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What is ITVS's mission?
The Independent Television Service (ITVS) brings to local, national and international audiences high-quality, content-rich programs created by a diverse body of independent producers. ITVS programs take creative risks, explore complex issues, and express points of view seldom seen on commercial or public television. ITVS programming reflects voices and visions of underrepresented communities and addresses the needs of underserved audiences, particularly minorities and children.
How and when was ITVS created?
The Independent Television Service (ITVS) formed out of a decade-long struggle by independent media artists and community activists to ensure diverse voices on public television. In 1988, Congress passed legislation directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to negotiate with a national coalition of independent producer groups to establish ITVS. In 1991, ITVS opened its doors, distributing approximately $6 million annually to independent producers. The challenge was to be a catalyst for change, a way for independent producers to participate in and define the cultural dialogue of public television.
Why is ITVS called a "service"?
A bridge between producers and public television, ITVS provides a comprehensive service including funding, creative development, feedback during production and - unique to ITVS - a comprehensive public television launch which includes marketing, publicity, website, station relations and outreach support.
Who does ITVS serve?
ITVS serves three constituencies: the viewing public, the independent media community and the public television system. We expand viewers' horizons with adventurous programming; we support independent makers by providing them with funding, content development assistance and with marketing, promotion and audience outreach when the program is broadcast. Finally, we serve the public television system by making available energetic new independent programming.
What is ITVS's total annual budget, and how much is allocated for production?
Our current annual budget is approximately $12.8 million, of which 90 percent is earmarked for production.
How does ITVS promote its programming?
Many people are surprised to learn about the comprehensive range of promotional services we provide for programs. Once we fund a program, we nurture and support it through broadcast and beyond. Our communications staff handles strategic planning and promotion including station relations, broadcast distribution, publicity, website production and community outreach. To make its programs relevant and vital to local communities, ITVS created ITVS Community, a network of field organizers who build partnerships between community-based organizations, local public television stations and independent producers. Through ITVS Community Cinema, ITVS presents screenings and discussions in more than 35 cities across the country.
How can I find out when there are Community Cinema screenings near me?
To learn more about Community Cinema and see the schedule of upcoming events, go to the ITVS Community section of this site.
Who is eligible to apply to ITVS for funds?
Independent producers or independent entities producing television, film or video are eligible to apply to ITVS. An independent producer must be at least 18 years old and have some previous film or television production experience as demonstrated by the required sample tape. [For more information on producing for ITVS go to the For Producers section of this site.]
I have questions about ITVS’s various funding opportunities. Where can I learn more?
ITVS has several calls for proposals every year and has developed an FAQ for each of them. For filmmakers who are U.S. citizens or legal residents, these include Open Call,
LINCS—Linking Independents and Co-producing Stations and the Diversity Development Fund. For filmmakers outside of the U.S., we have the International Call.
How does ITVS work to assure diversity in its pool of applicants?
ITVS is dedicated to representing diverse voices on public television and constantly strives to reach minority filmmaking communities throughout the United States. We often partner with the Minority Consortia, five organizations which harness the creative talents and stories of minority communities, including African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Our efforts also include outreach to regional and niche festivals where ITVS staff participate in workshops and serve on panels. In addition, the ITVS board of directors holds meetings and public receptions in cities throughout the United States. The LINCS initiative, which pairs producers with local public television stations, has been particularly successful in soliciting work from a geographically diverse cross-section of the United States.
I’m a filmmaker and would like to know about ITVS events in the field.
ITVS staff members attend film festivals, markets and conferences throughout the U.S. and around the world, serving on panels and pitch sessions and meeting one-on-one with filmmakers. To find out about upcoming events, sign up to receive Beyond the Box Monthly, ITVS’s email newsletter.
How can I, as a viewer or taxpayer, give feedback to ITVS?
We welcome your feedback about ITVS shows! You can e-mail us directly and/or search for the show-specific website for the program about which you are interested in commenting. On each program site, there is a "talkback" section, where you can post your comments and read what others have to say. You are also welcome to write to ITVS at 651 Brannan St., Suite 410, San Francisco, CA 94107.
