(PITCH YOUR IDEA)

Pitch is an idea

(To collaborate)

Are you looking for a producer for your documentary?

Are you unfamiliar with the jungle of broadcasters and funding agencies? Do you get dizzy when you see a budget? Do you just get stressed out by money matters, planning, and marketing? Let's join forces!


Together with talented, emerging creators, we create undiscovered stories that creatively question the world around us. From large-scale investigative journalism productions to small-scale human interest stories, we're here to share urgent and innovative stories.


Do you want to focus your camera on topics everyone has preconceived notions about, or even worse, is completely unaware of? Together, we'll develop a film plan to convince broadcasters and financiers. Got a hit? Then let's get started!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is using your help free?

    Yes, it won't cost you anything. If the project gets off the ground, the producer will receive a producer's fee (percentage) based on the budget or the hours allocated to it. If we don't select your idea, you will still receive free feedback. A nice bonus!

  • Do I have enough experience as a creator?

    Have you just graduated or are you unsure whether your previous work is relevant to applying for the open call? Give it the benefit of the doubt! If it's too early for a collaboration, producer Julian Klop is happy to give you tips on how to develop your idea independently with other parties.

  • Do I retain freedom over my idea?

    It's your idea, and we're here to help you realize it. We want you to further develop your directing vision, creative skills, and creative talents. Trying things out or deviating from your ideas is part of the process. Everything is done in consultation, but you'll always retain your freedom in your work.

  • What if I'm not a director myself?

    Even if you don't want to direct, you're welcome! Are you a researcher/interviewer, for example? Then we'll find a team, including a director, that's a good fit for you.

  • What if I live abroad?

    We work with directors who live at home and abroad, so you can apply if you live abroad.

  • Can I exclude broadcasters from collaboration?

    Yes, you can exclude certain broadcasters from the NPO, commercial broadcasters, or streaming services. The producer won't approach them with the project plan. DocHuis only excludes the broadcaster Ongehoord Nederland.

  • What if I have multiple ideas?

    Choose one idea you'd like to pitch. Which one really needs to be built and truly resonates with you as a creator?

  • What if I have no idea?

    Unfortunately, you can't participate in the open call without an idea. Your idea speaks volumes about your creative vision, your interests, and your ambitions. Don't have an idea yet but would like to get in touch? Send producer Julian Klop an email with your resume.

  • What themes are you looking for?

    We're looking for social stories. Issues that affect or impact many people. A good story never stands alone, so show in your plan how many people (in the Netherlands) are struggling with the problem you want to address.



    We're open not only to documentaries and series, but also to various non-fiction projects. Unfortunately, we don't do fictional films or series.

  • Will I get paid during the process?

    You'll receive competitive pay for your work as director or creator of your production. If the plan receives the green light from broadcasters and/or funds, we'll begin development and later production, where you'll receive competitive compensation for your services based on the number of days you work on the project, plus travel expenses.



    There is no compensation available for writing the pitch plan (synopsis and director's vision).

  • Can I share my film plan in confidence?

    We don't work on film proposals we receive without the creator's permission. It's always possible we're working on a specific theme, but we'll always let you know when you respond to the open call. Only the producer will see your film proposal.

  • Do we enter into a contract?

    Once a broadcaster has been secured and fundraising has been successful, we sign a contract of engagement, finalizing the partnership. If the funding and pitching don't yield the desired results, we'll discuss further options together.

(Our working method)

How does it work?

(01)

Getting acquainted

Within 4 weeks after registration

If producer Julian Klop sees potential in the social relevance and visual possibilities of your idea and your creative potential, you'll be invited to an online meeting via Google Meet, which you can schedule yourself in Calendly. You'll hear soon after our meeting whether we'll be collaborating. If not, you'll receive useful tips on how to realize your plan through other partners.

(02)

Pitchplan

2 to 3 months

Together, we'll conduct preliminary research and develop the documentary plan. You'll work on the plan in Google Drive, and every two weeks, we'll discuss progress via Google Meet in 1.5-hour sessions. We'll present the plan to broadcasters and financiers—possibly through channels like 3LAB and Teledoc Campus—and then it's a two- to six-month wait, typically four months, until the funding is secured.

