LADbible Group has partnered with Young Arrows, Merman and the Race Equality Foundation to launch Pitch Your Story, a new programme aimed at supporting emerging creative and filmmaking talent across the UK.
The initiative invites entrants to submit concepts for a 60–120 second social-first short film exploring what it means to call the UK home in 2026.
The winning idea will receive up to £15,000 in production funding, alongside creative and production support from the partner organisations.
Open to students studying media-related disciplines and junior creatives with up to three years’ experience, the programme does not require prior professional production credits. Applicants must be aged 18 or over.
Submissions are focused on the strength of the idea rather than finished work. Entrants are required to provide a written concept, including a synopsis, treatment, visual direction and supporting materials such as storyboards or moodboards.
The brief encourages storytelling that reflects themes of identity, belonging and lived experience in the UK, with an emphasis on perspectives that are underrepresented in mainstream media. Organisers are seeking ideas designed for vertical, social platforms, with an emphasis on clarity, authenticity and audience resonance.
The selected project will be developed and produced by LADbible Group and Merman, with support from post-production studio OkayStudio and audio company RUNAMOK.
The final film is expected to be delivered within six months of selection and may be showcased across LADbible Group’s platforms, with a potential screening aligned to the Young Arrows programme in autumn 2026.
The deadline for entries is midnight on 11 May 2026.
