How to pitch us
Have a great story idea? Here's how to work with us.
We're looking for pitches from freelancers and CBC producers from across our network.
We are looking for stories with heart, depth and national and international significance. It may be a regional story which might serve as a microcosm for a bigger issue, one that people are grappling with across the country. We want dramatic stories which may provide a unique perspective on, or bring deeper meaning to, stories currently in the headlines, or perhaps provide a window onto a world, a story we know nothing about.
Each of our shows have slightly different expectations for documentaries on their programs. Here is what The Sunday Magazine, The Current, The House, and What On Earth is looking for in a doc.
Here's what those shows are looking for:
The House
Bring us inside the world of a person affected by political decisions. A good example is the doc with the migrants trying to cross at Roxham Road or the disabled person trying to live on disability benefits.
People struggling with an issue or trying to affect change themselves. Show us what's at stake.
Don't be afraid to have fun. The audience loved the politics of the Eurovision Song Contest story and the one about the hopeful parliamentary interns.
Help us understand something complex, like our look at the Wagner Group of mercenaries or the exploration of the Notwithstanding clause.
What are the scenes? What do we hear?
Sometimes these are standalone 10-12 minutes, but often these docs set the stage for accountability interviews with those in charge of policy and political change.
What On Earth
What is the CLIMATE solutions angle? There MUST be a connection to climate, not just environment.
Bring us inside the stories of the people ( and maybe other organisms ! ) affected by climate change.
We want great storytelling with fabulous characters, bringing us to the emotional heartbeat of those affected by climate change – and those fighting to change things.
We want lots of scene tape. Get our hands dirty and our feet wet.
Open to surprising and new ways of telling stories. Let's have some fun when possible!
Essential is the chapter on SOLUTIONS. How do we take listeners out of doom and gloom and empower them with a solutions based way forward?
Here are a few stories the Doc Unit has made with us, that we love:
- Tiny forests as a climate solution
- Port aux Basques post hurricane Fiona
- The fight for food security in Newfoundland
The Current
Grab us and take us on a journey we can't turn away from!
We are looking for docs that have a strong heartbeat, with an exciting story arc.
We want characters who can really connect and share their emotions with clarity and conviction.
We want stories that connect to a national discussion that is happening now.
Tell us about the scenes, scenes, SCENES! And what we hear from these scenes.
Why does this story NEED to be a doc?
We loved this story about a gospel course at the University of Toronto, and this story about a father in Vancouver who is trying to get his kids out of Gaza and this one about women coming together to stop domestic abuse.
Sunday Magazine
Our documentaries must have a strong connection to the news cycle – either reflecting unfolding stories or hooked to anticipated events.
Ideally, they achieve one – or more! – of the following:
- Help Canadians make sense of something that affects their lives
- Offer a window onto something happening in the world – and reflect Canada's stake in it
- Allow listeners to join in on a journey of discovery
- Surface delight in a world that can often feel heavy
A good story's not good enough. Our documentaries will make you learn things you didn't know before – and leave you thinking long after you've listened.
Examples of successful docs we've featured in the past include:
How collaborating with us works
If you are a CBC employee, let your manager know you are pitching the unit. They always appreciate knowing you're starting a process that might affect your work schedule. Email your pitch to audiodocs@cbc.ca. We will reach out to discuss. For those stories we move forward on, we generally contract producers for up to three weeks depending on the story and level of collaboration with Doc Unit producers.
Every producer we second will be paired with a story editor/producer on the Doc Unit team. That producer will be a support and sounding board throughout production. The Doc Unit team is here to help you think through story structure, vet scripts and mixes.
Your pitch
In two or three paragraphs tell us who your story is about, and what are the deeper issues it illustrates. Be sure to include who the story is about, what's at stake, what are the scenes and sounds, and what's the connection to the larger national issue.
Email us at audiodocs@cbc.ca and we will be in touch to discuss your story.