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P.O.V., public television's premier showcase for independent nonfiction film and video, seeks programs from all perspectives to showcase in its annual national PBS series. All subjects, styles and lengths are welcome.
P.O.V. Announces the Diverse Voices Project III
The Diverse Voices Project III, with up to $100,000 in co-production funding available to emerging filmmakers, is P.O.V.'s initiative to support stories about diverse communities produced by emerging makers.
Filmmakers who submit a film for DVP funding will be notified of the status of their submission in early spring 2009. The submission deadline is October 31, 2008
Have a project you'd like to submit? Click here to submit your film online.
About the Series
Each year, P.O.V. brings 12 to 16 new films to public television viewers. Our summer series and year-round specials push the boundaries of nonfiction television with work from emerging and established filmmakers that reflects the range and diversity of American voices — viewpoints that enrich, enlarge, challenge and refine our experience of the world.
If your non-fiction film has a strong perspective, a dedication to quality, contemporary relevance and a passion for your topic, then the P.O.V. series is the best place for a national television broadcast. If you believe the entire country should see your film, P.O.V. is for you.
P.O.V. films are seen in 97% of the country with an average audience of 2-4 million per broadcast, making P.O.V. the most-watched independent documentary showcase on television today. Thousands see our films in community and educational screenings around the country, and our website has millions of visitors each year. We also develop strategic national press and promotional campaigns to highlight the issues explored in P.O.V. films.
P.O.V. is filmmaker-focused; intent on supporting and presenting the work of today's best contemporary storytellers. We believe in the power of stories to change minds and hearts, enlarging our understanding of the world around us. Our goal is to surround each film with the tools to ensure a long and active life on television and beyond.
Eligibility
P.O.V. considers work that fits all of the following criteria:
Non-fiction only. Works that integrate some fictional elements or create genre hybrids can be considered; docudramas, reenactments, or performance pieces cannot.
Works by independent film or video makers. Works produced by independents in association with a station or an organization are acceptable if editorial control was entirely in the hands of the film or video maker. Instructional films, films made for a client, and sponsored films are not eligible. The filmmaker must be a U.S. citizen or have resided in the U.S. during the production of the program.
Works that have not been broadcast nationally. In most cases, P.O.V. expects to provide the broadcast premiere of a program. P.O.V. will, however, consider a work when it is of special merit and has had only limited television exposure (such as broadcast on local public TV stations or on cable systems with limited geographical reach).
Works released within the past four years. P.O.V. will consider exceptional works completed before this date only if they have achieved significant recognition through festivals, awards or reviews.
Works that are complete or nearly complete. P.O.V. primarily considers completed work or fine cuts for standard acquisition. The series also occasionally provides limited funds for completion costs such as sound editing, mixing, negative cutting, on-line editing, etc. Completion funding will be applied towards the acquisition fee for broadcast rights. Samples, assemblies, rough cuts or excerpts usually cannot be considered for broadcast in the upcoming season, but may be eligible for support as a work-in-progress. See the "In The Works" section below for details.
Works not previously submitted to P.O.V. Exceptions will be made for work that was previously submitted in non-final form, and for a small number of producers who are invited to re-submit their films. All other previously submitted works will be disqualified.
Works of any length will be considered. Short pieces (20 mins. and under) are welcome and encouraged. Please note that producers may be asked to cut works longer than 52:30 to comply with the P.O.V./PBS broadcast format.
Works that comply with PBS underwriting guidelines. Check the PBS website for further details on PBS National Program Funding Standards and Practices.
In The Works. If you have a non-fiction project you'd like us to know about, but it is not yet ready for standard submission, feel free to contact us. Send an email to intheworks@pov.org with a brief bio as well as a projected budget and schedule for your project, if available. Be sure to specify if you do not want information about your project passed along to other parties. There is no deadline for "In The Works" submissions.
The Executive Director reserves the right to make exceptions to these guidelines in special cases.
Further Information
Learn more in our Producer Resources section about the variety of funding and broadcasting opportunities available to independent producers at PBS.
Questions? Call P.O.V. at 1-800-756-3300 x380. |
