This month, we’re featuring Mattison Alston Lewis, a filmmaker who stepped out of his comfort zone and onto the Film Pitch ATL stage.

“I had never pitched before… but once I stepped on stage, I was immediately transported back to my high school jazz band, where I used to perform saxophone solos. It became one of my most memorable pitches.”

Mattison participated in Film Pitch ATL while wrapping up his thesis film, CRASHCAM, during the dual strikes of 2023. What started as a way to gauge audience interest turned into a powerful creative moment—and a reminder of why sharing your ideas matters.

Name: Mattison Alston Lewis
Instagram: @crashcamthemovie

What project did you pitch at Film Pitch ATL, and what inspired it?
[CRASHCAM]

What was the pitch experience like for you? (Was it nerve-wracking, exciting, energizing?) 
Professionally, I was always in production. So, pitching and development were foreign concepts to me. But, during the dual strikes of 2023, I was restless and didn’t have a lot to do but finish my thesis film [CRASHCAM]. I was nervous, I had never pitched before, and I had only a couple of months to finish shooting my film before my insurance ran out. So, I decided to participate in Film Pitch ATL to see whether my film would be accepted by the general audience. Once I stepped on stage, I was immediately transported back to my high school jazz band, where I used to perform my saxophone solos, and was able to deliver one of my more favorable and memorable pitches.

How did feedback from panelists help you?
The feedback was very helpful in giving me the confidence to commit to finishing my film. I’ll never forget Ronnel, one of the judges, giving me the final push to shoot my film, which will be released this fall.

What’s happened with your project or career since the event?
The project finished shooting at the end of 2023, and will be released this fall.

What are you working on now—and how/ where can people support or follow your work?
I work as a screenwriter for a company called Little Ears Media, and people can follow my work on instagram @crashcamthemovie or follow my LinkedIn

Any advice for someone thinking about pitching at a future Film Pitch ATL? 
Time yourself, film yourself, and write down your expectations for the pitch, whether that be education or preparation. And talk to the audience after to see what they think about your project!

Did you meet anyone at the event that you ended up working with or learning from?
I met Dalex Miller (a working casting associate in TV / Film), who helped cast for my film!

What would you tell someone who’s nervous about applying to pitch?
Don’t drink before your pitch!!!

If you could pitch again, is there anything you’d do differently?
I’d dress more casually.