The AFM Pitch Conference – Feature Film
Pitching is a delicate balance of creativity, precision, and persuasion. A standout pitch can get a bad film made, while a weak pitch might mean that a stellar project never sees the light of day.
In this session, AFM attendees will uncover the key principles and strategies for effective pitching from seasoned financiers, producers, and development executives. Selected filmmakers will then present their feature film pitches live and be critiqued by our panel, who will share candid and constructive feedback on what worked and areas for improvement.
Submissions open Friday, August 14.
To qualify and be considered to pitch live, you must be registered for AFM with a Platinum or + Sessions Badge and submit a two-minute video pitch. For full submission details, consult the AFM 2026 Pitch Guide. Pitch submissions will be accepted through Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Panelists:
Cassian Elwes, Producer & Agent, Elevated Film Sales (Mudbound, Dallas Buyers Club)
Loni Rodgers, Independent Producer, Consultant
Speakers
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Cassian ElwesProducer & Agent, Elevated Film SalesCassian Elwes began his producing career with 1984’s “Oxford Blues” starring Rob Lowe and Ally Sheedy and quickly went on to make another 29 films before joining WME to head their Independent Department for 15 years where he arranged financing and distribution for 300 films. Films he worked on received over 40 Academy Award Nominations and multiple winners.
Elwes is considered an expert in producing, arranging financing, and finding distribution for independent films. Since leaving William Morris in 2009, Elwes has either produced or executive produced more than 100 films such as Derek Cianfrance’s “Blue Valentine”, “Lee Daniels’ The Butler,”, J.C. Chandor’s “Margin Call” and “All Is Lost” and the multiple Academy Award Winner “Dallas Buyers Club” directed by Jean-Marc Vallee. In 2021 he executive produced Lee Daniels’ “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday”. His latest film “Dead Man’s Wire” was directed by Gus Van Sant and stars Bill Skarsgard, Colman Domingo, and Al Pacino.
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Loni RodgersIndependent Producer, ConsultantLoni Rodgers is an independent producer and international executive passionate about amplifying stories with commercial appeal and cultural impact.
She began her career at Viacom before joining Scott Rudin Productions, quickly growing the ranks and contributing to critically acclaimed films including Uncut Gems, Causeway, Past Lives, and Joel Coen’s The Tragedy of Macbeth.
Rodgers then joined Amazon Studios’ Local Originals team during its Canadian expansion, helping shape the studio’s international slate with projects such as The Lake, the 2023 reboot of Kids in the Hall, and Three Pines, starring Alfred Molina. This expansion led to working with local talent across Asia, South America, and Europe to establish a program connecting emerging creatives with seasoned showrunners.