ITVS Open Call Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility:

Q: Does ITVS provide accessibility support for filmmakers with disabilities? 

A: Yes. Despite our best efforts to ensure accessibility of itvs.org and our application software, there may be some limitations. Please reach out to itvs@itvs.org for any accessibility needs.

Eligibility:

Q: Does Open Call fund documentary series and short web series or vertical video series?

A: No. Open Call co-production funding is for a single short or feature documentary.

Q: Who on the team should be the applicant?

A: The applicant(s) must be the principal(s) of the business entity. Individuals listed must include the parties with 100% of the copyright and business entity controls of the copyright in the project. A work-for-hire on the production should not be an applicant.

Q: To date, I don’t have any funds secured. Am I still eligible for funding?

A: Yes. You are eligible for Open Call funding regardless of whether you have previously secured funds. All proposals should include any pending funds and a fundraising strategy that details how you will raise the funds to complete your project. This may include (and is not limited to) foundation grants, state and federal arts and humanities council grants, license agreements (pre-sales), individual donors, equity investors, crowdsource funding, and producer cash.

Q: Do I need a fiscal sponsor? 

A:  No. You do not need a fiscal sponsor to apply to Open Call. 

Q: Can I reapply if my proposal has been declined in the past?

A:  Yes. Starting June 2024, you are welcome to re-apply to Open Call or other ITVS funding initiatives up to four times should your project not advance to Panel Review, in which you would be notified via email. If you are reapplying with a previously declined project, we do not recommend sending in the same materials from previous applications.

Q: Can I submit my full rough cut?

A: No, rough cuts will not be accepted. For projects that are in the rough cut stage, we require a 15-minute sample and encourage you to provide detail on where you are with your rough cut in the “Production Completed” and “Production to be Completed” sections of the application form.

Q: How long must my film be to be eligible for Open Call funding?

A: Single films between 10 minutes and 90 minutes are eligible to apply. See the application for more information.

Q: If I am submitting to film festivals, can I apply?

A: If you are submitting a cut to a festival for a premiere exhibition within the next 12 months, your project is too far along for ITVS co-production.

Q: Are films outside of the U.S. eligible? 

A: Stories set internationally are eligible for ITVS funding. Please visit the Open Call page for more information about the various submission requirements and our Open Call catalog to learn about internationally set stories that we have funded.

Q:  If a member of the team is a U.S. resident but the rest of the team are from overseas, is that sufficient?

A: Yes. The main applicant and, if applicable, co-applicant or any entity that will be a signatory on the ITVS agreement must be a U.S citizen or legal resident.

Q: If the applicant has prior work experience as a director or producer, is it okay if the co-applicant does not?

A: Yes.

Q: Are first-time filmmakers eligible for ITVS funding?

A: Applicants must have previous film or television production experience in a principal role: director, co-director, producer, co-producer. First-time filmmakers with an experienced producer attached to the project can apply as applicant and co-applicant, with the understanding that both applicants would be signatories on the contract and responsible for delivery of the project.

Q: What qualifies as a previously completed work?

A: Shorts, features, and series (both nonfiction and fiction) that were exhibited publicly and/or distributed through third parties are eligible as previously completed work if they comply with the following parameters:

• Applicant’s credit on the film project is director, producer, co-director, and/or co-producer.
• Work must not have been solely self-exhibited on a personal YouTube, social media account, or owned production company website.
• Commercials, industry reels, and educational commissions worked are not eligible.
• Applicant will provide the festival name(s) and year exhibited of the work(s).
• If the work is a graduate thesis project(s), applicant must indicate university and year completed. Undergraduate work will not be accepted.
  
  

Q:  Can a broadcast entity or film studio serve as a co-applicant on a project?

A: No, the applicant(s) must be independent producers, not organizations such as film studios, universities, foundations, or nonprofit media organizations.

Q: Does ITVS provide grants for schools, film festivals, or to other unrelated film projects? 

A: No, Open Call only funds single documentaries for distribution to public media. ITVS does not provide funding for organizations or schools.

ITVS Open Call Application:

Q: Does ITVS accept the Non-Fiction Core application? 

A: ITVS has incorporated many of the elements into the Open Call application. However, as a public fund, there are additional questions and production details required that are specific to co-production with ITVS

Q: Is there an available sample of the application?

A: No, however you can prepare for the application by referring to the Non-Fiction Core Application Proposal Checklist. Please note that as a public funder, ITVS’ application will contain questions specific to public media audiences and delivery.

Q. What is the preferred length for a work sample? Will you accept a trailer or sample scenes?

A: For projects whose total length will be under 25 minutes, we request a work sample of 3-5 minutes. For projects over 30 minutes, we request a work sample of 10-15 minutes. The work sample may include a trailer, sample scenes, or a work-in-progress, whatever best exhibits your story, participants, vision, and approach to the subject. Any work samples that do not meet this requirement will make your application ineligible.

Q: At what stage should I submit a rough cut? 

A: ITVS will no longer accept rough cut submissions. If you have a rough cut, please upload a 15-minute sample for review and provide details on your progress through the “Production Completed” section of the application.

Q: I am having trouble with the online application form. Can I submit by email or mail?

A: No, applications must be submitted through the online process. If you are experiencing difficulty using the online form, please contact itvs@itvs.org

Q: Is there a submission fee to apply to Open Call?

A: No, there is no submission fee required to apply to any of ITVS' funding initiatives.

Application Submission:

Q: How will I know if ITVS has received my proposal?

A: You will receive an email from the application portal confirming ITVS has received your proposal. Pro tip: Check your spam folder as some mail providers do not like auto-generated emails.

Q: Can I provide project updates or update my application after it is submitted?

A: No. In order to maintain a consistent and fair application process, ITVS will not accept application updates after the deadline. Should your project advance, you will be notified and asked to submit additional materials for a feasibility review.

Q: When can Open Call applicants expect to hear a status update on their application?

A: Applicants will be notified if they will be advancing to Panel Review within 12 weeks after the application window closes. Those advancing to Panel will be notified of final determinations 20 weeks after the application window closes. All applicants will be notified via email of funding decisions.

Q: Will ITVS provide feedback if my project is not funded?

A: All projects that advance to Panel Review will receive feedback. Projects that do not advance beyond Reader Review may receive feedback dependent on staff capacity.