The Developing Room - Make it Happen, Manchester

New live event connects emerging filmmakers with industry advisors, collaborators, and funding opportunities

The Developing Room, in partnership with ABC Buildings, is launching a new live event designed to help emerging filmmakers move their projects from idea to production.

Taking place at The Dome, Manchester, on 29th July 2026, Make It Happen, Manchester: The Film Pitch Night That Gets Short Films Made brings together early-career filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts for an evening of live pitches, practical feedback, and meaningful networking opportunities.

The event offers a platform for filmmakers actively developing short films to present their projects to a live audience and a panel of industry advisors. Each selected filmmaker will deliver a five-minute pitch outlining their project, its current stage of development, and the specific support needed to move it forward — whether that be funding, collaborators, crew, post-production expertise, or industry connections.

Unlike traditional pitching competitions, Make It Happen is designed as a collaborative forum rather than a judged contest. Following each pitch, a panel of experienced industry advisors will provide constructive feedback, practical guidance, and insights into potential pathways for

development and production.

"Many talented early-career filmmakers have strong ideas but lack access to the connections, collaborators, and support needed to get projects off the ground," says Harvey John, Founder of The Developing Room.

"Make It Happen is about creating a room where opportunities are visible, conversations happen naturally, and projects can find the people they need."

In addition to hearing from filmmakers, attendees will gain a behind-the-scenes look at how short films are developed and financed, while discovering opportunities to become involved in active productions. Throughout the evening, filmmakers will share their current needs, creating opportunities for audience members to connect directly with projects seeking collaborators, crew members, creative partners, and production support.

The evening concludes with an open networking session where filmmakers, advisors, and attendees can continue conversations, explore collaborations, and build new professional relationships.

Audience Prize

To further support participating filmmakers, all ticket proceeds will be pooled into a single Audience Prize Fund. At the end of the event, attendees will vote for the project they believe has the strongest potential, with the winning filmmaker receiving the full prize pool as a non-recoupable grant to help move their project forward. The final prize amount will depend on audience attendance.

Event Schedule

6:30pm – Arrival & Welcome Drinks

An informal opportunity for filmmakers, industry guests, and attendees to meet and connect.

7:00pm – Live Pitch Session

Selected filmmakers present their projects and receive live feedback and guidance from the

industry advisor panel.

9:00pm – Networking & Open Collaboration Space

An open networking session designed to facilitate introductions, collaboration opportunities, and

project development conversations.

Who Should Attend?

• Filmmakers developing new projects

• Producers seeking emerging talent

• Writers, directors, editors, and crew looking for opportunities

• Film students and graduates

• Industry professionals interested in discovering new voices

• Film enthusiasts curious about the filmmaking process

By bringing filmmakers, advisors, collaborators, and audiences together in one room, Make It Happen aims to create something increasingly rare in the industry: a space where projects can find the practical support needed to become reality.

About The Developing Room

The Developing Room is a UK-wide film creative network dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers through networking, industry access, skills development, and opportunities for creative collaboration. Through regular events and programmes, The Developing Room helps connect the country’s film talent with the people, knowledge, and resources needed to advance their careers and projects.