the real-world experience of presenting a creative idea to an industry professional. Participants rotate through conversations with experienced professionals, receiving constructive feedback on both their concepts and how they communicate them. The sessions are intended for professional development and educational feedback, helping participants become more confident and effective storytellers.

Since 2016, PitchNY helped to expand access to New York's entertainment industry, elevate a broad range of creative voices and give aspiring content creators greater visibility into the professional opportunities available across film, television and media. Through direct engagement with working professionals, the program helps bridge the gap between academic study and the practical skills, relationships and industry knowledge needed to begin building a career.

Building New York's Entertainment Workforce

PitchNY is part of New York State's broader strategy to ensure the strength of its film and television sector is matched by investments in the people who will drive its future. Those efforts include the New York State Career Readiness Entertainment Workforce (CREW) Diversity Grant Program, which provides financial assistance for job creation and training programs that recruit, hire, promote, retain, develop and train a talented and inclusive workforce for New York's motion picture and television production and post-production industries.

Together, PitchNY and CREW reflect New York State's approach to entertainment workforce development - helping emerging storytellers strengthen their creative voices and industry networks while creating pathways for New Yorkers to develop the skills needed for careers throughout film and television production.

For more information about the CREW Diversity Grant Program, including eligibility and application information, visit esd.ny.gov/film.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

Contact: ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313