New York Television Festival Seeks Submissions

The New York Television Festival, which is the first-ever independent television showcase, gives independent television producers and creators the opportunity to present work directly to executives at broadcast networks, cable networks, and online content providers.

But don’t let the name fool you. The NYTVF is also seeking to showcase your web series.

Mark your calendar: you have until 11:59 PM on Wednesday, June 3rd 2009 to submit an exemplary piece of work to serve as a pilot.

Entries should be between four and twenty-two minutes long. So, web series of less than four minutes should combine episodes to ensure at least four minutes of contiguous material. Multiple episodes are also accepted up to twenty-two minutes. And all music must be cleared!

What’s that? You don’t have copyright-free tracks? Lucky for you, NYTVF has partnered with Audio Network to ensure that creators have access to great music without worrying about copyright infringement. Artists who wish to use the project with Audio Network tracks outside of the NYTVF can obtain the license from Audio Network at standard rates.

Official Selections to the 2008 Independent Pilot Competition were screened directly for development executives, agents, and producers throughout the TV industry. The producers of Official Selections to the 2009 competition are eligible to become a part of the NYTVF Fellowship Program which provides the opportunity to work with some of the biggest producers in TV.

So why is a festival devoted to traditional television so interested in web series?

“We’re looking for the best stories across the spectrum,” said Festival Director Ned Canty.

And NYTVF has made overtures to the digital community with Digital Day, a program element that is growing with the medium.

Producers have a chance to win cash prizes, development deals, and unmatched recognition. In the past, pilots have been purchased for development by networks including NBC, A&E, and Versus.The 2008 NYTVF was supported by sponsors including Procter & Gamble Productions, People’s Choice, MSN, the Hollywood Reporter, and the William Morris Agency.

Official Network Sponsors for the 2008 NYTVF include NBC Universal, FOX, ABC, CBS, HBO, A&E, Bravo, MTV Networks, Rainbow Networks, truTV, Lifetime, and E!. The NYTVF works in conjunction with the Mayor’s Office of New York City.