Ask Programming
Ask Programming: Seven Tips When Applying for Funding
ITVS programming staff answer questions from filmmakers about the funding process:
Q: How can I improve my chances of being successful in the Open Call?
A. ITVS Programming staff recently contributed to an article for Shaking the Money Tree by Morrie Warshawski. Here are seven tips for producers when applying for funding from ITVS.
1. Read the guidelines and application instructions thoroughly and follow them. This tip sounds so simple and one should assume that it goes without saying –– but like any instruction manual, it is essential to go over the guidelines very carefully and to follow them before filling out the application.
Here are some other pieces of advice to keep in mind:
- Submit the proposal online, and ALSO submit the paper and required (video) materials –– some applicants do not submit their hard copy proposals and video materials and then they are disqualified.
- Deadlines are not flexible –– we need to receive them in the office by the deadline date or they will not be accepted.
- Read the fine print on the guidelines and application. The ITVS award is not a grant, it is a contract agreement, thus certain requirements and deliverables must be accepted (because of FCC guidelines, your project must adhere to broadcast standards).
- Do not submit extra materials –– letters of recommendation, graphics or illustrations, gifts or personal director statements are not required. The materials will be reviewed by staff and evaluators based on the required materials only.
- Use 12-point font –– don’t try to cram everything in your treatment pages because of limited space. The evaluators appreciate clear writing and size 12 font is easier on the eyes.
2. Budget your project realistically. If you under-budget your project, that does not mean that you have a greater chance of being approved. If you over-budget your project, this will be taken into account and can jeopardize the approval. Each initiative has different budget thresholds and is indicated in the guidelines. For example, Open Call does not require an itemized budget in the first phase, but does require that you indicate the request amount and what money has been already raised. The average request for Open Call is between $80,000 and 250,000 for a one-hour documentary.
Ask Programming: Recent Questions from Filmmakers
ITVS programming staff answer questions from filmmakers about the funding process:
Q. Why does ITVS only support three-act, character-driven films?
A. This is a common misconception about ITVS. We actually support all types of documentaries, and don’t prescribe to any one approach. It’s up to the filmmaker to determine the approach and most choose the character-driven, three-act structure form. As part of our mission, we encourage innovation and want filmmakers to come to us with non-traditional forms of storytelling that will work for a broad public television audience.
A recent example of a documentary that breaks out of the conventional genre is Herskovits at the Heart of Blackness, airing on Independent Lens, Tuesday, February 2 at 10:00 PM (check local listings). Three-act, character-driven documentaries are an effective and powerful way to tell a story, but we invite filmmakers to explore and innovate with new forms.
Q. Is there anywhere that I can I learn more about documentary storytelling?
A. Glad you asked! On February 8, ITVS is co-presenting a seminar at the San Francisco Film Society, entitled Thinking Outside the Doc Box. Video from the seminar will be available after the event on Beyond the Box blog and the ITVS Facebook fan page.
Ask Programming: International Call Questions
With the ITVS International Call deadline quickly approaching on February 5, 2010, the ITVS programming staff takes some time out to answer a few of your frequently asked questions:
Q. How does the International Call work?
A. Through the International Call funding initiative, ITVS works to:
1. Seek out international projects. We work closely with international media markets, film festivals and producer organizations to find and attract the most compelling television project proposals from around the world.
2. Select the best projects created by international independent producers. The International Call incorporates a peer-review process involving distinguished industry professionals (filmmakers, commissioning editors, broadcasters, etc.) from around the world.
Cynthia Kane, ITVS International Program Manager, posing in front of the International Call submissions library.
3. Fund and manage projects to completion. Through the International Call, we provide production funds in exchange for a license for domestic broadcast; strategic commissioning commitments vary. ITVS works with producers to ensure that all programs meet broadcast and editorial standards.
4. Find U.S. television distribution outlets. Working with the producer, public television and other outlets, we negotiate U.S. distribution through public or cable television.
5. Maximize impact. Through publicity and community outreach campaigns, we help programs find and impact audiences.
Ask Programming: Recent Questions from Filmmakers
ITVS programming staff answer questions from filmmakers about the funding process:
Q. How many times must I submit an application to ITVS before my project is recommended for funding? I’ve heard that ITVS doesn’t fund first-time applicants and that a person generally has to apply with a project multiple times before it’s awarded funding.
A. This is certainly a myth to bust, and our statistics for 2009 do just that. In reviewing the projects that were recommended for funding by peer panels for Open Call, International Call and LINCS, 65 percent were first-time applications. And of those funded projects, over one-third came from applicants new to ITVS.
True, sometimes a filmmaker applies with a project two, three or even seven times (on rare occasion), before his or her project is finally recommended for funding. However, it is in no way part of our evaluation criteria; generally, it’s a matter of timing. Often a filmmaker submits an application to ITVS early in the production phase, and their proposal isn’t as developed as other projects in competition that are further along in production. There are examples of projects that were recommended for funding early in production, but they were exceptional in other aspects (ie. urgency of the story; filmmaker’s track record).
Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran, devote your resources to developing your project proposal, and rest assured that statistics are descriptive, not prescriptive.
Want to know more about ITVS policies and procedures for funding? Read past entries of Ask Programming >>
Ask Programming: Seven Criteria for Your Film Proposal
Each year, ITVS fields well over 1,000 applications for program funding. In reviewing a documentary proposal, there are seven criteria that ITVS and its peer reviewers consider in their evaluations.
As you craft your own application for funding, these are important to keep in mind.
1. What is the overall quality of the project. Is the idea well conceived? Is the subject matter compelling? Does the approach make sense as a TV program?
2. What is the quality of the treatment. Is it well written? Is the storyline clearly delineated? How does it address the visuals, structure and style?
