Open Call is a co-production funding program from the Independent Television Service (ITVS) that provides production and post-production support for independent nonfiction documentary films. Awards of up to $400,000 are available for long-form features, and up to $50,000 for standalone shorts.

ITVS looks for exceptional storytelling that takes risks, addresses important issues, and serves American audiences whose stories are rarely seen in public or commercial media. Projects must be in active production at the time of application. In exchange for funding, ITVS retains certain broadcast and streaming rights during the licensing term and serves as a co-producing partner.

Eligible applicants are independent documentary producers who are U.S. citizens or legal residents. The application deadline for the 2026 cycle is June 29, 2026.

$refs. searchInput. focus(), 10)"> 662 films funded by Open Call Production or post-production support for nonfiction documentaries between 10 and 90 minutes.

What You Get With ITVS Funding Up to $400k in funding for long-form features Up to $50k in funding for stand-alone shorts Co-production support, creative development, and feedback from ITVS You maintain full editorial, creative, and financial control ITVS retains certain streaming and broadcast rights during the licensing term We’re looking for exceptional storytelling that aligns with our mission: stories that take risks, tackle important issues, address the needs of American audiences, and are rarely seen in public or commercial media.

We recognize the hard work you’ve put into your project, and we’ll partner with you to help you complete it, then distribute it across public media platforms. Open Call offers up to $400,000 in co-production funding to independent producers of nonfiction documentaries, ranging from shorts to features. The documentary can be on any subject, or any viewpoint or style, as long as it’s in active production .

For pre-production nonfiction projects, see our development fund. Open Call is not a grant. You’ll receive funding in the form of a co-production agreement that assigns ITVS certain broadcast and streaming rights to your project during the contract term.

We’ll be co-producing partners and collaborate editorially on your vision. Be sure to allow enough time (2-4 weeks) to complete the application. ITVS has adopted the Non-Fiction Core standards as a foundation for our funding applications.

Much of the Open Call application has been aligned with this model; however, you’ll need to complete a few additional production details to complete the application, as ITVS is supported by public funds. Our most recently funded films BACKSIDE: The Unseen Hands of Horse Racing BACKSIDE: The Unseen Hands of Horse Racing Applications Closed January 30 Independent Lens Creator Lab Not currently accepting applications