how do I sell my documentary film

[amoeba]

I want to make a documentary about Karachi - and will need to spend time there filming. I want to know who I should approach for funding and how would I go about getting it aired on bbc2 or channel 4?

[Moog]

Have you thought about approaching the BBC or Channel 4 directly... give them a call. I think both channels have "New Talent" initiatives, alternativly look up some independent production companies

[Headtime]

Unfortunately do to the large costs of producing telly programmes TV companies very rarely commission ideas from people unknown or outside the industry.

Try; http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/.

However if your idea is a good one, try approaching a production company that has made similar programmes for BBC2 or C4.

If they like the idea, they may be willing to fine tune your idea and take it to the commissioning editors at the relevant channel, where they are known and trusted.

The only problem is, you may leave yourself open to having your idea nicked, it's very hard to copyright the idea for a documentary. So if you have information or access to people that would be very difficult for other people to secure, keep it close to your chest. Good luck.

[Headtime]

Also members of the public can pitch Ideas to the BBC via their website.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/questions/publi
c.shtml .

Bear in mind though that they probably have hundreds submitted and most of them will be from loons!