- 450 screenings at Festivals around the world
- 150 Awards in India and abroad
- 37 National Film Awards
Our Trustees» Adoor Gopalakrishnan
» Aruna Vasudev
» Fali Nariman
» Kiran Karnik
» Mrinal Sen
» Rajiv Mehrotra
» Shyam Benegal
» Sharmila Tagore
» Sunita Narain
» Jawhar Sircar
» Aruna Vasudev
» Fali Nariman
» Kiran Karnik
» Mrinal Sen
» Rajiv Mehrotra
» Shyam Benegal
» Sharmila Tagore
» Sunita Narain
» Jawhar Sircar
How does one apply to PSBT to make a documentary film?
How does one get to know if PSBT is inviting proposals?
When does PSBT call for proposals?
Does PSBT work with first-time filmmakers?
What is PSBT's commissioning process?
What is the average budget for a PSBT film?
What is the duration of films produced by PSBT?
Can one submit more than one proposal?
What is the average amount of time for production of the film?
Are there are any language constraints? Does the proposed film have to be in Hindi/ regional language or can it be in English?
Why has my proposal not been selected?
How do multiple evaluators arrive at conclusive judgments on proposals?
Are PSBT’s decisions influenced by the Government?
What if I do not agree with the comments the evaluators make on my work?
What are the criteria for selecting Films for the National Awards and other Festivals?
How does one apply to PSBT to make a documentary film?
PSBT invites proposals from independent filmmakers on general and specific themes, depending upon its commissioning cycles. A commissioning brief is announced and filmmakers are invited to submit proposals in keeping with the broad outline provided. Filmmakers can submit their proposals using the preliminary proposal form available online. We encourage filmmakers to ordinarily submit proposals only in response to the call in order to ensure that they receive a fair consideration at a time when PSBT is looking to commissioning films. However, PSBT is always open to exceptional proposals and if filmmakers feel they have something to propose, they could submit their proposal at any time of the year.
How does one get to know if PSBT is inviting proposals?
PSBT’s call for proposals is up on our website and advertised in select national newspapers, journals and magazines. The website is regularly updated and the surest way of knowing about the call.
We also send the call via email to those who subscribe to our mailing list. Kindly subscribe to our email to receive updated information on PSBT and our events.
When does PSBT call for proposals?
We ordinarily invite proposals twice a year. However, there are variations depending upon our grants, projects and current commissioning cycles.
Does PSBT work with first-time filmmakers?
Democratising of the media is the cornerstone of PSBT’s work and we especially encourage first-time filmmakers to submit proposals to us in order to provide them with the opportunity and platform to create powerful films. More than 60 per cent of our Films are by first-time and starting out filmmakers.
What is PSBT's commissioning process?
PSBT encourages the production of innovative documentary films and is committed to expanding the constituency of filmmakers within the genre. We strike a balance among first-time filmmakers, students of recognised media institutions – including recent graduates, women filmmakers and those with achievements and recognition in related fields. 65 per cent by first-time filmmakers for PSBT; 45 per cent by women and 100 per cent are independents – no middlepersons or production companies.
We are a not-for-profit body committed to supporting public service documentary films. Ours is a community resource that is limited and finite. We want to use our funds to make possible as large a number of films as is possible without compromising quality.
Ordinarily we fund projects that cost between Rs 3.5 and 4 lakh for a half hour documentary. At the same time, we are sensitive to the requirements of the films and consider higher budgets for films which may necessitate them. Some of our projects, like the one with the Public Diplomacy Division, allow for enhanced budgets. In all cases, budgets have to be well reasoned and thought through in detail.
What is the duration of films produced by PSBT?
PSBT films are usually half-hour in duration. Longer films, largely an exception, are made of two half-hour films. Currently, the duration of the half hour film is 26 minutes and the hour long one 52 minutes.
Can one submit more than one proposal?
We are not usually comfortable with processing more than one proposal at a time or a proposal from a filmmaker who still has one under production with us, unless it is very close to completion. We invest a lot of time and effort in evaluating each proposal, as much as we know the filmmaker invests in writing one. We look for personal passion and intellectual rigour in the arguments and issues the proposal addresses. Several proposals from the same filmmaker are often indicative of an assembly line pitch as if improving one's odds in a lottery.
What is the average amount of time for production of the film?
Filmmakers ordinarily have up to four to six months in which to complete the film, including a turnaround time of three weeks for clearance and payment by PSBT at each stage – i.e. contract; comments on script; comments on rough cut; comments on final film, delivery and final submissions.
