Debuting at the 2025 Just For Laughs Montreal Festival, JFL Pilots presented by Just For Laughs in partnership with Will Arnett’s Electric Avenue, will spotlight 3 of the most original and hilarious independent half-hour pilots from around the world. We’re looking for bold, laugh-out-loud comedies—whether they’re sharp satires, clever mockumentaries, heartfelt rom-coms, or daringly unique concepts designed to captivate audiences. Each 20-30 minute pilot, live-action or animated, must be independently produced and undistributed as a multi-episode series.

The top 2-3 pilots will be screened live in July at our Just For Laughs Montreal Festival.

A jury of comedy and programming experts, including Just for Laughs and Electric Avenue, will select the chosen lineup, and also vote on a 1st place pilot, which will be announced at the screening.

• All final selections will enter into a development opportunity with Just For Laughs
• 1st Place will win a development opportunity with Just For Laughs and Electric Avenue, in addition to two industry passes for the 2026 festival.

•  Open to artists worldwide! (All submissions must be in English.)
• Submissions must be made through FilmFreeway to qualify.
• Eligible content must have been completed in 2024 or 2025.
• Premieres (World, North American, or Canadian) are encouraged but not required.
• Running time should be between 20 and 30 minutes
• Content must not have been released on web, TV, streaming, or theatrically in Canada prior to the festival’s closing date (festival screenings are okay).
• Submissions screened at other festivals are allowed, but they must not be publicly available in Canada (private YouTube or Vimeo links are fine).Submission deadline is May 5, 2025.

Deadlines

April 14, 2025: Early Bird Deadline – $40 USD submission fee

May 5, 2025: Regular Deadline $50 USD submission fee