Deadline for submissions is EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2002

Note: Completion Date has also been changed. See Eligibility below.

Was your film ready for PBS, but PBS wasn't ready for it? Citizens for Independent Public Broadcasting has established the "Ready for PBS" Documentary Competition. We invite documentary makers rejected by PBS to show us your stuff -- especially if your film was rejected because your topic was controversial, the content challenging or funding came from public interest or labor groups.

The goal of the competition, and the multi-city showings that follow, is to stimulate local PBS stations to recognize their mandate to serve the community while raising community awareness of hard-hitting public affairs programming that challenges debate, but is not available on our public airwaves.

CIPB Chapters in cities nationwide will show some of the winners at "Ready for PBS" benefit fundraising events and will actively promote them for play on local PBS member stations. Cash grants of $500 will be awarded to the best entry in each of six categories. In addition, the producer will be paid a fee of $250 for each benefit showing.

ELIGIBILITY

Completion date eligibility changed to 2000.
Entry must be an English language documentary completed since January 2000 that was submitted to and rejected by PBS.

All entries must meet the criteria above and follow the guidelines below. Failure to include any of the items requested will result in disqualification of the entry.

1. Completed CIPB "Ready for PBS" Documentary Competition entry form.
2. Copies of application and rejection documentation from PBS.
3. TWO Preview cassettes. Must be VHS (NTSC format). Entries must include preview tapes for consideration. PREVIEW CASSETTES WILL NOT BE RETURNED.
4. There is no fee for entering.
   
   Go to the "Ready for PBS" Entry Form.

   ADDRESS Mail entries to:

   CIPB
   Ready for PBS
   901 Old Hickory Road
   Pittsburgh, PA  15243

   ENTRY DEADLINE

   Deadline for submissions has been EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2002.

All entrants will receive notification by December 20, 2002.

AGREEMENT

DO NOT submit a work unless it is available for exhibition to the public in a suitable facility by CIPB chapters from March 2000 through September 2002. Submission of a work confirms that each CIPB chapter has permission to exhibit it in a Ready for PBS benefit fundraising event for a fee of $250 (limited to one showing per chapter). If there is a violation of the above trust, CIPB reserves the right to override any limitation which may be placed on exhibition during the Ready for PBS exhibition schedule. Submission of a work implies that CIPB may employ moving image excerpts and reproduce stills for exhibition promotion via print and broadcast outlets and the internet.

Every precaution will be exercised in handling entries, but neither CIPB, employees, nor participating organizations can assume responsibility for damage to or loss of materials submitted. If necessary, the festival reserves the right to alter the benefits, awards or timetable stated here and above.

For more information regarding the "Ready for PBS" Documentary Competition contact: