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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 14 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 nonfiction film has a strong perspective, a dedication to craft, 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:

Nonfiction 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 filmmakers. Works produced by filmmakers in association with a station or an organization are acceptable if editorial control was entirely in the hands of the filmmaker. Instructional films, films made for a client, and sponsored films are not eligible.

Works that have not been broadcast nationally. 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 by Non-U.S. based filmmakers. POV welcomes and encourages submissions from filmmakers worldwide. If your film has not been previously broadcast in the US and meets all other eligibility requirements you may submit to POV for consideration.

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 near completion. 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. Producers who have been invited to resubmit should call our office before completing their submission form. Producers whose work has significantly changed since the previous submission should contact our office. All other previously submitted works will be disqualified.

Works of any length will be considered. Short films (30 mins. and under) are welcome and encouraged. Please note that producers may be asked to cut works longer than 51:20 to comply with the POV/PBS broadcast format.

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

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

In The Works.

If you are submitting a project that is “In the Works,” please contact POV before beginning your application.

Samples, excerpts and other good ideas…

If you have a documentary project you’d like us to know about, but is not yet ready for our competitive submission process please select the “In the Works” submission category. Complete only the section of the submission form that applies to your project’s current stage of production (research, production, post-production, etc.). Director and Producer bios and contact information are required with any “In the Works” submission. 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.