2014 Schedule
TUESDAY, NOV. 18
10:00 am - 04:30 pm
WCSFP Member Lounge
Shek-O and Tai Po Rooms
10:00 am - 06:30 pm
Registration and Information Desk Open
Registration and information desk open for pass pick up and general inquires.
10:00 am
Editorial Committee Nominations Open On Site
Nominations for the Editorial Committee are handed in to the Registration and Information Desk beginning Tuesday, November 18, at 10:00 a.m. Nominations for the Editorial Committee can be submitted up until the deadline of 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19. Nomination forms are available at the Registration and Information Desk. Completed forms must be submitted to the box provided.
02:00 pm - 03:00 pm
Getting to Know You
The Orchid Room
An opportunity for first timers to meet some of the industry’s most esteemed professionals from around the world, all of whom have been coming to Congress for many years, and for us to meet you.
Session Producer
Margie Bryant, Managing Director, Serendipity Productions (Australia)
Moderator
Paul Lewis, President and General Manager, Discovery Networks (Canada)
Mentors
Caroline Behar, Head of Documentaries, France 5/Head of Acquisitions, France Télévisions (France)
Steve Burns, Managing Director/Producer, Roller Coaster Road Productions (USA)
Jennifer Cummins, Company Director, Heiress Films (Australia)
John Hay, Commissioning Editor, Specialist Factual, Channel 4 (UK)
Joseph Maxwell, Commissioning Editor, SBS (Australia)
Michael McMahon, Executive Producer, Primitive Entertainment (Canada)
Marco Visalberghi, Managing Director, Doclab (Italy)
02:59 pm - 04:29 pm
A Celebration of the Building Wonders Project
Shek-O and Tai Po Rooms
Join your fellow members for wine and cheese and celebrate the Building Wonders Project, a NOVA production by Providence Pictures, co-produced with ARTE by ZED, and distributed by PBS International and ZED.
06:00 pm - 08:00 pm
Opening Reception: A Cosmopolitan Welcome
Armani Privé Outdoor Terrace, Level 2, Chater House, 8 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong
Experience a cosmopolitan welcome to Hong Kong! Often dubbed as the New York of Asia, this booming metropolis is always abuzz with lights, commerce, people and design! Join us as we lift a glass and celebrate the start of Congress 2014 on the private outdoor terrace of Giorgio Armani. Open bar.
Getting There
MTR (20 minutes)
Enter subway (MTR) at East Tsim Sha Tsui Station. Walk through the tunnels to Tsim Sha Tsui Station and take the red line toward Central. Disembark at Central Station, which is only two stops away, and use Exit E. Subway tickets available at registration on Tuesday, November 18.
Taxi (20-60 minutes) - From Kowloon Shangri-La. Expect delays due to heavy traffic.
Sponsored by CICC
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19
07:45 am - 08:45 am
Breakfast With… CICC
The Orchid Room
Meet with CICC for this interactive breakfast session exploring potential worldwide partnership opportunities. Join the production team of the co-produced documentary China From Above, including representatives from NHNZ, BHP, National Geographic Channel and NDR, as they discuss their experiences working with CICC. Learn how you too can explore China by partnering with CICC to achieve common goals and outcomes. Pre-registration required. We do encourage members to drop by as non-registered admittance will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis (subject to availability).
Breakfast With… sessions offer members the opportunity to meet with sponsors of WCSFP in a small group setting to learn more about the companies and their work.
08:30 am - 05:00 pm
Registration and Information Desk Open
Registration and information desk open for pass pick up and general inquires.
08:30 am - 04:30 pm
WCSFP Member Lounge
Fanling Room
09:00 am - 10:45 am
Welcome & What’s the Buzz?
Shek-O and Tai Po Rooms
The single most essential session at Congress, What’s the Buzz? brings together the most important, noisy, exciting, cutting-edge and interesting programs around the world in science, history and factual media, as well as a selection of the crazy, wonderful and downright bizarre. This year’s Buzz includes dangerous self-experimentation and extensive nudity. Parental guidance is advised.
Session Producer
Thomas Viner, Executive Producer, Arrow Media (UK)
Moderators
Caroline Behar, Head of Documentaries, France 5/Head of Acquisitions, France Télévisions (France)
Tom Brisley, Joint Creative Director, Arrow Media (UK)
10:45 am - 11:15 am
Coffee Break
Join your fellow members for a break with refreshments.
Sponsored by Pact
11:15 am - 11:45 am
Close Encounters of the Funding Kind: Paula S. Apsell, Julia Cort, Evan Hadingham, Chris Schmidt and Melanie Wallace (NOVA/WGBH)
Jasmine Room
Throughout the week WCSFP offers small group meetings with individual commissioning editors and media executives who either commission science and history programs from independent producers outside their own territories or who provide significant funding. Designed to be intimate and interactive, attendance is limited and advance sign-up is required to attend these sessions. Sign-up forms will be available at the Registration and Information Desk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the Close Encounter session.
Session Producer/Moderator
Stephanie McArthur, Industry Programs Manager, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Speakers
Paula S. Apsell, Senior Executive Producer, NOVA/WGBH (USA)
Julia Cort, Deputy Executive Producer, NOVA/WGBH (USA)
Evan Hadingham, Senior Science Editor, NOVA/WGBH (USA)
Chris Schmidt, Senior Producer, NOVA/WGBH (USA)
Melanie Wallace, Senior Series Producer, NOVA/WGBH (USA)
11:15 am - 12:30 pm
The Idiot’s Guide to Broadcasting in Asia
Shek-O Room
Come learn who’s who and what’s what in Asia.
