INDEPENDENT LENS SEEKS SUBMISSIONS FOR OCTOBER 2010 - JUNE 2011 SEASON

Submission Deadline: September 25, 2009

Read the Independent Lens Submissions FAQ >>

Independent Lens is a nine-month national primetime series on PBS that showcases independent programming. We are seeking submissions of completed programs for broadcast during the October 2010 - June 2011 season. Jointly curated by PBS and ITVS, Independent Lens welcomes the full spectrum of independent film—from history to drama to animation to shorts to social issue documentaries. Programs accepted for the series must be 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. Although primarily a nonfiction series, dramas, 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. The majority of programs accepted will be scheduled in a one-hour time slot.

Independent Lens accepts only those 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 70 PERCENT OF THE CONTENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEEDBACK FROM PBS AND ITVS, OR HAS BEEN INVITED TO RESUBMIT.

FILMS MUST ALSO HAVE BEEN PRODUCED IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS. OLDER CONTENT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Programs accepted for Independent Lens will receive a license fee. The standard acquisition fee begins at $30,000 for an hour-length program. No fee will be paid if programs have been funded from organizations within the public television system (PBS, CPB, ITVS, Minority Consortia, etc.).

Programs acquired for Independent Lens must carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance and be fully cleared for broadcast in the U.S. If the program does not currently have E&O, filmmakers will need to make arrangements to fulfill this requirement.

Independent Lens programs must meet PBS technical guidelines. Specifications 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 25, 2009 to:
INDEPENDENT LENS Submission
PBS
2100 Crystal Drive
Arlington, VA 22202

Due to the large volume of submissions, Independent Lens staff is unable to provide producers with updates during the curating process. If you secure another acquisition deal between November 2009 and April 2010, please notify Lois_Vossen@itvs.org or KLo@pbs.org.

All producers will be notified of Independent Lens acquisition decisions the first week of June 2010.

Independent Lens also seeks to acquire the new media (online distribution) rights for all programs on the series to serve our public media mission and mandate. It is important for filmmakers and audiences that we make the programs we acquire available to emerging audiences online. When acquiring new media rights, PBS requires exclusivity and a typical license period of 3 years. We have created filmmaker friendly partnerships with iTunes, Hulu, YouTube, among other online distribution outlets. PBS and Independent Lens work with your existing home video and educational distributors to assure customized exposure and favorable financial terms for your program. By distributing your film online, Independent Lens and PBS generate revenue for you, and provide branded promotional opportunities and open doors to new and larger audiences for your program.

About PBS
PBS, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is a private, nonprofit media enterprise owned and operated by the nation’s 350 public television stations. Serving over 90 million people each week, PBS enriches the lives of all Americans through quality programs and education services on noncommercial television, the Internet and other media. More information about PBS is available at pbs.org, the leading dot-org Web site on the Internet.

About ITVS
Independent Television Service (ITVS) funds and presents award-winning documentaries and dramas on public television, innovative new media projects on the Web, and the weekly series Independent Lens on Tuesday nights at 10 P.M. on PBS. ITVS is a miracle of public policy created by the vision of media activists, citizens and politicians seeking to foster plurality and diversity in public television. ITVS was established by a historic mandate of Congress to champion independently produced programs that take creative risks, spark public dialogue and serve underserved audiences. Since its inception in 1991, ITVS programs have revitalized the relationship between the public and public television, bringing TV audiences face-to-face with the lives and concerns of their fellow Americans. Visit itvs.org for more information.

Read the Independent Lens Submissions FAQ >>