It is definitely safe to say, that the convention/festival experience has changed greatly in 2024. Because what used to be an environment that felt relaxed, friendly, and welcoming, has transformed into so much more. Because much of that circuit now has become quite corporate in nature. Wherein there is less care about the experience and the memories made, and more love and thought are put into profits and what kind of giant names can walk the red carpet or appear in the celebrity designated area, and that’s unfortunate. Because festivals and conventions really do have the potential to be bastions of creativity and joy for all who attend.

Granted, this doesn’t apply to ALL conventions and festivals, but it is a fair majority of them and that’s why we need to celebrate and champion the cons and festivals that buck this notion and still want their event to be something special, memorable and a true service to the fan and its overall focus. Which is why SeriesFest, deserves a round of applause and every accolade we can send its way. For this celebration of television recently took place from May 1-5, and well, Season 10 was indeed quite incredible. Largely because of the legacy this festival has managed to create for itself, because going on for a decade is no small feat and that milestone was not lost on the staff and the attendees of this year’s ‘Fest.

Because everyone understood the gravity of that, and how… it meant that there was real history to the festival now. After all, so many big and beloved shows had their early screenings at SeriesFest and so many amazing original stories have been showcased through the Independent Pilot Competition and that added a real sense of glamour and glitz to this year’s festivities, and it also created a sense of awe and majesty. Primarily over the fact that SeriesFest has never lost sight of its mission. It has always been about celebrating episodic storytelling, of the wonder of the craft and of the people who dream up the ideas that make their way onto the screen. And that truth only helped to make for a pleasant experience for anyone who wanted to see exciting new shows, and those who were hoping their story would win the day or move toward a contract with a network.

For so many entrants this year spoke to how amazing it was to have their work taken seriously, to be alongside creators that wanted to accomplish the same goals as they did, which was to tell amazing and quality stories that defied convention. Which gave rise to a joyous vibe that hung over the festival all week long, and it truly came to a crescendo when the awards ceremony took place. Since the cheers were boisterous and the shock present from the winners, was authentic. Because they knew their work was taken seriously, that great thought went into who won these awards. But above all, that they were taken seriously as artists and creators and that their stories and their content, mattered deeply to everyone at SeriesFest.

All of which made, for the best season of SeriesFest to date. One that truly was filled to the brim with excitement from beginning to end, and where creativity was embraced and where fans and creatives alike were able to learn from the best in the biz. Since the innovation talks and panels offered up amazing insight and advice, and of course… you can never go wrong with the majesty of seeing a big name celebrity hanging out on the red carpet, and well… it was just nice to be reminded that there are festivals out there that hold to their mission over anything else, and refuse to budge on the matter, and that likely means… more great seasons are ahead for this festival and the storytelling present here will only get better. 

Simply because, the secret is out. In that, SeriesFest is the home of great television. And this writer is grateful for the opportunity to cover the incredible labor of love that Randi Kleiner and Kaily Smith have given to life. One that has made dreams come true and reminds us of the power of television and how it is so much more than mindless entertainment, but a true medium for quality storytelling. The kind that can and will, inspire and stay with us long after an episode has come to a close.   

Truly one of the most important moments at a film or television festival, is coming to learn who took home top honors for the various award categories said festival offers. Because fans simply want to know if they settled in to watch greatness and creators want to know who amongst their peers took home an award, or if that honor was their own, and what’s wild… is that so many festivals handle this in vastly unique and different ways. But there is one festival, that always gets it right when it comes to how best to present this. 
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For SeriesFest knows that an award ceremony is the best way to handle such matters. Since it allows for everyone present to celebrate and share in the energy and joy from their peers regardless of who walks home with the coveted top honors, and that is why the closing event for the festival is its awards ceremony. So, everyone leaves with a smile on their faces, including the fans that came to enjoy the many shows present at this festival. So, they know if they did indeed witness greatness or the next hit television show and well… to help accomplish that goal, since not everyone was able to share in the wonder, here is the complete list of Winners and Award Recipients of the SeriesFest: Season 10 Independent Pilot Competition.

