In a time of uncertainty for non-fiction filmmaking, with the closure of Participant and a general slowdown in the industry, the Independent Television Service (ITVS) is stepping up to the plate. ITVS, a long-standing champion of independent documentary filmmaking, is expanding its flagship funding program, Open Call, to encompass short-form content alongside feature-length documentaries.
A History of Supporting Bold Non-Fiction Stories
ITVS has been a pillar of the documentary filmmaking scene since the 1990s. Through Open Call, the organization has awarded over $100 million in funding to more than 600 documentary projects. Past recipients of ITVS funding include critically acclaimed films like “Fire Through Dry Grass” by Andres Jay Molina and Alexis Neophytides, and the Academy Award-nominated “Minding the Gap” by Bing Liu.
Open Call 2024: Bigger Budget, Broader Reach
This year’s Open Call initiative marks a significant expansion for ITVS. In addition to increasing the total allocated funding (Open Call offers up to $400,000 in co-production support), the program has broadened its eligibility criteria. For the first time, short-form documentaries will be considered alongside traditional feature-length projects.
ITVS Embraces the Evolving Landscape of Non-Fiction
“The bold nonfiction stories that engage today’s streaming audiences know no bounds,” stated Jim Sommers, an executive at ITVS. This statement reflects the organization’s recognition of the changing landscape within documentary filmmaking. The rise of streaming platforms has created new avenues for non-fiction storytelling, and ITVS is adapting its approach to support this evolution.
Sommers further emphasized, “We’re eager to expand access to ITVS Open Call through new guidelines and attract artists with diverse storytelling visions.” The inclusion of short-form content underscores ITVS’s commitment to fostering a wider range of creative expression within the documentary field.
The Power of Public Media Distribution
ITVS co-productions have a strong track record of reaching audiences through distribution on PBS, a cornerstone of American public television. These documentaries are often featured on acclaimed non-fiction series like “American Masters,” “Frontline,” and “Independent Lens.”
Independent Lens Embraces Streaming Future
Lois Vossen, the Executive Producer of “Independent Lens,” echoed the sentiment of embracing change within the non-fiction landscape. She stated, “Where, when, and how we discover and watch nonfiction programming is always changing. Independent Lens is committed to evolving into a streaming-first series on public media platforms.” Vossen’s statement highlights the recognition that audiences are increasingly consuming content through streaming services.
“Independent Lens” is proactively adapting to this new reality by prioritizing online distribution. Vossen’s closing invitation, “We invite you to bring your talent and creativity to help reimagine our series, available online to every American,” extends an opportunity to filmmakers to contribute to the future of this public media powerhouse.
A Beacon of Hope for Doc Filmmakers
With the recent closure of Participant and a general sense of uncertainty within the non-fiction film industry, ITVS’s expanded Open Call initiative offers a welcome dose of optimism. By increasing funding and embracing short-form documentaries, ITVS demonstrates a commitment to supporting a wider range of filmmakers and fostering creativity in the evolving world of non-fiction storytelling.
