Hamptons Whodunit, the annual mystery and true-crime festival set to launch its fourth year in East Hampton Village on April 16, has added an unusual component to its schedule: Whodunit PitchFest, a partnership with Blackfin. The latter is a division of Lionsgate Alternative Television, a leader in the development and production of true-crime series and documentaries.
The inaugural PitchFest, which will happen on April 19, the last day of the festival, is an opportunity for filmmakers, journalists, investigators, and writers to present original documentary and unscripted series ideas rooted in real-world crime. It will be led by Geno McDermott, a producer and executive at Blackfin whose work spans true-crime and investigative storytelling for major platforms.
Submissions will be expected to include archival or original photographs; video footage; published journalism or books; court recor or official documents; maps, timelines, or investigative materials, and any additional supporting materials that “bring the story to life.”
Story ideas must be submitted in writing to [email protected] by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 10. Applicants are required to purchase a weekend or Sunday day pass to Hamptons Whodunit or pay the Whodunit PitchFest submission fee.
A committee will select 12 submissions to advance to the final presentation session. Those selected will be notified in writing by April 15 and invited to present their project either in person or via video call on April 19 in a closed-door, 20-minute pitch session with Mr. McDermott and invited studio executives. At least one project will receive up to $10,000 in development funding and creative guidance to further develop the project.
Additional submission information can be found at hamptonswhodunit.org.
