Guidelines
for SV DOCS application

*read below for details

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What types of projects are eligible for the initiative?

The stories we are looking for should embody a larger narrative, a layered story with universal resonance, capable of engaging a global audience. We are looking for ideas with an urgent or unique angle, such as access to exceptional archival material or compelling characters in unusual or hard-to-reach locations. We encourage projects that draw inspiration from current global affairs and have the potential to reach a wide audience, both in terms of the story's impact and its reach.

Who are the eligible applicants for SV DOCS?

(Investigative) journalists who have interesting projects that could result in documentaries & filmmakers with journalistic ideas.

Filmmakers should have released at least 1 feature length documentary on television, a streaming service or theatrical release.

SV DOCS is meant to choose the project with the most interesting content that has potential to become a high-end documentary (series), while fostering the collaboration between journalists and filmmakers. The call is open to journalists and filmmakers worldwide.

Submission of Ideas

Ideas may be submitted with complete confidentiality and safeguarded by a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), along with a concise written explanation. In case applications contain highly (time) sensitive information, you can contact Dena Meere at contact@svdocs.com, to discuss an alternative way of application.

Click the link below to apply via our easy and confidential form.

Selection procedure

Twice a year, Scenery and V-Ventures will choose a number of projects that can pitch their ideas digitally to a carefully selected panel, consisting of industry professionals who know how to fund and develop strong documentary projects. The pitches will take place in a private session and will last a maximum of 20 minutes. From these pitches, a winner is selected by the jury.

Matchmaking Phase

After the winner is announced, the board facilitates meetings between the selected journalist and relevant filmmakers to explore a creative and personal match (or vice-versa in case a filmmaker is selected). Following these meetings, a team is formed to further develop the idea with Scenery towards a high-end documentary (series). Scenery assists in preparing the budget for each plan.

How does the financial contribution work?

After each pitch, the panel selects the project(s) with the greatest creative promise and audience appeal. The funding amount is disbursed in installments upon meeting specific project milestones.

After winning the pitch, a contract is established between Scenery and the journalist/filmmaker. Together with Scenery, a budget is formulated, and funds are allocated between the filmmaker and journalist.

At each stage, a varying amount of funding is provided. Subsequently, a timeline is established with specific content-related deadlines, which will be assessed during the process. The first phase involves refining and articulating the project's direction, with a budget allocation of up to €10,000. At the end of this phase, the team has to deliver a documentary film plan in order to go to the next phase. 

Installment 1: Up to €10,000 for research and working towards a documentary film plan and pitch deck. At the end of phase one, we decide the next steps for the project.

Installment 2: Between €30,000 and €70,000, depending on the project's needs, length, and possible episodes, up to the specified amount.As Scenery acts as the producer, the funds are disbursed to the project team through Scenery. Throughout the development phase, Scenery will pitch the project to relevant parties in order to further fund and produce the project.

What are the conditions for the development funding:

  • Projects must be accessible for an English-speaking audience, either in English or with English subtitles.

  • The applicant must be an independent journalist or filmmaker, or able to work independently from their employer.

  • Projects must be in the early to late development stage at the time of application.

  • Applicants have to accept Scenery as the majority producer.

  • Shortlisted applicants must be available to pitch their project digitally in January

  • SV DOCS aims to back projects with both narrative and outreach potential. We will actively engage with the journalist or filmmaker to ensure an equitable distribution of rights. While this arrangement may vary from project to project, we always seek to establish it through a collaborative and cooperative process. Scenery has the right of first refusal for a potential scripted film (series).

Key dates* for 2023 / 2024 round:

  • 2 October 2024: deadline for the second application of 2024

  • 16 October 2024: shortlisted projects will be announced

  • 6 November 2024: shortlisted projects will pitch digitally to the board.

  • Shortly after the winner will be annoucned.

*Dates are subject to change. Please check our website regularly for updates.

Ready to apply?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Only the winning projects will receive funding, including payment during the development phase.

  • Yes.

  • You can only submit one proposal per cycle as an individual. Journalistic organizations can have multiple submissions.

  • Unfortunately, we don’t have the capacity to give extensive feedback with every rejection.

  • All applicants should be 18 years or older.

  • No. But you can.

  • Yes. but please keep in mind that SV DOCS only invests in development projects. Projects that are already in production will be declined.

  • Collaborating with Scenery and the director or journalist towards a documentary pitch with Scenery.

  • Typically, Scenery will want to engage as a majority producer, but not exclusively.

  • Yes. Up to a certain degree, of course.

  • Yes, but all in proper consultation.

  • Depends on the level of applications.

  • Scenery will manage the budget, but disburses the money to you.

  • This stage represents the initial creative phase of a documentary project. From a journalist's standpoint, the topic may be thoroughly researched, but the funding and documentary team have not been secured. The project should have a clear indication of the documentary's feasibility. What are projects in early development? Early creative stage of a documentary project. From a journalist’s perspective, the topic can be thoroughly researched, but the funding and team for a documentary is not yet in place. The project should have visibility on the feasibility of the documentary.

  • Scenery and the applicant will review the progress after each milestone / phase. If the collaboration doesn’t work, the parties can decide to split, and the project will be given back to the applicant. In case the project gets produced / released by another party, the applicant should pay back the invested development funds to SV DOCS. In turn, these funds can help another project.

  • This will vary per project, with the fee amounts depending on various factors, such as research trips, development time for the journalist and filmmaker, (post)production of the sales teaser/trailer, etc.

  • In case of a dispute, Scenery & V-Ventures will make the final call.

  • Highly exceptional projects with an utmost sense of urgency that can’t wait can contact info@scenery.eu. Scenery will assess if the project is of interest to them. However, the project can only get funding from SV DOCS if it goes through the main selection phase.

  • In case the journalist and/or filmmaker want to develop a scripted film (series) from the story, Scenery gets the first chance to bring the story to life in a scripted format. If Scenery chooses not to, the rights to the story may then be offered to others.