The IPA, APA and ISBA have come together in a bid to help improve the production pitch process by addressing a range of pervasive issues affecting all parties.
Pitch Process Initiative has been designed to deal with the ever-increasing pressure affecting participants and spotlights the unsustainable level of investment required, the proliferation of project-based versus retained working and the overall need for greater clarity and clear direction.
The IPA, APA and ISBA’s joint initiative will revolve around five key pillars, anchored firstly by the concept of fairness: by which the bodies ask that all scripts or other creative put up for pitch be comprehensively finalised and approved for production unless clearly stated and that any payments of reasonable pitch hard costs to production companies by clients via their agency, in the event of a project being cancelled without award be discussed and agreed in advance of the pitch.
Other key pillars include a commitment to transparency and communication among all parties, as well as a focus on maintaining economic sustainability and a reasonable workload throughout the process.
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Taking a common sense approach, the joint initiative also asks that all parties maintain an orderly and timely process, with all deadline adhered to, as well as maintaining realistic brief budgets and expectations.
“Directors’ pitches are uncertain and pressurised at the best of times. The least we can do is help each other out with respect, fairness and good communication,” ISBA head of production, Eliot Liss MIPA said.
“We hope that this cross-party Initiative and adjacent IPA/APA best practice guidance will facilitate this and improve the production pitch process.”
ISBA director of agency services, Nick Louisson added: “Pitches encourage a dynamic and competitive industry. We’re pleased to work with the IPA and APA to release guidance that helps the industry reflect on the principles of a good production pitch process.”