Are there are any language constraints? Does the proposed film have to be in Hindi/ regional language or can it be in English?
The Films can be made in any language of the Filmmaker'ss choice, but should have an English version. In the case of films being made under the PD project, the primary version has to be in English, along with versions in Spanish, Arabic and French.
Why has my proposal not been selected?
It is a very humbling experience to have to select and take responsibility of choosing a few proposals from the many hundreds that we receive - virtually all of them from legitimate filmmakers. It is inevitable that hundreds will be disappointed, upset and some even angry.
Each proposal we receive is circulated amongst our Trustees, evaluators and our donors; but given to the large volume of proposals we receive, it gets difficult for us to support every proposal, as much as we’d love to. Sadly, there is no infallible way of predicting the success of a film on the basis of a written proposal and we’ve often seen outstanding proposals that do not lead to films that are as outstanding. We are sensitive to the time, energy, passion and hope that go into writing a proposal but unfortunately, we are left with no choice but to disappoint approximately 19 out of 20 filmmakers who submit proposals, in spite of recognising their impeccable credentials and high potential of producing very good films.
How do multiple evaluators arrive at conclusive judgments on proposals?
Commissioning decisions are taken by the Board of Trustees of PSBT (all our profiles are available on our website) consultatively and we are collectively responsible for the decisions. There is no numerical scoring process of proposals. We primarily look for ideas that are articulated in nuanced ways - through interesting cinematic treatments and the potential of the filmmaker to deliver on them. Since there can be no absolute empirical formula that can evaluate the potential of a written proposal, we stick to a consultative process of evaluation - taking into account varying opinions of each evaluator. Additionally, we do try and support a large range of filmmakers ranging from first timers, mid-career filmmakers and filmmakers hailing from different parts of India. We also seek to avoid supporting more than one film on the same subject, if we have supported one in recent years. We aspire to fair regional and gender representation. But we do confess that though we do our honest best, we sometimes end up getting it wrong.
Are PSBT’s decisions influenced by the Government?
For the record, PSBT is an independent not for profit organisation that receives grants from a number of sources, including the use of funds from its own corpus. We work in partnership with several organisations including the Films Division and the terms of our grants from the Government are governed by the rules applicable to Grants in Aid. We function independently. Quite apart from the RTI Act, we are also committed to transparency and are happy to respond to any reasonable requests for information, not available on our website.
In order to ensure a level playing field, particularly for film makers who are not from Delhi, PSBT discourages personal meetings between filmmakers and PSBT officials till the formal acceptance of proposals is in place. We are uncomfortable with filmmakers who try to, overtly or covertly, influence the decision making process. In such cases, our Trustees may even choose to disqualify such filmmakers and their proposals.
What if I do not agree with the comments the evaluators make on my work?
It is always painful and difficult to confront and accept criticism towards one’s own work. PSBT is deeply committed to the independence of the filmmaker and works towards the empowerment of the filmmaker so that he/ she can make a film in whichever way he/ she wants to, so long as it represents all facts accurately and is finally acceptable to the funding body and meets the various codes and laws.
The comments merely represent an honest, objective response to a piece of work with an intention of helping the filmmaker make a better film. We deeply respect all our filmmakers and our only expectation of them is an honest effort and an open, receptive mind. At the same time, we do recognise that ultimately any response to a creative enterprise will vary and that quite a few of the works that we reject have the potential to be later celebrated. We can only urge the comments for filmmakers’ calm consideration and expect legitimate well motivated responses to it. Our final aim is to come up with a film that we can all be proud o and which will serve its objectives. But finally, it’s the filmmakers’ call, their film and their responsibility.
What are the criteria for selecting Films for the National Awards and other Festivals?
PSBT attempts to enter its Films to as many Festivals as possible and also encourages Filmmakers to enter their Films directly. Decisions to enter Films are taken after considering various factors: the nature of the Festival; the evaluators' comments on the Films; audience responses and PSBT's evaluation of the Films.
In the case of the National Awards and the Indian Panorama, the entries are severely limited and PSBT is forced to choose out of several competing Films. Here too, the bases for selection remain the same as above and a collective decision is arrived at. Despite doing our best, PSBT realises that the decision remains a subjective one, that some may concur with and some not. PSBT's performance at the Awards suggests that we may not have been entirely wrong in our selection.
For some years now, PSBT has been vehemently campaigning for the pre-emptive right of the Filmmaker to enter her/ his Films at both, the National Awards and the Panorama. We look to our Filmmakers for support on this.
