American audiences want to learn more about other places, people, and points of view, but international stories and perspectives are in short supply on U.S. television. Independent producers from other countries create programming that has much to offer American audiences, but these producers have little access to U.S. funding and distribution. The International Call funding initiative was created to give U.S. audiences access to international programming and voices on American television. International Call funding is only available to independent producers who are neither U.S. citizens nor residents of the U.S.
International Call accepts:
- Single programs of standard broadcast length (one-hour). In rare cases, when a filmmaker’s skills, subject, and story structure warrant it, ITVS will consider programs at feature lengths.
- Works-in-progress, i.e. projects that have already begun production
- Programs that can be completed within one year of contract
- Co-production projects with either international broadcast partner(s) or co-productions with producers from different countries
International Call does not accept:
- Subject matter based in the United States, lifestyle, or children’s programming
- Proposals for completed projects seeking acquisition and distribution
- Series proposals or fictional dramas
- Projects intended solely for theatrical release
There is one funding round per year. Applicants may apply for only one project per call. The entire proposal review process can take up to five months. Only one to two percent of International Call applicants will receive funding.
International Call is not a grant; ITVS International provides a co-production investment in the program.
International Call is an initiative of the International Media Development Fund — a project created by ITVS in partnership with the Ford Foundation, and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Wyncote Foundation.
