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DIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT FUND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is there no feedback for DDF applicants?
Due to the volume of proposals we receive and limited staff resources, we are only able to give feedback to producers who reach the finalist phase.
My project is in Phase I of Open Call. May I still apply to the Diversity Development Fund?
For each review period you can be under consideration for only one funding initiative offered by ITVS.
If you have a project that is selected to go forward to Phase II of Open Call, you may not apply to the DDF. If your project has NOT been forwarded to Phase II, you may apply to the DDF.
Can I apply to Open Call, LINCS and the DDF with the same project?
No, the DDF funds very different activities than Open Call and LINCS. Open Call and LINCS fund projects already in production and the DDF funds projects in the development stage.
With the exception of narrative scripts, you cannot apply with the same project. A script that does not pass Phase 1 of Open Call or LINCS may be submitted for further development under the DDF.
Why aren't all ethnic categories included in this initiative?
The DDF is specifically for producers of color, as defined by ethnic communities of color, historically underrepresented in our public broadcasting system. They are African American, Latino/Latina, Asian American, Native American/Native Alaskan, Arab American, Pacific Islander, and mixed race.
Can I have a co-applicant on my project for the DDF?
No, only one applicant may apply to the DDF.
Will ITVS fund a first-time filmmaker?
To be eligible to apply for ITVS funds, the applicant must be an independent producer with some producing experience. All proposals must be accompanied by a previously completed sample work on which the applicant was producer, co-producer, director or co-director. Applicants sometimes send tapes on which they were an editor, writer or associate producer. While this experience is relevant and should be included in your résumé, such tapes are not included in the review process, so please don't send them. The sample work does not need to have been broadcast or even be a specific length, but it should demonstrate your best work. If you have limited producing experience, we encourage you to find an experienced mentor to work with, preferably someone in your area with a proven track record of producing work for Public TV. If your proposal moves to the finalist phase, the team you have assembled will be taken into consideration.
Can I apply with more than one program to the DDF?
You may submit only one application (one program).
Can I apply with a series?
DDF funding is only for single shows, not series. In some cases, we will consider funding a pilot episode of a series in development if the pilot episode can stand-alone and be distributed to the public television system as a one-off. If you are considering this, please call us to discuss it first.
If I do not have a previously completed work sample or a sample on which I held a principal role, can I apply to the DDF?
No, a previously completed work sample tape is mandatory. The applicant must have some previous film or television production experience in a principal production role (producer, co-producer, director, or co-director), which is demonstrated by submitting a sample tape of previously completed work in its entirety. Demo reels will not be accepted.
I am an experienced writer but have never produced or directed a film, am I eligible?
If you have not held a principal production role as demonstrated by your sample tape, then you do not meet our eligibility requirements.
I have a work-in-progress/clips/selects/trailer tape for my project already. Am I eligible for the DDF?
You are not eligible if you have already completed enough principal photography to complete a sample reel or work-in-progress. If you have a work-in-progress or sample tape you are eligible to apply for production funding and should consider applying to Open Call or LINCS.
If I am awarded funding from the DDF, will my project automatically go on to receive Open Call or LINCS funds?
The goal of the DDF is to help producers create programs that will be competitive in our other funding initiatives and in the public television system at large. DDF funded programs are encouraged to apply to LINCS and Open Call but DDF funding is not an automatic guarantee of advancement in other initiatives.
In the budget information section do I also need to attach a detailed budget?
When applying, complete the budget form that is in the application. If your project is forwarded to the finalist phase, we may ask for a detailed budget.
Am I allowed to purchase a camera with the funds?
No. You may not purchase equipment with the funds. Other disallowed expenses include fund-raising events, promotional activities and Website costs.
Can I see a sample written treatment or budget?
ITVS does not provide sample written treatments or budgets. There are many ways to approach a story and your treatment should be unique and demonstrate your personal vision. Your budget is a unique reflection of your project needs as well.
What are the most common mistakes that applicants make?
Unfortunately many applicants don't read the guidelines as carefully as we wish they would. The least explicated section of the proposal is usually the treatment, which is often generic and unspecific as to how the story will be told. It is also important to be as explicit as possible about your proposed R&D activities.
Can I contact an ITVS staff person to advise me on my proposal?
We receive several hundred proposals each year and do not have the staff to speak with everyone who submits. We encourage you to include enough detail in your proposal that we can get a full sense of your concept and the quality of your work. If you have general questions about the guidelines and application process for the DDF, please send an email to kathryn_washington@itvs.org or call 415-356-8383 x258. For general information about writing treatments read the article Writing a Better ITVS Treatment.