How does one get to know if PSBT is inviting proposals?
When does PSBT call for proposals?
Does PSBT work with first-time filmmakers?
What is PSBT's commissioning process?
What is the average budget for a PSBT film?
What is the duration of films produced by PSBT?
Can one submit more than one proposal?
What is the average amount of time for production of the film?
Are there are any language constraints? Does the proposed film have to be in Hindi/ regional language or can it be in English?
Why has my proposal not been selected?
How do multiple evaluators arrive at conclusive judgments on proposals?
Are PSBT’s decisions influenced by the Government?
What if I do not agree with the comments the evaluators make on my work?
What are the criteria for selecting Films for the National Awards and other Festivals?
How does one apply to PSBT to make a documentary film?
PSBT invites proposals from independent filmmakers on general and specific themes, depending upon its commissioning cycles. A commissioning brief is announced and filmmakers are invited to submit proposals in keeping with the broad outline provided. Filmmakers can submit their proposals using the preliminary proposal form available online. We encourage filmmakers to ordinarily submit proposals only in response to the call in order to ensure that they receive a fair consideration at a time when PSBT is looking to commissioning films. However, PSBT is always open to exceptional proposals and if filmmakers feel they have something to propose, they could submit their proposal at any time of the year.
How does one get to know if PSBT is inviting proposals?
PSBT’s call for proposals is up on our website and advertised in select national newspapers, journals and magazines. The website is regularly updated and the surest way of knowing about the call.
We also send the call via email to those who subscribe to our mailing list. Kindly subscribe to our email to receive updated information on PSBT and our events.
When does PSBT call for proposals?
We ordinarily invite proposals twice a year. However, there are variations depending upon our grants, projects and current commissioning cycles.
Does PSBT work with first-time filmmakers?
Democratising of the media is the cornerstone of PSBT’s work and we especially encourage first-time filmmakers to submit proposals to us in order to provide them with the opportunity and platform to create powerful films. More than 60 per cent of our Films are by first-time and starting out filmmakers.
What is PSBT's commissioning process?
PSBT encourages the production of innovative documentary films and is committed to expanding the constituency of filmmakers within the genre. We strike a balance among first-time filmmakers, students of recognised media institutions – including recent graduates, women filmmakers and those with achievements and recognition in related fields. 65 per cent by first-time filmmakers for PSBT; 45 per cent by women and 100 per cent are independents – no middlepersons or production companies.
Our commissioning procedure is transparent in which all proposals are circulated amongst all our Trustees and partner organisations. Based on their comments and our expertise, a short list is arrived at. Final commissioning is done based on several parameters including maintain a balance among regional, gender and linguistic representation. PSBT actively engages in commissioning and supervision of the production of films in a transparent, credible and professional manner. Any attempts to influence the process will lead to disqualification. We also discourage filmmakers from seeking to meet PSBT while their proposal is under consideration.
What is the average budget for a PSBT film?
We are a not-for-profit body committed to supporting public service documentary films. Ours is a community resource that is limited and finite. We want to use our funds to make possible as large a number of films as is possible without compromising quality.
Ordinarily we fund projects that cost between Rs 3.5 and 4 lakh for a half hour documentary. At the same time, we are sensitive to the requirements of the films and consider higher budgets for films which may necessitate them. Some of our projects, like the one with the Public Diplomacy Division, allow for enhanced budgets. In all cases, budgets have to be well reasoned and thought through in detail.
What is the duration of films produced by PSBT?
PSBT films are usually half-hour in duration. Longer films, largely an exception, are made of two half-hour films. Currently, the duration of the half hour film is 26 minutes and the hour long one 52 minutes.
Can one submit more than one proposal?
We are not usually comfortable with processing more than one proposal at a time or a proposal from a filmmaker who still has one under production with us, unless it is very close to completion. We invest a lot of time and effort in evaluating each proposal, as much as we know the filmmaker invests in writing one. We look for personal passion and intellectual rigour in the arguments and issues the proposal addresses. Several proposals from the same filmmaker are often indicative of an assembly line pitch as if improving one's odds in a lottery.
What is the average amount of time for production of the film?
Filmmakers ordinarily have up to four to six months in which to complete the film, including a turnaround time of three weeks for clearance and payment by PSBT at each stage – i.e. contract; comments on script; comments on rough cut; comments on final film, delivery and final submissions.
