Fresh Cuts Full Brief
ITV PRESENTS FRESH CUTS FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH
ITV are proud to launch a new strand of films, giving a platform to Black filmmakers, to air in Black History Month 2022.
We are looking for stories from Black first time directors who we will support with training and resources to deliver five single films which will be shown on ITV and ITV Hub as part of this new strand, Fresh Cuts.
About ITV
At ITV we connect millions of people every day, making content they can’t get enough of, and reflecting and shaping the world we live in... and we do all this through the power of creativity.
We look to commission high quality, popular television from the biggest entertainment events, to original drama, soaps, sport, factual series and independent news, both national, and regional.
We are an increasingly digitally led media and entertainment company, bringing our brilliant programmes to audiences through ITV's family of channels, and streamed through ITV Hub.
The Editorial Brief
Have you got a story you want to tell? We are looking for contemporary and innovative ideas from the next generation of directors to reflect and celebrate Black British lives today. We are looking for content that you feel is missing from our screens and stories that have yet to be told.
We are not looking for the obvious or cliched… think about what has been done before and how your idea is different... Think about stories and ideas that subvert the mainstream narratives when it comes to reflecting the lives of Black Brits… this isn’t only about history, it’s about today and beyond.
We want unique perspectives and voices. We want novel ways of telling stories and captivating viewers. We want the entertaining as well as the thought-provoking; above all else, we’re looking for authenticity and originality in both the idea and the form that it's pitched in. Think beyond conventional genres, we will consider mash ups, entertainment ideas, documentary, factual and beyond. Most importantly, we want ideas that you are passionate about.
Things to consider when pitching your ideas…
ITV is the home of big stories, what is the story that your film is telling us?
What is the best way to tell your story… is it via new presenting talent or real life characters?What shape will deliver your vision… is it observational documentary, reality or formatted?
We are an aspirational and inspirational channel, how will your idea speak to that?
Viewers are at the centre of our commissioning decisions, how would you sell your idea to a viewer?
The films will launch On Demand first, followed by a linear transmission in October
We don’t do worthy or earnest on the nose, we wear purpose lightly
Think about how you will achieve your editorial ambitions within the budget parameters
ITV is known for entertainment and mainstream content, how does your idea deliver on those brand values?
What should your pitch include…
Your idea in not more than 250 words
A treatment or pitch document that explains your idea further and the content we can expect in the film
Any sizzles/promos/taster tape for your idea that you might have (not a requirement)
If pitching access/talent, you must have it secured
Budget
We are commissioning five films and each film will have a budget of £130,000.
Criteria
You must have ability to self shoot or the budget must be able to accommodate someone to shoot
This must be your first single film or episode broadcast credit as a director/producer
You must be able to demonstrate 3+ years of television/film production experience
Be a Black Filmmaker
Please note, this is NOT for entry level talent
The Selection Process
The films will be commissioned by ITV. Each filmmaker will be housed within ITV Studios who will provide production support. The ITV Diversity and Inclusion team will deliver a programme of training.
Each application will be assessed by a panel which consists of representatives from the ITV Commissioning, ITV Studios, and the Diversity and Inclusion team.
The Application Process
In order to apply, candidates can apply via this form Please read the form carefully as you will be asked to submit your pitch and CV. If you have a showreel or taster please also include in your application.
Applications open on Tuesday 22nd February 2022 and will now close at 23:59 on 27th March 2022 (deadline has been extended). You will need to be available for interviews and further discussions about your pitch and application in the following weeks.
We hope to inform successful applicants during the week of Monday 4th April with a tentative start date of Monday 18th April 2022.
Timeline for the films
All films will be broadcast in October 2022. Once we have selected the five Filmmakers, we will work with them to offer training and support to deliver the films. The process from brief to delivery will be April to September 2022.
To view a recording of the briefing webinar follow this link.
Fresh Cuts- FAQs
What is Fresh Cuts?
As part of Black History Month, we are looking for five single films to be made by Black Filmmakers who have not made anything for ITV before. The five single films will be broadcast on ITV in October 2021.
What genres are you looking for?
We are open to all Unscripted ideas, in any genre, but the budgets are all the same- £130,000 for each film.
Why is this only for Black Filmmakers?
As this is programming for Black History Month, we are keen to hear from those who have a unique and authentic experience of being Black in the UK today. We also recognise that there is a severe lack of representation of Black Filmmakers in our industry today. There are multiple reports that have been conducted highlighting the lack of Black Filmmakers in the industry. These include the 2020 report Race and Ethnic Diversity: a deep dive into Diamond data by the Creative Diversity Network, which showed that only 1.6% of Directors were Black.
I have never had a broadcast credit but I have directed commercials. Can I apply?
Yes. We are keen to find talent from all sources as long as you have not directed any work for any public broadcasters.
What do you mean by ‘Filmmaker’?
We are keen to hear from candidates who are ready to produce and direct their first film. You will be able to demonstrate that you have relevant experience to step up into the role e.g. Shooting APs or DV directors. We know that the nature of content creation has changed so we will consider non-traditional television experience, where the candidate can demonstrate relevant experience both in terms of technically being able to make the films and editorially being able to deliver strong and compelling narratives.
Why do you want at least three years of TV/Film/Non broadcast media experience?
We are keen to find talent who have experience of making content and who have some industry related experience.
How long is each of the films?
Each film will be a single 60 mins film (but 48” when broadcast to account for ad breaks.)
What support is being offered by ITV Studios?
ITV Studios will provide all the production and support needed to deliver the five films.
What type of additional support and training will be provided to the successful applicants?
Each Filmmaker will be supported by an ITV Studios executive who will provide mentoring support. There will also be a series of training sessions which will cover everything from how to prep and deliver your film to how to maintain a happy set.
How do I apply?
You can apply on this form.
Do you have any Terms and Conditions that I need to read?
Yes, we need you to read and acknowledge that you have understood the Terms and Conditions before applying.
I have access requirements. Who can I write to before I apply?
You can email nahrein.kemp@itv.com if you have any access requirements in order to apply.
When is the deadline?
The deadline has been extended to 27th March 2022 at 23.59.