I’m headed this coming weekend to the Camden International Film Fest and Points North Documentary Film Forum. I’ve been hearing great things about both events, but haven’t been able to attend. If you’ll be around for either, look me up at one of the events. I’m moderating one panel, speaking on another and attending the Pitch Session. I’ll be wearing my “Something to Talk About” Brainstorm Media/DirecTV hat, looking for doc projects, while at the festival. Here’s more on the events I’m involved with:
Short Docs on the Web: Fri Sept 28: Representatives from New York Times, Vimeo and Etsy.com explore how documentary filmmakers are using web platforms to discover new creative opportunities and build new audiences outside of traditional distribution channels. Participants: Blake Whitman (Vimeo), Jason Spingarn-Kopf (NY Times Op-Docs), Tara Young (Etsy.com) and me as moderator.
Broadcast/Forecast: Fri Sept 28: Commissioning editors and programmers from major networks engage in a discussion about the shifting landscape of documentary broadcast, including how networks are transitioning into a multiplatform world of VOD, online streaming and other forms of distribution, and what it all means for independent filmmakers who want to show their work on television. Participants: Simon Kilmurry (POV), Winona Meringolo (Discovery ID) and Andrea Meditch (Back Allie Films) and me, representing Brainstorm/DirecTV and Something to Talk About.
The Points North Pitch: Sat, Sept 29: Six filmmakers pitch their works-in-progress to an international panel of nine funders, broadcasters and producers. Each pitch lasts 7 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of critical feedback. This is an invaluable chance to see first-hand how these industry representatives evaluate projects. One filmmaker will be given the “Best Pitch” award, including a $1000 cash prize from Documentary Educational Resources and a $3000 tuition scholarship to the Maine Media Workshops.
I hope to see/meet some of you there.