‘SeriesFest, the award-winning international television festival and non-profit organization, revealed the winners of its Season 10 Independent Pilot Competition at an awards presentation on Sunday, May 5 in Denver, CO. Esteemed jurors screened 45 pilots from creative voices around the globe at this year’s milestone celebration and selected winners in categories including “Independent Pilot,” which receives $25K in-kind post production support from Company 3, “Digital Short Series,” “Late Night” and “Pitch-A-Thon.” The presentation was sponsored by Hyde Park Jewelers.
 
AWARD WINNERS INCLUDE:
 
Independent Pilot - Drama: Potluck Ladies 
Independent Pilot - Comedy: Broken Toilets 
Independent Pilot - Unscripted: Breakthrough 
Digital Shorts: PROBLEMATIC
Late Night: Miracle Wood
Pitch-A-Thon: The Haunting of Trisha Lozada
 
*Below please find the full list of additional winners including honorable mentions.
 
“Our Independent Pilot Competition embodies the very essence of SeriesFest and aligns with our core mission - to champion independent artists,” remarked Randi Kleiner, CEO and Co-Founder of SeriesFest. “With ten seasons under our belt, we’ve been able to establish a platform for showcasing up-and-coming creators, providing them with an outlet to amplify their voices and share their projects with industry executives, established on-screen talent and below-the-line creatives. This year’s winners represent the future of television and we could not be more excited to celebrate their success.”
 
At the awards ceremony, SeriesFest also announced the final selections for three festival initiatives including the Level Forward Impact Award and the Caz Matthews Fund. Now in its fourth year, the Level Forward Impact Award began as an invitation for creators to consider how commercial episodic storytelling can both change norms and be good for business. By valuing authenticity, equity, and care, Breakthrough is the recipient of this year’s award and will receive a $5,000 cash prize and development deal with Level Forward. This brave new series reveals the pain and healing within some of the most incredible athletes in the world. 
 
Caz Matthews, a Colorado-based supporter of SeriesFest and of the independent creators of television content, awarded four official selections from the Independent Pilot competitions including This Boy’s Vida (Made in America), Hard to Swallow, THE DOUG HEIR STORY and Breakthrough with a one-time financial donation from the Caz Matthews Fund. These recipients represent the independent filmmakers who have important stories to tell and have the desire to both create work as well as find distribution opportunities that further promote tolerance, acceptance and understanding of all cultures and persons in the general population. 
 
New this year, SeriesFest presents the Outstanding Series Format Deck Award presented by Canva and the Inclusive Creator Fund. The Outstanding Series Format Deck Award was awarded to Late Night Competition Pilot, Bits, which will receive a $5,000 cash prize for their best submission deck created in Canva. The Inclusive Creator Fund, supported by the Anna & John J. Sie Foundation and Global Down Syndrome Foundation, is intended to support television projects submitted to SeriesFest: Season 10 that include talent with intellectual disabilities in front of and behind the camera. This year’s grant funds were awarded to Brewability, an unscripted series that follows the staff of Brewability and its pioneering owner Tiffany, as they navigate life's challenges both at work and at home, and together show the world what's possible when we start inviting each other to the table. 
 
SeriesFest: Season 10 is presented with generous support from the following sponsors: Canva, Once Upon A Time Productions, Liberty Global, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Denver Film, Caz Matthews, Xfinity, and United Airlines, along with generous support from the SCFD. SeriesFest’s closing night is supported by Deadline Hollywood.’

Jury: Ronald D. Moore (Executive Producer, Writer, Showrunner, Tall Ship Productions, “For All Mankind”), Chiké Okonkwo (Co-Founder, Mansa), Jocelyn Sabo (SVP, TV Development, Lionsgate), Jacqueline Sacerio (Producer) 
 
Best Drama Pilot: Potluck Ladies 
Director: Shazia Javed
Executive Producer: Shazia Javed 
Writer: Shazia Javed
Producer:  Shazia Javed
Cast: Natasha Krishnan, Elisa Moolecherry, Kavita Musty   
Sumaira, Azra, and Ruby live in “The Wives Condos” in the suburbs of Toronto with their children, while their husbands work in other countries. They initially meet at potluck lunches, a weekly guilt-free escape from the loneliness of immigrant life. At first glance, they seem to be living perfect lives, but when their carefully crafted facades crumble, they must learn to be vulnerable and seek each other’s support. 
 
