The only five Midwest-made television pilots that will compete among 50 entries in the 11th New York Television Festival (NYTVF) will preview locally at the Midwest Independent Film Festival Tuesday, Sept. 1.
The NYTVF will be held Oct. 19-24 at several New York venues, connecting with industry executives, studios, networks and digital media companies. Winners in the Best Comedy and Best Drama will receive a development deal from a Festival Development partner.
The Midwest selections are:
“Blackouts:” A series of silly to absurd sketches, created by Chicago filmmakers Di Billick, Daniel Ennion, Joey Gilmore, Michael Grush, Toby McMullen, and Eric Richter.
“Danny’s Choice:” Danny tries to survive the fifth grade as his friends constantly peer pressure him to abandon his morals. Created by Indiana filmmakers Doug Keeling and Alyssa Keeling.
“It’s Megan:” a provocative, irreverent, female-driven sketch about a male-driven world. Created by Chicago’s Sarah Shook, Whit Conway, Blair Beeken, Chelsea Devantez, Asher Perlman, Niccole Thurman, Emily Walker, and Adam Peacock.
“Goodnight Jeffrey,” about Jeffrey, a worrier, especially at night when he can’t sleep and replays his day through the lens of his neurotic memory and imagination. Created by Chicago’s Tyler Smith.
“Settled:” A doofus, suburban married couple experience life’s mundane frustrations, most of which are self-inflicted. Created by Second City improv actors Blair Beeken and Asher Perlman, directed by Jeph Porter, Second City’s head of Digital Media Production.
Also showing: “Witnesses,” the Critics Award winner at 2014 NYTVF and Best Pilot prize at the first SeriesFest held in June. Produced by Wisconsin filmmakers David Eisenberg and Jon Higgins.
Watch the trailers for the five NYTVF pilots here.
At Landmark Century Cinema, 2828 N. Clark, 6 p.m., screening at 7:30 p.m., tickets $10.
