Write a synopsis, which is a brief outline of the subject. Write a treatment, which details how the show will unfold from the viewers' perspective. Describe each episode if your show will be a series. Get a third party to review what you've written for clarity, commentary on the theme, and style suggestions. In the book "Screenplay Story Analysis," Asher Garfinkel explains how to write a short synopsis that sells and how to use treatments as a guide to write screenplays.
Complete a proposal package. In the package, provide a timetable that includes each stage of the production. Describe any supplementary elements to the projects, such as podcasts, interactive websites, etc. Create a spreadsheet that itemizes expected costs for the production, such as the salaries of the staff and the talent, insurance, editing and post-production expenses, and digital video tape.
Gather the resume and biographical information of all the personnel who will be involved in the project. Consolidate the best of your previous work into a production sample, and put it on video or DVD. PBS advises that programs be geared toward children, so also "include plans describing how the educational and entertainment value of the program content will be extended through online, outreach and print activities." For example, interactive online games can emphasize the lessons taught in the project, and printed pamphlets or children's books can serve to gradually increase a child's proficiency in the subject.
Package ALL of the above components together along with a signed proposal release form and informational summary sheet. Download these forms from the PBS main website. Forms can also be requested by calling (703) 739-5306. PBS doesn't accept email or telephone proposals. Mail the completed forms and package together to:
Steven Gray
Vice President, Program Scheduling & Editorial Management
PBS Headquarters
2100 Crystal Dr.
Arlington, VA 22202
All children's programming submissions should be directed to:
Linda Simensky
Senior Director, Children's Programming
PBS Headquarters
2100 Crystal Dr.
Arlington, VA 22202
Write a synopsis, or brief summary, of the subject matter of your video. Write a treatment that summarizes each episode if it is a series. Hire a screenwriter to write a script for the project.
Contact your local member station and request information about their production facilities. Some member stations will allow you to produce the project in their studio if the facilities are available.
Find funding. In the book "Television and Screen Writing," Richard A. Blum says PBS funds are extremely limited, so contact the local affiliates to get a letter of endorsement you can take to potential investors. They can point you to grant possibilities from sources such as The National Endowment for the Arts, National Center for Outreach, or Latino Public Broadcasting. Apply for a television grant through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the primary funding source for PBS, by sending a proposal for financing, your synopsis and the letter of endorsement from the affiliate. You can request detailed guidelines for grant applications by mail or on their website.
Produce the project. PBS "is not a production entity" and "cannot assist in producing programs," according to their website. Shoot the first episode. Post messages on job boards on college campuses for help with talent and camera crew. If the first episode goes well, then you can produce subsequent episodes.
Write an introductory letter explaining why you think the project should be aired on PBS. Disclose your funding sources. Explain what usage rights you are giving to PBS--whether it has been exclusively produced for PBS or whether you plan to sell it in other markets. Explain any content that could potentially pose a problem with viewers, such as bad language, violence or nudity.
Create a proposal package. Include your letter, a DVD or VHS (NTSC format) copy of the complete program, the synopsis, the treatment, your resume and the resumes of the key members of the crew.
Wait four to six weeks for a response. Follow-up with the studio by email or phone. There is no set time frame for responses, so be polite and patient. Remember names of the people you speak to.
Dress professionally as if you were attending a job interview if they call you to meet with them to tell them more about your idea.
Prepare a presentation with graphs, pictures and any video footage that you may have already gathered to help the committee get a better idea of your project.
Have a secondary pitch ready. The committee may like your presentation but may not have any room for the show because of its similarity to previous programming or programming they have in the pipeline. Be ready to explain in 30 seconds another idea you have.