INDEPENDENT LENS SUBMISSIONS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What are you looking for when you select programs for Independent Lens?

The curating process involves many factors but the most important is the quality of the program. Is it compelling television? Did the filmmaker have enough access to the story to give viewers a complete look at the subject matter? Is it fair and balanced—even if it has a point of view? Has the story been told before? Is the content timely? Is this a new perspective that adds to the discussion? Is the program well made and well edited? Has the content been explored on another PBS series like Frontline, American Experience, P.O.V. or Wide Angle? If so, is the subject worthy of additional exposure? Does it fit the ITVS mission? Was it satisfying from beginning to end?

After looking at programs individually, we look at the mix of programs to make sure we have a varied and expansive slate. We include some drama, international perspectives, shorts and social issue and point of view documentaries.

What kinds of programs do you want for Independent Lens?

Independent Lens is an anthology series and acquires a full range of programs: one-hour television dramas, shorts, animation, documentaries about international issues, historical documentaries about events or people that fall within the ITVS mission and social issue and point of view documentaries.

If ITVS funds a program, is it automatically assured an Independent Lens broadcast?

ITVS funded programs are not assured a broadcast on Independent Lens. They have to earn a spot. The competition is very tough and ITVS funded producers need to deliver a quality program with outstanding storytelling, content, production values and audience appeal.

How do I submit my program to Independent Lens?

We have an annual submission deadline. The next deadline is September 25, 2009. Shows submitted by that date will be considered for the October 2010-June 2011 season.

When will I learn if my program was accepted for Independent Lens?

We screen approximately 650 programs each year including submissions and programs scouted at domestic and international film festivals. It takes approximately seven months to complete the curating process. We finalize the next season’s slate in May and notify all filmmakers by the first week of June, when all the curating decisions are completed.

What does the ITVS staff do to support my program if it is broadcast on Independent Lens?

We work closely with filmmakers to help them deliver the program to Independent Lens in a way that meets all PBS regulations and technical requirements. We also have an extensive communications plan that includes local, regional and national publicity, community outreach, station relations, companion Web site, viewer Talkback online, online marketing, etc. to support the television broadcast premiere.

Will you review rough cuts of my program?

Independent Lens is an acquisition series and unfortunately we do not have adequate staff to review rough cuts. We encourage filmmakers to apply when they have a fine cut or completed program that is competitive with more than 650 other submissions. We do not review or acquire manuscripts for program ideas.

Does it make a difference if I have an outreach campaign planned or attached to my program?

No. Curating decisions are made based on the quality of the program and the factors listed above.

Does Independent Lens have any partnerships with home video distributors?

Independent filmmakers retain the home video and educational video rights to their program. We work with a wide variety of distributors to help promote the home video sales on the Independent Lens website. Filmmakers are encouraged to pursue home video and educational video distribution deals with any reputable distributor. However, independent producers need to be sure the educational and home video distribution contracts do not conflict with the Independent Lens broadcast agreement.

Independent Lens and PBS are also very interested in working with filmmakers to acquire New Media Rights that will allow us to take these programs into new online distribution platforms.

Does Independent Lens acquire shorts? If so, what is the length you are looking for?

Yes, we do acquire a limited number of short films. We encourage shorts filmmakers to submit work that is appropriate for public television and Independent Lens. Shorts can be two minutes to 25 minutes in length.

Do I have to clear rights (music, footage, interviews, etc.) for public television broadcast?

Yes. Filmmakers are responsible for clearing all the necessary rights that are required for a public television broadcast.

What is Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance? Do I need this?

Yes. You are required to purchase Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance for your public television broadcast. If you already have an existing policy in place, you will need to make amendments per your Independent Lens License Agreement.

What is the standard length for Independent Lens programs?

The majority of Independent Lens episodes have a total running time (TRT) of 53:30 minutes. Each season we have a limited number of episodes with a TRT of 83:30 minutes. This includes content and credits only. Independent Lens staff will complete the packaging, adding the PBS underwriter tags, web tags, host introduction, “Next Time on IL” tease, etc. to bring the program to the broadcast length of 56:40 (or 86:40). The filmmaker is responsible for delivering the program at the agreed upon TRT after PBS has approved your credits.

Is the delivery process and requirements for PBS the same as network, cable and theatrical markets?

No. PBS has high technical standards and special delivery requirements that are different from other television and theatrical markets. If your program is accepted to Independent Lens you will need to conform your program to PBS technical and editorial standards.

Can there be a theatrical release prior to Independent Lens broadcast?

Yes. We work with filmmakers who have theatrical distribution planned prior to the Independent Lens broadcast.

How long is the required PBS broadcast license period for Independent Lens?

PBS requires an exclusive three-year broadcast license agreement.

What is the Independent Lens acquisition fee?

The acquisition fees begin at $30,000 for a one-hour program. We occasionally pay more for highly competitive programs.

How do I submit my program for Independent Lens consideration?

Review the Independent Lens Submission Guidelines. The next deadline is September 25, 2009. Shows submitted by that date will be considered for the October 2010-June 2011 season.