Are there are any language constraints? Does the proposed film have to be in Hindi/ regional language or can it be in English?
The Films can be made in any language of the Filmmaker'ss choice, but should have an English version. In the case of films being made under the PD project, the primary version has to be in English, along with versions in Spanish, Arabic and French.
Why has my proposal not been selected?
It is a very humbling experience to have to select and take responsibility of choosing a few proposals from the many hundreds that we receive - virtually all of them from legitimate filmmakers. It is inevitable that hundreds will be disappointed, upset and some even angry.
Each proposal we receive is circulated amongst our Trustees, evaluators and our donors; but given to the large volume of proposals we receive, it gets difficult for us to support every proposal, as much as we’d love to. Sadly, there is no infallible way of predicting the success of a film on the basis of a written proposal and we’ve often seen outstanding proposals that do not lead to films that are as outstanding. We are sensitive to the time, energy, passion and hope that go into writing a proposal but unfortunately, we are left with no choice but to disappoint approximately 19 out of 20 filmmakers who submit proposals, in spite of recognising their impeccable credentials and high potential of producing very good films.
How do multiple evaluators arrive at conclusive judgments on proposals?
Commissioning decisions are taken by the Board of Trustees of PSBT (all our profiles are available on our website) consultatively and we are collectively responsible for the decisions. There is no numerical scoring process of proposals. We primarily look for ideas that are articulated in nuanced ways - through interesting cinematic treatments and the potential of the filmmaker to deliver on them. Since there can be no absolute empirical formula that can evaluate the potential of a written proposal, we stick to a consultative process of evaluation - taking into account varying opinions of each evaluator. Additionally, we do try and support a large range of filmmakers ranging from first timers, mid-career filmmakers and filmmakers hailing from different parts of India. We also seek to avoid supporting more than one film on the same subject, if we have supported one in recent years. We aspire to fair regional and gender representation. But we do confess that though we do our honest best, we sometimes end up getting it wrong.
Are PSBT’s decisions influenced by the Government?
For the record, PSBT is an independent not for profit organisation that receives grants from a number of sources, including the use of funds from its own corpus. We work in partnership with several organisations including the Films Division and the terms of our grants from the Government are governed by the rules applicable to Grants in Aid. We function independently. Quite apart from the RTI Act, we are also committed to transparency and are happy to respond to any reasonable requests for information, not available on our website.
In order to ensure a level playing field, particularly for film makers who are not from Delhi, PSBT discourages personal meetings between filmmakers and PSBT officials till the formal acceptance of proposals is in place. We are uncomfortable with filmmakers who try to, overtly or covertly, influence the decision making process. In such cases, our Trustees may even choose to disqualify such filmmakers and their proposals.
What if I do not agree with the comments the evaluators make on my work?
It is always painful and difficult to confront and accept criticism towards one’s own work. PSBT is deeply committed to the independence of the filmmaker and works towards the empowerment of the filmmaker so that he/ she can make a film in whichever way he/ she wants to, so long as it represents all facts accurately and is finally acceptable to the funding body and meets the various codes and laws.
The comments merely represent an honest, objective response to a piece of work with an intention of helping the filmmaker make a better film. We deeply respect all our filmmakers and our only expectation of them is an honest effort and an open, receptive mind. At the same time, we do recognise that ultimately any response to a creative enterprise will vary and that quite a few of the works that we reject have the potential to be later celebrated. We can only urge the comments for filmmakers’ calm consideration and expect legitimate well motivated responses to it. Our final aim is to come up with a film that we can all be proud o and which will serve its objectives. But finally, it’s the filmmakers’ call, their film and their responsibility.
What are the criteria for selecting Films for the National Awards and other Festivals?
PSBT attempts to enter its Films to as many Festivals as possible and also encourages Filmmakers to enter their Films directly. Decisions to enter Films are taken after considering various factors: the nature of the Festival; the evaluators' comments on the Films; audience responses and PSBT's evaluation of the Films.
In the case of the National Awards and the Indian Panorama, the entries are severely limited and PSBT is forced to choose out of several competing Films. Here too, the bases for selection remain the same as above and a collective decision is arrived at. Despite doing our best, PSBT realises that the decision remains a subjective one, that some may concur with and some not. PSBT's performance at the Awards suggests that we may not have been entirely wrong in our selection.
For some years now, PSBT has been vehemently campaigning for the pre-emptive right of the Filmmaker to enter her/ his Films at both, the National Awards and the Panorama. We look to our Filmmakers for support on this.
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