The initiative was announced during IFP's Webumentary: Online Releasing and Transmedia Extensions panel presentation on September 22, 2011, when panelist and documentary filmmaker Jason Spingarn-Koff said he'd been recently hired by the New York Times to helm the project in concert with the New York Times' editorial staff.
"We are still working on developing and implementing the project, but we are ready to receive submissions for consideration," said Spingarn-Koff.
"These videos will be the equivalent of visual Op Ed pieces. Each will be selected because it contributes in some way to the national conversation on a wide rage of issues. And, those videos that coincide with breaking news or contribute to the understanding of ongoing issues in the news will be given front page consideration, as well," Spingarn-Koff continued.
There are few directives about content and/or constraints on the type of videos that may be submitted. The videos must be between three and five minutes in length, and offer a new perspective on the subject or issue being covered. They may be verite or animations, compile archival footage or utilize current interviews, be serious in tone or quirky. In other words, stylistically, almost anything goes. Excerpts from documentaries in progress will be considered, but trailers for finished documentaries or those in progress are not eligible.
Filmmakers in the audience asked Spingarn-Koff to define the differences between 'opinion' and 'advocacy.' Acknowledging that that was a good question, Spingarn-Koff said, "We absolutely can take videos that advocate specific policy positions, however such videos must be factually accurate and adhere to the principle of 'full disclosure' -- revealing any relationships between the filmmaker/contributor and individuals or organizations that directly influence the editorial position (such as a political group that has funded the video)."
Filmmakers also asked a number of questions concerning terns of usage, ownership, retention of rights, copyrights, fair use, required clearances, and other legal issues pertaining to one off posting and/or acquisition of the documentary shorts selected for posting. These, Spingarn-Koff said, will be outlined and defined by the New York Times in contracts with those whose work is selected.
In addition to accepting submissions, there will be commissions to filmmakers to provide 'opinion videos' on various subjects and upcoming events that are scheduled in advance for coverage on the New York Times editorial pages, including the Op Ed page.
"Videos need not take a 'first person' approach, but should express a perspective or opinion: whether that comes directly from the filmmaker, people featured in the video, or through an artistic approach to a topic," Spingarn-Koff said.
The New York Times documentary initiative opens up a new platform for documentary filmmakers who are concerned about transmedia outreach and extensions for their projects and developing community engagement with their films.
To submit 'opinion videos' for consideration, upload videos and/or pitch ideas to opinion.video@nytimes.com.
(Disclosure: About.com is a division of the New York Times Company.)
