A&E Network Opens Call for Unscripted Projects

NEW YORK: A&E Networks and the New York Television Festival (NYTVF) are seeking original unscripted TV projects from independent artists and production companies, with selected submissions to be produced as a pilot for possible development.

The unscripted works must be focused on individuals or small groups that represent unique points of view. The projects also cannot be currently under development at a network, studio or other major production company, and participants cannot have any contractual commitments that would prevent them from entering into an exclusive development deal with A&E.

A screening committee of NYTVF officials will select 25 semi-finalists. The selected works will then be presented to A&E development executives, who will pick five finalists. Each of the five will receive notes on their projects and $2,500 to shoot short presentations, under the guidance of production partner Left/Right Productions. One winner will be selected by A&E, and they will participate in the production of the pilot, receiving a co-executive producer and co-creator credit on the pilot and any subsequent series. A&E has committed to funding the production of the winning concept. A&E may also elect to enter into development agreements with any of the remaining finalists. All 25 semi-finalists will be invited to the 2011 New York Television Festival as official artists.

“We are excited to partner with the NYTVF and Left/Right to offer talented independent television producers the opportunity to have their ideas brought to life,” said David McKillop, the executive VP of programming at A&E.
 
“The NYTVF is thrilled to be expanding our relationship with longtime partner A&E on this new groundbreaking content development initiative,” added Terence Gray, NYTVF founder. “That an independent producer can pitch a great idea and through this initiative see their concept come to life by being made into a network-supported pilot, is truly phenomenal.”

"Left/Right is thrilled to partner with A&E and the NYTVF to give talented independent producers a real chance to launch their careers and see their work on television,” remarked Banks Tarver, co-founder and co-president of Left/Right.