Session Producer
Paul Heaney, Founder, TCB Media Rights (UK)
Moderators
Ruby Chen, CEO, CNEX Foundation (China)
Paul Heaney, Founder, TCB Media Rights (UK)
Speakers
Vikram Channa, Vice President, Production and Development, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (Singapore)
Stephen Hunter, Vice President, Production & Development, National Geographic Channels International (USA)
Francis Smith, Company Director, IFA (Singapore)
11:15 am - 12:30 pm
Going Live!
Tai Po Room
There’s nothing like a mega live event to bring in the viewers, but almost nothing is riskier. How do you pull off a successful live broadcast, and what happens when it goes wrong?
Session Producer/Moderator
Vivian McGrath, Founder/Executive Producer/Director, Redback Productions (Hong Kong)
Speakers
Tom Brisley, Joint Creative Director, Arrow Media (UK)
Kazuhiro Kitano, Senior Producer, Science Programs, NHK (Japan)
Howard Swartz, VP Development and Production, Discovery Channel (USA)
Koichi Wakata, Astronaut, JAXA (Japan)
Sponsored by NHK
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Close Encounters of the Funding Kind: Ralf Rückauer (ZDF)
Jasmine Room
Throughout the week WCSFP offers small group meetings with individual commissioning editors and media executives who either commission science and history programs from independent producers outside their own territories or who provide significant funding. Designed to be intimate and interactive, attendance is limited and advance sign-up is required to attend these sessions. Sign-up forms will be available at the Registration and Information Desk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the Close Encounter session.
Session Producer
Stephanie McArthur, Industry Programs Manager, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Moderator
Chloe Sosa-Sims, Industry Programmer, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Speaker
Ralf Rückauer, Vice President, ZDFE.factual, ZDF Enterprises GmbH (Germany)
12:30 pm - 02:00 pm
Lunch
The Orchid Room
Join your fellow members for lunch.
12:45 pm - 01:30 pm
Close Encounters of the Funding Kind: Deborah London Harrington and Giles Trendle (Al Jazeera English)
Jasmine Room
Throughout the week WCSFP offers small group meetings with individual commissioning editors and media executives who either commission science and history programs from independent producers outside their own territories or who provide significant funding. Designed to be intimate and interactive, attendance is limited and advance sign-up is required to attend these sessions. Sign-up forms will be available at the Registration and Information Desk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the Close Encounter session.
Session Producer
Stephanie McArthur, Industry Programs Manager, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Moderator
Chloe Sosa-Sims, Industry Programmer, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Speakers
Deborah London Harrington, Manager Business Affairs and Network Coordination, Al Jazeera English (Qatar)
Giles Trendle, Director of Programmes, Al Jazeera English (Qatar)
12:45 pm - 01:45 pm
Lunch With… France Télévisions - Hong Kong French Kiss
Camomile Room
Join France Télévisions as they present their upcoming “haute couture” projects. Learn more about potential co-production opportunities, their exciting prime-time events, the evolution of the editorial line at FTV and their future plans for international co-productions. Pre-registration required. We do encourage members to drop by as non-registered admittance will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis (subject to availability).
Lunch With… sessions offer members the opportunity to meet with sponsors of WCSFP in a small group setting to learn more about the companies and their work.
01:00 pm - 01:45 pm
Close Encounters of the Funding Kind: Charlie Parsons (National Geographic Channel)
Lotus Room
Throughout the week WCSFP offers small group meetings with individual commissioning editors and media executives who either commission science and history programs from independent producers outside their own territories or who provide significant funding. Designed to be intimate and interactive, attendance is limited and advance sign-up is required to attend these sessions. Sign-up forms will be available at the Registration and Information Desk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the Close Encounter session.
Session Producer
Stephanie McArthur, Industry Programs Manager, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Moderator
Charlotte Engel, Producer/Owner, Rock Yenta Productions (Canada)
Speaker
Charlie Parsons, Vice President, Global Development and Production, National Geographic Channel (USA)
01:00 pm - 01:45 pm
Close Encounters of the Funding Kind: Rob Coldstream, John Hay, Ralph Lee and Sara Ramsden (Channel 4)
Laurel Room
Throughout the week WCSFP offers small group meetings with individual commissioning editors and media executives who either commission science and history programs from independent producers outside their own territories or who provide significant funding. Designed to be intimate and interactive, attendance is limited and advance sign-up is required to attend these sessions. Sign-up forms will be available at the Registration and Information Desk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the Close Encounter session.
Session Producer/Moderator
Stephanie McArthur, Industry Programs Manager, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Speakers
Robert Coldstream, Comissioning Editor, History, Channel 4 (UK)
John Hay, Commissioning Editor, Specialist Factual, Channel 4 (UK)
Ralph Lee, Deputy Chief Creative Officer, Channel 4 (UK)
Sara Ramsden, Commissioning Editor for Science, Channel 4 (UK)
02:00 pm - 03:15 pm
Co-Producing in China: Dear Dr. Hu…?
Shek-O Room
Are you thinking about a relationship with a Chinese partner? Are you in a relationship—anxious and confused, having financial worries? Or are you happily matched and want to share the secrets of your success? The industry’s most experienced match-makers and agony aunts offer their advice on international co-production with China and offer you a chance to share your issues.