(03)

Getting Started

Average 9 to 12 months

Once the plan is approved by broadcasters and funding agencies, our project will begin. You'll research, film, and edit the production, either independently or with a team. We'll handle production planning, budget control, project management, marketing, and content management.

Frequently Asked Questions

FILL OUT THE IDEA FORM

Fill in your details.

Describe your idea

Describe your idea in no more than half an A4 page so we can get a good idea of you as a creator and your ambitions, and describe how you intend to visualize it. If you already have style ideas or have something written down, you can attach it. A film plan is not required!

Share your motivation

Describe why you want to create this production, why it's relevant now, and why you're the right person for it. Tell us what you want to learn visually and content-wise, as that's also part of your motivation to get started.

Add your resume

Include all relevant work experience in your resume. Also include your name and address, a professional photo, and don't forget to mention your relevant skills. Send two links to previous (audiovisual) work. More experience? Then send us a portfolio or filmography. Have your previous productions been screened anywhere? Please let us know.

What is it like working with Julian?

Thanks to his journalistic background, Julian can constructively brainstorm documentary ideas and develop a solid plan. His personal approach and consistently approachable demeanor make him a pleasure to work with. As an executive producer and entrepreneur, he also has a keen eye for opportunities, especially when it comes to financing options.

Annick Luijkx, director of Not My Fault (Omroep ZWART, 3LAB) and LEK? (Omroep West)

DocLokaal has been a wonderful platform for me, giving me the space to develop a project that started as two sentences in my phone notes. Ultimately, this idea grew into a three-part series for RTV Utrecht, where I did much of the research myself: from research and direction to editing. All of this in collaboration with a great team, with whom I could always brainstorm – especially producer Julian Klop and editor-in-chief Wiesje Kuijpers. DocLokaal also serves as a great springboard for future productions. I have plenty of ideas that I hope to realize soon.

Jitse de Graaf, director Behind the Lens (DocLokaal)

Open pitches

Is your idea not suitable for a pitch? You can submit your ideas year-round through the open call.

  • Caribbean Documentary (50 min.), March 15

    Documentary about a theme that plays on one of the Caribbean islands of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

  • TV documentary (25 min.) - March 30

    Submission requirements: at least one (graduation) documentary, completed education

  • Youth Documentary (15 min.) - March 15

Thank you for contacting us. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

We've got it.

Pitch your idea

Do you meet all the points on this list?

  • You have 1 or more ideas for a social film documentary (series).
  • You want to collaborate with us to take your film plan to the highest level in (online) sessions and make the film with us.
  • You have (just) completed your media training or you have at least one year of relevant experience in the media or video sector.
  • You have previously made audiovisual productions, e.g., a short documentary for school or corporate videos.
  • You are at least 20 years old and write and speak Dutch fluently.
  • You are available at least 3 days a week during the shooting period and 2 days a week during the installation period.
  • You are registered as a freelancer with the Chamber of Commerce or are open to this.
  • You agree to market-based rates for creators, based on your experience.


Don't check all the boxes? Feel free to sign up anyway.

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Tips for pitching?

Welke zaken moet ik geregeld hebben voordat ik pitch? - Pitching Perfect

October 10, 2025
Als beginnende filmmaker is het lastig om je eerste films aan de man te brengen. In de blogserie 'Pitching Perfect' geeft Dochuis-producent Julian Klop jou tips om met je eerste films binnen te komen bij mooie omroepen, financiering te werven en een groot publiek te bereiken.

Hoe bereik ik met mijn film een groot publiek? - Pitching Perfect

July 25, 2025
Als beginnende filmmaker is het lastig om je eerste films aan de man te brengen. In de blogserie 'Pitching Perfect' geeft DocHuis-producent Julian Klop jou tips om met je eerste films binnen te komen bij mooie omroepen, financiering te werven en een groot publiek te bereiken.

Hoe krijg ik mijn film vertoond op filmfestivals? - Pitching Perfect

July 23, 2025
Als beginnende filmmaker is het lastig om je eerste films aan de man te brengen. In de blogserie 'Pitching Perfect' geeft DocHuis-producent Julian Klop jou tips om met je eerste films binnen te komen bij mooie omroepen, financiering te werven en een groot publiek te bereiken.