Apply to: PBS Ignite Mentorship for Diverse Voices (compensated)

PBS Ignite Mentorship for Diverse Voices is a virtual 12-month initiative for up to 12 early-career filmmakers from underrepresented communities with two in-person gatherings. It is an opportunity for filmmakers to spend a year developing their career path and exploring the process of content production for public media. Whether applicants have a current project underway or are looking to start a new one, this program provides tools to help support participants’ professional path forward.

PBS Ignite Mentorship offers:

Mentorship: Each participant receives one-on-one mentorship from professionals with rich experience in public media who will share insights and provide guidance to help mentees advance towards their filmmaking goals.

Networking: PBS Ignite provides opportunities to network with public television senior leadership and executives through both virtual and in-person sessions.

Workshops: Mentees meet monthly for virtual workshops delivered by seasoned professionals to further equip the participant with the necessary skills to advance their career in public media.

Topics may include crafting treatments and proposals, pitching, budgeting, funding strategies, story development, licensing, distribution, and standards & practices. Mentees are given and must complete workshop assignments over the course of the program.

Cohort Support: Participants will be a part of virtual facilitated cohort meetings designed to build connections, engagement, and empowerment

PBS Ignite Mentorship includes:

• Two-day orientation in May during the PBS Annual Meeting in San Diego. This includes complimentary access, participation in closed meetings with PBS Leadership and staff, a customized session itinerary and networking mixers. Roundtrip travel and accommodations are provided by PBS.
• Those individuals selected will receive $10,000 for their participation to be distributed over the course of the 12-month Mentorship Program.
• During the latter part of the program, mentees will have an opportunity to submit a proposal and pitch for consideration for a 10-minute episode of a PBS Digital Studios series. If the proposal is accepted, the participant will receive full funding to create the project.

For more info and to apply visit: https://www.pbs.org/about/producing-pbs/ignite-mentorship/