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Guidelines
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Download a printable PDF of the Open Call Guidelines >>

Open Call provides finishing funds for single non-fiction or animation public television programs on any subject, and from any viewpoint. Projects must have begun production as evidenced by a work-in-progress video.

• Single programs of standard broadcast length (56:40 or 26:40). In rare cases, when a filimmaker’s skills, subject and story structure warrant it, ITVS will consider programs at feature lengths
• Works-in-progress (for non-fiction submissions), i.e. projects that have already begun production
• Programs that can be completed within one year of contract
• Please note that Open Call no longer accepts live action Drama (fiction) submissions

• Proposals for completed projects seeking distribution
• Series proposals
• Projects intended solely for theatrical release

• 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.

• Individuals who do not meet ITVS's definition of an “independent producer.”
• Students.
• Current signatories of ITVS production contracts who have not completed delivery.
• 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.

There is no minimum or maximum amount, but ITVS monies must be the last dollars in—meaning they should be sufficient for completing the production. Be realistic and request what you need to finish your program. After review of your budget, ITVS will make an offer of funds that we believe will allow you to complete your project. Please read “How ITVS Funding Is Different from a Grant,” in ITVS Funding Guidelines.

• Phase 1: After the submission deadline, all applicants will receive notification by mail or email within six weeks.
• Phase 2: At that time, a limited number of applicants will be asked to submit additional copies of their work-in-progress videos. They will be notified of their status within six to eight weeks of this submission.
• Phase 3: A small group of finalists will submit additional information and receive a final decision within six to eight weeks.
• Note: The entire proposal review process takes up to five months. Only one to two percent of Open Call applicants will receive funding.