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Guidelines >>
Building a LINCS Partnership >>
How to Apply >>
Budget Summary and Line-Item Budget Template >>
FAQ
Applying to ITVS
What kind of programs is ITVS looking for?
What is LINCS?
Is it more appropriate for me to apply to LINCS or Open Call?
What makes a LINCS proposal competitive?
How competitive is it to get LINCS funding?
Can I apply with a series?
How often can I apply to LINCS?
What is the review process for LINCS?
Can I review a sample application?
What are the most common mistakes that applicants make?
Will ITVS fund a first-time filmmaker? Am I required to have a certain amount of producing experience?
What videos must I submit with my application?
Do I need a fiscal sponsor? Can an organization be an applicant?
Does ITVS have restrictions on program length?
Can an ITVS staff person review my proposal before I apply?
What kind of feedback does ITVS give producers?
Does ITVS encourage applicants to resubmit proposals that have been declined?
Funding and Budget
How does the LINCS match work?
How is ITVS funding different from a grant?
At what stage will ITVS fund a project?
How long does it take to receive funds if my project is greenlit?
Will I increase my chances of getting funded if I ask for less money?
What does "completion funding" mean?
How much can I pay myself as a producer?
Station Partnership
Does ITVS connect me with a station partner?
How do I get a station to agree to collaborate with me?
How can I effectively sell my program idea to the station?
Can I see a sample producer/station Letter of Agreement?
Production
Do I have to shoot in a particular format?
When producing for PBS, are there editorial standards, requirements or policies that I need to know?
Who has editorial control, the independent producer or the station?
How are LINCS shows credited?
Distribution
Will ITVS present and promote the show when it's done?
Can my program be distributed in other venues besides public television?
Timeline
When will I be notified regarding my application’s status?
Applying to ITVS
What kind of programs is ITVS looking for?
ITVS is looking for single public television programs with any subject, viewpoint or style. We fund programs that bring new audiences to public television and expand civic participation by bringing diverse voices into the public sphere. Our mission is to bring new audiences to PTV, and these can be defined in terms of race, age, class, geography, or any number of specific communities and interests not usually addressed on television. Other priorities include projects that bring new stories to PTV and/or new approaches to storytelling. We are also looking for projects that demonstrate strong craftsmanship, attention to visuals, creativity, innovation and viability in terms of demonstrated access to the subject and a well thought out budget. top
What is LINCS?
LINCS—Linking Independents and Co-producing Stations—offers public television (PTV) stations the opportunity to form co-productions with independent producers with matching funds provided from ITVS. Producers work directly with PTV stations, gaining access to station resources, such as production and post-production services, and fundraising and promotion expertise. LINCS provides an opportunity for both parties to produce and present diverse programming. In addition to providing matching funds, ITVS acts as a liaison between the producer and the station to help facilitate the relationship through delivery and distribution of the final program. top
Is it more appropriate for me to apply to LINCS or Open Call?
It is up to you and what you believe is best for your project. Open Call provides finishing funds and allows you to request all the funds needed to complete your project. LINCS requires that you have a public television station willing to collaborate with you and it has a funding cap of $100,000. If you believe that a particular station has in-kind resources, and the audience and personnel that suit your project then LINCS may make sense for you. top
What makes a LINCS proposal competitive?
With few exceptions, LINCS projects focus on local or regional stories and perspectives that in some way speak to national interests. We believe that universal themes can be revealed in individual stories and that local perspectives are essential to understanding larger national issues and concerns. The most competitive projects demonstrate the potential to reach a national audience, as well as a local one. Projects that address an underserved audience also tend to be more competitive. top
How competitive is it to get LINCS funding?
This varies from year to year depending on how many applications are received. While the LINCS application process requires more preparation than Open Call, LINCS generally is able to fund 15 - 18% of all applications received. Open Call is able to fund 3-5% of its applicants. top
Can I apply with a series?
LINCS funding is only for single shows, not series. Limited series are funded through our commissioning process. In rare cases, we will consider funding a pilot episode of a limited series in development if the pilot episode can stand alone and be distributed to the PTV system as a one-off. If you are considering this, please call us to discuss it first. top
How often can I apply to LINCS?
There is one funding round per year and the deadline is typically at the end of May. Applicants may apply with only one project per funding round. top
What is the review process for LINCS?
After the submission deadline programming staff review all applications for eligibility. Eligible applications are forwarded to external readers consisting of public television staff and independent filmmakers. Competitive projects are then recommended to a peer review panel that evaluates the materials and makes recommendations for funding, which are approved by ITVS staff. top
Can I review a sample application?
