RI PBS – Request for Proposal: Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic

This is a funding opportunity for independent producers from Rhode Island PBS. Read on for details and submission information. The submission deadline is March 8, 2021.

Request for Proposal: Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic
February 8, 2021
Issued by: WSBE Rhode Island PBS
Rhode Island PBS Contact: Lori Sullivan, Director of Content
lsullivan@ripbs.org
(401) 222-3636 x337

Introduction
Twenty-twenty was certainly a year that has left an indelible mark on all of us. A year that altered plans, ruined lives and for far too many ended their journey. It has caused all of us to rethink how we run our businesses, interact socially and at the very basic level, how we live our lives. With all the bad that has happened in the past ten/eleven months, there is certainly a lot of good out there also. This is where you come in. Rhode Island PBS is asking for proposals from independent producers to develop and produce short films 3 – 5 minutes in duration with the subject being the COVID-19 pandemic. These films will be broadcast on the channels of Rhode Island PBS and their digital media outlets.

Background
Rhode Island PBS has a proud tradition of producing and presenting award-winning content that spans the interests of preschoolers to senior citizens, staying true to our mission of engaging viewers of all ages since 1967.

As television, we are Rhode Island’s most accessible learning resource. We are committed to the principle of lifelong learning, and carry that message “beyond the box” into the community. With that commitment and our mission at our core, our vision is to help build a better and stronger community.

Much of the success of Rhode Island PBS has been achieved through partnerships and
collaborations with key stakeholders and talented individuals in our community. We are now
looking to expand these relationships to highlight how 2020 has impacted us.

Project
We are looking for the production of 3 – 5 minute short films which respond to the global pandemic. The subject can be of a personal response (i.e. the point of view of a health care professional, small business owner or even a parent) or a community story that reflects on the pandemic from either a contemporary or historical perspective, humor and of course, creativity is encouraged.

Funding Potential
Recognizing the need for assistance with this project, we are offering funding at the levels that
follow:
– 3 films at $5,000 each;
– 3 student or recent graduate films at $3,000 – plus a $1,000 honorarium for any advisor who
assists the student or graduate.

How to Apply
Submit a one to two-page proposal covering the following for your project to Lori Sullivan,
Director of Content, Rhode Island PBS, 50 Park Lane, Providence, RI 02903, (electronic
submission via email preferred) lsullivan@ripbs.org.

• Logline – a brief, one-sentence, summary of your program, that states the central conflict of the story, a synopsis of the story’s plot, and an emotional “hook” to stimulate interest.
• Story Summary – What is your story? Please provide an overview of your story,
  introducing the main character and any potential plots. Describe the anticipated story
  structure and narrative trajectory. Discuss your access to the story and characters.
• Sub-Topic Summary – Describe why this sub-topic to the COVID-19 pandemic is important and relevant. Explain why you are the best person to tell this story. Detail the sub- topics issues, themes, challenges, stakes or questions that your project will cover. Explain any cultural or social connections if relevant.
• Artistic Approach – Describe your creative vision for the project – its visual look and feel. Explain your intended artistic approach that informs the storytelling.
• Expense Budget – Please provide your project’s projected total expenses.
• Sample of your Work (encouraged) – Provide a sample of prior work, including where it has screened, to help strengthen your application.

Selection Criteria
Your application will be reviewed by a committee assembled by Rhode Island PBS and will be
judged against your fellow applicants based on the following:

• Funding Criteria
  • Quality of cinematic form and technique
  • Originality of filmmaker’s voice, vision, and point of view
  • Resonance and power of the film’s core idea or story
  • Feasibility of production

Timelines
RFP Submission Deadline – March 8, 2021 April 9, 2021
Application Reviews Completed – March 12, 2021 April 16, 2021
Winner Notifications – March 15, 2021 April 16, 2021
Project delivery Date – April 23, 2021 May 14, 2021