Current (https://current.org/tag/documentaries/)
Commercial media outlets are “much more likely” than their public media counterparts to distribute documentaries directed by men and white filmmakers, according to a study by the Center for Media & Social Impact at American University’s School of Communication.
Producers of the documentary shorts series say the concept could be adapted for other public media organizations, particularly state networks with vast geographic areas to serve.
Two public media stations and 13 independent projects received nearly $4.3 million supporting films, podcasts and archival preservation.
When Henry Hampton called, “I was unemployed and living in New Orleans with no money for another film, no prospects at all. Everything changed after that.”
ITVS, Firelight Media, the Sundance Institute and Appalshop Inc. received $5.5 million for filmmaking initiatives and other projects.
Speaking during the Television Critics Association summer press tour, Burns said he supported PBS’ new initiatives to increase programming diversity.
Filmmakers who search high and low for production money say public media must find ways to increase support for their work.
Members of Beyond Inclusion say they will keep advocating for issues they raised in a March letter to PBS CEO Paula Kerger.
“We must help rebuild … the faith that most Americans have always had in their future and their ability to share in the American dream,” the filmmaker said in a 1992 keynote at the PBS Annual Meeting.