POV

POV, public television's premier showcase for independent nonfiction film and video, seeks programs from all perspectives to showcase in its annual national PBS series. All subjects, styles and lengths are welcome.

About the Series

Each year, POV brings 12 to 16 new films to public television viewers. Our summer series and year-round specials push the boundaries of nonfiction television with work from emerging and established filmmakers that reflects the range and diversity of American voices — viewpoints that enrich, enlarge, challenge and refine our experience of the world.

If your non-fiction film has a strong perspective, a dedication to quality, contemporary relevance and a passion for your topic, then the POV series is the best place for a national television broadcast. If you believe the entire country should see your film, POV is for you.

POV films are seen in 97% of the country with an average audience of 2-4 million per broadcast, making POV the most-watched independent documentary showcase on television today. Thousands see our films in community and educational screenings around the country, and our website has millions of visitors each year. We also develop strategic national press and promotional campaigns to highlight the issues explored in POV films.

POV is filmmaker-focused; intent on supporting and presenting the work of today's best contemporary storytellers. We believe in the power of stories to change minds and hearts, enlarging our understanding of the world around us. Our goal is to surround each film with the tools to ensure a long and active life on television and beyond.

Eligibility

POV considers work that fits all of the following criteria:

Non-fiction only. Works that integrate some fictional elements or create genre hybrids can be considered. Please do not submit docudramas, reenactments, or performance pieces. When in doubt, please call our office, (212) 989-8121, ext. 380.

Works by independent film or video makers. Works produced by independents in association with a station or an organization are acceptable if editorial control was entirely in the hands of the film or video maker. Instructional films, films made for a client, and sponsored films are not eligible.

Works that have not been broadcast nationally. In most cases, POV expects to provide the broadcast premiere of a program. POV will, however, consider a work when it is of special merit and has had only limited television exposure (such as broadcast on local public TV stations or on cable systems with limited geographical reach).

Works released within the past four years. POV will consider exceptional works completed before this date only if they have achieved significant recognition through festivals, awards or reviews. However, the producer or distributor must contact our office to obtain clearance before the work is submitted. Eligibility of films released prior to the four-year cut-off date is solely at the discretion of the Executive Director.

Works that are complete or nearly complete. POV considers completed work or fine cuts for standard acquisition. The series also occasionally provides limited funds for completion costs such as sound editing, mixing, negative cutting, on-line editing, etc. Co-production funds are available in certain circumstances. Completion funding will be applied towards the acquisition fee for broadcast rights. Samples, assemblies, rough cuts or excerpts usually cannot be considered for broadcast in the upcoming season, but may be eligible for support as a work-in-progress. See the "In The Works" section below for details.

Works not previously submitted to POV Exceptions will be made for work that was previously submitted in non-final form, and for a small number of producers who are invited to re-submit their films. Those producers should either include a copy of our letter, or call our office before completing their submission form. All other previously submitted works will be disqualified.

Works of any length will be considered. Please note that producers may be asked to cut works longer than 52:30 to comply with the POV/PBS broadcast format. Short films (less than 30 minutes) are welcome and encouraged.

Works that comply with PBS underwriting guidelines. For details on PBS National Program Funding Standards and Practices, please visit the PBS web site.

In The Works.

Samples, excerpts and other good ideas...

If you have a non-fiction project you'd like us to know about, but it is not yet ready for standard submission, please fill out the sections of the submission form that apply to your project's current stage of production (research, production, post-production, etc.). Be sure to indicate that your project is "In The Works" by checking the box at the top of the form. Also, please attach a brief bio as well as a projected budget and schedule for your project, if available. Feel free to send along any updates to your project as it develops to cfe[at]pov.org.
(Note: Please specify if you do not want information about your project passed along to other parties.)

The Executive Director reserves the right to make exceptions to these guidelines in special cases.