Calendar – Past Event

Deadline: February 5, 2010

This production funding initiative is designed to showcase international documentaries with powerful global stories that inform, inspire and connect Americans to the world at large.

ITVS INTERNATIONAL CALL

International Call provides production funds for independent producers who are non-U.S. citizens, helping them create documentaries for American television. Through the ITVS International Call, storytellers from other countries introduce U.S. audiences to their global neighbors, opening a window into unfamiliar lives, experiences and perspectives.

In addition to production funding and support, ITVS International will premiere funded programs on U.S public and commercial television, engaging viewers and maximizing impact through national promotion and educational outreach campaigns.

International Call is an initiative of the International Media Development Fund-a project created by ITVS in partnership with the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Ford Foundation and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

APPLYING TO ITVS INTERNATIONAL

Before applying to International Call, it is important to review our Production Agreement Note to understand the terms and conditions of ITVS funding. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Joy-Marie Scott at joy_scott@itvs.org or +1-415-356-8383 x232. ITVS office hours are 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Pacific Daylight Time.

Please read the following guidelines carefully and complete the application according to the instructions in How To Apply. We require a written proposal, work-in-progress reels and a copy of a previously completed work in its entirety, including credits. No demo reels, or clip reels of your previous work, will be accepted. Incomplete proposals or unsigned applications will not be processed.

English is the working language. All written materials must be in English. Video materials must also be in English, subtitled if necessary. Producers may submit only one application for one program to International Call per year. A producer can not apply as a Primary Applicant and a Co-Applicant for two separate projects.

ITVS INTERNATIONAL IS LOOKING FOR
Programs that bring international perspectives, ideas, events and people to U.S. television
Content that represents diverse communities and advances underrepresented points of view
Content that explores globally significant themes and inspires public dialogue
Single, story-driven documentaries with broadcast hour versions
Programs that have already begun production and can be realistically completed within one year of contract
Co-production projects with either international broadcast partner(s) or co-productions with producers from different countries
ITVS INTERNATIONAL IS NOT LOOKING FOR
Projects solely from American producers; U.S. producers may partner with international producers and apply as co-applicants in true co-production relationships
Subject matter based in the United States, lifestyle or children's programming
Projects in development
Completed work for acquisition or distribution
Projects not intended for television or intended solely for theatrical release
Series proposals
Fictional dramas
INDEPENDENT PRODUCER ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be "independent producers." This means that the individuals must have a) artistic, budgetary and editorial control of the project and b) the ability to grant ITVS the right to reversion for broadcast.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
The Primary Applicant must be a citizen of another country, who does not reside in the U.S. Applicants must identify their country of citizenship and legal residence.
Dual foreign/U.S. citizens are eligible if they do not reside in the U.S.
American citizens may only participate as Co-Applicants in a true co-production relationship with a non-U.S. Primary Applicant.
Applicants must have previous film or television production experience in a principal role (producer, co-producer, director or co-director) as demonstrated by credits on a sample tape of a previously completed work submitted with the application.
INELIGIBILITY
Students are not eligible.
U.S. residents, regardless of citizenship, are not eligible to apply as a Primary Applicant. (U.S. producers may partner with international producers and apply as co-applicants in true co-production relationships.)
Producers who are currently under ITVS contract are not eligible.
Organizations-NGOs, universities, foundations, nonprofit media organizations, etc.-are not eligible.
Supporting crew members-writers, production managers, production assistants, etc.-cannot submit an application on behalf of the project's director or producer.
If an individual does not possess artistic, budgetary and editorial control of the project, he/she is not eligible.
If an individual does not have the ability to grant ITVS the right to reversion the program for broadcast, he/she is not eligible.
If an individual submits an application as a Primary Applicant, he/she can not be a Co-Applicant on another project. Individuals can only submit one application per round.
FUNDING AMOUNTS

International Call funds must be used as production completion funds for the project. The range of production funds offered for each project will vary. Applicants should be realistic and request what they need to finish their programs. If a project is recommended for funding, ITVS will thoroughly review the budget and negotiate the proposal's funding request. A selected project will receive a funding offer that ITVS believes will allow the producers to complete the program for U.S. television broadcast.

ITVS FUNDING IS NOT A GRANT

Selected projects will receive funding once a Production License Agreement is executed. This is a contract that assigns ITVS International exclusive broadcast rights in the United States. Depending on the individual contract, ITVS International may participate in revenue sharing in all versions of the production. Please read the Production License Agreement note that follows the budget summary sheet.

TIMELINE

February: After the submission deadline, all applicants receive notification by mail or email within four weeks.

April: In early April, a limited number of applicants are asked to submit additional budget and production information with a narrative update.

May: A small group of finalists is given the opportunity to submit updated work-in-progress video (10 minutes maximum). This is not mandatory. Applicants receive final decisions within six to eight weeks.

Note: The entire proposal review process takes up to five months. Less than five percent of International Call applicants receive funding.