Submissions

INDEPENDENT LENS SUBMISSIONS
FOR OCTOBER 2012 - JUNE 2013 SEASON
Submission Deadline: Friday, September 30, 2011

Read the Independent Lens Submissions FAQ >>

Independent Lens is a nine-month national primetime series on PBS that showcases independent films. We are seeking submissions of completed programs for broadcast during the October 2012 - June 2013 season. Jointly curated by ITVS and PBS, Independent Lens welcomes the spectrum of independent documentary including social issue, point of view, history, and animation. Programs accepted for the series feature compelling stories, well told, with elements suited to attract a national audience. Independent Lens seeks work that is innovative, provocative, character driven and well crafted. We welcome individual expression and are committed to presenting diverse points of view.

Independent Lens is an acquisitions series and accepts advanced fine cuts and completed works of all genres and lengths; experimental and short works are also welcome. While programs of all lengths (30s, 60s, 90s, etc.) are accepted, please keep in mind that PBS has standard broadcast length requirements, which may necessitate edits. A majority of the programs accepted will be scheduled in a one-hour time slot, with a total running time of 53:25 minutes or a 90-minute time slot of 83:25 minutes.

Independent Lens accepts only those independently produced works solely produced and authored by individuals not acting under the employment of a television station or major production and/or distribution studio.

Programs previously turned down by Independent Lens will not be reconsidered unless the producer has made substantial changes to at least 75% of the content in accordance with feedback from ITVS or PBS, or has been invited to resubmit.

Films must also have been produced in the last three (3) years. Older content will not be considered. Programs accepted for Independent Lens will receive a license fee that is negotiated relevant to market rates. The standard acquisition fee begins at $30,000.

If a program is accepted to Independent Lens, the filmmaker will be required to secure errors and omissions (E&O) insurance and all content in the program must be fully cleared for broadcast on U.S. television. If the program does not currently have E&O insurance, filmmakers will need to make arrangements to fulfill this requirement after the film is accepted for broadcast.

Independent Lens programs must meet PBS and FCC broadcast standards, and meet PBS technical guidelines. PBS technical guidelines can be found at pbs.org/producers/redbook. Independent Lens programs must comply with PBS editorial and funding standards. Information on PBS editorial and funding standards can be found at pbs.org/producers/guidelines.

Filmmakers must include the following materials with their submission:

• Two (2) DVD copies of the completed program, and
• A completed PBS Release and Submission Form that includes information on funders/underwriters, funding amounts, etc.
  Download the form >> (DOC, 72KB)

Materials should be sent by Friday, September 30, 2011 to:
INDEPENDENT LENS Submission
PBS
2100 Crystal Drive
Arlington, VA 22202

Regrettably, due to the large volume of submissions, Independent Lens staff is unable to provide producers with feedback notes if your film is not selected. If you secure another acquisition deal before the Independent Lens decision, please notify melody_sorensen@itvs.org or KLo@pbs.org.

All producers will be notified of Independent Lens acquisition decisions as soon as we have screened and fully evaluated your submission. Filmmakers can expect to receive notification before April 15, 2012.

Independent Lens also seeks to acquire the digital (new media) rights for programs on the series to serve our public media mission. It is important for filmmakers and audiences that we make the programs we acquire available to emerging audiences online. We have created filmmaker friendly partnerships with iTunes, Netflix, Amazon.com, and Hulu. Independent Lens works with your existing home video and educational distributors to assure customized exposure and favorable financial terms for the online distribution of your program. By distributing your film online, Independent Lens generates revenue for you, provides branded promotional opportunities, and open doors to new and larger audiences.

About ITVS

Independent Television Service (ITVS) funds and presents award-winning documentaries and dramas on public television and online, innovative new media and interactive projects, the weekly series Independent Lens on Tuesday nights at 10 P.M. on PBS, and Global Voices on the PBS WORLD Channel. ITVS was created to foster diversity in public media. Established by an Act of Congress, ITVS champions independently produced programs that take risks, spark public dialogue and serve underserved audiences. Since its inception in 1991, ITVS programs bring audiences face-to-face with the lives and concerns of their fellow Americans and people around the world. Visit itvs.org for more information.

About PBS

PBS, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is a private, nonprofit media enterprise owned and operated by the nation’s nearly 360 public television stations. Transforming itself from a solely broadcast organization to a multi-platform leader that serves Americans through television, mobile TV, the Web, and other media, PBS enriches the lives of all Americans through quality programs and educational services.PBS reaches almost 117 million people through television and nearly 20 million people online each month. More information about PBS is available at pbs.org, the leading dot-org website on the Internet.

Read the Independent Lens Submissions FAQ >>