PBS Open Call for Emerging Filmmakers

PBS is now looking for emerging filmmakers

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According to their website, PBS is looking To further expand the voices of developing and diverse/BIPOC content creators. As a result, PBS has announced an open call for projects to support long and short-form documentaries produced and created by diverse/BIPOC filmmakers that investigate a wide range and combination of backgrounds, views, and beliefs. Recommendations may be submitted across a variety of genres/themes that resonate with a U.S. audience, including personal history, arts, culture, science, and democracy.

“Originality, creativity, engaging storytelling, and an ability to reach the intended audience are encouraged. We welcome innovative approaches and invite you to include animation, found footage, or personal audio/visual material,” the website reads.

PBS added, “Projects must be in the production stage or near completion and are subject to PBS editorial criteria. All submissions will be reviewed by a group of editorial executives, public media professionals, and filmmakers. Funding recipients will be selected based on editorial merit. PBS will make the final determination on the specific funding amount based on the production status of each project.”

Those projects selected to receive PBS funding will be able to have their productions distributed across PBS platforms.”

Types of Funding:

• Broadcast Long Form (30, 60, or 90 minutes): Projects submitted in this category for Production or Completion Funding may be eligible for up to $50,000.
• Digital Short Form (8-25 minutes): Projects submitted in this category for Production or Completion Funding may be eligible for up to $15,000.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• The filmmaker or production entity must retain copyright and have the ability to clear the project for all PBS platforms.
• Projects may have appeared at film festivals or on broadcast or digital platforms, but the filmmaker must currently hold the copyright or have the ability to grant project rights to PBS.
• The filmmaker or production entity must have artistic, budgetary, and editorial control over the proposed project.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age at time of film submission.
• Applicants must be citizens or legal residents of the United States or its territories.
• Applications should include link(s) to work sample(s) in the form of a sizzle reel, teaser video, or selects from the project.
• Applicants should have previous storytelling experience through a visual medium.

Projects are NOT eligible if:

• They are unable to comply with PBS Editorial Standards & Practices; PBS Funding Standards & Practices; the PBS Handbook; and the PBS Technical Operating Specifications.
• They do not, at a minimum, have domestic television rights available.
• They are intended solely for theatrical release or are commercial in nature.
• The projects or production entities are foreign based, owned, or controlled.
• The projects are promotional in nature.

Click here to apply

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About PBS:

PBS and our member stations are America’s largest classroom, the nation’s largest stage for the arts, and a trusted window to the world. In addition, PBS’s educational media helps prepare children for success in school and opens up the world to them in an age-appropriate way.

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