“Environmental racism and contamination of any community deprive [its] residents of the basic right to live in a clean, healthy, and safe environment. This is a right that is inherent to all human beings, yet many are deprived due to their income, race, or ethnicity.” — Catherine Coleman Flowers, founder, of the Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice
An open call for feature-length documentaries and short films (nonfiction or narrative) that are currently in pre-production, production, or post-production is made by BPM every year. Each initiative should be appropriate for distribution through public media. BPM 2023 Open Call will emphasize climate stories. Awards will be announced in December 2023.
about the open call theme and the submission process. Participation in these sessions is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Black Public Media enlists the support of an independent review panel of media professionals across the industry. The panel reviews the proposals in a two-tier review process. Applicants will be notified as their project advances to the next stage. Below are some of the guidelines used by the panel:
- Project Idea and Story: Does the treatment provide a clear description of the narrative arc and filmic approach? Does the proposal express a deep and clear understanding of the subject matter? Is/Are the theme(s) well developed? Are the characters or subjects well drawn? Is there an original and creative approach to the subject matter in terms of form, structure, and content?
- Production Readiness: We seek projects that can be completed within 18 months of receiving funds. Has the applicant presented a project idea and production timeline that is realistic?
- Production Team: Does the production team have the experience necessary to complete the proposed project? Are one or more key creative positions (producer, director, writer, editor) held by people of color?
- Project Budget: Can a quality program be completed with the proposed project budget? Does it match the needs of the project, (i.e., production design, locations, archival, etc.)? Is there evidence of confirmed or pending funds and/or a clear and concrete fundraising plan? Is it realistic? Does the fundraising plan complement the timeline for expected completion (18 months)?
- Work Sample: Is there evidence of strong storytelling (i.e., the narrative arc is clear and compelling)? Does the work sample show sound interviewing techniques, compelling characters, and visual or audio aesthetics? Does the work sample effectively support the stated treatment and approach? If a past work has been submitted, is it an indicator of success for the proposed project?
Benefits:
- 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 (a) be the project’s producer or director, (b) be a US citizen, (c) 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:
- Visit the apply link / click on the “Apply Now” button.
- Register to create a new account
- Complete all the information cells as instructed