Session Producers
Richard Bradley, Managing Director, Lion Television (UK)
Daisy Newton Dunn, Producer, Lion Television (UK)
Moderator
Richard Bradley, Managing Director, Lion Television (UK)
Speakers
Liz McLeod, Executive Producer (UK)
Kyle Murdoch, Managing Director, NHNZ Ltd. (New Zealand)
Shuyun Sun, Creative Director, Eos Films (UK)
02:00 pm - 03:15 pm
OUR WORLD WAR and Other War Stories
Tai Po Room
“Few shows stop me in my tracks. BBC3’s Our World War is one.” – Chris Curtis, Broadcast
“Excellent, innovative and moving television…done beautifully.” – Sam Wollaston, The Guardian
Our World War has been hailed as one of the most innovative fact-based drama series of the year on British television. This session will take us through the challenges of the series from conception to completion. It will also look at other outstanding World War I programs based on diaries and outline key creative differences.
Session Producer
Andrea Ulbrick, Commissioning Editor, Factual/Documentaries, TV Department, ABC (Australia)
Moderator
Robert Coldstream, Comissioning Editor, History, Channel 4 (UK)
Speaker
Sue Horth, Producer, OUR WORLD WAR (UK)
Sponsored by Terranoa
02:00 pm - 02:30 pm
Close Encounters of the Funding Kind: Paul Lewis (Discovery Networks Canada)
Jasmine Room
Throughout the week WCSFP offers small group meetings with individual commissioning editors and media executives who either commission science and history programs from independent producers outside their own territories or who provide significant funding. Designed to be intimate and interactive, attendance is limited and advance sign-up is required to attend these sessions. Sign-up forms will be available at the Registration and Information Desk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the Close Encounter session.
Session Producer
Stephanie McArthur, Industry Programs Manager, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Moderator
Chloe Sosa-Sims, Industry Programmer, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Speaker
Paul Lewis, President and General Manager, Discovery Networks (Canada)
02:45 pm - 03:15 pm
Close Encounters of the Funding Kind: Brad Kohlenstein (Science Channel)
Jasmine Room
Throughout the week WCSFP offers small group meetings with individual commissioning editors and media executives who either commission science and history programs from independent producers outside their own territories or who provide significant funding. Designed to be intimate and interactive, attendance is limited and advance sign-up is required to attend these sessions. Sign-up forms will be available at the Registration and Information Desk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the Close Encounter session.
Session Producer/Moderator
Stephanie McArthur, Industry Programs Manager, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Speaker
Brad Kohlenstein, Vice President Of Development, Science Channel (USA)
03:15 pm - 03:45 pm
Coffee Break
Join your fellow members for a break with refreshments.
Sponsored by Pact
03:45 pm - 04:45 pm
China Stories: Getting Beyond the Cliché
Shek-O Room
China is the world’s fastest-growing economy with a population of 1.3 billion, 130 cities with a population over one million and 55 minority nationalities. It has over 3000 years of written history, some of the most varied geography on Earth, and tens of thousands of scientists working on cutting-edge research in everything from cloning to renewable energy. As China grows in importance, how do outside producers and broadcasters get beyond the cliché to discover the untold, fascinating and important stories in China? With stories from experts in different fields, this session will inspire you to start that journey.
Session Producers
Mingxi Cong, Producer, Project Development International Department, CICC (China)
Liz McLeod, Executive Producer (UK)
Moderator
Stephen Hunter, Vice President, Production & Development, National Geographic Channels International (USA)
Speakers
Naihan Li, Designer and Entrepreneur (China)
Isobel Yeung, Correspondent, VICE/VICE On HBO (China)
Ping Zhu, Principal Investigator, National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (China)
03:45 pm - 04:45 pm
Speed Dating 1
The Orchid Room
Speed Dating is a great way for independent producers to have a one-on-one chat with decision makers to whom they wouldn’t otherwise have easy access. Congress staff conducts preliminary matchmaking to make the encounters more rewarding for both parties. However, in keeping with the spirit of WCSFP, which is more about building networks and contacts than an actual market, we have asked the participating decision makers to pre-select the projects that they find interesting—but they won’t know who or where they came from until their face-to-face meeting. Pre-application required.
Applications for Speed Dating are now closed.
Session Producer
Chloe Sosa-Sims, Industry Programmer, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
05:00 pm
Editorial Committee Nominations Close
Nominations for the Editorial Committee can be submitted up until the deadline of 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19. Nomination forms are available at the Registration and Information Desk. Completed forms must be submitted to the box provided.
05:00 pm - 06:00 pm
Mobilizing the World’s Resources
Tai Po Room
This friendly meet and greet is your chance to learn about some of the innovative ways to raise production financing from around the globe. Hear from producers and those holding the purse strings as they share valuable knowledge about uncovering and manipulating funding opportunities and tax advantages in different territories.
Session Producer
Leila Monks, Founder, M.D., Antidote Media (UK)
Moderators
Pat Ferns, President, Ferns Productions Inc. (Canada)
Leila Monks, Founder, M.D., Antidote Media (UK)
Funds
Iain Dodgeon, Creative Partnerships Manager, Wellcome Trust (UK)
Justina Hemperek, Manager, Factual Acquisitions UK & Europe - TV International, eOne (UK)
Valentine Kass, Program Director, National Science Foundation (USA)
Stephanie McArthur, Industry Programs Manager, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Steven Murphy, Head of Content, GroupM Entertainment, APAC (Singapore)
Pascal Schmitz, Co-Owner and Director, AAA Entertainment/Owner, Amariam Pictures and Amariam Productions (South Africa)
Liz Stevens, Senior Manager, Documentary, Screen Australia (Australia)
Producers
Christian Beetz, Founder and CEO, beetz brothers filmproduction (Germany)
Liz Courtney, Managing Director, Unboxed Media Australia (Australia)
Mark Erder, Owner, APV (Hong Kong)
05:00 pm - 06:00 pm
BBC & Channel 4: Parallel Universes?
