Channel 4 BRITDOC Foundation

Conditions of Funding

These are the conditions that apply to all funding...

  • All applications MUST be made online using the link on the right. In order to apply for a grant, you will need to sign up and choose a password. This system allows us to track proposals and means that every proposal will be seen by the whole editorial team before we come back to you with a decision. PLEASE do not send proposals via email as you will only be asked to resubmit online.
  • Applications for funding are welcome from filmmakers working together collaboratively but should be made by one director from the team (who will be the main point of contact). We do not accept applications for funding from producers.
  • All our funds are open to British filmmakers living anywhere in the world and filmmakers from anywhere who are living in Britain full-time and have been for at least six months (Irish submissions will also be considered).
  • As the Foundation's title sponsor for the next 3 years, Channel 4 get a 'first look' option on all films and developments that we fund - see below for a full explanation of what this means.

The Channel 4 First-Look Option

Channel 4 is the title sponsor of the BRITDOC Foundation and as such has a 'first-look' option over everything that we fund. If you receive a grant from us, Channel 4 will have 10 weeks from delivery of your completed film to decide if they would like to show it on either Channel 4 or More4. If they decide to exercise their option, they will be granted the television rights (and limited online and VOD rights) for £1, as set out in the Channel 4 Licence Agreement and Deal Terms. Download Channel 4's sample License Agreement here > Download Channel 4's License Agreement Deal Terms here > The exercise by Channel 4 of its rights in your film is subject to a holdback period of up to 2 years as explained below. If Channel 4 decide not to exercise their option on your film, the UK TV rights (and associated online and VOD rights) revert to you. What about all the other rights? You, the filmmaker, retain all other rights in your film: DVD, theatrical, video on demand (subject to Channel 4's limited rights) and international broadcast rights (other than UK and Eire). This means that you are free to exploit these rights and hopefully make some money on your film.

What does the 2 Year Holdback Period mean?

If Channel 4 decides to exercise their option on your film, you can request that they delay the broadcast by up to 2 years after completion. This will give you time to show your film at international festivals and exploit other distribution opportunities for your film - the Foundation team will help you with this and may provide you with an additional budget to help market and distribute your film. However, if you would rather that Channel 4 did not delay the broadcast, we can communicate this to them and the film will then be scheduled where appropriate by the Channel.

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The Channel 4 BRITDOC Foundation
is a new social entrepreneurship organisation bringing new thinking to public service delivery.

© 2009 The Channel 4 BRITDOC Foundation,
PO Box 60415, LONDON E2 6WQ.