Eurovision Documentary Scheme
As part of the Eurovision Documentary Scheme (EDS), EBU broadcasters will collaborate to develop, commission, and (co)produce several high-end documentary films and/or series for broadcast on a linear and non-linear basis in their respective territories.
By bringing together the expertise and financial resources of Europe’s leading public-service broadcasters, the co-development process can be fast-tracked while the co-production one can be enhanced, without compromising on the quality and innovation required in today’s very competitive landscape.
The EDS frame is not a development fund but a way to get a bridge loan at the development stage (EDDS) and/or to get extra support from the EBU/Group, with a possibility of 25% extra budget for production (EDPS).
The Eurovision Documentary Scheme includes:
- The Eurovision Documentary Development Scheme (EDDS): A development loan coming from the EBU to support projects during their development phase. The EDDS loan/funding allows EBU Member broadcasters to pursue projects that may not have been possible to produce otherwise.
- The Eurovision Documentary Production Scheme (EDPS) applies to projects that are beyond the development stage and closer to production through a financial contribution coming from broadcasters directly and which ultimate ambition is to raise 25% more contribution from committing broadcasters.
Whether a project can be seen as an EDS one remains based on: audience, reputation/awards and impact.
The EBU Documentaries Experts are looking for:
- Documentaries and series that are universal and relevant across Europe.
- Films and series that audiences, and in particular substantial young, diverse audiences will want to watch and engage with on TV and online.
- Films and series that will have a real impact, with exceptional marketing potential and the ability to create real noise on social media and in the wider world.
The films or series might:
- Push the boundaries with daring and captivating new forms of storytelling.
- Be binge-worthy series, accessible crowd-pleasers.
- Potential A-list festival contenders.
Producers
Producers interested in benefiting from development and/or production funding should secure the support of an EBU Member broadcaster (Lead Broadcaster) who can propose the project at the group’s biannual pitching sessions.