Funding Deadline: Open Call Applications Due July 29

The deadline for ITVS’s biggest funding opportunity, Open Call, is in two weeks on Friday, July 29. Last month, we announced our new digital application process, but it’s worth reiterating some main points to help you on your way. Read on…

1. Read the How To Apply page. Some requirements have changed, particularly regarding previous work samples and the work-in-progress.

2. Create an account. You can do this any time, and complete the application over the next two weeks. We encourage you to start the process early. You can save your progress and return any time up to the deadline.
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Tags: application, digital application, film funding, funding, independent filmmakers, Open Call

Open Call Funding Application Goes Digital

As ITVS moves into its 20th year, the organization’s largest funding initiative, Open Call, is making the switch to digital. Starting this summer, all materials must be submitted online, including video.

What are the benefits of doing this?

• Faster and more streamlined communication with ITVS staff.
• Ability to track the progress of your project online,
• Promotes sustainable practices by saving reams of paper, and greatly reducing the carbon-footprint of ITVS and the indie documentary community.
• Significant cost savings with the elimination of postage and overnight mailing fees, as well as printing, dubbing, and other expenses.
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Tags: application, documentary, film funding, funding, grants, independent producers, indie funding, ITVS, Open Call, public television

Ask Programming: Questions from Filmmakers

ITVS programming staff answer questions from filmmakers about the funding process:

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.

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Tags: application, documentary, funding, independent, PBS