Call for Submissions

To deepen relationships between Japanese and global documentary filmmakers, Japanese production companies and WOWOW, the leading premium pay TV broadcaster in Japan, have established a new international project, originating from Tokyo Docs.
We are calling on filmmakers from around the world to submit fresh and exciting documentary proposals. The goal is not just to broadcast international co-productions in Japan, but to also create high-quality documentaries that deserve worldwide distribution.

About WOWOW

WOWOW is Japan’s first private satellite broadcaster and the country’s leading premium pay TV broadcaster with over 2.8 million subscribers. Through three Full-HD broadcasting channels, WOWOW delivers high-quality diverse entertainment programs such as movies, dramas, sports, music, theatrical plays, animation and documentaries.
As an entertainment TV broadcaster, WOWOW’s original documentary programs focus on entertainment, arts and culture, but not themes primarily on social-issues, science, economy, politics and wildlife.

Theme: “FIRST EXPERIENCE”

Any proposals relating to or reminiscent of the words “FIRST EXPERIENCE” are welcome. We look forward to receiving proposals with a positive surprise, which go beyond our expectations. Make sure you take a look at the Selection Criteria below.

Submission Deadline

April 30, 2016 Closed

Rules & Regulations

1. Project proposals from overseas producers will be chosen by a selection committee consisting of members of the Tokyo Docs Organizing Committee and WOWOW. Successful entrants will be notified before June 30, 2016.
2. Chosen projects will be developed and co-produced by Japanese and overseas producers from different production companies.
3. Completed projects will be broadcast in Japan exclusively on WOWOW.
4. Producers entering projects will be required, as a general rule, to have a supporting broadcaster(s)/funder(s) on board from their own country. Chosen projects without a supporting broadcaster(s)/funder(s) will be required to find such entities after they are selected.
5. Chosen projects should aim to finish production before the summer of 2017.
6. The completed project’s duration must be between 50 and 90 minutes.

Budget

1. The budget per project will be approximately between $200,000 and $300,000 USD.
2. WOWOW will fund a maximum 50% of the budget.
3. The remaining budget must be covered by the overseas contributor(s).

Selection Criteria

1. High-quality documentaries with a global interest that deserve international distribution.
2. Fresh, unique and entertaining documentaries with a sense of excitement that positively amaze and move viewers.
3. Projects relating to entertainment, arts and culture are preferred, but it’s not essential that these are the main focus.
4. Projects focusing primarily on social-issues, science, economics, politics, and wildlife will be rejected.

Application Method

Please fill out the application form and send with the required photographic data to the email address, .
Submissions exceeding the word count in each part of the form or lacking the necessary information and data will not be accepted.

Upcoming Schedule

November 23, 2015

Briefing Session at IDFA (Netherlands)

April 30, 2016 Closed

Deadline for submissions

June 30, 2016

Notice of chosen projects

Inquiries

If you have any questions about this project, please contact: