Public broadcaster Knowledge Network has launched a documentary commissioning stream for mid to senior-career producers and directors based in B.C.

The Stories (Un)told stream was launched Monday (Oct. 16)  in partnership with Creative BC. The agency is contributing $2.25 million to the initiative, which is a part of the three-year $42 million investment made by the provincial government earlier this year to support the local creative sector, according to a news release.

Knowledge Network will develop, commission and broadcast three “high impact” limited documentary series over three years as part of the initiative, which aims to highlight stories that are overlooked or need a new context. A minimum of two of the three projects selected will be with majority-owned B.C. Indigenous and Black or person of colour owned-production companies, said the release.

Financial support will be provided through Knowledge Network via a development license fee, as well as a potential allocation through the pubcaster’s development envelope with the Canada Media Fund. A maximum of two projects will be selected for development in this first round of development, with the expectation that one will move into production in 2025.

International or interprovincial coproductions are eligible, according to the stream’s criteria, which also stipulates that producers and directors must have a minimum of three credits in their respective fields on documentaries of 60 minutes or longer.

Knowledge Network is now accepting applications for the first-round of development. The deadline to apply is Jan. 30, 2024.

Michelle van Beusekom, president and CEO, Knowledge Network, said in a statement that “our license fee will enable producers to leverage bigger budgets and talented directors to work within an exciting and popular documentary format at the level of their ability and imagination.”

“This unique investment will enable diverse local producers to create high-calibre factual content for local audiences while increasing their potential to bring B.C.’s unique point of view to the world,” added Creative BC’s CEO Prem Gill.

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