Open call for Independent Television Service Fund (US)

They’re looking for exceptional storytelling that’s in line with the mission: stories that take risks, tackle important issues, address the needs of underserved audiences, and are seldom seen in public media.

Funding Information

• Open Call gives independent producers up to $350,000 to complete production for a standalone broadcast length documentary to air on public television.

Who they fund

Open call supports:

• Single, non-fiction projects of standard broadcast length (30, 60, or 90 minutes) that aren’t intended solely for theatrical or SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) release. They do not accept live-action drama or fiction.
• Broadcast distribution for feature length programs on public television are very limited. ITVS may require you to deliver a one-hour version of your program.
• Works in progress.

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply if you are:

• The owner of the copyright of your production and maintain editorial control of the story. If more than one applicant is included on the application, both applicants must be copyright owners.
• Not employed full-time as a producer or director by a broadcast entity or film studio.
• Someone with previous film or television production experience in a principal role: director, producer or first-time filmmakers with an experienced producer attached to the project.
• Graduate thesis are eligible as previously completed work. Undergraduate student work will not be reviewed.
• Applying to only this ITVS funding initiative at this time – they won’t review projects already under consideration for other ITVS funding.
• A citizen or legal resident of the U.S. or its external territories age 18 or older.

Ineligible

You are not eligible to apply if you are:

• Currently enrolled student.
• Current signatories of any ITVS production contracts who have not yet completed delivery.
• Producers representing foreign-based production entities.
• Persons employed full-time as producers/directors by a public or commercial broadcast entity, including public access stations.
• Organizations including universities, foundations, and nonprofit organizations.
• Your project is too advanced (e.g. at fine cut or festival submission cut).
• Programs that have been previously broadcast, or distributed publicly (including theatrical, festivals, educational, community screenings or online platforms).
• Former employees who have worked for ITVS within the past 12 months.

For more information, visit ITVS.