Black Voices Creator Fellowship
YouTube Originals / The Black List
DEADLINE: December 15, 2022
INFO: The inaugural Black List x YouTube Originals Black Voices Creator Fellowship will provide four writers who can write exceptionally and authentically about the Black experience with $40,000 each to produce a proof of concept and develop a pitch for a television series that authentically reflects the Black experience. Each Fellow will also receive mentorship from an established showrunner over the course of the six-month Fellowship.
Writers who have not had any previously compensated script-writing work produced in their film or television writing careers can opt into consideration via the Black List website. At that time, the Black List will choose up to fifteen shortlisted writers, whose work and initial series pitches will be shared with YouTube Originals, who will decide the fellowship recipients in February 2023.
Black List x YouTube Originals Black Voices Creator Fellowship is open to feature, episodic, and theatrical writers; however, please note recipients for this Fellowship will have to produce a proof of concept short and develop a pitch for a television series. Additionally, $20,000 of the $40,000 grant must be allocated as production funds for the proof of concept short.
https://blcklst.com/partnerships/opportunities/126
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OPEN CALL
iTVS
DEADLINE: December 16, 2022 11:59pm PST
INFO: Get funding and support to complete your single nonfiction program for broadcast on public television—whether you’re an emerging filmmaker or a veteran producer.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS: We’re looking for exceptional storytelling that’s in line with our mission: stories that take risks, tackle important issues, address the needs of underserved audiences, and are seldom seen in public media. We know how hard you’ve worked on your project, and we’ll partner with you to help you finish it, then distribute it on public television.
Open Call gives independent producers up to $350,000 to complete production for a standalone broadcast length documentary to air on public television. The documentary can be on any subject, viewpoint or style as long as it is in active production already, as evidenced via a ten to fifteen minute work in progress sample. For pre-production nonfiction projects, see Diversity Development Fund or Short-Form Open Call.
Open Call is not a grant. You will receive funding in the form of a co-production agreement that assigns ITVS certain broadcast and streaming rights to your project during the term of the contract.
Be sure to allow sufficient time (2-4 weeks) to complete the application. ITVS has adopted the Non-Fiction Core standards as a foundation for our funding applications. Much of the Open Call application has been aligned with this model, however, there is additional production detail required to complete the application as ITVS funds documentaries for public television.
WHO WE FUND:
Single, non-fiction projects of standard broadcast length (30, 60, or 90 minutes) that aren’t intended solely for theatrical or SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) release. We do not accept live-action drama or fiction.
Broadcast distribution for feature length programs on public television are very limited. ITVS may require you to deliver a one-hour version of your program.
Works in progress.
WHAT WE EXPECT:
After you submit your application, you will receive notification of your status within 16-20 weeks. If you are among a small group of finalists who advance through a series of peer reviews, you will be asked to submit additional materials for a feasibility review.
Decisions are final and may not be appealed. However, unsuccessful applicants are welcome to apply again in the future. Reviewer feedback will only be provided to those applicants that make it to panel review or, based on staff capacity, for those applicants from Phase One.
Production and Distribution
ITVS doesn’t just fund your film. We provide you with creative development and feedback, and, depending on the broadcast outlet, with marketing, publicity, and audience engagement services. You own copyright and maintain full editorial, creative, and financial control.
Funded projects will be expected to acknowledge the production support from ITVS in all program and publicity materials; cooperate with ITVS’ publicity protocols; provide timely information to ITVS about project activities, including notification of and request for approval of any major changes to the project; and submit contract deliverables, including final financial reporting at the conclusion of the project. Failure to submit the final financials will preclude applicants from eligibility to apply for future funding.
When your program is at or near completion, we offer it to and work closely with public television programmers across the U.S. to secure a sublicense of public television broadcast rights and ensure the broadcast of your program. ITVS will enter into a license agreement for exclusive domestic television rights.
Most ITVS-funded programs air on PBS series such as Independent Lens, POV, American Masters, FRONTLINE, and America ReFramed. Our programs also have success in the festival, educational video, home video, SVOD and foreign broadcast markets.
ELIGIBILITY:
The owner of the copyright of your production and maintain editorial control of the story. If more than one applicant is included on the application, both applicants must be copyright owners.
Not employed full-time as a producer or director by a broadcast entity or film studio.
Someone with previous film or television production experience in a principal role: director, producer or first-time filmmakers with an experienced producer attached to the project.
Graduate thesis are eligible as previously completed work. Undergraduate student work will not be reviewed
Applying to only this ITVS funding initiative at this time – we won’t review projects already under consideration for other ITVS funding.
A citizen or legal resident of the U.S. or its external territories age 18 or older.
Individuals can only submit one application per round, as either an applicant or a second applicant. However, an applicant can be a member of the key creative personnel on multiple projects.
Seeking funding for only production activities that support the completion and delivery of a program for broadcast.
Submitting a project that is in production or post-production. Projects that are early in production may not be as competitive unless you have demonstrated access, strong storytelling in your treatment and work sample, and an urgency to the story.
You are not eligible to apply if you are:
Currently enrolled student.
Current signatories of any ITVS production contracts who have not yet completed delivery.
Producers representing foreign-based production entities.