Shek-O Room
So you have a compelling story to tell—a television series in the making, with brilliant characters and great access. What is it that makes it a no brainer for Channel 4? Or the perfect pitch for the BBC? With the help of producers who regularly negotiate this minefield and each broadcasters’ head commissioning honcho, we aim to identify the different DNA of these rival institutions.
Session Producer
Dinah Lord, Executive Producer (UK)
Moderator
David Dugan, CEO, Windfall Films (UK)
Speakers
Will Anderson, Joint Head of Documentaries, Keo Films
Archie Baron, Creative Director, Wingspan Productions (UK)
Clare Birks, CEO, Oxford Scientific Films (UK)
Alice Keens-Soper, Head of Specialist Factual, Oxford Scientific Films (UK)
Ralph Lee, Deputy Chief Creative Officer, Channel 4 (UK)
Emma Swain, Controller Of Factual Commissioning, BBC (UK)
Sponsored by Pioneer Productions
09:30 pm - 01:30 am
Musical Mayhem: Twist & Shout
Fanling Room
It’s time to twist and shout! After a short hiatus, Congress karaoke has returned. Come on out to dance and sing the night away with friends and colleagues. With dynamic hosts Richard Bradley and Mackenzie Muldoon, this event is not to be missed! Open bar until 12:30 a.m., cash bar after.
Special thanks to Bonne Pioche and Lucky You, France Télévisions, Great Pacific Media, National Geographic Studios, Pioneer Pictures, Terranoa, Wall to Wall, WDR mediagroup, and ZDF Enterprises.
THURSDAY, NOV. 20
08:00 am - 09:00 am
Networking Breakfast With… Discovery Canada and EPI
The Orchid Room
Join President and General Manager Paul Lewis for a networking breakfast and a sneak peek of some of Discovery Canada and EPI’s exciting original content. Pre-registration required. We do encourage members to drop by as non-registered admittance will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis (subject to availability).
Breakfast With… sessions offer members the opportunity to meet with sponsors of WCSFP in a small group setting to learn more about the companies and their work.
08:30 am - 05:00 pm
Registration and Information Desk Open
Registration and information desk open for pass pick up and general inquires.
08:30 am - 04:30 pm
WCSFP Member Lounge
Fanling Room
08:30 am
Editorial Committee Voting Opens
Voting to fill 2015 WCSFP Steering Committee vacancies will open Thursday, November 20, at 8:30 a.m. A list of candidates will be posted at the Registration and Information Desk and ballots will be distributed to any attending member who intends to vote.
To avoid any voting irregularities, each ballot will be numbered to correspond with the number on the voting member’s pass. Votes can only be cast in the sealed ballot box located at the Registration and Information Desk. Only members attending the conference are allowed to vote.
Voting closes at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21. The ballots are then counted and the result is verified by an Editorial Committee representative. Results are announced at the Members Plenary on Friday, November 21.
09:00 am - 10:30 am
Films I Wish I Commissioned, and Some I Did
Shek-O Room
The best commissioning editors are those who know a good idea when they see one—but sometimes the opposition gets in first. Our panel will discuss the films of which they are most envious and would have liked to have seen on their own channel, as well as the films they did green-light that made them proud. This revealing, intimate and honest session will uncover the innermost film desires of some of the world’s top commissioners and highlight clips of the shows they wished they’d commissioned and the ones they did.
Session Producer
Philip Armstrong-Dampier, Creative & Managing Director, 1212 Productions (UK)
Moderator
Richard McKerrow, Creative Director, Love Productions (UK)
Speakers
Catherine Alvaresse, Deputy Director Specialist Factual Department, ARTE France (France)
Vikram Channa, Vice President, Production and Development, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (Singapore)
Ralph Lee, Deputy Chief Creative Officer, Channel 4 (UK)
Charlie Parsons, Vice President, Global Development and Production, National Geographic Channel (USA)
Ralf Rückauer, Vice President, ZDFE.factual, ZDF Enterprises GmbH (Germany)
Sponsored by Discovery Canada and Exploration Production Inc.
09:00 am - 10:30 am
My First Man
Tai Po Room
Exciting discoveries are challenging what we believed about the emergence of modern humans and driving a spate of programming around the globe. In this session, our speakers will reveal the opportunities, perils, triumphs and disasters that occur when taking on such a hot topic with ongoing box office appeal.
Session Producer
Judy Rymer, Producer, Rymer Childs (Australia)
Moderator
Jonathan Hewes, Head of International, Wall to Wall (UK)
Speakers
Paula S. Apsell, Senior Executive Producer, NOVA/WGBH (USA)
Ruth Berry, Producer/Director, First Act Films (Germany)
Jared Lipworth, Vice President, Specials, National Geographic Studios (USA)
Bill Margol, Sr. Director Programming & Development, PBS (USA)
Daniella Ortega, Producer/Director, Electric Pictures (Australia)
Dr. Niobe Thompson, Producer and Science Host, Clearwater Documentary Inc. (Canada)
09:15 am - 09:45 am
Close Encounters of the Funding Kind: Andrew Solomon (ORF)
Jasmine Room
Throughout the week WCSFP offers small group meetings with individual commissioning editors and media executives who either commission science and history programs from independent producers outside their own territories or who provide significant funding. Designed to be intimate and interactive, attendance is limited and advance sign-up is required to attend these sessions. Sign-up forms will be available at the Registration and Information Desk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the Close Encounter session.
