BACKGROUND
PBS remains committed to amplifying and elevating diverse voices and perspectives across its content services, and initiatives. Through the PBS Accelerator Fellowship, mid-career content makers are hired on many of PBS’s ongoing nationally distributed series. The PBS/Firelight William Greaves Production Fund resources documentary productions by mid-career filmmakers from diverse communities that are intended for distribution on PBS through finishing funds or co-production funding. The PBS Open Call provides funding support for long and short form documentaries by diverse/BIPOC content creators.
OVERVIEW
PBS Ignite Mentorship for Diverse Voices is a virtual 12-month initiative for up to 12 early-career filmmakers from underrepresented communities with two in-person gatherings. It is an opportunity for filmmakers to spend a year developing their career path and exploring the process of content production for public media. Whether applicants have a current project underway or are looking to start a new one, this program provides tools to help support participants’ professional path forward.
PBS Ignite Mentorship offers:
Mentorship: Each participant receives one-on-one mentorship from professionals with rich experience in public media who will share insights and provide guidance to help mentees advance towards their filmmaking goals.
Networking: PBS Ignite provides opportunities to network with public television senior leadership and executives through both virtual and in-person sessions.
Workshops: Mentees meet monthly for virtual workshops delivered by seasoned professionals to further equip the participant with the necessary skills to advance their career in public media.
Topics may include crafting treatments and proposals, pitching, budgeting, funding strategies, story development, licensing, distribution, and standards & practices. Mentees are given and must complete workshop assignments over the course of the program.
Cohort Support: Participants will be a part of virtual facilitated cohort meetings designed to build connections, engagement, and empowerment
PBS Ignite Mentorship includes:
- Three-day orientation in May during the PBS Annual Meeting in San Diego. This includes complimentary access, participation in closed meetings with PBS Leadership and staff, a customized session itinerary and networking mixers. Roundtrip travel and accommodations are provided by PBS.
- Those individuals selected will receive $10,000 for their participation to be distributed over the course of the 12-month Mentorship Program.
- During the latter part of the program, mentees will be able to submit a proposal and pitch for consideration for a 10-minute episode of a PBS Digital Studios series. If the proposal is accepted, the participant will have the opportunity to produce/direct the episode.
Participants should be prepared to spend up to 12 hours per month on meetings, assignments, and other activities, all meetings aside from the Annual Meeting will take place virtually.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Self-identify as an early career filmmaker
- Producer or director (credited) on at least 1 or 2 short or feature documentary films, distributed publicly through a third party (accepted at a film festival, streaming/television broadcast or public event). This does not include films that were a part of a student production.
- Ignite participants must be available in-person for orientation in May, which will coincide with the PBS Annual Meeting in San Diego.
- A participant should be able to demonstrate affinity with groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in media, including but not limited to groups identified by race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical ability, geographic location, socio-economic status, and other factors.
- There will be special consideration for applicants with experience or work history demonstrating their commitment to public media
TIMELINE
January 16, 2023 - Application opens
January 26, 2023 – Informational Webinar
February 20, 2023 - Application closes
February - March - Application review period
Early April 2023 - Finalists Interviews
Late April 2023 - Final Notification
May 15-17, 2023 - In-person Orientation, PBS Annual Meeting, San Diego
The submission period for the PBS Ignite Mentorship is now closed and we are no longer accepting applications.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions
For questions regarding the PBS Ignite Mentorship program, please attend our Webinar on January 26th from 8pm – 9pm EST.
For additional questions, contact .
