Open Call

We’re looking for exceptional storytelling that aligns with our mission: stories that take risks, tackle important issues, address the needs of American audiences, and are rarely seen in public or commercial media. We recognize the hard work you’ve put into your project, and we’ll partner with you to help you complete it, then distribute it across public media platforms.

Open Call offers up to $400,000 in co-production funding to independent producers of nonfiction documentaries, ranging from shorts to features. The documentary can be on any subject, or any viewpoint or style, as long as it’s in active production . For pre-production nonfiction projects, see our development  fund. 

Open Call is not a grant. You’ll receive funding in the form of a co-production agreement that assigns ITVS certain broadcast and streaming rights to your project during the contract term. We’ll be co-producing partners and collaborate editorially on your vision.

Be sure to allow enough time (2-4 weeks) to complete the application. ITVS has adopted the Non-Fiction Core standards as a foundation for our funding applications. Much of the Open Call application has been aligned with this model; however, you’ll need to complete a few additional production details to complete the application, as ITVS is supported by public funds.

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