CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP/UNDERWRITING

Yes, it’s true that Riot will soon be seen on public television stations throughout the US, with distribution by the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA.) The show will also be available on the PBS streaming app. But we need some help getting there. It’s a little-known secret that public TV stations pay absolutely nothing to producers of programming like this. In return for providing the content, the producer is allowed to sell “underwriter banners,” the announcements you see at the beginning and end of programs that say “this program was made possible by…” They call it “underwriting” because advertising isn’t allowed on public television, but it works pretty much the same way TV advertising does.

It’s an effective way for corporations or other organizations to get their names in front of potentially millions of viewers across the US. Your 15-second message can be repeatedly brought to the upscale, desirable PBS audience – a group with more than 95% of its members having an annual household income over $150k. And you’re reaching them through PBS – the #1 most-trusted organization in the US. You’re helping bring quality, interesting and informative programming to America, and you’re getting the type of positive community recognition that is hard to find at any price. The program will be repeated for at least 3 years, so you have multiple opportunities to connect with your audience.

WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?

We need that funding to pay for the licenses that allow us to include all of the news footage, photos and music included in the program, in addition to paying people who worked on the film and have patiently waited years to be paid. The ABC television network owns most of that footage, and they will not allow any broadcast before all fees are paid.

HOW DO I BECOME AN UNDERWRITER/SPONSOR?

 There are just 3 slots where we can place your two 15-second announcements, (beginning and end of the show) and they will be sold first-come, first serve. If you’re interested in being a presenting sponsor of Riot, send an email here, and Producer Kevin McLaughlin will be in touch very soon.

CONTRIBUTIONS BY INDIVIDUALS

For those unable to afford a major commitment to this film, there is still a very easy way to help out. We have a non-profit fiscal sponsor, The Film Collaborative, which allows you to make a TAX-DEDUCIBLE donation in ANY amount. Anyone contributing $3000 or more will have their name included in the underwriters’ announcement before and after every showing of the film. But if you want to just contribute $10 or $20, that’s great too. Just go to The Film Collaborative website and click on “Donate to Riot,” where you’ll see a wide range of options for donating by check, credit card, Zelle, Paypal and more. Be sure to find out if you’re eligible for an employer-matched donation. Thank you!