The long and the short of it: Are you ready for the new ITVS Open Call?

ITVS Open Call has new broadened guidelines that aim to engage today’s streaming audiences. With an increase in allocated funding, we've also expanded eligibility requirements to now include short-form content: That means ITVS now accepts single short docs of at least 10 minutes alongside feature-length documentaries.

One constant remains: We're looking for exceptional storytelling with diverse visions that’s in line with our mission. 

Deciphering when you’re ready to apply for co-production funding can be a challenge. To help independent filmmakers take stock and approach Open Call confidently, learn more about some of our core criteria with the tips below: 

ITVS looks for strong storytellers.

We're not looking for didactic, policy papers or "eat your vegetables"-type experiences for an audience. We seek documentaries that engage both the intellect and our emotional selves. 

• Present your pitch cinematically, considering visual language and conveying potential emotions and tones.
• Decide: Will you plunge deeply into the heart of an issue, or scratch the surface of many story threads?
• Why this format? If it's a short-form pitch, can this story be properly told in bite-size and work for online audiences?

ITVS films cover a spectrum of themes and styles. Whether your documentary is linear, historical, essayistic, or hybrid, we want to know what motivates you and how it is rooted in your pitch.

Check out our list of both long-form and short-form docs to see the huge range of stories we fund.

We want ITVS filmmakers to be bold. So in your application:

• Use your own voice.
• Personalize your connection to the narrative.
• Establish what motivates you to tell this story.

“You are a unique storyteller with a unique lived experience and relationship to the people and content of your film. Lean into this and let us know your perspective around the story you want to tell, and why. You don’t have to have all the answers—curiosity and care matter.”—Keri Archer Brown, Director of Content and Initiatives

ITVS filmmakers protect audiences' trust in public media.

ITVS aims to support filmmakers whose work reflects an ethical approach to telling true stories and sharing them with the American public. We want to know how you and your team are putting your filmmaking values into practice.

• How do your unique experiences reflect a deep understanding of and respect for this story?
• Are you clear about your intentions and the ramifications?
• How does your team plan on respecting the participants in the telling of their story?

Put on your producer pants. 

The strongest Open Call applications come with solid blueprints for what it will take to actually complete the film. 

• Realistic budget. Does the concept laid out match the scope of the budget? Have you done your homework (including inquiries to get accurate quotes) to establish these estimates?
• Clearances matter. Capture what it will cost to clear third-party materials (archival, music, studio clips, stills, etc.)
• What salary will it take for you to complete the film?

Lastly, Open Call is not a grant. You will receive funding in the form of a co-production agreement that assigns ITVS certain broadcast and streaming rights to your project during the term of the contract.

We welcome your submissions to the 2024 Open Call!

Applications will be accepted until July 12, 2024, 11:59 PM Pacific. 

We are here to help. If you have any questions or accessibility needs please contact our team at itvs@itvs.org to get in touch with the right person.