Jury Statement: For its fascinating look into a unique world of sisterhood and female friendship and the cultural pressures that are imposed upon us, Best Drama goes to a show whose characters touched us and made us want to see the next chapters of their lives - Potluck Ladies.
 
Best Director: Saša Hajduković, Skin
Jury Statement:  For its confident and dynamic direction and sure handed balance of tension and mystery while engaging us in the emotional story of a man just getting out of prison, the award for best direction goes to Sasha Hajduković from Skin.
 
Best Writer: Joseph Castillo-Midyett, The Boy’s Vida (Made in America) 
Jury Statement: For the detailed and empathetic portrait of a boy in a world seldom depicted on television, the script that touched our hearts and made us want to see the next chapter in this boy’s life, the writing prize goes to Joseph Castillo-Midyett.
 
Best Performance, Ensemble: Neo-Dome  
Jury Statement:  Instead of acknowledging an individual performance this year, we felt one ensemble performance stood out above the rest. Set mostly in a car, these actors were by turns, funny, scary, surprising and always engaging. We are awarding a Best Performance by an Ensemble to "Neo Dome."
 
Best Performance, Honorable Mention: Travis W Buyer, Heebuck 
Jury Statement:  For his authentic, heartfelt and funny portrayal of a small town deputy sheriff grappling with a changing world, we want to make a special mention to Travis W. Bruyer for his role as Heebuck.

Jury: Michael Falbo (Partner, Pacific Electric Picture Co.), Malcolm Venable (Senior Writer, Shondaland.com), Amanda Krentzman (Principal & Founder, Show Pony Entertainment)
 
Best Comedy Pilot: Broken Toilets 
Director: Jesse Toledano 
Executive Producers: Thomas Mahoney, David Benyisha, Zakary Levin, and Jesse Toledano 
Writer: Jesse Toledano 
Producer: Justin Ambrosino  
Cast: Luzer Twersky, Dede Lovelace 
BROKEN TOILETS tells the story of Yossi Klein, a young Hassidic man, tasked to take care of his 
father-in-law’s buildings in a low-income, mostly black outer borough of NYC. But Yossi has a secret – he loves hip hop.  During the everyday mundane, often absurd tasks that come along with property management, he meets two tenants – young aspiring hip hop artists, DiAndra “Dee” Jones and Kevin Randolph. Together they form the most unlikely of musical trios and set off to make a demo record, all the while Yossi navigates what it means to be a Hassidic Jew in the modern world. 
 
Jury Statement: This is a pilot that will create a larger, unifying conversation. With a high production value, unique characters, and consistent pacing throughout, the jury believes this to be the pilot most appealing and ready for distribution.
 
Best Director: Nick Bartlett, The Boy Who Was Afraid of Everything  
Jury Statement:  The directing stands out for its use of sharp comedic beats to create many laugh out loud moments.
 
Best Director, Honorable Mention: David Sonnenborn, Larry in the Sky with Diamonds
Jury Statement: The jury would like to recognize David Sonnenborn for his imaginative world building, taking much creativity and artistic skill. 
 
Best Writer: Jasia Ka and Amamah Sardar, Girls Aren’t Funny 
Jury Statement:  This is an example of a very successful pilot set up to be made into a TV series. The story is strong with multiple points of conflict and tension that weave together to create a longing for more episodes. 
 
Best Performance: Haris Mirza, The Boy Who Was Afraid of Everything 
Jury Statement:  In the hands of another actor, this part would not make sense. Haris Mirza gave a very quirky and specific performance. Enjoyable and funny, with tons of humanity. 
 