Session Producer/Moderator
Stephanie McArthur, Industry Programs Manager, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Speaker
Andrew Solomon, Head Of Natural History and History, ORF (Austria)
10:00 am - 10:30 am
Close Encounters of the Funding Kind: Angela Fung (Phoenix Satellite TV Co. Ltd.)
Jasmine Room
Throughout the week WCSFP offers small group meetings with individual commissioning editors and media executives who either commission science and history programs from independent producers outside their own territories or who provide significant funding. Designed to be intimate and interactive, attendance is limited and advance sign-up is required to attend these sessions. Sign-up forms will be available at the Registration and Information Desk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the Close Encounter session.
Session Producer
Stephanie McArthur, Industry Programs Manager, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Moderator
Chloe Sosa-Sims, Industry Programmer, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Speaker
Angela Fung, Deputy Head of Phoenix Chinese Channel, Phoenix Satellite TV Co. Ltd. (Hong Kong)
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Workshop: From Idea to International Commission
The Orchid Room
Join Discovery Networks International’s Elizabeth McIntyre and Vikram Channa for a special workshop for emerging producers. Elizabeth and Vikram will discuss and deconstruct how to develop an idea or format for the international market. Seating is limited. Sign up will be available at the Registration and Information Desk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 20.
Moderators
Vikram Channa, Vice President, Production and Development, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (Singapore)
Elizabeth McIntyre, VP and Head Of Production & Development, Factual Western Europe, Discovery Networks International (UK)
10:30 am - 11:00 am
Coffee Break
Join your fellow members for a break with refreshments.
Sponsored by Entertainment One
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Navigating the New
Shek-O Room
How do you stay relevant in the changing digital media landscape? Guest speaker Kurt Kratchman believes that, “factual content is more relevant than ever in this brave world of big data, social, cloud and mobile.” Kurt will show us how to leverage the disruptions, establish a position in this new environment and, ultimately, navigate the new.
Kurt’s presentation will launch a strand of sessions that explore new models and opportunities in the changing broadcast landscape. Members will share their experiences of creating new business models and identifying opportunities beyond conventional television.
Session Producer
Lilla Hurst, Joint MD, Drive TV (UK)
Moderator
Paul Lewis, President and General Manager, Discovery Networks (Canada)
Speakers
Sam Barcroft, CEO and Creative Director, Barcroft Productions (UK)
Thomas Crampton, Global Managing Director of Social@Ogilvy, Ogilvy & Mather (Hong Kong)
Kurt Kratchman, Managing Director, Winnick & Company (USA)
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Little Gems
Tai Po Room
A celebration and examination of factual programs and films that succeeded, sometimes against all odds. We’ll look at little gems in science, history, knowledge and discovery—programs with style, wit and flair, even without mega blockbuster budgets. Filmmakers will show a clip and discuss why their program broke though.
Download Little Gems Info Sheet
Session Producer
Fabrice Esteve, Producer, Yuzu Productions (France)
Moderators
Catherine Alvaresse, Deputy Director Specialist Factual Department, ARTE France (France)
Fabrice Esteve, Producer, Yuzu Productions (France)
Sponsored by ZDF Enterprises
11:45 am - 12:15 pm
Close Encounters of the Funding Kind: Stephen Hunter, Vilma Linares and Carolyn Payne (National Geographic Channels International)
Jasmine Room
Throughout the week WCSFP offers small group meetings with individual commissioning editors and media executives who either commission science and history programs from independent producers outside their own territories or who provide significant funding. Designed to be intimate and interactive, attendance is limited and advance sign-up is required to attend these sessions. Sign-up forms will be available at the Registration and Information Desk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the Close Encounter session.
Session Producer/Moderator
Stephanie McArthur, Industry Programs Manager, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Speakers
Stephen Hunter, Vice President, Production & Development, National Geographic Channels International (USA)
Vilma Linares, Senior Director, Research, Standards & Practices, National Geographic Channels International (USA)
Carolyn Payne, Commissioning Executive Producer, National Geographic Channels International (UK)
12:30 pm - 02:00 pm
Lunch
The Orchid Room
Join your fellow members for lunch.
12:45 pm - 01:30 pm
Close Encounters of the Funding Kind: Aidan Laverty (BBC)
Jasmine Room
Throughout the week WCSFP offers small group meetings with individual commissioning editors and media executives who either commission science and history programs from independent producers outside their own territories or who provide significant funding. Designed to be intimate and interactive, attendance is limited and advance sign-up is required to attend these sessions. Sign-up forms will be available at the Registration and Information Desk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the Close Encounter session.
Session Producer
Stephanie McArthur, Industry Programs Manager, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Moderator
Hoda Elatawi, Senior Producer/VP Production, GAPC Entertainment Inc. (Canada)
Speaker
Aidan Laverty, Commissioning Editor, BBC (UK)
01:00 pm - 01:45 pm
Close Encounters of the Funding Kind: Catherine Alvaresse, Marie Beuzard, and Hélène Coldefy (ARTE France)
Laurel Room
Throughout the week WCSFP offers small group meetings with individual commissioning editors and media executives who either commission science and history programs from independent producers outside their own territories or who provide significant funding. Designed to be intimate and interactive, attendance is limited and advance sign-up is required to attend these sessions. Sign-up forms will be available at the Registration and Information Desk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the Close Encounter session.
