Independent Lens Production Call

You’re eligible to apply if:

• You are a citizen or legal resident of the U.S. or its external territories, age 18 or older.
• You are submitting a feature-length documentary project that, at the time of a funding decision, is in mid- to late-stage production or in early post-production. Please review the FAQs for more information on what would be considered too early or too far along.
• You own the copyright of your production and maintain editorial control of the story. 
• You have a previous film or television production credit in a principal role: director, producer, co-director, or co-producer. Please review the FAQs for more information on eligible work.
• You do not have other projects currently under consideration for ITVS funding.
• You can only submit one application per round. However, you may be credited as key creative personnel on applications submitted by other filmmakers.
• Your documentary focuses on a U.S.-based subject.

You’re NOT eligible to apply if:

• Your project has previously been exhibited or distributed in a public forum, including theatrical, festivals, educational, and community screenings.
• Your project is already contracted for premiere commercial distribution. 
• You are currently enrolled as a full-time student at a college or university.
• You are a current signatory of any ITVS contracts that have not yet fully closed. 
• You are in consideration through another funding initiative with ITVS at the time of submission.
• You represent foreign-based production entities.
• You are applying as an organization, such as a university, foundation, or nonprofit.
• You were employed by ITVS within the past 12 months.
• Your documentary focuses on a subject outside of the U.S.
• You are employed full-time as a producer or director by a broadcast entity or film studio, including public access stations.