Deadline: September 25, 2023
Black Public Media’s annual Open Call invites proposals that celebrate the complexity of the Black experience. Each year, BPM issues an open call for feature-length documentaries and shorts (nonfiction or scripted) that are currently in research and development, pre-production, production or post-production. All projects should be suitable for public media distribution. The focus of the 2023 Open Call is climate stories.
They are looking for traditional media projects that present the voice of the Black community as it relates to the changing environment. The range of creative approaches under their content priority is wide and varied. Proposals should present a compelling story, show a clear understanding of the subject, and detail an original and creative stylistic approach designed to illuminate the issues, spark conversation and point to equitable solutions for the current crises.
Award
- ONE, $30,000 award for a stand-alone or limited series short project (documentary or scripted).
- FIVE, $40,000 awards for broadcast-length or feature projects, plus an invitation to compete in PitchBLACK Forum.
- ONE, $150,000 PitchBLACK Award for a broadcast-length or feature project.
Eligibility
- The applicant must:
- be the project’s producer or director
- be a US citizen
- have a minimum of three years professional producing and/or directing experience, or have a senior producer attached to the project;
- Key creative personnel (producer, director, writer, or editor) must include a person of color;
- All submissions must include a video sample. Projects in research and development must include a full-length completed work by the applicant. Projects in production must include a 10-minute sample of the project that is being submitted. Projects in post-production or further must have a full-length rough or fine cut to be considered;
- The applicant must be able to complete the project within 18 months;
- The applicant must hold artistic, budgetary and editorial control, and must own the copyright of the proposed project;
- Projects or production entities that are foreign-based, owned or controlled are NOT eligible. Neither are industrial, promotional or student films.
Application
The deadlines are strict. They highly recommend that you start your application in plenty of time and “save” to complete your submission over time. As soon as the application window closes, a panel of media professionals across the industry will evaluate the proposals in a two-tier review process.
For more information, visit Black Public Media.