Best Performance, Honorable Mention: Sam Song Li, Marvin Is Sorry
Jury Statement: Sam Song Li took a character that is immediately unlikeable as an influencer and really made you empathize and root for him. You see a real and applaudable range, with the character starting in comedy and ending in despair. 

Jury: Michael Rucker (Showrunner / Director, Blue Raincoat), Andrea Ambam (Programming Manager & Host, Level Forward), Diana Williams (Co-founder / CEO, Kinetic Energy Entertainment)
 
Best Unscripted Pilot: Breakthrough 
Director: JaMar Jones
Executive Producer: Jared A. Johnston  
Writers: Jared A. Johnston, JaMar Jones, LaTonya Joyce
Producers: LaTonya Joyce, Jenahye Johnson, Alexis Chinery
Cast: D'joun Smith
Breakthrough is a documentary series that explores how athletes face identity crises and 
depression after a life-altering event that results in their removal from the sport on a professional level. Utilizing football as the hook for the first season, this series presents the importance of seeking community and professional assistance to help bring closure to their former identities in the NFL through group therapy.
 
Jury Statement: This series sheds light on a subject matter that has gone unspoken for far too long. By presenting a cultural taboo with specificity which becomes universal and beautiful shots leaving us eager for what comes next - from both a buyer and audience standpoint – this is a pilot screaming to be a series.
 
Best Direction: Hard To Swallow 
Jury Statement:  The choice for best direction encapsulates a fresh and necessary voice in the 
unscripted landscape. While presenting a subject matter that was literally hard to swallow, the 
sharp and witty direction took on us an evocative and emotional rollercoaster –– making it clear 
this is a story that needs to be told by a team that is audacious enough to embrace the 
complexity.

Jury: Kasey Newton (Director, Content Acquisitions & Partnerships, Tubi), Saloni Gajjar (Staff Writer, TV, The A.V. Club), Brian Tee (Actor, “Expats”)
 
Best of Digital Short Series: PROBLEMATIC 
Director: Sushma Khadepaun
Executive Producers: Kecia Élan Cole, Kuye Youngblood, Devyn Inez Fusaro, Aditi Natasha Kini, Pranav Behari, Grace Sin
Writers: Pranav Behari & Aditi Natasha Kini
Producer: Grace Sin (Paradoxic) 
Cast: Deepti Menon, Austin Ku, Usama Siddiquee, Devyn Inez Fusaro, Leah Pressman, Pranav Behari, Philip Galinsky, Rajesh Bose, Michael McBride
An unknown writer becomes an overnight media sensation when her public tirade against a finance douche goes viral. Now the voice of #WokeBrooklyn, the dynamics shift with her obnoxious boss, a deranged work rival, and her carefree BFF as the clock ticks on her 15 minutes of fame. 
 
Jury Statement:  Problematic grips you instantly because of its confident voice. It’s a funny, fresh 
take on a workplace situational comedy, with well-written characters and a poignant matter. It’s a storyline that translates perfectly into a TV series because it leaves you wanting more at the end of each episode.
 
Best Director: Katie Locke O’Brien, Dick Bunny
Jury Statement: The inventive ways to get into a mother’s psyche were stimulating and creative. 
The direction made Dick Bunny’s themes of loneliness, magical realism, and paranoia feel accessible and hilarious.
 
Best Writer: Dmitry Milkin, Good Guy with a Pun
Jury Statement: The writing is rooted in reality while dealing with complex situations. With so much at stake for the characters, it’s still easy to remain invested in each scenario. The script captures specific nuances well, ranging from cringe internet lingo to an emotional father-daughter reunion.
 
Best Individual Performance: Kim Griffin, Dick Bunny  
Jury Statement: Kim’s acting is grounded and genuine. She pulls you into her character’s world and makes it easy to root for her. It’s a subtle yet evocative performance, successfully eliciting both empathy and laughs.
 
Best Ensemble Performance: Shit on your Lip 
Jury Statement:  All the actors had a layered chemistry that felt true to the story. They handle their characters’ evolving dynamic with the right amount of absurdity and compliment each other well.
 