Because of the wide range of projects that have received support from ITVS, we do not circulate sample applications for review. top
What are the most common mistakes that applicants make?
Unfortunately many applicants do not read the guidelines as carefully as they should. Many producers do not write clear treatments, making them generic and unspecific as to how the story will be told. Other common mistakes are incomplete proposals, no work-in-progress reel or no completed sample work. Applicants also forget to sign their signature or forget to include the station representative signtuare at the end of the application. These errors will make an application ineligible. top
Will ITVS fund a first-time filmmaker? Am I required to have a certain amount of producing experience? To be eligible for ITVS funds, the applicant or co-applicant must be an independent producer with producing experience. All proposals must be accompanied by a previously completed sample work on which the applicant or co-applicant was producer, co-producer, director or co-director. Please do not send tapes on which you were an editor, DP, associate producer, etc. While this experience is relevant and should be included in your résumé, such tapes will not be included in the review process. 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 for PTV. If you have not produced anything of your own, you will need to work with a co-applicant who has. top
What videos must I submit with my application?
All proposals must be accompanied by a previously completed work sample of the same genre as the project being proposed on which the applicant or co-applicant had a principal production role: producer, co-producer, director or co-director. The sample work does not need to have been broadcast or even be a specific length, but it should demonstrate your best work and ideally have some relevance to the project at hand.
You must also provide a work-in-progress video of the proposed project (either selects, scenes, rough cut, etc.) with a minimum length of five minutes. top
Do I need a fiscal sponsor? Can an organization be an applicant?
No, you do not need a fiscal sponsor. Organizations such as universities, foundations, and nonprofit media organizations are not eligible. top
Does ITVS have restrictions on program length?
Standard PBS lengths are half-hour and one-hour. Producers can apply for funding for feature-length programs as long as the length is justified in the proposal. The producer should make a case for how the material warrants feature length in a television environment. The review panel may ask for more justification or make recommendations about the length. top
Can an ITVS staff person review my proposal before I apply?
ITVS receives hundreds of proposals each year and we do not have the capacity to review proposals before the deadlines. We encourage enough detail in your proposal that our evaluators 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 you may call and speak with Programming staff. top
What kind of feedback does ITVS give producers?
All producers, whether they are funded or not, are given the opportunity to receive feedback from ITVS staff. Feedback consists of a telephone appointment between the producer and a member of the Programming department wherein the evaluators' comments are conveyed to the producer. Your Designated Station Contact may also be included in the feedback call. top
Does ITVS encourage applicants to resubmit proposals that have been declined?
We provide feedback so producers can improve their proposals for the next submission, or understand why their projects are not right for ITVS in general. top
Funding and Budget
How does the LINCS match work?
You may request up to $100,000 from LINCS, and whatever you request must be matched by either secured cash or station in-kind services. It is difficult to fully fund a program with just LINCS funding and station in-kind. You will also need to raise additional funding. Also, if you've already secured some funding for your project you will be more attractive to your potential station partner. top
How is ITVS funding different from a grant?
Funded producers sign a contract, the Production Agreement, which assigns ITVS exclusive broadcast rights in the United States. Depending on the specific contract, ITVS may participate in revenue sharing in all versions of the production. top
At what stage will ITVS fund a project?
LINCS funding is for production and post-production only. It is not for research and development, nor is it for the acquisition of finished programs. The programs submitted must have already begun production and should be completed and ready for broadcast within one year of contract. top
How long does it take to receive funds if my project is funded?
The application and review process takes up to five months. Accepted projects receive funding once a production agreement is executed. top
Will I increase my chances of getting funded if I ask for less money?
Although ITVS funds for LINCS are capped at $100,000 you should base your budget on what is required to complete your program. There is no advantage and several distinct disadvantages in presenting a project budget that is less than what is required. top
What does "completion funding" mean?
Completion funding means the last money needed to deliver a program. This does not include deferrals. ITVS funds can only be applied to work occurring forward from the commitment of ITVS funds. top
How much can I pay myself as a producer?
You should give yourself an equitable wage based on your time and effort. This must be expressed as a flat fee. ITVS does not pay deferred salaries, so you must calculate your time as a producer starting the moment you receive ITVS funding. top
Station Partnership
Does ITVS connect me with a station partner?
No, you need to find your own station partner. Visit the PBS website and search for stations in your area. top
How do I get a station to agree to collaborate with me?