Session Producer
Stephanie McArthur, Industry Programs Manager, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Moderator
Chloe Sosa-Sims, Industry Programmer, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Speakers
Catherine Alvaresse, Deputy Director of the Knowledge and Discovery Factual Programming Unit, ARTE France (France)
Marie Beuzard, Commisionning Editor for Science & Factual Department, ARTE (France)
Hélène Coldefy, Head of Specialist Factual Department, ARTE France (France)
01:00 pm - 01:45 pm
Close Encounters of the Funding Kind: Vikram Channa and Elizabeth McIntyre (Discovery Networks International Western Europe/Asia Pacific)
Lotus Room
Throughout the week WCSFP offers small group meetings with individual commissioning editors and media executives who either commission science and history programs from independent producers outside their own territories or who provide significant funding. Designed to be intimate and interactive, attendance is limited and advance sign-up is required to attend these sessions. Sign-up forms will be available at the Registration and Information Desk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the Close Encounter session.
Session Producer/Moderator
Stephanie McArthur, Industry Programs Manager, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Speakers
Vikram Channa, Vice President, Production and Development, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (Singapore)
Elizabeth McIntyre, VP and Head Of Production & Development, Factual Western Europe, Discovery Networks International (UK)
02:00 pm - 03:15 pm
How Did They Do That?
Tai Po Room
Sometimes it’s all about new technology, and sometimes it’s all about ingenious ways of exploiting existing technology. Come and hear the story behind some of this year’s great sequences.
Session Producers
Valérie Abita, Producer, ZED (France)
Christine Le Goff, Producer, ZED (France)
Moderator
Steve Burns, Managing Director/Producer, Roller Coaster Road Productions (USA)
Speakers
François Bertrand, Producer/Manager, Camera lucida productions (France)
Leighton De Barros, Head Of Development & Production, Sea Dog TV International Pty Ltd (Australia)
Kyle Murdoch, Managing Director, NHNZ Ltd. (New Zealand)
Fabrice Puchault, Deputy Director, Head Of Nature, Science And Discovery, France 2 (France)
Mieko Yoshikawa, Director, NHK (Japan)
02:00 pm - 03:15 pm
TV on Trial
Shek-O Room
For more than half a century, the prevailing mission of television has been to educate, inform and entertain. Critics say that factual television has lost focus—that there is no education, little information and that the Internet is the place for serious intellectual fodder. Perhaps the Internet is good for some forms of content, while television is better for others.
In this trial, witnesses for the defence will cite some of the best examples of the type of “authentic” factual TV that seems to be enjoying a renaissance. Witnesses for the plaintiff will bring to light TV’s worst excesses and illustrate their case with clips from some of the most innovative and informative factual material on the web.
Session Producer
Charlotte Hunt-Grubbe, Development Producer, Windfall Films (UK)
Judge
Sara Ramsden, Commissioning Editor for Science, Channel 4 (UK)
Prosecuting Barrister
Stephen Hunter, Vice President, Production & Development, National Geographic Channels International (USA)
Defending Barrister
Martin Davidson, Head Of Commissioning, History & Business, BBC (UK)
Witnesses for the Defence
David Glover, Head of Specialist Factual, Channel 4 (UK)
Brad Kohlenstein, Vice President Of Development, Science Channel (USA)
Aidan Laverty, Commissioning Editor, BBC (UK)
Witnesses for the Prosecution
Sam Barcroft, CEO and Creative Director, Barcroft Productions (UK)
Alan Erson, General Manager Australia, Head Of Factual, Essential Media & Entertainment (Australia)
Alexandre Soullier, Producer, Bonne Pioche Television (France)
Sponsored by Tangled Bank Studios
02:45 pm - 03:15 pm
Close Encounters of the Funding Kind: Vikram Channa, Mingxi Cong and Liz McLeod (CICC)
Jasmine Room
Throughout the week WCSFP offers small group meetings with individual commissioning editors and media executives who either commission science and history programs from independent producers outside their own territories or who provide significant funding. Designed to be intimate and interactive, attendance is limited and advance sign-up is required to attend these sessions. Sign-up forms will be available at the Registration and Information Desk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the Close Encounter session.
Session Producer
Stephanie McArthur, Industry Programs Manager, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Moderator
Chloe Sosa-Sims, Industry Programmer, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Speakers
Vikram Channa, Vice President, Production and Development, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (Singapore)
Mingxi Cong, Producer, Project Development, International Department, CICC (China)
Liz McLeod, Consultant, CICC (China)
03:15 pm - 03:45 pm
Coffee Break
Join your fellow members for a break with refreshments.
Sponsored by Entertainment One
03:45 pm - 04:45 pm
Speed Dating 2
The Orchid Room
Speed Dating is a great way for independent producers to have a one-on-one chat with decision makers to whom they wouldn’t otherwise have easy access. Congress staff conducts preliminary matchmaking to make the encounters more rewarding for both parties. However, in keeping with the spirit of WCSFP, which is more about building networks and contacts than an actual market, we have asked the participating decision makers to pre-select the projects that they find interesting—but they won’t know who or where they came from until their face-to-face meeting. Pre-application required.
Applications for Speed Dating are now closed.
Session Producer
Chloe Sosa-Sims, Industry Programmer, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
03:45 pm - 04:45 pm
Catch Them If You Can
Shek-O Room
How do you capture the attention of digital natives in the age of multiple devices, apps, games and social media? The use of multiple devices while watching television allows for a completely new level of interaction and the opportunity for audiences to be part of the action. New technologies and techniques are bringing curriculum-driven content to the audience in a way that is fun and entertaining, yet educational with a focus on the subject. In this session, we will look at the newest projects in the genre and discuss what’s good and what might be taking it too far.
Session Producer
Stefanie Fischer, Head of Content, WDR mediagroup GmbH (Germany)
Moderator
Patrick Hörl, Founder and Managing Director, Autentic (Germany)
Speakers
Jasper James, Founder, Screen Glue Ltd. (UK)
Michael Loeb, CEO, WDR mediagroup GmbH (Germany)
Miki Mori, Senior Producer, NHK (Japan)
Melanie Wallace, Senior Series Producer, NOVA/WGBH TV (USA)
03:45 pm - 04:45 pm
The Agony and Ecstasy of Filming in China with Acclaimed Filmmaker Phil Agland
Tai Po Room
Phil Agland is currently in production on a major observational documentary series for CCTV Documentary Channel, the third in his China trilogy that spans the past 25 years. This latest epic, told in his characteristic observational style, interweaves intimate human stories with nature and the environment, taking his audience across China from the Tibetan Plateau to coastal Shanghai. It will explore the kind of world China is trying to create as it comes to terms with the devastating environmental impact of growth and rapid urbanization.
Phil is known for making a series of critically acclaimed natural history documentaries, as well as his double BAFTA award-winning Baka: People of the Rainforest. His multi-award-winning Channel 4 series Beyond the Clouds (1994) and Shanghai Vice (1999) are remarkable for their extraordinary intimacy and level of access, taking audiences into a China rarely seen on film. They are as acclaimed in China today as they are around the world. Despite moving on to making films elsewhere, the lure of China has proven irresistible. In this session, Phil will take us through the agony and ecstasy of bringing his China stories to the small screen.
Session Producer
Yiqian Zhang, Project Manager, International Acquisitions and Co-Production, CCTV Documentary Channel (China)
Moderator
Ralph Lee, Deputy Chief Creative Officer, Channel 4 (UK)
Speaker
Phil Agland, Director/Producer, River Films (UK)
Sponsored by Sunny Side of the Doc
08:45 pm - 11:00 pm
Connecting with Classic Hong Kong: A Harbour Cruise Aboard the Historic Star Ferry
Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon/Star Ferry Pier, Central, Hong Kong Island
It’s “all aboard” with this private charter for Congress members! For years the Star Ferry has been an iconic image of Hong Kong’s history and development. Enjoy the views and lights of the Hong Kong skyline as you cruise around Victoria Harbour with a glass of wine.
Harbour cruise starts and ends at Tsim Sha Tsui. Boarding available at Tsim Sha Tsui Pier and Central Pier.
Directions to Star Ferry Tsim Sha Tsui Pier - 8:45 p.m. Departure
Walking to the harbour (15-20 minutes) Follow the walkway at the back of the Kowloon Shangri-La along the waterfront.
Taxi (5-10 minutes) From Kowloon Shangri-La HK$20-25.
Walk via MTR Tunnels (15-20 minutes) Enter the subway (MTR) at East Tsim Sha Tsui Station. Follow the tunnels toward Tsim Sha Tsui Station and use Exit L6. Walk to the clock tower along Salisbury Road.
Directions to Star Ferry Central Pier - 9:55 p.m. Departure
MTR (25 minutes) Enter the subway MTR at East Tsim Sha Tsui Station. Follow the tunnels toward Tsim Sha Tsui Station and take the red line toward Central. Disembark at Central Sation, which is only two stops away, and use Exit A. Walk to the pier along Man Yiu Street.
Please note: This evening cruise can be quite cool and windy. A light jacket or windbreaker is advised.
FRIDAY, NOV. 21
08:30 am - 02:00 pm
Registration and Information Desk Open
Registration and information desk open for pass pick up and general inquires.
08:30 am - 04:30 pm
WCSFP Member Lounge
Fanling Room
08:45 am - 09:30 am
Morning Coffee
Join your fellow members for a break with refreshments.
Sponsored by Entertainment One
09:30 am - 10:45 am
Virtually There?
Shek-O Room
Have virtual reality and fully immersive visual techniques finally become relevant to general producers and consumers? This session is an exploration of some of the latest immersive platforms and interactive technologies that promise to bring history and science to audiences as never before.
Session Producer/Moderator
Iain Dodgeon, Creative Partnerships Manager, Wellcome Trust (UK)
Speakers
Marie-Pierre Aulas, Passion for Innovation, Dassault Systemes (France)
Drew Berry, Biomedical Animator, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (Australia)
Yifei Chai, Innovation Architect, UNIT9 Ltd. (UK)
Maurice Benayoun, School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
09:30 am - 10:00 am
Close Encounters of the Funding Kind: Takeshi Shibasaki (NHK)
Jasmine Room
Throughout the week WCSFP offers small group meetings with individual commissioning editors and media executives who either commission science and history programs from independent producers outside their own territories or who provide significant funding. Designed to be intimate and interactive, attendance is limited and advance sign-up is required to attend these sessions. Sign-up forms will be available at the Registration and Information Desk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the Close Encounter session.
Session Producer/Moderator
Stephanie McArthur, Industry Programs Manager, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Speaker
Takeshi Shibasaki, Senior Producer, Science Programs Division, NHK (Japan)
09:45 am - 10:45 am
Window On South Africa
Tai Po Room
With the explosion of digital channels and web streaming, science and knowledge television is taking off in South Africa—but what about opportunities for co-production?
