**Summary:**
In late 2016**, NIST offered up **to $500,****k** million **in federal funding** **for creating science documentaries about redefining global measurement standards — specifically focusing o*n replacing* *the International Prototype Kilogram (“Big K”)*, which had been used since t*he early modern era*. This effort aimed t*o redefine mass based solely upon natural constants like Planck’s constant,* making measurements more accurate across various fields such s*ciences*, engineering*, industry *, etc.*
T*h*e goal was t*o produce*a high-quality docum entary th*t could reach broad audiences while ensuring scientific accuracy.* T he deadline f*r applications passed*i n Septem ber *(due before Sep te mber *$*$th)*,, but interested filmmakers were encouraged t$o apply through Gr ants.go v*. Selected projects needed showrunners/ directors w ith experience i*n producing science-related docs,* along wi th plans fo r national distribut ion via theaters o*r online platforms.*
This shift marked important progress toward mo dernizing international units li ke kilogra ms,t emperatures,e lectrical measureme nts,a nd others,based purely upon fundamental physical laws rather than physical artifacts.* It represented major change*s akin*t o how defining ti me led too GPS technolog*y development.* Despite being only one-time opportunity,N IST remained supportive regarding access,facilitati ng filming locations,w ith scientists around globe working together towards new universal standards.*
Source: https://www.nist.gov/pao/funding-opportunity-produce-science-documentary
Keywords: measurement standards, Planck’s constant, watt balance
