Open Call (for feature-length documentaries)

Open Call (for feature-length documentaries) is sponsored by Black Public Media (BPM). BPM's Open Call is for feature-length documentaries that are currently in pre-production, production, or post-production, and are intended for public media distribution. Projects that highlight the diversity of the global Black experience are sought.

THE 2024 OPEN CALL SUBMISSIONS PORTAL IS NOW CLOSED Thanks to all who submitted projects for consideration in response to our 2024 Open Call. This year, BPM sought applicants working in a range of formats, styles, subject matter and genres. We welcomed proposals that target specific viewers such as children and teen audiences.

We invited broadcast (60+ mins) documentary projects on compelling, nuanced stories that add the point of view, experiences, and concerns of the Black community to the larger public discourse. Ideally, these stories will help explore critical issues, promote cultural understanding, and engage with the national audience and/or local communities. All projects must be suitable for public media distribution.

Awards will be announced December 2024 . FIVE, $5,000. 00 Stipends and an Invitation to BPMs Talent Development Program and the opportunity to Participate in PitchBLACK ONE, $150,000 PitchBLACK Award for a broadcast (60+ mins) project Learn more about PitchBLACK NOTE: BPM funding awards are licensing agreements for public media distribution.

To be eligible for the Open Call: The applicant must (a) be the project’s producer or director, (b) be a US citizen, (c) have a minimum of three years professional producing and/or directing experience, or have a senior producer attached to the project; All submissions must include a video sample. Projects in research and development must include a full-length completed work by the applicant.

Projects in production must include a 10-minute sample of the project that is being submitted. Projects in post-production or further must have a full-length rough or fine cut to be considered; The applicant must be able to complete the project within 18 months; Projects or production entities that are foreign-based, owned or controlled are NOT eligible. Neither are industrial, promotional or student films.

Frequently Asked Questions What types of projects are eligible for the Open Call? For the 2024 Open Call, BPM is accepting proposals for feature-length (60 mins+) , nonfiction stories. We welcome all subject areas.

I’m not a U.S. citizen. Can I still apply? At least one or more of the key production team members (writer, director, producer) must be a U.S. citizen or green-card holder.

I am not African American or of African descent. Can I still apply? Yes, Black Public Media’s mission is to support the development of visionary content creators and distribute stories about the global Black experience to inspire a more equitable and inclusive future.

We expect that the equitable and inclusive future is reflected in the production teams that we fund. Are international projects eligible? Projects or production entities, which are foreign-based, owned or controlled will not be considered.

I’m working on several projects. Can I submit them all? While a single producer or production team may submit multiple applications, each project must be submitted separately, and no more than one project from any producer or production team will ultimately receive support.

I have a finished film but I still need funding to pay off production expenses. Can I apply? No, funds are only available for projects that are the following stages: pre-production, production, or post-production.

I already have a deal to stream my project online. Can I apply? For awarded projects, BPM will hold exclusive broadcast premiere rights for 4 years on public television.

Projects for which the domestic broadcast and/or streaming rights are not available will not be considered. Are student projects eligible to apply? Are industrial and promotional projects or impact campaigns eligible?

Industrial, promotional projects and impact campaigns are not eligible for funding. Our public media organization is interested in helping employees with their applications. Is that allowed?

Yes, projects receiving organizational support are welcome to apply. For awarded projects, what happens if the production schedule goes beyond the schedule proposed in the application? Projects must be completed 18 months from award.

We will only consider extensions of a project’s schedule for selected projects with a fully executed agreement. Requests for schedule changes will not be accepted until midway through the licensing term. Extensions in the production schedule are not guaranteed.

Is there a particular budget format or template that is recommended? If you are looking for a template, refer to IDA sample budget . Scroll to the bottom of the article to find the downloadable link.

Be sure to use the “detail” tab. Our deadlines are strict. We highly recommend that applicants in plenty of time and “save” to complete their submissions over time.

Black Public Media enlists the support of an independent review panel of media professionals across the industry. The panel reviews the proposals in a two-tier review process. Below are some of the guidelines used by the panel: Does the treatment provide a clear description of the narrative arc and filmic approach?

Does the proposal express a deep and clear understanding of the subject matter? Is/Are the theme(s) well developed? Are the characters or subjects well drawn?

Is there an original and creative approach to the subject matter in terms of form, structure and content? We seek projects that can be completed within 18 months of receiving funds. Has the applicant presented a project idea and production timeline that is realistic?

Does the production team have the experience necessary to complete the proposed project? Can a quality program be completed with the proposed project budget? Does it match the needs of the project, (i.e., production design, locations, archival, etc.)?

Is there evidence of confirmed or pending funds and/or clear and concrete fundraising plan? Is it realistic? Does the fundraising plan complement the timeline for expected completion (18 months)?

Is there evidence of strong storytelling (i.e., the narrative arc is clear and compelling)? Does the work sample show sound interviewing techniques, compelling characters, and visual or audio aesthetics? Does the work sample effectively support the stated treatment and approach?

If a past work has been submitted, is it an indicator of success for the proposed project? Projects selected for funding will receive a BPM funding contract. The contract is not a grant but a licensing agreement in which BPM is granted exclusive or shared domestic public television distribution rights as well as the exclusive or shared right to package, schedule and promote the program through public broadcasting.

BPM makes no expressed or implied commitment to financially support a project until an agreement is signed by both the applicant and BPM.

As a condition of the funding contract, producers must agree to BPM’s standard terms and conditions, including the following: For broadcast projects, assignment to BPM of public television broadcast rights for four (4) years over national public television, off-air record rights, and internet streaming rights; For web projects (such as shorts) only, assignment to BPM of streaming rights for three (3) years; Funding and/or Presentation credit to BPM and CPB; Net revenues must be shared with BPM from the exercise of subsidiary or ancillary rights over a fifteen(15)-year period; Financial books and records related to the production must be maintained for three (3) years following the receipt of funds or net revenues by the producers.

Producers must comply with all equal employment opportunities and non-discrimination laws and policies, payola/plugola requirements and other applicable federal and state rules and regulations. Now Offering Office Hours Are you interested in submitting a project for consideration, but have questions that aren’t addressed in our FAQs?

BPM Director of Programs Denise Greene is now offering opportunities for a limited time to interested makers during the week of Sept. 12-16. Consultations are for 10 minutes each and are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Calls are scheduled for Tues. , Sept. 13 −1pm to 2:45pm Wed.

, Sept. 14 −5pm-6:45pm Sat. , Sept.

17 −12pm-1:45pm