Session Producer
Pascal Schmitz, Co-Owner and Director, AAA Entertainment/Owner, Amariam Pictures and Amariam Productions (South Africa)
Moderator
Peter Hamilton, Managing Director, DocumentaryTelevision.com (USA)
Speaker
Tshego Molete, Producer, Happy Brown Babies (South Africa)
Nisha Naidoo, The Creative Advantage (South Africa)
Joseph Oesi, Director/Producer/Cinematographer, Hambrook Communications (South Africa)
10:00 am
Editorial Committee Voting Closes
Voting closes at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21. A list of candidates will be posted at the Registration and Information Desk, and ballots will be distributed to any attending member who intends to vote.
To avoid any voting irregularities, each ballot will be numbered to correspond with the number on the voting member’s pass. Votes can only be cast in the sealed ballot box located at the Registration and Information Desk. Only members attending the conference are allowed to vote.
10:15 am - 10:45 am
Close Encounters of the Funding Kind: Joseph Maxwell (SBS)
Jasmine Room
Throughout the week WCSFP offers small group meetings with individual commissioning editors and media executives who either commission science and history programs from independent producers outside their own territories or who provide significant funding. Designed to be intimate and interactive, attendance is limited and advance sign-up is required to attend these sessions. Sign-up forms will be available at the Registration and Information Desk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the Close Encounter session.
Session Producer
Stephanie McArthur, Industry Programs Manager, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Moderator
Chloe Sosa-Sims, Industry Programmer, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Speaker
Joseph Maxwell, Commissioning Editor, SBS (Australia)
10:45 am - 11:15 am
Coffee Break
Join your fellow members for a break with refreshments.
Sponsored by Entertainment One
11:14 am - 12:44 pm
Funny Factual: Using Comedy to Deliver Complex and Challenging Content
Shek-O Room
Science and specialist factual programming may be fascinating, engaging and even entertaining, but is rarely funny. However, things are changing. Comedy is emerging as the new way to deliver complex and challenging content, reaching audiences that more serious programs cannot. This session will be a celebration of the best (i.e. funniest) practice from around the world, showcasing the application of humour to a wide range of serious subjects in the areas of science, history and natural history, and in a wide variety of forms, including presenter-led documentaries, panel shows, animation, archive-based programming and web shorts. Better yet, we’ll do it in a way that is, frankly, a little silly. Expect to see national teams in costume, with props, competing against each other to be crowned Congress’ funniest nation, as voted by the audience and our “laughometer.”
Session Producer
Jonathan Hewes, Head of International, Wall to Wall (UK)
Moderator
Jennifer Cummins, Company Director, Heiress Films (Australia)
Joseph Maxwell, Commissioning Editor, SBS (Australia)
Speakers
Archie Baron, Creative Director, Wingspan Productions (UK)
Sally Ingleton, Managing Director, 360 Degree Films (Australia)
Alice Keens-Soper, Head of Specialist Factual, Oxford Scientific Films (UK)
Charlie Parsons, Vice President, Global Development and Production, National Geographic Channel (USA)
Takeshi Shibasaki, Senior Producer, Science Programs Division, NHK (Japan)
11:15 am - 11:45 am
Close Encounters of the Funding Kind: Caroline Behar, Clémence Coppey, Fabrice Puchault and Thierry Mino (France Télévisions)
Jasmine Room
Throughout the week WCSFP offers small group meetings with individual commissioning editors and media executives who either commission science and history programs from independent producers outside their own territories or who provide significant funding. Designed to be intimate and interactive, attendance is limited and advance sign-up is required to attend these sessions. Sign-up forms will be available at the Registration and Information Desk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the Close Encounter session.
Session Producer
Stephanie McArthur, Industry Programs Manager, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Moderator
Chloe Sosa-Sims, Industry Programmer, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Speakers
Caroline Behar, Head of Documentaries, France 5/Head of Acquisitions, France Télévisions (France)
Clémence Coppey, Head of Documentaries, France 3 (France)
Fabrice Puchault, Deputy Director, Head Of Nature, Science And Discovery, France 2 (France)
Thierry Mino, Deputy Head Of Documentaries & Acquisitions And International Co-productions, France 5 (France)
12:15 pm - 12:45 pm
Close Encounters of the Funding Kind: Bill Margol (PBS)
Jasmine Room
Throughout the week WCSFP offers small group meetings with individual commissioning editors and media executives who either commission science and history programs from independent producers outside their own territories or who provide significant funding. Designed to be intimate and interactive, attendance is limited and advance sign-up is required to attend these sessions. Sign-up forms will be available at the Registration and Information Desk beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the Close Encounter session.
Session Producer/Moderator
Stephanie McArthur, Industry Programs Manager, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Canada)
Speaker
Bill Margol, Sr. Director Programming & Development, PBS (USA)
12:45 pm - 02:15 pm
Lunch
The Orchid Room
Join your fellow members for lunch.
02:15 pm - 03:15 pm
WCSFP Members Plenary
Shek-O Room
Members are invited to join to Board of Directors and the newly formed 2015 Steering Committee for a special farewell. Steering Committee election results will be announced at the start of the session.
03:15 pm - 03:45 pm
See You in Vienna
Shek-O Room
That’s a wrap! Congress 2014 has come to a close, which means now is the time to start making plans for 2015. Join us for a toast as we look to Congress 2015 in Vienna!
05:00 pm - 07:30 pm
Gallery 360 Experience
Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre
Tours available every 20 minutes starting at 5:00 p.m. Sign-up times and more information available at the Registration and Information Desk until Friday, November 21, at noon.