Growing from the largest online community of web series creators into a rich educational portal/audience-building platform, Stareable has united filmmakers in the real world through social events like its popular happy hours (Stareable’s frequent “pop up” networking events held in various cities) and through last July’s successful launch of the first annual Stareable Fest.
The festival mixed show screenings and award honors with insightful panel discussions, talks with web series experts (Bernie Su, creator of THE LIZZIE BENNET DIARIES), live series pitch sessions, and in-person chats between filmmakers and top execs from respected media companies (Comedy Central, Warner Bros., PBS Digital, etc.)
Less than a year after Stareable debuted its first web series festival, the platform now welcomes submissions for the second annual Stareable Fest. The three day event will be held in Williamsburg, Brooklyn from July 19th-21st, with even more opportunities for filmmakers to tout their content to networks and distributors.
Creators can submit their shows now through FilmFreeway (link below), with the early bird submission deadline on January 31st, 2019. Genres eligible for submission include drama, comedy and unscripted (including documentaries and non-fiction series). Both short and long-form projects are accepted.
One of the 2018 Stareable Fest’s most popular events is returning for an encore at the 2019 Fest: the live pitch competition.
“Last year, our 90-second pitch competition was sponsored by HBO, who also donated a one-on-one mentorship meeting with the winner. Participants first send in a video of themselves, or themselves and a partner, pitching a show concept while also pitching themselves to bring it to life,” says Stareable Community Director Bri Castellini.
“Then, live on stage, they get to perform their pitch again, in front of peers, fans, and industry judges. Last year, those judges were Alex LeMay, veteran pitcher and freelance showrunner and director, Jose Acevedo, from Comedy Central, and Brandon Arolfo, from PBS Digital.”
The 2019 Stareable Fest also offers an intriguing incentive to creators who seek a more personalized opportunity to pitch their officially selected content. “This year, we’re also guaranteeing that if your web series or pilot is chosen as an official selection at Stareable Fest 2019, you will be considered for a meeting with one of our to-be-announced industry partners,” Castellini adds.
“This means you won’t need to worry so much about awkwardly introducing yourself at one of our happy hours – you’ll have time carved out with these industry partners specifically to talk to them about your work, your goals, and whatever else you may want to discuss!”
Announcements on the festival’s official series selections, daily events, featured guests and participating networks/production companies will be made in the next few months.
To submit your series to the 2019 Stareable Fest, visit:
For more information on Stareable Fest, visit: