Independent Lens Production Call

This year, we’re introducing a new two-step application process.

Step 1: Intent to Apply

Filmmakers first complete a brief Intent to Apply form to confirm eligibility. This initial check reviews applicant details, previous distributed production credits, project overview, and current production status.

This step takes approximately ten minutes to complete. 

Eligible applicants will receive an email invitation to submit a full application.

Step 2: Full Application

Invited applicants will submit comprehensive materials, including a 3- to 7-page treatment, a production budget, and a 10- to 15-minute sample and/or rough cut featuring footage from the current project. Please review the application in its entirety to get the full scope of materials required.

The Review Process

Applicants will receive an official status update within 12 to 14 weeks of the final submission deadline.

1. Reader Review: Every eligible application is reviewed by ITVS staff members and industry peers.
2. Notification of Advancement: A small group of top applicants advance as finalists and receive email notification.
3. Feasibility Review: Advancing applicants will be asked to answer additional production questions.
4. Panel Review: A panel of ITVS staff evaluates all treatments, screens work-in-progress samples, assesses alignment with the Independent Lens series, and recommends a slate.
5. Selection and Co-Production Invitation: The ITVS programming and production team reviews the panel recommendations and feasibility checks, then formally invites selected applicants into the contracting process.

Co-Production Funding

We provide up to $200,000 in co-production funding to support the completion of digital-first, standalone feature documentaries, aiming for delivery by late 2028. 

ITVS doesn’t just fund your documentary. We provide you with creative feedback, editorial collaboration, and guidance through public media standards and practices, including an ongoing relationship with the Independent Lens curatorial team. You retain your copyright and maintain lead financial and editorial responsibility for your project.

Producer Expectations

Funded filmmakers agree to:

• Acknowledge and credit ITVS production support across all program and promotional materials.
• Adhere to ITVS publicity protocols, including all press embargoes.
• Provide timely information to ITVS about project activities, including notification of and request for approval of any major changes to the project.
• Deliver all contract deliverables, including final financial reports at the conclusion of the project. (Failure to submit required financial reporting renders applicants ineligible for future ITVS funding.)

Independent Lens Distribution

ITVS funding does not guarantee distribution on Independent Lens. 

Independent Lens seeks ambitious, distinctive projects for the 2028 season, which has limited scheduling slots. Once your program is at or near completion, it will enter a curatorial review with the Independent Lens programming team to ensure the strongest exclusive multiplatform release across linear and digital PBS platforms, including the PBS Documentaries YouTube channel.