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NW Documentaries--KCTS Call for Submissions

If you know of anyone with a project like this, please pass it on!*

KCTS/Pacific Coast Television is now accepting film and video submissions for the second season of About Us, its series showcasing the work of independent filmmakers from our region. Filmmakers in Washington and British Columbia are invited to submit their work for consideration between now and August 15. The new season of About Us is slated to premiere in fall 2005.

About Us explores topics and experiences unique to life in our region. The series’ first season—currently being rebroadcast Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. on KCTS—features productions by filmmakers from the Seattle area, Central Washington, Vancouver and Victoria, with offerings ranging from thought-provoking documentaries to light-hearted works to historical pieces. While entries in the About Us series vary greatly in terms of subject matter and theme, they are united by their local spirit and nature. Each film features a home-grown story from a filmmaker with a personal connection to the Pacific Northwest.

Says KCTS General Manager Randy Brinson, “We are very pleased to bring a new season of About Us to KCTS viewers in the fall. The first season recently received six Northwest Emmy nominations, which confirms something that we already knew: There are very talented independent filmmakers in our region. We can’t wait to see more examples of their work.”

Guidelines for submitting works for consideration are as follows:

· Mail or deliver submissions to KCTS Television, 401 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109, Attn: Eric Maki, Program Manager. Deliveries are accepted weekdays, 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

· Length of submission should be no longer than one hour. (Longer programs will be considered if they can be shortened to one hour.)

· For initial screening, production must be submitted on either VHS or DVD.

· Factors that will be considered in the selection of submissions for air:

- Subject matter must relate directly to KCTS’ regional service area (WA, B.C.).

- Films must demonstrate strong story-telling and editorial integrity.

- Productions’ technical quality must meet KCTS broadcast standards.

· Deadline for submissions is August 15. Submissions will not be returned.

Submission guidelines are available on the series’ companion Web site, at KCTS.org/aboutus. Questions may be directed to Eric Maki, at 206.443.6710 or emaki@kcts.org.

Films featured in the first season of About Us recently garnered six nominations in the Northwest Regional Emmy Awards. Nominated in the category of “Documentary—Current Issues” are Quick Brown Fox (produced by Ann Hedreen), 30 Frames a Second: The WTO in Seattle (produced by Rustin Thompson and Ann Hedreen) and Broken Limbs: Apples, Agriculture & The New American Farmer (produced by Jamie Howell and Guy Evans); nominated in the “Documentary—Cultural/Historical” category is 3 Feet Under - Digging Deep for the Geoduck (produced and directed by Justin Bookey); and nominated in the Individual Craft category of “Editor—Single Story, Series or Program” are Broken Limbs (edited by Guy Evans) and 30 Frames a Second (edited by Rustin Thompson). Winners will be announced at the 42nd annual Northwest Regional Emmy Awards ceremonies, which will take place June 25 in Seattle.

Erin Whitcomb
Station Operations Coordinator
KCTS Television
(206) 443-4849