I can't access the Open Call Guidelines. What's wrong?

NBPC's Open Call Guidelines are in a PDF file. You'll need to download Adobe Reader, a free software, to access it.

How do I send it in?

NBPC is now accepting applications via an online form, click here.

Do I need to send in support materials for the first round?

No, support materials will only be requested from those applicants moving forward into the second round.

What if I'm still having problems with accessing the guidelines and application?

If you are still having problems call NBPC and we'll help. Please provide ample time for queries. NBPC will not grant deadline extensions under any circumstances.

Is June 2nd a postmark deadline for the back-up DVD?

No. If you plan to send in a back up DVD of your uploaded work sample, then June 2nd is the postmark date.

How long is the review process?

Approximately 5 to 6 months.

What's an average funding amount?

NBPC's average funding amount is $50,000.

How much can I request?

The maximum funding request is $80,000.

Can I fax my application?

No.

Can I submit two projects at the same time?

Only if the projects submitted fall into two different funding categories. For example if you submit project X for production, you can submit project Y for post-production but not for production.

Do you fund organizations?

No.

Do I have to send in a copy of my work sample?

NBPC's new online application allows you to upload your work sample, however you must send one DVD copy to the NBPC office as a back up.

Will you take VHS tapes as a back up?

No, we no longer accept VHS tapes.

Why must I submit the budget summary and also UPLOAD a detailed itemized budget?

Our program evaluators must way several factors during their review of your project. That also includes whether or not your budget realistically supports your proposed project. Some of those answers can only be found by a thorough examination of your itemized budget.

Should I send in press material as support material?

NBPC only needs press and publicity coverage if you are sending a completed program for possible acquisition.

Do I need a Fiscal Sponsor before applying to NBPC?

No. However, if you do not want your funds to be taxed as part of your individual earned income, then you will need to obtain a fiscal sponsor to receive the 501(c)(3) status prior to obtaining funds.

Okay...but what's a Fiscal Sponsor?

A fiscal sponsor is an organization that allows you to use their 501(c)(3) tax status so that you do not have to pay taxes on the funds you receive from NBPC. Please note, however, that many organizations charge administration fees for this service so do you research carefully. Some media arts organizations with Fiscal Sponsorship programs include: Film Arts Foundation, Women Make Movies, Scribe Video, Third World Newsreel, Bay Area Video Coalition, and Filmmakers Collaborative

I submitted a project last year and was declined funding, can I resubmit for the same project again this year?

You can resubmit the same project for another two years in the same category. If you are not awarded funding in all three rounds then you must sit out a year before returning.

What do you mean by "6 releases/4 years"?

Upon receiving funding from NBPC, the producer must provide NBPC with the public television broadcast rights. When the program airs on public television PBS stations can release it up to 6 times within 4 years. Thus, if your program airs January 1, 2008, it can be rebroadcast on PBS another 5 times between 2008 and 2012.

Okay, but...what's a Release?

A public television release is the day a program is broadcast plus as many repeats of the program as desired within a 7-day period following the broadcast date. Example: Program A is broadcast January 14, 2004. From January 14-21, the PBS station can play the program as often as it wants. In February 3, 2005 the same PBS station can rebroadcast Program A and repeat it as many times as it wants from February 3 - February 10, 2005. This would constitute the program's 2nd Release.

I have sold the domestic television rights for my project to a US cable entity, can I still apply for funding?

No. NBPC funding is considered a licensing fee for public television. If you have sold the domestic rights then we can't fund your project.

Can my program still tour film festivals even though NBPC has obtained the domestic broadcast rights?

Yes.

You fund primarily documentaries, do you ever fund narratives?

Yes. NBPC will consider funding narratives, however, the more commercial your narrative (i.e Soul Plane, Friday 1,2 or 3, Biker Boyz) the less likely it is that you will receive NBPC funding.

I have a completed program. Can I send it to NBPC?

Yes. NBPC is always on the lookout for compelling new programs. Please review our Acquisition Guidelines. If you believe your program meets the criteria fill out an application and send it in. Please note that it may take up to three months for us to review your submission.

I missed this year's Open Call deadline, can I send in a proposal request anyway?

Yes, Independent media makers seeking funding outside of NBPC's Open Call may submit a request to NBPC but only if they meet the criteria for the Discretionary Funding Program. Note that NBPC has a very stringent review process for projects requesting funding outside of our Open Call. We discourage first time filmmakers from applying for discretionary/completion funding, as the majority of projects supported through this program are by accomplished filmmakers, who have a national broadcast to their credit. If you would like to discuss your project with an NBPC staff member prior to submitting an application please contact Director of Programming, Leslie Fields-Cruz at 212-234-8200 x222 or leslie@nbpc.tv.

If we still have not answered your question, please email us at opencall@nbpc.tv.