Impact Report: Avery Holiday
The Pitch Room
The Generation Distinct Pitch Room took place at Untitled 2024, where young leaders had the opportunity to present their world-changing visions to a panel of successful entrepreneurs, much like a "Shark Tank" experience. We awarded $1,000 to three different winners, providing them with the momentum needed to kickstart their Kingdom-building projects. Untitled is designed to remove the barriers that prevent young leaders from launching their visions into the world, which is why we introduced the Pitch Room this year. The experience fostered growth, confidence, and communication skills, equipping participants to advocate for their ideas with conviction. We are already preparing for Untitled 2025, where we plan to fund even more projects and continue empowering young leaders to pursue their purpose and impact the world.
Meet our First place Winner, Avery Holiday
Developing a Creative Community to Reach Actors with the Gospel
Can you start by sharing the vision and purpose you presented during the Generation Distinct Pitch Room?
During the Generation Distinct Pitch Room, I shared my vision for a short film that I am in the process of developing. The story poses the question of what would happen if a young woman, hardened by the monotonous cycles of adult life, came face to face with her past in the form of her younger self–would she finally confront her childhood trauma, and embrace the beauty of childlike awe and wonder? Or would she succumb to society’s expectations of adulthood? I was inspired to bring this specific project to life because it’s reminiscent of the journey I had faced as I stepped into adulthood. It’s a journey that I’m sure many people see in front of them, but are uncertain of how to embark on it.
My hope is that this film would be the first of many films that encourages people on their journey of self discovery or healing, being a gentle mirror that reflects empathy and understanding, reminding people that they are not alone in what they face. My hope is that audience members would walk away asking the right questions, and feeling equipped to take their first step.
Ultimately, the big goal is to have my own production company that focuses on stories that highlight the nuances of the human experience, that actually, equip and encourage people on their journey.
What is the core “why” behind your vision, and how does it align with the wrong you were born to make right?
As a successful and growing actor myself in the TV/Film industry, I’ve been on many sets for different production companies including Sony, Warner Bros, and Amazon, but also, as an avid filmgoer, I know that many films today are produced with the intention of bringing in big money, and the problem is that they often lack in storytelling. And the story is the one element that has the power to stick with audience members after viewing a film.
The truth is, most films today are high earning, with little impact. And sure, not all films are supposed to be deep and some are just meant for pure entertainment and thrill. But with the influence and disconnection that media has on our generation, we as humans want a sense of belonging, to see ourselves reflected everywhere we go.
I am a storyteller at heart and find joy in the mundane moments of life, there is beauty in the trials and hardships, and I believe I was born to invite people to see that beauty in their own lives, by telling stories that reflect that—Allowing people to walk away feeling seen and equipped for the journey ahead.
How did your time in the Generation Distinct Cohort help you build your vision?
The biggest thing that helped prepare me for the Pitch Room during my time in the Generation Distinct Cohort, was the space to share the vision and dream with other people who were also working towards a goal. The structure of the cohort, and specifically the assignments, were a huge source refinement. The questions and reflections were always clear and specific, and having that time to intentionally think about myself, my passions, my likes/dislikes–the things that might seem insignificant, actually allowed me to see the threads of connections between who I was and the vision that I saw.
Ultimately, that understanding created a better foundation for the dream to flourish, because it was deeper than just an Idea, it was something that grew from the core of who God created me to be. Because Ideas come and go, but God always remains. I initially wasn’t going to sign up for the Pitch Room, but Hannah sent me a text with the application saying she thought of me and all the amazing things that I’m pursuing. Having someone who saw the potential in me and wanted to invite me into taking that next step was also a big help.
How did it feel to share your vision in front of a panel of leaders during the Pitch Room?
Sharing my vision with the panel of leaders during the Pitch Room felt empowering. I treated the opportunity just like I would an audition for TV/Film. My goal is to always walk away feeling proud of the work that I put in. And I felt just that. It was also a surreal moment of realizing my growth as a leader. I knew that this wouldn’t be the last time that I would be in a room with influential people. Growing up I struggled a lot with communicating my feelings or ideas, often times feeling like what I had to say had no relevance or value–So to be in the Pitch Room speaking with so much confidence not just in myself, but in the vision that I was standing behind, was so fulfilling to see my growth through the years.
How did it feel when you found out that you had won the Pitch Room?
When I found out that I had won the Pitch Room, It was such a moment of confirmation. Prior to sharing my vision during the Pitch Room, I hadn’t shared my idea for the short film with many people. I questioned if it would even be possible, or if I was even capable of writing it and producing it. But sharing it during the Pitch Room, and even during some of my sessions during the conference, I received an overwhelming amount of receptiveness to the story and vision. Winning the Pitch Room was just a reminder that I need to keep moving towards the vision, and that there is actually something there that would be of impact to other people. To see how touched people were by just hearing the story, only leaves me to wonder what the impact will be when it’s produced and out in the world.
Since winning the Pitch Room, what progress have you made in building out your vision or project?
Since winning the Pitch Room, I have enrolled in my screenwriting class and will complete my first draft of the screenplay by the end of the year. I attended a production workshop, and signed up for a short film series through SAG-AFTRA. I also have designated time set aside throughout the week to work on my short film as well as building out content for another vision of mine which is an artists mentorship program, which focuses on equipping artists to walk in the industry with integrity, and providing them the resources and community to process and develop habits and rhythms for success.
How has the ongoing support from the Generation Distinct community and mentors continued to help you navigate the challenges of building your vision?
The main reason that I joined the Generation Distinct Cohort in the first place, was because I really desired to have people in proximity to me that would be a source of help if I needed. I’ve made some amazing friends through my cohort and attending untitled. I have a group that I do a monthly check in with, just to see how everyone is doing as we’re all working towards pursuing our vision. Just knowing that If I need anything or have any questions my community is just a phone call or text away. Everyone has always been so willing and open to giving their resources, and truly cares about the success of others.
As you continue moving forward with your vision, what are your next goals, and how do you plan to expand the impact you’re making?
My next goals are to finish the screenplay for my short film and have a finished final draft by the spring/summer of 2024, from there I would love to start the pre production process so creative and logistic decisions can be set, host a table read for fundraising, and from there, move into production of the film.
I plan to expand the impact by submitting the film to different film festivals in the Chicago area, as well as creating more of a presence on social media. Another goal I have is to finish the content for the Artists mentorship group and host a pilot run of the program to get feedback and further develop the content.