TVFilm is an engaging, juried showcase for short creative works of a diverse regional community of independent film and media artists in Upstate New York. TVFilm offers filmmakers in our area a chance to share their thoughts on the challenges and triumphs of independent filmmaking. TVFilm is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

TVFilm will be airing in summer 2024 on WMHT and available to stream on the PBS Video App. The program will also be made available on all 8 NY PBS member stations digital platforms.

ABOUT WMHT
WMHT Public Media, located in New York State's Capital Region, serving Eastern New York and Western New England, is the only locally owned, nonprofit, multichannel public communications organization that reaches beyond the traditional broadcasting model to act as a leader by convening arts, culture, learning and civic interests. WMHT focuses on Community, Culture and Connections by providing entertainment, enrichment and engagement through television, radio, digital media, and educational services.

YOU MUST READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BEFORE SUBMITTING:
Read the eligibility requirements and submission guidelines here OR on wmht.org/TVFilm

TVFilm 2024 Eligibility and Submission Requirements
Online Application: Must be completed no later than 11:59pm EST on Thursday, February 29th, 2024.
PLEASE READ EVERYTHING BELOW¬¬
Feel free to contact us at tvfilm@wmht.org if you have a question or need clarification.

Eligibility
• The applicant must be an independent film/media maker. The applicant must have artistic, budgetary and editorial control of their project and must be able to legally grant WMHT the right to broadcast the film.
By submitting the application, you represent that you have secured all necessary rights. Applicants are solely responsible for obtaining all necessary rights and permissions for third-party materials included in their films, including but not limited to music, trademarks, logos, copyrights, all persons and entities connected with the production, visual elements (footage, photos and graphics, etc.) and any literary material on which it is based.
If multiple filmmakers are attached to one film, a single representative must be identified by the applicants to legally represent the film and accept liability for all rights and responsibilities thereof, including indemnifying WMHT for any alleged violations. This individual must meet all eligibility criteria and be able to sign and receive the licensing fee, if a film is selected for inclusion in TVFilm.
• The applicant must have been at least 18 years of age at the time of production.
• The applicant must be a resident of Upstate New York and legally authorized to work in the United States. Upstate New York is defined as counties north and west of the larger New York City area starting with Duchess, Ulster and Sullivan counties.
• Short films must meet WMHT broadcast standards and technical requirements.
• The maximum length for film submissions is 25 minutes.
• Film submissions must have been completed no earlier than three years prior to submission year
• Applicants grant WMHT non-exclusive rights to broadcast their film (in part or entirety) on TV, online or any other media. WMHT will also have the right to reproduce and distribute all images, titles, and related materials for the purpose of advertising and promotion, including public screenings.
• Films can be any genre or visual style. We will also consider works-in-progress that meet the above criteria. Note: public service announcements, commercials, and feature length film trailers are not eligible for consideration.
• All films must be in English or subtitled in English. All films that are selected are required to provide an .srt file or open captions for accessibility during broadcast.
• All submissions must include a completed entry form, synopsis of the film, filmmaker bio and the URL for where the film can be viewed online (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.). The URL link must remain active through the submission deadline.
• All previous film submissions to TVFilm are not eligible for re-submission.
• The submission deadline is Thursday, February 29th, 2024.

Submission Process
Film selection: Films will be juried by an advisory panel and the producer of TVFilm. The advisory panel is composed of respected professionals in independent film and public media and were invited by WMHT to participate. Selected filmmakers will be asked to submit at their expense a copy of their film in a HD digital file format for broadcast.
Music Cue Sheet: Selected filmmakers will be required to complete a Music Cue Sheet detailing information on each piece of music used in the film, including: the writer(s), publisher(s), usage of the music (background, theme, etc.), performance rights, length of the music, and song title.
Film Stills: If your film is accepted, you must be able to provide a film still that is a minimum 300dpi and high quality. A film still should be from the film itself and draw viewers in and make your film look appealing.
Subtitles: All films must be in English or subtitled in English. All films that are selected are required to provide an .srt file or open captions for accessibility during public exhibitions.
Synopsis: The synopsis you submit when filling out your online application will be used on the TVFilm website, social media and for other promotions. TVFilm reserves the right to edit the synopsis for length and grammar.
Notification: If your film is selected to be part of TVFilm, you will be notified via email on April 30, 2024. You will also be notified by email if your film is not selected. Please make sure that you notify us if your email changes.
Exhibition Requirements: Selected short films will be broadcast in a 16 x 9 HD format. Short films that are not 16x9 will be altered to accommodate the programs’ 16x9 aspect ratio. The exhibition copy of film must be received no later than June 1, 2024.

WMHT and its affiliates comply with applicable State and Federal laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), or genetic information and expect all filmmakers to comply with the same.

NOTE: Submissions that are missing required information or are incomplete will be immediately rejected.

Overall Rating
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  • Dorothea Braemer

    A fantastic program! I wish we had more of these PBS-affiliated programs that feature independent films. Kudos all around!!!

    September 2023
  • Mariam Elasser

    A wonderful festival and opportunity for filmmakers in the upstate area just starting out. Helped me gain a lot of confidence in my work!

    October 2022