The idea behind the conservation story pitch is very simple: a space on the FFC website where conservationists can pitch stories and filmmakers can make direct contact with them.

The plan is that environmentalists can pitch their stories in any way they want. They could be specific about the type of film they'd like made or keep the pitch as open as possible, giving producers and commissioning editors the chance to mould the story to suit their audience and budget. The pitch itself should be very short and very simple- outlining the essence of the story.

FFC'S role is to get the pitch out to as many people as possible in the wildlife film business. It will go out initially to members only in the FFC newsletter and on the website. If this doesn't generate enough interest, it may, at a later date, be posted out to a wider audience and to individual commissioning editors and producers.

So it's over to you - FFC is calling on all its members to check out these fascinating stories and make contact. We're hoping some commissioning editors or producers will start the ball rolling. But you don't have to be a producer - anyone who thinks they can help either make or finance the film in any way is welcome to make direct contact. Pitching stories on the web works for the feature film business - we can make it work for the wildlife filmmaking business.

Keep the stories coming FFC is relying on members to spread the word. So don't forget to tell conservationists about the site and to pass on all those wonderful stories (which you hear while you're on location and can't make yourself!) It doesn't matter how raw the idea is. Most films need research and development to make them work and FFC members can help.

FFC Guidelines FFC does not own these ideas. Nor can FFC guarantee that either the conservationist or the filmmaker can deliver. All FFC can do is give people a space to pitch their stories and a chance to make contact. Once the originator of the idea informs us he/she has all the contacts he/she needs, the story details will be removed. But FFC will keep track of the film's progress - by title only - in development - in production and so on! And FFC expects that any films made as a result of contacts through FFC will work within the spirit of FFC, taking note of FFC Guidelines For Ethical Filmmaking. FFC is particularly keen that filmmakers do their best to give something back to the local community and/or environment where the story is filmed.

The Goal So help us achieve one of FFC's goals - to get more of the many fascinating conservation stories made into great films.

If you want help with pitching your story contact Paul

In the end all FFC asks is a simple credit on the completed film!