OVERVIEW
PBS provides a service to all Americans by presenting programs that share a wide variety of perspectives and lived experiences. We also strive to elevate talented individuals from a variety of backgrounds to innovate and deliver on our mission.
The PBS Ignite Filmmakers Program under its Creative Voices Initiative is a hybrid 12-month program for up to 10 early-career filmmakers who have experienced barriers to entering the media industry. 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 Filmmakers Program offers:
- Workshops: Filmmakers meet monthly for virtual workshops delivered by seasoned professionals to further equip the participants with the necessary skills to advance their careers in public media. Topics may include crafting treatments and proposals, pitching, budgeting, funding strategies, story development, licensing, distribution, and standards & practices. Filmmakers are given and must complete workshop assignments over the course of the program.
- 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.
- Cohort Support: Participants will be a part of virtual facilitated cohort meetings designed to build connections, engagement, and empowerment.
- In-person gatherings: The Ignite Program convenes at the PBS Annual Meeting May 19 - 21, 2025, which takes place in Atlanta. Participants of the Program receive complimentary access, participation in closed meetings with PBS leadership and staff, a customized session itinerary and networking mixers. Roundtrip travel and accommodation are provided by PBS. There are other opportunities for gatherings throughout the year.
- Stipend: Those individuals selected will receive $10,000 for their participation to be distributed over the course of the 12-month Program.
- PBS Episode Pitch & Possible Production: During the latter part of the program, filmmakers will be able to pitch an episode concept for consideration for one of the pre-selected PBS Digital Studios series. If the pitch is accepted, the participant will have the opportunity to produce/direct the episode under the direction of the show's production team.
- Time Commitment: Participants should be prepared to spend up to 12 hours per month on meetings, assignments, and other activities.
Eligibility Requirements:
Self-identify as an early career filmmaker
Producer or director (credited) on at least 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 May 19 - 21, 2025 at the PBS Annual Meeting in Atlanta.
The mission of this program is to support filmmakers and content creators who have experienced barriers to entering the media industry including those who can bring lesser-known stories or insightful perspectives to the media industry. Applicants should be prepared to share about their background/experiences and how they believe it fulfills this mission.
Participants must reside in the United States during the program.
There will be special consideration for applicants with experience or work history demonstrating their commitment to public media
March 16, 2025 12:01am EDT - Application opens
April 6, 2025 11:59pm EDT - Application closes
For questions, contact PBSCreativeVoices@pbs.org
Return to PBS Website
PBS CREATIVE VOICES - Ignite Filmmaker Program
OVERVIEW
PBS provides a service to all Americans by presenting programs that share a wide variety of perspectives and lived experiences. We also strive to elevate talented individuals from a variety of backgrounds to innovate and deliver on our mission.
The PBS Ignite Filmmakers Program under its Creative Voices Initiative is a hybrid 12-month program for up to 10 early-career filmmakers who have experienced barriers to entering the media industry. 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 Filmmakers Program offers:
- Workshops: Filmmakers meet monthly for virtual workshops delivered by seasoned professionals to further equip the participants with the necessary skills to advance their careers in public media. Topics may include crafting treatments and proposals, pitching, budgeting, funding strategies, story development, licensing, distribution, and standards & practices. Filmmakers are given and must complete workshop assignments over the course of the program.
- 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.
- Cohort Support: Participants will be a part of virtual facilitated cohort meetings designed to build connections, engagement, and empowerment.
- In-person gatherings: The Ignite Program convenes at the PBS Annual Meeting May 19 - 21, 2025, which takes place in Atlanta. Participants of the Program receive complimentary access, participation in closed meetings with PBS leadership and staff, a customized session itinerary and networking mixers. Roundtrip travel and accommodation are provided by PBS. There are other opportunities for gatherings throughout the year.
- Stipend: Those individuals selected will receive $10,000 for their participation to be distributed over the course of the 12-month Program.
- PBS Episode Pitch & Possible Production: During the latter part of the program, filmmakers will be able to pitch an episode concept for consideration for one of the pre-selected PBS Digital Studios series. If the pitch is accepted, the participant will have the opportunity to produce/direct the episode under the direction of the show's production team.
- Time Commitment: Participants should be prepared to spend up to 12 hours per month on meetings, assignments, and other activities.
Eligibility Requirements:
Self-identify as an early career filmmaker
Producer or director (credited) on at least 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 May 19 - 21, 2025 at the PBS Annual Meeting in Atlanta.
The mission of this program is to support filmmakers and content creators who have experienced barriers to entering the media industry including those who can bring lesser-known stories or insightful perspectives to the media industry. Applicants should be prepared to share about their background/experiences and how they believe it fulfills this mission.
Participants must reside in the United States during the program.
There will be special consideration for applicants with experience or work history demonstrating their commitment to public media
March 16, 2025 12:01am EDT - Application opens
April 6, 2025 11:59pm EDT - Application closes
For questions, contact PBSCreativeVoices@pbs.org
Return to PBS Website