Who is eligible to apply?

  • Citizens of any country EXCEPT the U.S. and residing in any country EXCEPT the U.S.
  • Dual foreign/U.S. citizens are eligible if they do not reside in the U.S.
  • U.S. citizens may only participate as co-applicants in a true co-production relationship with a non-U.S. primary applicant.
  • “Independent producers.” This means that the individual applicants a) own the copyright of their production; b) have artistic, budgetary, and editorial control of their project and; c) are NOT regularly employed as producers/directors by a public or commercial broadcast entity or film studio, including public access stations. Staff persons who are not producers/directors are allowed to apply.
  • Persons age 18 or older
  • Persons with previous film or television production experience in a principal role (director, co-director, producer, co-producer)

Who is not eligible to apply?

  • Individuals who do not meet ITVS’s definition of an “independent producer”
  • Students
  • Current signatories of ITVS production contracts who have not completed delivery or previously funded filmmakers who are not up to date with reporting requirements.
  • Organizations such as universities, foundations and nonprofit media organizations.
  • Production managers, writers, assistants, supporting crew members.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Am I required to have a certain amount of producing experience to apply to ITVS?

Yes. The applicant and/or co-applicant must have some previous film or television production experience in a principal production role: producer, co-producer, director, or co-director. You may be asked to submit a previously completed work in its entirety.

I’m an American filmmaker with an international program. Can I apply for funding through International Initiative?

No. U.S. filmmakers should apply to ITVS domestic initiatives: Open Call and LINCS. Only non-U.S. filmmakers are eligible as primary applicants for the International Initiative Funding. Dual foreign/U.S. citizens are eligible if they do not reside in the U.S. However, we accept U.S. producers working on international projects as co-producers, co-directors, or as part of the production team. If a non-U.S. person is the primary applicant, a U.S. person can be a co-applicant.

I am not a U.S. citizen, but I live in the U.S. Do I qualify for International Initiative?

No. International Initiative is only for filmmakers based outside the U.S. If you are a legal U.S. resident, you may qualify for ITVS domestic initiatives: Open Call and LINCS.

Can I reapply with the same project?

You can reapply after six to eight months. But we should be able to see how the project has evolved since your previous inquiry.

Questions?

If you have questions about International Initiative, email karolyn_wong@itvs.org.