Summit 2012: A&E Network, NYTVF to partner again

January 30, 2012 by Kelly Anderson

NYTVF

The A&E Unscripted Development Pipeline, an initiative between A&E Network and the New York Television Festival, is returning for a second year.

The initiative, launched last year, looks for original unscripted television treatments from both independent artists and production companies. Five finalists will receive development funding to produce additional tape, with one winner receiving US$10,000 and the chance to produce a pilot of their concept with A&E.

Treatments should focus on “big characters in exciting and fresh worlds that are highly entertaining and of the moment,” according to a statement from the two companies. The Unscripted Development Pipeline is open to U.S. producers who do not have any contractual commitments preventing them from entering into an exclusive development deal with A&E.

NYTVF accepts submissions beginning on March 6 until April 3. For the rules and more information, click here.

David McKillop, executive VP of programming at A&E, said: “We are proud to partner with the NYTVF once again to offer talented independent television producers the opportunity to have their ideas brought to life.”

NYTVF founder Terence Gray added: “We’re thrilled to again partner with A&E on this terrific initiative, which has changed the way partners can utilize the NYTVF to solicit and develop ideas from our vast community of creators.

“A&E has been a stalwart supporter of the NYTVF and our artistic community since the festival’s launch in 2005, and we’re honored to team with them to provide meaningful, career-changing opportunities to talented producers and storytellers.”

In addition to the pipeline news, NYTVF recently announced that new partner VH1 will join eight other development partners confirmed for NYTVF 2012. VH1 is in search of unscripted formats for its VH1 Creative Lab “Theory of Creativity” Award, which comes with both a development deal and a fellowship to participate in a future session of the network’s producers lab. Submission information, deadlines and creative briefs from each partner can be found at nytvf.com/submit.html.

The 2012 New York Television Festival takes place from October 22 to 27, and is held at Tribeca Cinemas and 92YTribeca.

Tags: A&E Network, A&E Unscripted Development Pipeline, New York Television Festival, VH1