3. Is this project innovative? Does the subject matter present an untold story? In terms of format and presentation, how does the program take creative risks?
4. What is the quality of the work-in-progress video? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the production values, presentation of characters and visual style?
5. Does the proposal identify a target audience? Will this program serve the needs and interests of an under-represented audience? Will this program appeal to a national broadcast audience? Is it an appropriate program for public television?
6. How experienced and capable is the production team? Would the team be able to produce the program on time and for the amount of funding requested?
7. How does the filmmaker demonstrate credible access and rapport with the proposed subject(s) and story?
Want to know more about ITVS policies and procedures for funding? Read past entries of Ask Programming >>
Ask Programming: Recent Questions from Filmmakers
ITVS programming staff answer questions from filmmakers about the funding process:
Q. Does the amount of funding a project has already received influence its chances?
A. We ask our readers and panelists to evaluate the capacity of the applicant to complete their project on time and on budget. So, some look to see what you’ve been able to accomplish with the money you’ve received.
Q. Are there any circumstances under which you would approve a project but at a lower budget than requested?
A. Panelists only recommend projects for funding; they don’t recommend the amount of funding. After projects are recommended for funding, our production team vets the budget of each project. Based on their analysis, ITVS then makes an offer to the producer; sometimes it’s less, sometimes it’s more. This is then negotiated in the contracting phase.
Want to know more about ITVS policies and procedures for funding? Read other recently asked questions from filmmakers >>
Ask Programming: Recent Questions from Filmmakers
ITVS programming staff answer questions from filmmakers about the funding process:
Q. I understand that only people of color can apply to the Diversity Development Fund (DDF). As a disabled filmmaker, I wonder why aren’t other minority status categories included in this initiative?
A. DDF is specifically for producers of color, as defined by ethnic communities of color, historically underrepresented in our public broadcasting system. They are African American, Asian American, Arab American, Latino/Latina, Native American/Native Alaskan, Pacific Islander and mixed race. Moreover, these categories conform with the National Minority Consortia, which is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Q. I have a project in development, but I’m not sure if it’s appropriate for DDF. Is it strictly for stories about diverse or minority communities?
A. DDF was created to support minority producers but does not specify which stories they tell. However, we are looking for programs that fit the ITVS mission to serve underserved audiences, take creative risks, explore complex issues, inspire dialogue and express points of view seldom seen on commercial or public television.
Want to know more about ITVS policies and procedures for funding? Read other recently asked questions from filmmakers >>
Ask Programming: Recent Questions from Filmmakers
ITVS programming staff answer questions from filmmakers about the funding process:
Q. I am a studio assistant for a public access station. Am I eligible to apply to ITVS for funding as an independent producer?
A. Yes, you are eligible. We have refined our definition of ‘independent producer’ in response to the recession environment and how it affects producers working in the industry.
Previously, applicants “regularly employed by a public or commercial broadcast entity or film studio, including public access stations” were not eligible to apply.
ITVS has changed this policy to exempt only producers/directors who work at a broadcast station or film studio. In other words, any other staff person who is not a producer/director (e.g. tech staff, editors, clerical, receptionists) can apply to ITVS as an independent producer.
Want to know more about ITVS policies and procedures for funding? Read other recently asked questions from filmmakers >>
Ask Programming: Recent Questions from Filmmakers
ITVS programming staff answer questions from filmmakers about the funding process:
Q. My film has already screened in festivals but needs additional post work to meet the requirements for television broadcast distribution. Should I apply to ITVS for funding?
A. It would not be in your best interest to apply to ITVS if your program simply needs funding for a cut down to broadcast length. ITVS financing is a co-production investment, and ITVS serves a co-production partner with funded programs, requiring a co-production credit. We recommend that you secure a broadcast outlet for your program; the acquisition license fee is often sufficient to finance a cut down.
On the other hand, if your program requires substantial reversioning for television broadcast, then you must make a clear case for this in your application proposal. Contact a member of the programming staff (information listed below) for further advice on your situation.
Q. Can I send you a few proposals to get your opinion on which one to submit for funding?
A. First, take a look at our recently funded films to get a sense of the type of work ITVS supports. While we can not review proposals before the deadlines, you are welcome to contact the programming department with questions regarding content and subject matter.
For more information, email Joy Marie-Scott: joy_scott@itvs.org or call ITVS at 415-356-8383.
Ask Programming: Recent Questions from Filmmakers
ITVS programming staff answer questions from filmmakers about the funding process:
Q. I am putting together an application for LINCS. What makes a strong Letter of Agreement?
A. The Letter of Agreement is more than a simple contract between the filmmaker and the public television station. ITVS reviewers read an applicant’s Letter of Agreement as a reflection of the strength of your partnership with the public television station. The terms of this partnership are unique and vary for each production. However, the depth of commitment can be demonstrated in how well you lay out and articulate the obligations of the public television station and the role of the public television representative as well as the obligations of the filmmakers. Similar to your development and articulation of your program treatment, the Letter of Agreement should be one of substance.
For more guidance on crafting a Letter of Agreement >>
Q. Does it help my application if I include letters of support from funders or letters of interest from broadcasters?
A. No, do not waste your efforts in padding your application with letters of interest and support––these do not improve the quality of your application under ITVS review. From our point of view, the development of your idea and the overall quality of your project is apparent in the articulation of your program treatment and the execution of your work-in-progress. For the application, letters of interest and support are extraneous. If you like, you can provide a brief summary (one to two sentences) of your supporters in a paragraph describing the project’s status.
There is only one exception. If you are applying to LINCS, a Letter of Agreement with your partnering public television station is a mandatory part of your application.
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