Documentary Commissions – Knowledge Originals
Knowledge Network commissions approximately three to four documentaries each year for a primetime audience. These premium, one-off documentaries—what we call Knowledge Originals—may be half-hour, one-hour or feature length.
We may also commission one limited documentary series from a BC producer approximately once every 18 months, subject to available funding.
We like to come in early on the projects we commission and welcome proposals from BC documentary producers for development funding at any time.
Please Note
Our first-window documentary commissions are exclusively with BC-based producers.
Knowledge does not provide development funding nor a broadcast letter of interest for pre-development for Canadian documentary producers outside of BC.
Knowledge Originals from BC producers have pride of place on our broadcast and streaming platforms. With these unique first-window commissions, we’re looking for authentic, engaging stories with a strong point of view and a distinct creative vision.
We encourage documentary producers to familiarize themselves with previous Knowledge Originals commissions.
Second-Window Pre-Licenses
In addition to our Knowledge Original commissions, we pre-license a small number of second-window factual series and one-off documentaries from BC and Canadian producers. We can accept submissions for second-window pre-licensing documentary projects once the development phase has been completed and the Canadian lead broadcaster is confirmed.
Selection Criteria – Documentary Commissions and Second Windows
We consider a number of factors when reviewing a proposal:
1
Whether the subject matter, perspective or treatment are new to Knowledge.
2
Originality of the filmmakers’ approach/vision.
3
Connection of the creative team to the story and the approach proposed by the production team to ensure authentic representation.
4
Relevance and appeal to our core BC demographic (diverse adults 40+ with curious minds).
5
Track record and experience of the creative team.
6
Viability (financial, access, approach) of the project.
We receive more proposals than we can support and highly recommend that producers familiarize themselves with our programming before contacting us.
Please note: we do not commission or assist in the completion of dramatic projects, short films (under 20 minutes), student films, corporate videos, gallery installations, sponsored films, web series or podcasts.
Submitting Your Proposal
If you would like Knowledge Network to consider your documentary project, please prepare and submit the following:
- Brief project synopsis.
- A one or two-page outline describing the story/subject, the creative approach and point of view.
- A producer statement that explains how you and your team are connected to the content and why you are the ones who should be telling this story.
- Bios of your key creative team.
- Demo of previous work.
Documentary Commissions and Second Windows
