Who is eligible to apply?

  • Citizens or legal residents of the U.S. or its external territories
  • "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 some previous film or television production experience in a principal role (director, co-director, producer, co-producer) as demonstrated by submitting a previously completed work sample

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 producers who are not up to date with reporting requirements.
  • Producers representing foreign-based production entities
  • Persons regularly employed as producers/directors by a public or commercial broadcast entity including public access stations
  • Organizations such as universities, foundations, and nonprofit media organizations

COMMON QUESTIONS

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

Series and Special Projects funding is extremely competitive. Ideally, the applicant will have some previous film or television production experience. However, applicants do not need to submit a previously completed work sample to be considered for commissioned development or production funding.

Can I have a co-applicant on my project?

Only one applicant may apply. But if you have a team in place you should briefly describe it in the proposal. Do not send their résumés with your application.

Do I need a fiscal sponsor? Can I apply as an organization?

No, you do not need a fiscal sponsor. Organizations cannot apply as an applicant, but may be listed as the Production Entity. The applicant must be an independent producer, which is defined by ITVS as a producer who is not regularly employed as a staff producer or director by a public or commercial broadcast station or studio.

Can I apply for development or production funds as an international producer?

No, the Series and Special Projects funds are only for U.S. producers.

QUESTIONS?

If you have questions about series and special projects funding, email njeri_eaton@itvs.org.