Persons employed full-time as producers/directors by a public or commercial broadcast entity, including public access stations.
Organizations including universities, foundations, and nonprofit organizations.
Your project is too advanced (e.g. at fine cut or festival submission cut).
Programs that have been previously broadcast, or distributed publicly (including theatrical, festivals, educational, community screenings or online platforms).
Former employees who have worked for ITVS within the past 12 months.
https://itvs.org/funding/open-call
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BLACK BOY WRITES/BLACK GIRL WRITES MENTORSHIP INITIATIVE
Mike Gauyo / Stage 32
DEADLINE: December 18, 2022 at 11:59pm EST
SUBMISSION FEE: $0
INFO: Mike Gauyo (Insecure, Ginny & Georgia) and industry-leading training platform Stage 32 open submissions to the Black Boy Writes & Black Girl Writes Mentorship Initiative under the Black Boy Writes Media banner.
The initiative, which launched at the top of 2021, focuses on supplying industry access and resources to preWGA Black screenwriters. In partnership with Stage 32, admissions for the 2023 class will open November 18th 2022 and close December 18th 2022. The first round of the application will require a bio, 1-hour or half-hour original script (of any genre), and a short essay. Those chosen to move to the second round will interview with Mike and the initiative's Chief of Programming, Ashley Aronson, before 10 to 12 participants are selected.
Features of the mentorship initiative include monthly Writer Roundtables with established writers/industry leaders. Past participants include Amy Aniobi of Insecure, Kay Oyegun of This Is Us, and Golden Globe Winning & Oscar-NominatedWriter Kemp Powers writer of Soul and One Night in Miami.
In addition, mentees will participate in writing workshops and notes sessions to prepare mentees for Fellowships, Generals, and Staffing. They will also participate in general meetings with Networks and Production Companies. Past participants include Nick Jr., OutTV, Plan B, and Array. And at the end of the program, each mentee will have the opportunity to be read by Mike Gauyo’s agents at Culture Creative and Lit Managers at Writ Large, for representation consideration.
Mentees will also receive education and training through Stage 32 Next Level Education in the form of a free webinar of their choice and Stage 32 Script Services in the form of a free pitch session with the executive of their choice. Each mentee will also receive the latest in Final Draft software.
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ELEVATE COLLECTIVE
Inevitable Foundation
DEADLINE: Rolling
APPLICATION FEE: $0
INFO: The Elevate Collective empowers mid- and upper-level disabled screenwriters with the mentorship, coaching and connections they need to level-up their careers.
FAQS:
Why did you create Elevate Collective?
Mid- and upper-level disabled screenwriters need targeted support, education, connections and financial resources—small to medium-sized actions that can have an outsized impact, especially in an industry that is mostly focused on supporting emerging talent. Based on the learnings from our Fellowship program, we wanted to support more disabled screenwriters and help them accelerate their careers, with an important emphasis on building community. For mid- and upper-level disabled writers, there are very few places to turn for this industry-specific support, which is why we created Elevate Collective.
What is the difference between the Elevate Collective and an Elevate Collective Award?
Elevate Collective is an ongoing community of disabled writers who can turn to each other for ongoing support, networking and camaraderie. The Collective is made up of Elevate Collective Award recipients, who have received one-time $5,000 grants that can be used for coaching, education, mentorship, work-from-home equipment and/or IP acquisition.
What does an Elevate Collective Award include?
Elevate Collective Members receive a $5,000 professional development grant, which can be used for career coaching, professional development script consultations, equipment and IP acquisition. Elevate Collective Members also have quarterly check-ins with the Inevitable Foundation team and regular events for members to meet their peers and build community with other disabled screenwriters.
Does Inevitable Foundation own the Intellectual Property (IP) that Elevate Collective Members acquire?
No. When Elevate Collective Members use Elevate Collective Awards to purchase IP, the Member is the right’s holder.
How long does an Elevate Collective Award last?
The financial benefits of an Elevate Collective Award must be used within six (6) months. However, Elevate Collective Members will continue to have access to events and community building opportunities indefinitely.
Can I apply for an Elevate Collective Award more than once?
Yes. If you receive an Elevate Collective Award, you are not permitted to apply again for one (1) calendar year, after which you may re-apply. Receiving an Elevate Collective Award once does not guarantee that you will selected in the future.
ELIGIBILITY:
What are your eligibility requirements?
General eligibility requirements:
Self-identifies as disabled.
18 years of age or older.
Currently pursuing a career in screenwriting.
Not enrolled in an accredited degree program.
Currently or previously has worked in the entertainment industry.
Applicants must also meet at least two (2) of the following criteria:
Has an agent or a manager
Member of the WGA, Animation Guild or equivalent union
Has sold a script, TV show, or pitch before
Has staffed on a tv show or received a writing credit on a movie
Has been or currently are in development with a major production company, studio, or network
APPLICATION PROCESS:
What information does the Application ask for?
The Application requires the following information:
Standard Demographic Information including race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.
Writer Questions (max 250 words each)
What have you accomplished in your career over the last two years?
What is the next level you want to achieve in your career
What are the biggest things in the way of you reaching that next level?
Why is disability representation important to you?
What projects are you currently working on?
List title, format, genre(s) and loglines.
Resume or CV