All Around Excellence: Ramadan America
Jury Statement: The digital short is filmed and written wonderfully, presenting a universally relatable theme and a message that resonates across generations. The actors' genuineness transcends the screen. It’s wholesome and champions diversity with authenticity.

Jury: Missy Laney (Director of Development, Adult Swim), Jen Yamato (Journalist and Critic), Landon Zakheim (Festival Co-Director, The Overlook Film Festival)
 
Best Late Night Pilot: Miracle Wood 
Director: Johnny Rey Diaz
Executive Producers: Johnny Rey Diaz
Writer: Johnny Rey Diaz
Producers: Johnny Rey Diaz, Ash T
Cast: Alejandro Patiño, Matt McCoy
Miracle Wood is the first short film of a digital series called “Two Brown Crayons.” The concept of the series is five short, dark comedies or sketches. Each film takes place in one location, featuring a different theme or topic while set in a different decade. Miracle Wood takes place in 1992 and focuses on televangelists who use religion as a way of exploiting people when they are at their lowest point. The remaining episodes will focus on themes of mental health, familial constructs, immigration and politics all grounded in reality but told through a comedic or satirical lens. 
 
Jury Statement:  For its incisive social critique of real life horrors fueled by a suspenseful, darkly 
comic vision and a haunting performance by Alejandro Patiño, the Best of Late Nite Jury Prize goes to Johnny Rey Diaz's "Miracle Wood".
 
Someone to Watch Award : Lucy Porter, Bits
Jury Statement:  The 2024 Late Nite Jury was impressed with this year's daring curation, and 
would like to give a special mention to "Bits" creator Lucy Porter as someone to watch for her boldness of voice and cheeky blend of comedy and pathos.

Panel of Experts: Sarah Minnie (Head of Artist Development + Production, OTV - Open Television), Kyle Castellanet (VP, Development and Production, Echo Lake Entertainment), Christine Davila (TV Development Executive and Producer, Chicana from Chicago) 
 
Pitch-A-Thon Winner: The Haunting of Trisha Lozada 
Creator: Robyn Matuto 
Producer: Malachi Ellis

​THE HAUNTING OF TRISHA LOZADA is a half-hour supernatural comedy series that follows 16-year-old Trisha Lozada as she enters the winter semester of junior year. Anxious, angry, and apathetic all at once, Trisha is hellbent on a sense of normalcy and raising her social status returning to school... it’s too bad the ghost of her overbearing Filipino-immigrant mother, Marian Lozada, is haunting her every step. Now, Trisha must deal with Marian’s unwanted opinions on everything, from her plummeting grades to her social status and an unexpected crush on the new girl, Casey. They may butt heads at every turn, but together, Trisha and Marian must help each other move on – both spiritually and emotionally.
 
Jury Statement: Thank you to all of the 2024 pitchers! Each pitch exhibited passion, bravery and intention for their stories, which made this decision extremely difficult. This year the jury selected, “The Haunting of Trisha Lozada” as the 2024 Pitch-A-Thon’s winner.  The jury connected to the stories nance examining family lineages and dynamics, authentic rich cultural landscape, and they appreciated the organic playful banter within the team’s confident and well informed pitch.

​Independent Pilot Competition Drama: Neo-Dome 
Independent Pilot Competition Comedy: The Boy Who Was Afraid of Everything
Independent Pilot Competition Unscripted: THE DOUG HEIR STORY 
Digital Short Series: Barden and Sarah Start a Pandemic 
Late Night: Miracle Wood 
Best International: C*A*U*G*H*T (Australia)
 
ABOUT SERIESFEST
SeriesFest is a non-profit organization dedicated to championing artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling. With year-round educational programs, initiatives supporting underserved voices, and professional development opportunities, SeriesFest inspires, educates, and connects a worldwide community of creators. Each year, SeriesFest culminates in a highly curated and celebrated Denver-based festival and marketplace. Dedicated to showcasing innovative episodic content, the annual festival also includes in-competition independent pilot screenings, network television premieres, panels, workshops, international series, networking events, parties, and a Closing Night Event.
Follow @SeriesFest on Twitter.