WGBH Project Proposal Submissions

Select a series to learn more and submit your proposal.

Submission Release Form By clicking “I have read and agree to the Submission Release” on the box below to this Release, the person/entity submitting materials ("Submitter") to the WGBH Educational Foundation ("GBH"), is signifying Submitter's agreement with and acceptance of all terms and conditions of this Release as well as the terms and conditions in the Terms of Service. Submitter understands and agrees that agreement to and submission of this Submission Release Form is a prerequisite to GBH's review of the material submitted.

All references to "GBH" in this Release shall include any subsidiary or affiliated entities as well as GBH’s trustees, officers, agents, employees, consultants, contractors, lessees, licensees, successors and assigns.

1. SUBMITTED MATERIAL: The submission, including, without limitation, all documents, correspondence, media, recordings, works and any other materials provided with the submission, are collectively referred to as the “Material.”

2. OWNERSHIP OF MATERIAL: Submitter represents that it is either: (a) the sole and exclusive creator and owner of the Material and that no other persons or entities have any right, title or interest to the Material; or (b) the sole and exclusive authorized representative of all persons or entities that may claim an interest in the Material, and that no other persons or entities other than those represented by Submitter have any right, title or interest to the Material. In addition, Submitter represents that no rights in the Material have previously been granted to anyone nor has the Material otherwise been exploited or distributed in any way.

3. DISCLOSURE NOT CONFIDENTIAL: Submitter acknowledges that GBH may disclose the Material to its employees, and/or to individuals or entities outside GBH’s employ or control in order to determine the Material’s value to GBH. It is understood that no confidential or fiduciary relationship is entered into between Submitter and GBH by reason of GBH's consideration of the Material or by reason of any discussions between Submitter and GBH.

4. INDEPENDENT CREATIONSubmitter acknowledges that GBH receives many submissions and often receives identical material or ideas from independent sources. Consideration of the Material is not an admission by GBH of the novelty, propriety or originality of the Material. GBH shall not be obligated to further consider Submitter’s Material or to negotiate with or enter into an agreement with Submitter pertaining to the Material. Submitter acknowledges that GBH has no obligation to accept, reject or otherwise act or cease to act on material that GBH receives from independent sources, whether or not such sources or materials are related to Submitter or Submitter’s Material and Submitter is not entitled to any compensation by reason of the use by GBH of such similar or identical material. Further, Submitter shall not hold GBH liable for third-party submissions containing material similar or identical to the Material.

5. USE OF MATERIAL: Submitter agrees that any part of the Material that is not novel or original and/or is not legally protected (e.g., in the public domain) may be used by GBH without any obligation to Submitter. Any consideration by GBH of the Material does not waive GBH’s right to contest the validity of any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights claimed by Submitter.

6. REVIEW OF MATERIAL BY GBH: Submitter represents that the Material is being submitted to GBH voluntarily and without promise or inducement. Submission of the Material neither imposes nor creates any obligation on the part of GBH to accept the Material for distribution or exhibition through any medium or platform or to acknowledge the submission of the Material. Submitter grants GBH the right to possess, view, copy and share the Material for the purpose of determining whether or not to act on the submission.

7. NO COMPENSATION: No agreement for compensation shall be implied from GBH’s consideration or review of the Material, or from any discussions between Submitter and GBH concerning the Material. If GBH elects to use any portion of the Material which is legally protected, GBH and Submitter shall negotiate in good faith concerning any such use. However, GBH shall not be under any obligation to Submitter with respect to the Material except as may later be set forth in a fully executed written agreement between GBH and Submitter.

8. ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIONS: Submitter hereby represents and warrants that: (a) submission of the Material and GBH’s review and use thereof shall not violate any personal or property rights of any third party or constitute defamation, libel or slander against any third party; (b) the Material is not subject to any current, anticipated or threatened litigation, arbitration or other dispute or adversarial claims or proceedings; and (c) Submitter has the full right and authorization to submit the Material to GBH upon all of the terms and conditions stated herein.

9. SUBMISSION NOT RETURNED: Submitter must retain a copy of the Material and agrees that GBH shall not have any obligation to return the submitted copy of the Material and that GBH is under no obligation for any loss/damage to the submitted copy. Submitter fully releases and discharges GBH from any liability in connection with any loss or damage to the Material and acknowledges that GBH may destroy the Material after it is submitted to GBH.

10. RELEASE: Submitter has fully read and understands and agrees to the terms and conditions of this Release. Submitter hereby releases, acquits and forever discharges GBH of and from any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, proceedings, costs, expenses, liabilities, obligations and compensation of any kind whatsoever, in law or in equity, whether known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, accrued or hereafter to accrue, under any theory of law, which Submitter have or may have against GBH arising from GBH’s (or GBH’s lack of) receipt, possession, use and/or disposal of the Material now or in the future.

