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P.O.V., 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.

The 2009 P.O.V. Call for Entries is underway!

Submit your film for consideration for the 2009 broadcast season. Visit cfe.pov.org for the complete submission guidelines and our online submission form.

 

Eligibility

P.O.V. considers work that fits all of the following criteria:

Nonfiction only. Works that integrate some fictional elements or create genre hybrids can be considered; docudramas, re-enactments and performance pieces cannot.

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, P.O.V. expects to provide the broadcast premiere of a program. P.O.V. will, however, consider a work when it is of special merit and has had only limited television exposure (such as being broadcast on local public TV stations or on cable systems with limited geographical reach).

Works released within the past four years. P.O.V. will consider exceptional works completed before this period only if they have achieved significant recognition through festivals, awards or reviews.

Works that are complete or nearly complete. P.O.V. primarily 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. 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 P.O.V. 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. All other previously submitted works will be disqualified.

Works of any length. Short pieces (20 minutes and under) are welcome and encouraged. Please note that producers may be asked to cut works longer than 52:30 to comply with the P.O.V./PBS broadcast format.

Works that comply with PBS underwriting guidelines. Check the PBS website for further details on PBS National Program Funding Standards and Practices.

In the Works. If you have a nonfiction project you'd like us to know about, but it is not yet ready for standard submission, feel free to contact us. Send an email to intheworks@pov.org with a brief bio as well as a projected budget and schedule for your project, if available. Be sure to specify if you do not want information about your project passed along to other parties. There is no deadline for "In the Works" submissions.

The executive director reserves the right to make exceptions to these guidelines in special cases.

Questions? Call P.O.V. at 1-800-756-3300 x380.

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