Request for Proposals: Video Production Services
Capitol Impact seeks proposals from qualified video production companies to produce media assets for The James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards. These awards recognize leaders whose innovative solutions to critical state challenges improve people’s lives, create opportunity, and contribute to a better California.
The selected vendor will create a comprehensive suite of video and photographic deliverables that capture the essence of each award recipient’s achievements, organizational goals, and personal stories, which can be used across a variety of digital and social media platforms.
Key Dates
- Proposals Due: Proposal review will begin on June 12. Additional proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis until June 21, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. PT
- Anticipated Award Date: July 13, 2026
- Contract Period: August 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027
Questions
All questions regarding this RFP must be submitted in writing to hello@irvineawards.org. Questions and answers will be shared with all proposers down below.
Submit Proposal
Fill out the form below to submit your proposal.
Thank you for your interest in this opportunity. We look forward to reviewing your proposals!
Q&A
What is the budget for this project?
For planning purposes, similar video production projects have been budgeted at approximately $130,000 in prior years. However, proposers should submit a budget that reflects the resources, level of effort, and scope they believe are necessary to successfully deliver the proposed work. Budget proposals should clearly describe assumptions, staffing, production costs, and any other expenses required to achieve the project objectives.
Is there any flexibility to the shooting window?
The timeline is driven by the February 22 completion date and the need for adequate review and feedback time. Historically, most shooting has wrapped by the end of December, though production teams may propose a different schedule as they see fit. Note that at least one first cut video should be delivered by mid-December to establish a consistent style early in the process.
Can we subcontract out pieces of production?
Yes. To help meet the production timeline, you may bring in additional people to shoot b-roll on location or assist with editing. Production companies may structure their process however they see fit, provided there is consistency in the recipient experience, interview style, and final products.
What does pre-production collaboration look like?
Capitol Impact takes an active role in pre-production, working closely with the production company on storytelling approach, potential validators, and goals for each video. The production company is responsible for coordinating directly with award recipients on logistics — scheduling interviews, booking times, and managing related communications.
What is the expected visual style and tone for the videos? Are you open to new ideas?
The program has an established documentary style, with a focus on the impact of award recipients in ways that resonate with legislators and funders. While that foundation remains, we welcome fresh ideas and creative approaches within that direction.
How does the review and feedback process work?
Capitol Impact serves as the single point of contact and consolidates all feedback before it reaches the production company. The James Irvine Foundation is involved throughout, with an early cut of one video targeted for December to confirm alignment on direction. From there, Capitol Impact reviews the first cut, followed by a second review that includes Award recipients and the Foundation. Each group has a defined scope of feedback to keep the process clear and efficient.
Should travel and accommodations be included in the proposal budget?
Yes, all travel and accommodation costs should be included in the proposed budget.