11. INDEMNITY: Submitter agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless GBH from and against any claim, loss, obligation, liability or expense including reasonable outside attorneys’ fees that may be asserted against or incurred by GBH in connection with the Material submitted hereunder, any use of such Materials by GBH or any breach of any representation, covenant or warranty made by Submitter hereunder. This indemnity includes without limitation any claims that the Material violates or infringes any copyright, patent, privacy right, publicity right, trademark, service mark, or any other personal property right of any person or entity, or that the contents of the Material constitute or include defamation of any person or entity.

12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This release constitutes the entire understanding of Submitter and GBH as of the date hereof. GBH reserves the right to update or vary the terms of this Release and its submission policies and procedures. Notice shall be deemed given if the updated or varied terms are publicly available and accessible, such as on the GBH website or directly communicated to Submitter. No other agreement, written or oral, expressed or implied, exists between Submitter and GBH with respect to the Material. Any modification or waiver hereunder or termination hereof must be in writing and signed by both Submitter and GBH. The invalidity of any provision hereof shall not affect the remaining provisions. The representations, warranties, and indemnities herein shall survive the termination, execution, completion, or expiration of this Release.

13. ARBITRATION: Any claim by either party relating to this Agreement that cannot be settled through direct discussions shall be resolved by binding arbitration administered by JAMS or its successor (“JAMS”) at its Boston, Massachusetts office before a single neutral arbitrator appointed in accordance with the streamlined arbitration rules and procedures, including the optional JAMS Rules and appeal procedures, which provide among other things for limited discovery and other exchange of information and that each party will contribute equally to pay JAMS fees and expenses. The arbitrator shall follow the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Federal Rules of Evidence in adjudicating the matter and there shall be no award of punitive or special damages. The JAMS Rules are available atwww.JAMSADR.com. All arbitration proceedings shall be treated as confidential and may be disclosed only to those with a need to know or as may be required by law or to enforce any arbitration award. Any claim that may not be arbitrated under applicable state or federal law may be heard only in a court of competent jurisdiction in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Submitter expressly submits and consents in advance to such jurisdiction in any action or proceeding and waives any objection it may now or hereafter have to venue or to convenience of forum.

[7.8.25]

American Experience

Television's most-watched history series.

For nearly 30 years, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE has brought to life the incredible characters and epic stories that have shaped America’s past and present.

GUIDELINES

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE looks for good dramatic stories out of the American past, stories about people both ordinary and extraordinary, about events that helped define who we are as Americans and why we are the way we are. We accept completed films and works-in-progress (including films in production, films at rough cut and films with substantial funding in-hand). We are not currently accepting proposals for film ideas.

Before making your submission, please keep the following in mind:

  • AMERICAN EXPERIENCE prefers one-hour, single-subject programs, but will consider longer films.

  • The film should have a strong narrative, compelling characters, skillful editing and be grounded in sound historical scholarship.

  • Proposals should not be on a topic we have recently explored (visit our website to see the range of topics we have covered in the past).

  • The story should be of significant national interest and importance.

  • We do not broadcast advocacy programming.

Please try to include the following information in your submission:

  • Who will be making the film

  • Funds raised to date

  • A list of funders

SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT PROPOSAL TO AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

You must agree to our Submission Release in order to proceed and submit your proposal

I have read and agree to the Submission Release




FRONTLINE

America's premier investigative documentary series.

For over 30 years, FRONTLINE has served as American public television’s flagship public affairs series. FRONTLINE is committed to providing a venue for engaging documentaries that fully explore and illuminate the critical issues of our times. We seek credible, thoughtful reporting combined with powerful narrative, and a good story well told.

GUIDELINES

FRONTLINE accepts well-researched film proposals, completed films and works-in-progress—including films in production, films at rough cut and films with substantial funding in-hand.

Before making your submission, please keep the following in mind:

  • FRONTLINE prefers one-hour, single-subject programs (but occasionally accepts short segments or feature length films)

  • The film should have a strong narrative, rigorous journalism and be distinct from other media coverage.

  • Proposals generally should not be on a topic we have recently investigated (visit our website to see the range of topics we have covered in the past).

  • The story should have significant newsworthiness and national importance.

  • We do not broadcast advocacy programming or accept projects funded by advocacy organizations.

Please try to include the following information in your submission:

  • What special access you have to cover the program topic?

  • Who will be making the film?

  • Is the proposal time-sensitive?

  • Do you have funding?

SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT PROPOSAL TO FRONTLINE

You must agree to our Submission Release in order to proceed and submit your proposal

I have read and agree to the Submission Release




NOVA

America's most trusted and popular science series.

