Independent Television Service (ITVS) is looking to develop “exceptional stories by filmmakers from diverse backgrounds: stories that take creative risks, inspire dialogue, and are rarely seen on public media.” According to its website, the public media org is now accepting applications for its annual Diversity Development Fund. The program offers seed funding to documentaries from filmmakers of color, with the aim of developing inclusive public broadcast programming.
“Diversity Development Fund is not a grant. You will receive funding in the form of a development agreement that assigns ITVS certain rights over your project during the term of the contract,” the source stresses. The fund “gives producers of color up to $25,000 in research and development funding so you can develop your documentary for public media.”
The program also helps filmmakers develop program treatments, work samples, and project plans — materials needed to apply for production funds.
In order to be eligible for the Diversity Development Fund, projects can not have already started production. They must be single, nonfiction programs of standard broadcast length (i.e. 30, 60, or 90 minutes). Applicants must identify as people of color, own 100 percent of the project’s copyright, and have previously held a principal role in a film or TV production. They cannot be employed as a producer or director at a broadcast company or film studio.
A three-page treatment, a link to a previously exhibited or distributed film, a resume including filmography, and a development budget are among the application requirements.
Grace Lee and Marjan Safinia’s recent two-part documentary “And She Could Be Next,” an exploration of women of color’s role and influence in contemporary politics, received ITVS funding. The org’s other projects include “Represent,” Hillary Bachelder’s upcoming portrait of three women running for office, and Jacqueline Olive’s investigation of the history of lynching, “Always in Season.”
The Diversity Development Fund is accepting applications until September 11 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Notifications will be sent out within three months. Head over to ITVS’ website for more information.
