CFPs: Grants for Video Content Production and Distribution (India)

India’s renewable energy (RE) ambitions are a key part of the country’s efforts to address climate change. But challenges related to project financing, payment, regulations and infrastructure have added to the worries of RE developers in India. Still, India seeks to generate half its electricity through renewable energy by 2030.

To improve public awareness about the country’s efforts to decarbonize and scale its renewable energy capacity, EJN is providing fellowships for the production of video content on policy, financing, payment and infrastructure hurdles—and effective solutions to overcome them.

They aim to support the production of video reports that raise awareness about the status of the renewable energy sector and strategies to ensure its growth in India in all states, but especially in Bihar, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. EJN’s aim is to improve access to quality information among policymakers, project developers, investors and consumers. Selected communicators will be paired with mentors who will provide guidance and support with the aim to strengthen their capacity to cover RE. Proposals that focus on topics that have not been widely covered are preferred. Issues that have already received a lot of coverage or don’t provide unique angles to challenges are less likely to be selected.

Story Themes

• They welcome proposals that may cover, but are not limited to, the following themes:
  • The state of RE policies and the ground realities in one of the focus states.
  • Challenges of financing RE and how communities/businesses/governments are overcoming them (if at all).
  • RE challenges such as infrastructure and/or solutions to it.
  • The economic and social impact of RE on local communities.
  • The industries working on RE transition (such as technicians, educators, researchers, entrepreneurs, factories, etc.)
  • The issue of just transition.
  • Developments in clean energy storage technologies.
  • New biofuels and the role they can play in the move towards a cleaner economy.

Content Logistics

• EJN will provide remuneration and mentorship to each selected applicant, depending on the proposal and budget provided by the applicant. The budget should cover reporting and production costs amounting to a maximum of INR 2.75 lakhs for a video of around 8 minutes in length. Applicants can also propose a series of shorter videos within the same total budget limit.
• Selected applicants will be required to execute a fellowship agreement with EJN for creation, development and publication of the content. They plan to select fellows and create agreements by August 31, with the expectation that all content must be published by November 15 at the latest. Applicants should consider this timeline when drafting their work plan.
• As part of the application, applicants will be asked to provide:
  • Storyboard or treatment: Outline a rough storyboard/treatment using this template describing how you envision the final project. The storyboard should include a descriptive and detailed list of visuals, segments, interviews and sounds you plan to capture in the field. Use the storyboard as an opportunity to illustrate your vision, access to sources and pre-reporting efforts. The final product should be at least 8 minutes in length, and if it’s a series, the total run time of the videos should also add up to 8 minutes.
  • Letter of support: All applicants must include a letter of support from a media outlet in their application, committing to publish the reports by November 15, 2024.
  • Safety: They encourage reporters to follow public health regulations and best practices for local disease outbreaks when out in the field, so you do not endanger yourself or the people you’re interviewing. If needed, you should include any health-related costs, such as tests or personal protective equipment, in your budget. They also encourage journalists to follow best practice on safeguarding physical and digital safety.
  • Language: Content can be produced in English or local languages, or both. They encourage applications in local languages and for local media outlets. However, for wider dissemination, a version with English subtitles should be provided. Please include the cost for translation in the budget, if necessary.
  • Work samples: Share links to your previous video projects and describe all the roles you played in the production of that story — editor, producer, cameraperson, etc.
  • They expect that proposals will largely reflect what equipment the applicant already has access to or can rent (including cameras, drone, lighting, tripods, etc.) and will not consider budgets that require procuring new equipment.
  • They will consider a stipend component in the budget, particularly if the applicant is a freelancer. Please estimate the time you will need to produce this content and propose compensation you believe reflects a fair market rate. They ask, however, that this comprises no more than 30% of the total budget.
  • Republication rights: Selected applicants should broadcast their content first in their affiliated media outlet as long as Internews’ EJN and its partners are also given rights to share and distribute them freely.

Eligibility Criteria

• Proposals from all states in India are eligible, but proposals that shed light on the RE situation in Bihar, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh will be prioritized.
• Groups of content producers are eligible. However, the application must be made in the name of one lead applicant. Lead applicants are responsible for communicating with EJN and receiving funds as remuneration on the group’s behalf, if awarded.
• For the purposes of this opportunity, they will be accepting applications in English, Hindi, Marathi and Tamil.
• Applications are open to India-based video content producers with a demonstrated interest in covering the RE sector. Applicants are encouraged to share previous video reports they’ve completed on RE or similar topics in their application. In an effort to ensure equal opportunities and a diversity of voices, they especially encourage applications from women, youth, and members of Indigenous and/or ethnic minority communities.
• They are seeking applications from freelancers and staff from all types of outlets—international, national, local and community-based.
• EJN reserves the right to disqualify applicants from consideration if they have been found to have engaged in unethical or improper professional conduct, including, but not limited to, plagiarism and/or submitting AI-generated content as their own.
• Please note: Advocacy-focused stories, opinion editorials and/or strategic communications pieces will not be considered for support.

Judging Criteria

• Applicants should consider the following points when devising their proposals:
  • Relevance: Does the proposal meet the criteria and objectives of this call? Why does this report matter and to whom? Is the main idea, context and overall value to the target audience clearly defined?
  • Angle: If the subject has been covered by already, does your proposal bring new insights into the topic or offer a fresh angle?
  • Impact: Does the proposal have a compelling narrative or investigative element that will inform and engage, draw attention, trigger debate and urge action?
  • Innovative storytelling: The use of creative approaches like data visualization will be considered a plus.

For more information, visit EJN.