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 (Development Route) and/or to get extra support from the EBU/Group, with a possibility of 25% extra budget for production (Production Route).

The Eurovision Documentary Scheme includes:

• The Development Route: A development loan coming from the EBU to support projects during their development phase. This loan/funding allows EBU Member broadcasters to pursue projects that may not have been possible to produce otherwise.
• The Production Route 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.

Downloadable resources (September 2024)

1. Updated protocol (version 2024)
2. Project lifecycles (organigram) 
3. Submission form template 
4. Voting sheet template 
5. EDS development contract template