 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Session Details - February 6 & 7, 2003 Programmers Showcases Ancillary Markets: DVDs DVD production provides an opportunity to generate additional revenue from your program and it is now being required by many broadcasters and funding organizations before any financing can be approved. Even if it is not mandatory, a solid plan for a DVD could potentially tip the funding scales in your favour. The session will look at the latest trends in content, production, and distribution in the DVD market. Keynote Presentation: Robert Wussler will discuss the view that many television networks should address the issues and causes in the world around them - to fulfill the "real" purpose of the documentary medium and consider the conflict that this view has with the all-important "bottom line". Robert will also discuss how cause related programming can be created and marketed so that it meets the financial goals of the television networks. Keynote Address: John Willis looks at trends in documentary making, highlighting the differences between the American and British experience. He examines ways of improving co-production relationships and looks forward to new opportunities. The Ethics Of Access With increasing competition in the marketplace, ethics guidelines are often being ignored. What is a producer to do - do you pay for that exclusive interview, that diary, access to that sunken ship? Journalism tradition says no, but are even blue-chip news organizations re-writing the rules? This session will explore the ethical issues that the documentary industry faces in a challenging and competitive environment, when access to information can make or break your production. How They Did It: Coproduction Case Studies Coproduction deals have rapidly become the "norm" for most producers. The reality is that a license fee from one broadcaster can no longer cover production costs. The highs and lows of coproduction dealings will be explored through a series of case study presentations. Mock Negotiations: International Coproduction Agreements What really happens during a coproduction negotiation? What are standard deal terms? Watch a live mock negotiation between coproduction partners, hear the private discussions between lawyers and clients and learn about financing, ownership, distribution control, production duties, and conflicts between partners. Release Forms What is a materials release? Why do you need an appearance release? Is a location release always necessary? Do broadcasters always require releases? Releases codify agreements and reduce liability, but the wording of releases sends a chill over the relationship between subject and filmmaker. Hear about basic release forms, when use is necessary and why the forms benefit filmmakers and subjects. Analyze real-life case studies and discuss the difference between private individuals, public figures and the use of releases for each. Rise And Fall Of International Distribution: Where Have All The Distributors Gone? The distribution landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years and the fallout has resulted in a reduced number of players on the field. In this session hear from both the casualties and the survivors on the changes in the marketplace, where things are headed, how this new landscape is currently shaping the buying and selling of documentaries and whether you'll be able to turn a profit selling nonfiction programming in the future. Show Me The Money: Maximizing Your Stock Footage Asset This session will look at the options for producers and cinematographers wishing to generate additional revenue from licensing the use of their film footage. Leading footage industry consultant John Flewin will discuss the pros and cons of setting up your own library versus partnering with a stock house. Sponsored by: Selling to Cable: Producers' Success Stories A panel of seasoned producers share their stories about selling to cable. Learn from their experience and wisdom as they divulge tricks, techniques, and shed light on how to close the deal on reasonable terms. Sponsored by: Stakeholders Panel On HD Don't miss this lively discussion and debate on the merits and pitfalls of HD and its impact on documentary filmmaking as the stakeholders discuss their latest issues with this technology. Find out what broadcasters are dealing with in terms of cable carriage and regulatory pressures; what producers are doing re: the high cost of equipment - are they buying or still renting?; when a standard format will be agreed on (if ever) and what the tech experts say about what's coming down the pipeline. Sponsored by: Under The Microscope: Broadcasters Dissect Their Primetime Viewer With the first baby-boomers having just turned 50, nonfiction programmers are actively cultivating the next generation of viewers. Analysts from a number of major broadcasting stations will share demographic stats to paint a clearer picture of their current viewers and will highlight their programming efforts to cultivate the next generation of nonfiction fans. Sponsored by: Working The Festival Circuit In this session you will learn all about the festival circuit and how best to use it to your advantage. The ins and outs of planning a festival career, where to start, what festivals should be your priority, what the costs are, how much exposure you can reasonably expect to get for your film and the kinds of deals being made at festivals will be explained. |