First, call the station to find out who the production contact person is and ask if you can send your materials for review. You should provide them with your project proposal, a preliminary budget, previous work samples and your bio. Remember that public television staff are busy, so follow up a week later to be sure they received your packet. Ask to meet with them and discuss your needs: If you want in-kind support, what exactly do you need? How much money do you have in place? In what areas do you need the most help? Every station is different and has different things to offer. Not all stations have the staff, equipment or experience to make a viable collaboration—this is something you will need to determine with them. top
If the station decides to collaborate with you, work with them to develop your proposal and letter of agreement. There is a chain of command at all stations, so keep in mind that the approval process takes time. Start early. Some stations have internal deadlines for considering LINCS proposals months in advance of the LINCS deadline. You may have to approach more than one station to find one that can partner with you. top
ITVS prefers that you collaborate with your local station, but this is not a requirement. If your subject matter takes place in another state, you might partner with a station there. Keep in mind that working with a geographically distant station can make using their in-kind resources difficult. For more information, please review the supplement Building a LINCS Partnership. top
How can I effectively sell my program idea to the station?
Your project idea has to be appropriate for that station and their audience. If your project serves an underserved audience, you can make the case that it will bring in new viewers and help the station to better serve its community. Many stations don't produce local programs because they don't have the resources. If the station likes your program, LINCS provides an opportunity for them to make a show with a limited investment and little to no cash. With LINCS, the station only has to fund a portion of the budget, most often through in-kind services which ITVS will match. Most producers come to the station with some money already raised. In many cases the combination of station in-kind, foundation or private grants and LINCS cash makes it possible to fund a program the station otherwise could not afford. It is also expected that the station will serve as the presenter of the program to PBS, which raises the station's profile within the system. Finally, some stations have used LINCS shows for their local pledge drives. top
Can I see a sample Letter of Agreement?
Agreements vary greatly among different producers, stations and projects. Your agreement should be tailored to your particular project, reflecting the amount and type of support the station is providing, how you plan to work together, and other specifics of your partnership. For help with the Letter of Agreement, please review the LINCS Guidelines and Building a LINCS Partnership. If you still have questions about the Letter of Agreement, please call the ITVS office for assistance. top
Production
Do I have to shoot in a particular format?
All shooting formats are acceptable, provided the final video master is able to pass a PBS required technical evaluation. The program is for television broadcast and must be mastered on digital video. For more information about PBS technical requirements read their Red Book. top
When producing for PBS, are there editorial standards, requirements or policies that I need to know? All ITVS funded programs must adhere to the PBS Editorial Standards. The ITVS Production Manual outlines the ITVS standards for packaging and underwriting as well as several production and post-production templates. It is available for purchase in the Producer Resources section. top
Who has editorial control: the independent producer or the station?
In keeping with ITVS's mandate, the independent producer maintains editorial, creative and financial control over the project. With all ITVS-funded shows, ITVS staff give editorial input on rough and fine cuts. With the LINCS shows, both ITVS staff and station staff will give editorial input to help make the show the best it can be. This input is one of the advantages to working with a station, in that station staff have considerable insight into what makes a good program for public television and what will make it compelling to PTV programmers and viewers. This input is given in the spirit of collaboration, which is the heart of the LINCS initiative, but ultimately final editorial and creative control over the piece rests with the independent producer. However, it should also be noted that the finished show must ultimately reflect what was originally proposed. The proposal becomes part of the ITVS contract, thus preventing major deviations from the proposal in the final show. top
How are LINCS shows credited?
The on-screen credit for LINCS shows reflects the partnership between the station and producer. A typical credit reads: "a co-production of Jane Producer, ITVS and WXYZ”. In the credit roll, the independent is credited as Director or Producer. ITVS, and often the station, will get an Executive Producer credit. top
Distribution
Will ITVS present and promote the show when it's done?
For LINCS shows, presentation and promotion are the responsibility of the station partner, often in collaboration with the independent producer. This includes sending the show to PBS and making it available to the PTV system if PBS turns it down. These services should count towards the station's in-kind contribution. Because many stations have limited resources, LINCS producers sometimes raise additional funds to pay for websites, publicity and outreach campaigns. ITVS staff are available for consultation in all of these areas, but the responsibility ultimately lies with the station and producer. An exception to this rule is if the show is picked up by either the P.O.V. or Independent Lens series, in which case the series presenters will take responsibility for presenting and publicizing the show. top
Can my program be distributed in other venues besides public television?
Our mission is to present works for television and not for theatrical release. We allow producers to pursue theatrical distribution on a case-by-case basis if the opportunity arises. We review modes of distribution contracts to ensure they meet CPB requirements and do not infringe on ITVS's rights. Most ITVS-funded projects have success in the festival, educational video, home video and foreign broadcast markets. top
Timeline
When will I be notified regarding my application’s status?
All applicants are notified of their status within six to eight weeks of the submission deadline. top
