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WESTDOC 2012 IS A HIT!
WESTDOC - The West Coast Documentary and Reality Conference roared back in a big way on September 9th – 12th, 2012 in Culver City, California. Over 400 attendees from around the world spent four days listening to speakers, making deals and sharing information. The casual nature of this conference coupled with the accessibility of the speakers and panelists made WESTDOC the perfect place to network and learn.
WESTDOC’s schedule offered something for everybody. Things got started on Sunday with Peter Hamilton’s Master Class, three excellent documentary screenings (JASON BECKER: NOT YET DEAD, OFF LABEL and BIG BOYS GONE BANANAS!*) and the kickoff party at the beautiful Culver Hotel. Read More... Photos courtesy of Danna Kinsky
For nearly two decades, "reality guru" DMA (Donna Michelle Anderson) has been writing, producing and running top-rated television series for CBS, Bravo, BET, A&E, TLC and more. She is the author of "The Show Starter Reality TV Made Simple System," called the "bible" of the biz and taught at film schools nationwide. Don't miss her two dynamic lectures based on her popular seminar series!
Finding the Right Reality Format for Your Project What are the differences between - and requirements of - the distinct types of reality shows? How do you prepare to sell a docudrama vs. a competition vs. a standalone format? What might be best framework with the talent and access you already have? The Facts about Funding Your Project Depending on the type of project being made, there are different documents, funding opportunities and materials needed to get a show produced. Indie documentarians may prep a presentation reel to raise funds, while reality show pitchers will prep a sizzle and a one-sheet and never raise a dime. This is a front-to-back super-seminar/panel explaining the steps for funding different non-fiction projects. Transmedia: The New Frontier?
Transmedia, or multi-platform interactive storytelling, has become a big buzzword in the entertainment industry over the last couple of years. As the digital and social media experience continues to evolve, today's audience no longer just consumes media passively, but now desires media and story experiences available to them on a number of devices and formats. Hear from the latest industry insiders as to what part transmedia plays in the larger digital puzzle. What’s the Future of History?
Is the well told historical documentary dead, replaced by “new” history of pawn shops and river monsters? What channels still appreciate and more importantly, license traditional historical documentaries? Is this genre of programming still viable? Have all the good stories been told and are now just being repeated in 3-D with animation? Let industry experts tell you where this important genre is headed. Congratulations to the following WESTDOC 2012 PitchFest Finalists!
Big Voice - Varda Hardy Black Coral - Brett Winn Formula: Race LAB - Jerry Magana Heart: Flatline to Finish Line - Donald Bowman Holy Land - Peter Cohn The Last First - Jan Wellmann The Last Wild Race - Ian Campbell My Oregon Trail - Sandor Lau The Quiet Riot Movie - Regina Russell The Real Manger - John Grooters Show Search - Alex Rotaru Spirit / Will / Loss - Erinnisse Heuer Broadband Television
Over the last five years, the broadband business has increased substantially – but where is it heading? Where are the new opportunities coming from? The key building blocks for the broadband industry are almost identical to the original growth of television and cable yet not as clear to understand. Hear from broadband industry expert Jon Cody about the history of television audiences, the adaptation of new delivery platforms, and how content makers can navigate the potentially treacherous -- and lucrative -- waters ahead. Don't miss WESTDOC'S exclusive opening-day documentary screenings Sunday Sept. 9th!
Award-winning film festival favorites Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet, Off Label and Big Boys Gone BANANAS!* will be exclusively screened for attendees on Sunday, Sept. 9th to kick off our third annual conference. Read more... Anatomy of a Reality Hit: Pawn Stars
Pawn Stars is the highest rated show on History Channel. It has spawned several spin-off shows, a Facebook game, even a tie-in prepaid debit card. How did this unlikely franchise make it onto the air in the first place? Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this hugely successful reality phenomenon as producers and network executives explain the program’s development production and promotion, providing a candid exploration of just what it takes to make a reality hit. Sizzle Reels 101 – What Really Sells?
A good sizzle reel is the key to selling your doc and reality series. Whether you’re trying to find funding, secure distribution or whip up some publicity for your latest project, the sizzle reel is one of the most important tools in the presentation process. How do you craft the perfect reel? What gets executives and financiers excited to watch? Find out in this must-see panel. Brush up on your people skills - Face Time is your moment to shine. Pitching an idea to television executives is an unavoidable fact in the entertainment industry, but actually landing those meetings in the first place can be a real challenge. Face Time grants you the invaluable opportunity for a brief one-on-one meeting with network people who can critique - and maybe even help you license - your program idea. Remember: keep it simple, keep it tight and above all, keep it interesting. You've got ten minutes, so make it count. Face Time meetings are included as part of your registration to WESTDOC.
Registrants of WESTDOC will receive a full listing of Face Time participants approximately ten days before the event. Face Time reservations are made electronically and limited on a first come-first served basis, so register now. Participating Networks Including: Not sure if you can develop and produce your next project? Today's leading production companies look for independent producers and content creators to partner with in delivering new programming. Find out exactly what these production companies are looking for, what they’re not looking for and how to get your pitch or project to the right person. (These 30-minute small group discussions are first come, first served – no sign-ups necessary)
Participating Production Companies Include: Bunim/Murray Productions LMNO Productions Fishbowl Media Arthur Smith & Co. Productions Peacock Productions Indigo Films Authentic Entertainment The Hochberg Ebersol Company Network Programmers Roundtable: Reality
Confused about what network programmers are looking for? Let the buyers themselves tell you what is hot, what is not, and the current state of the reality genre in this insightful discussion with leading reality programmers. The Sit-Downs are 30-minute small group discussions in which individual broadcasters outline their specific needs for today and, more importantly, tomorrow. Find out exactly what they they're looking for, what they're not looking for and how to get your pitch or project to the right person. (No sign-ups necessary - your Westdoc pass gets you into all Sit-Downs.)
Participating Sit-Down Networks Include: Additional networks just confirmed!
Kirby Dick, acclaimed producer/director, announced for WESTDOC's Documentary Keynote Conversation.
Networks already confirmed for WESTDOC 2012:
Industry veteran and business guru Peter Hamilton to give Master Class: How to succeed in the booming U.S. Factual Television Market!
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