NOVA is the most-watched prime time science series on U.S. television as well as a multiplatform enterprise, producing and distributing a wide range of science content, including long- and short-form documentaries, articles, podcasts, social media content, educational materials, and interactive games. Now in its fifth decade of production, NOVA remains committed to telling in-depth science stories that resonate with viewers of all ages and backgrounds across its platforms. We produce and publish both science journalism and science communication, aimed at a wide, general audience.

And we’re excited to hear from you, including filmmakers who love to tell stories driven by curiosity and the process of discovery—but who don't necessarily think of themselves as "science" story-tellers: Please share your project and begin a dialog!

GUIDELINES

Before submitting your project, please keep the following in mind:

NOVA accepts submissions for projects at any stage of production, whether in development, shooting, editing, or completed. Our annual slate of long-form docs includes a mix of films we commission and fully fund, international co-productions, and acquisitions. We will consider feature-length, two-hour, and multipart series, but are looking primarily for 52-minute documentaries. Submissions can be in early stages of development, seeking funding, or may already have funding in place. Sizzle reels, short proposals and trailers are all accepted.

Please include as much information as you can in your submission, including the following:

  • Who are the key people who will be featured in the program? Do you have a list of potential participants, contributors, and on-screen talent? If so please provide their bios and backgrounds. Let us know if they have agreed to participate in your project.
  • Who will be making the film? Who are the key creative members on the production team? Please include descriptions of prior projects, and/or links to reels or previous films.
  • Any budget or funding information you may have at this time. If funding is still pending, please indicate that in the form and include a proposed budget and the financial contribution you are seeking from NOVA.

Please note, there could be a wait due to the high volume of proposals we receive, but we will respond to you once we’ve carefully reviewed the submission.

Thank you for your interest in NOVA. We’re looking forward to hearing from you soon!

SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT PROPOSAL TO NOVA

You must agree to our Submission Release in order to proceed and submit your proposal

I have read and agree to the Submission Release




Studio Six

Developing new diverse content.

Studio Six is the lifestyles and specials department of WGBH, researching and developing new series for the Public Television and Cable sectors. Recent production include: Sacred Journeys, Moveable Feast, Caring for Mom and Dad, I'll Have What Phil's Having, and Lidia Celebrates America

GUIDELINES

Studio Six accepts well-researched film proposals, completed films and works-in-progress—including films in production and films at the rough cut stage.

Before making your submission, please keep the following in mind:

  • Studio Six prefers multi-hour series proposals, though we will consider strong single-hour proposals

  • The series should have a strong narrative, rigorous background research and be distinct from other media on the topic.

  • The story should have a significant and national importance and interest.

  • We do not broadcast advocacy programming.

Please try to include the following information in your submission:

  • What special access do you have to cover the program topic?

  • Who will be making the film?

  • Is the proposal time-sensitive?

  • Do you have funding?

SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT PROPOSAL TO STUDIO SIX

You must agree to our Submission Release in order to proceed and submit your proposal

I have read and agree to the Submission Release




Proposal Submission Form

  • Contact
    Information

  • Project
    Details

  • Project
    Materials

  • Team
    Qualifications

PHONE NUMBERS
If someone referred you to the series, please list their name and your relationship to them.


Please provide a short summary of your film or story idea in 500 words or less.

If you have a treatment, proposal or one-pager to submit, please enter in the text field below, or upload to the Project Materials tab.

Please select the approximate project length. If 'other', please explain in the additional comments section.

Please indicate your expected completion date.


If you have a budget for the project, please enter the total ballpark amount below.


Have you secured funding? If so, please provide the names of the funder(s) and provide a brief description of the nature of the organization, foundation, or company.

IF you are looking for a set amount of funding please include below.

Check all that apply. If "other", please explain in the additional comments section.


If there was anything you weren't able to address or needs further explanation, please let us know below.

If you have a treatment, one-pager, trailer, film screener, or social media presence for this project, please share below. For video files and all files over 5MB, please share via a file-sharing website such as Hightail, Vimeo, Dropbox, WeTransfer or other player. Make sure to include username and password if applicable.


File Upload: (max file size 5MB - for video and all files over 5MB, please insert URL below)

Tell us about your team, production house and/or partners.
Tell us about previous experience your team has had, and specifically about any experience in producing programming for PBS.
WORK SAMPLES AND ADDITIONAL MATERIALS

If you have CV's, Bios, reels, or work samples for the Director, Producer or Writer, please share below. For video files and all files over 5MB, please share via a file-sharing website such as Hightail, Vimeo, Dropbox, WeTransfer or other player. Make sure to include username and password if applicable.



File Upload: (max file size 5MB - for video and files over 5MB, please insert URL below)



Form Verification

Please review and complete required fields before submitting the form

Please review and complete required fields before submitting the form