This grant program will not be impacted by federal funding or recent Executive Orders.
2. Can I have 2 hosts? A different host for each episode? No host at all?
While we encourage strong personality driven content, this doesn’t require a host. Alternatively, it could have multiple hosts. So long as you adhere to the prompt of the grant - an exploration and reflection of life and culture in Central Texas - submit!
3. These funds won’t allow me to make my entire series. Can I apply for this grant to make my first few episodes?
Applications submitted should be for the entire season of your series. We plan to release the complete seasons of the two winner’s programs next year. If your budget is well beyond the $35k this grant offers and you’re not sure how you’ll secure additional funds, we encourage you to wait and submit next time. However, if your budget is beyond the $35k, but you already have other funds lined up or a solid plan to secure then, then apply. Feasibility is a judging criteria.
4. Can I employ a minor in my crew? Can I have a minor star in my series?
We would prefer your crew to be of age. If you plan to have minors in your series as subjects or talent, you will need to obtain a talent release form from them and their guardian. We will collect all relevant paperwork from the grantees.
5. I’ve never made anything, should I apply?
As long as someone in a key role on your team (producer, executive producer, or director) has the relevant experience to demonstrate that the series can be complete within one year, then you should apply! Relevant experience means that person has previously worked on (produced or directed) a project (of any length) that was completed and released.
6. I’m planning to hire a producer if I win the grant, but they’re not attached yet. Should I apply?
We strongly encourage you to apply once you have a team member with relevant experience attached to the project.
7. Who will own the series’ copyright when it’s complete?
You will! We want you to own the content you create.
8. Do I have to premiere it on the Austin PBS YouTube channel?
Yes. A part of the agreement will be that the series will premiere on the Austin PBS YouTube channel.
9. Can I upload my series to other places? What about my own YouTube channel?
Yes, there will be an exclusive 2 year holdback, but after that, you are free to upload your series anywhere you wish - including your own YouTube channel or with other companies that you may strike distribution deals with.
10. What sort of paperwork will I be signing?
A grantee agreement and a license agreement. The licensing agreement will grant us two years of exclusivity.
11. How and when will the money be dispersed?
We will release the funds on an ongoing basis, as certain status updates are met. We will discuss the relevant details with the winners.
12. Will my series be on tv?
We will certainly promote your series on Austin PBS as it relates to speaking about the grant. In regards to broadcasting the series, it depends on our programming needs. We will have those conversations during the winners post-production, prior to their release.
13. What is Austin PBS’ editorial involvement going to be?
We want our grantees to creatively express themselves in an authentic way. An important part of our selection process will be ensuring that your creative vision is something we believe in and can get behind. We will be here to support you throughout every step of the way in your process and will likely engage our marketing team so that we can support the release strategy/process, including, but not limited to: selecting episode thumbnails, episode titles, etc.).
No, unfortunately that is not something we have the bandwidth to do.
15. Does it have to be a certain amount of episodes and length?
Yes, winners will need to make at least 6-8 episodes. The length of the content will vary depending on content type. For example, a docu-series might have shorter lengths while a vodcast might have longer lengths.
It depends on many factors. If you need in-kind support from Austin PBS, this will need to be noted in your application. We cannot guarantee that we’d be able to accommodate.
17. Will you provide me with production insurance, clearances, permits, etc.?
Any project related items will be the responsibility of the producers and should be considered and accounted for as a part of your budget and pitch. However, we will add you to our E&O insurance prior to the series release.
18. I have multiple ideas. Can I submit multiple applications?
We encourage you to submit one (1) application for the project that you are most passionate about and has the greatest chance of being produced and released within 1 year as well as creating an impact.
19. Do all of my episodes need to be shot in Austin?
We’re looking for a reflection and exploration of life and culture in Central Texas. So, yes - plan to film all episodes within Central Texas.
20. I already have a web series/podcast - can I apply for this to continue an existing series?
We’re looking for original ideas/stories, so if you have an existing series, we strongly encourage you to modify and enhance it for this opportunity. Or perhaps this is an opportunity to try something new altogether!
