Open Call is an invitation for you to produce short works and share them with the world. You pitch us an idea or submit a completed work that is relevant to the latest theme. If we like your project, we’ll give you the money and feedback to make it happen. We may even license your completed short to use on TV or online in conjunction with upcoming PBS premieres. The WGBH Lab offers advice along the way, and eventually your work will have a home here on the WGBH Lab web site. Take advantage of the Open Call community and make your voice heard!
Before you submit, have a look at
past Open Call entries. The range of approaches and interpretations might help you think about how to make your film.
How Open Call Works
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1. Submit a Pitch
Submit your best take on the theme we've outlined. We want to see your personal interpretation of the topic – we encourage films from all points of view. We’re looking for fresh ways of telling a story: a surprising visual approach, an unexpected genre, or a unique voice.
To submit a pitch, read the guidelines, check your eligibility and then fill out the online application, making sure to include your written pitch and a short video that represents your idea. This could be a 'trailer' for your short or simply a reel of your work cut in a way that represents your intended style. Be sure to only include one (1) video that you feel best represents your storytelling ability, cutting style, and overall production skills.
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2. Rate Pitches
All submitted pitches will be posted to the Lab site in the order they are received. Lab users will rate pitches as they go live based on each author's video and written summary. Once the submission period has ended, there will be 1 additional week of rating pitches. With the help of the Lab users, the Lab Creative Board will select which pitches move on to the next phase.
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3. Production + Blogging
During this time, selected producers will be given $2,000 to make their shorts and will provide updates on their experiences via the Lab Blog. Lab users will be encouraged to interact with the producers as they follow the filmmaking process.
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4. Rough Cut Review
Rough cuts of the selected projects will be posted online for review by the Lab community. The WGBH Lab Creative Board, a collection of experienced members of the broadcast industry, will offer valuable feedback on the shorts and give the producers suggestions for refining their shorts.
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5. Final Cuts
Final Cuts of all projects will be posted on the Lab website, and from here may make it to national broadcast on PBS.
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Open Call