ITVS funds, distributes, and promotes new programs primarily for public television. We work with independent producers to create and present programs that take creative risks, advance issues and represent points of view not usually seen on public or commercial television. ITVS is committed to programming that addresses the needs of underserved and underrepresented audiences. We look for programs that bring new audiences to public television and that expand civic participation by bringing diverse voices into the public sphere.
Funding Initiatives
You may apply to only one ITVS funding initiative per round. Read the funding descriptions carefully to make sure that you have chosen the initiative that your film is eligible for.
Open Call
Current call closedOpen Call 2012 Round 2 Deadline: June 29, 2012.
Open Call provides completion funds for single nonfiction public television programs on any subject, and from any viewpoint. Projects must have begun production as evidenced by a work-in-progress video. Open Call funding is only available to independent producers who are citizens or legal residents of the U.S. and its external territories.
International Call
Current call closedInternational Call provides production funds for single non-fiction television programs that bring international perspectives, ideas, events and people to U.S. television. This initiative is for non-U.S. producers who are citizens of a different country and live outside the U.S.
LINCS
Open.LINCS now accepts applications year-round. Please read guidelines carefully for details.
LINKING INDEPENDENTS AND CO-PRODUCING STATIONS (LINCS) provides matching funds (up to $100,000) to partnerships between public television stations and independent producers. LINCS funds single non-fiction public television programs and demonstration projects that include both broadcast and transmedia elements on any subject and from any viewpoint. LINCS proposals are accepted on an ongoing basis. Producers must be U.S. citizens or legal residents.Diversity Development Fund
Current call closedThe Diversity Development Fund provides up to $15,000 in research and development funding to producers of color to develop single documentary programs for public television. Producers must be U.S. citizens or legal residents.
Commissioned Funding
Open.ITVS accepts proposals on an ongoing basis for documentary projects that fall outside of the parameters of the standing initiatives (DDF, LINCS, OPEN CALL).
Additional Resources
Get an inside look at producing for ITVS and learn about the funding process with informative articles, reports, and tips.
ITVS Digital Survey 2011
A report on the practices and personal perspectives of independent producersThe AIR/ITVS Scan of Independent Journalists
This benchmark analysis provides new insight into how independent radio, television, and online producers intersect relative to the rapidly evolving landscape of public media of the last three years.
Download the PDF
Visit the AIR websiteITVS 2011 Production Manual
Purchase our updated and expanded manual designed specifically for independent filmmakers producing for public television.From Concept to Contract: The Path of an ITVS Proposal
Members of the programming staff describe the behind-the-scenes process of the submitted proposal.A Few Pointers on Submitting Tapes to ITVS
Familiarize yourself with some things to keep in mind when submitting materials to ITVS.Recently Funded
See a list of films that have been recently funded by ITVS.ITVS Digital Survey 2009
Find out how nearly 1,000 producers responded to questions about adapting in a transitional distribution and outreach landscape.ITVS Digital Survey 2008
ITVS asked a broad range of filmmakers to complete a survey to help understand their experience in the digital marketplace and inform our work charting the road ahead.Producing in High Definition (HD): Frequently Asked Questions
ITVS presents excerpts from interviews with Public Television industry leaders, combined with data from ITVS and PBS, on the topic of HD production and programming.ITVS Digital Initiative: Report from the Field
Filmmakers discuss which strategies generate the biggest return in terms of attracting viewers, making change in the world, and producing positive financial results.
