For the upcoming year we have lots to look forward to, including some documentary, factual TV and interactive festivals. Our list is by no means exhaustive, but the list includes a few we’ll be participating in. Let us know if there are others that you recommend.
RealScreen Summit – January 2014
“This session brings together top network execs and producers to discuss and dissect the top trends in unscripted/non-fiction content as well as offer some insight into what might be in store for the year ahead. And in the spirit of the interactive age, delegates will be able to email or Tweet questions, comments and observations to our illustrious panel and add their voices (or up to 140 well-chosen characters) to the conversation.”
SXSW Film & Interactive – March 2014
“Every March, creatives of all stripes gather in Austin to witness, inspire, and share the visions that will galvanize the filmmakers and ideas of tomorrow. The SXSW® Film Conference & Festival champions the vitality, innovation and opportunity that drive entertainment and media, and boldly tackles the evolution of all aspects of “film” today, down to its very definition.”
Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival – April 2014
“Hot Docs Industry Conference and Market offers access, networking and educational opportunities to filmmakers and industry professionals at all levels of experience. In 2013, popular events and services such as Distribution Rendezvous, The Festival Doc Shop and the Hot Docs Forum were complemented by new industry initiatives such as Hot Docs Deal Maker, Rent-an-Expert and Hot Docs Close-Up With… sessions.”
Sheffield Doc/Fest – June 2014
“Doc/Fest brings the international documentary family together to celebrate the art and business of documentary making for five intense days in June. Now in its 20th Year, Sheffield Doc/Fest is one of the top three documentary festivals and markets in the world.”
BANFF World Media Festival – June 2014
“For over three decades, the Banff World Media Festival has brought top leaders from across the evolving media landscape to the heart of the Canadian Rockies for a totally unique experience. The Festival began as an intimate space where unparalleled access and cutting-edge insight could combine to forge relationships, launch new business and aid the ambitious members of a dynamic industry in reaching their goals. More than thirty years later, the industry has changed, but the aims remain the same.”
NXNE Interactive – June 2014
“NXNEi also programs a core stream of panels + talks specifically for independent musicians & filmmakers. We’ll talk about creating online buzz, improving distribution, and finding + increasing your financing. Consider the NXNEi team your personal digital cultural curators. We’re here to help level the digital playing field so this city’s brightest minds can work toward innovative new businesses, solutions, projects, and art.”
TIFF Industry Conference – September 2014
“Industry Conference is a seven-day professional development opportunity for our registered delegates. The Conference will focus on a wide array of topics relevant to the industry, from financing and co-producing, to marketing and distribution, to traditional screenwriting and storytelling of the future.”
New York Television Festival – October 2014
“The NYTVF is a pioneer of the independent television movement, connecting its community of over 12,000 artists with leading networks, studios, agencies, production companies, and brands. Year-round submission opportunities for TV and digital development culminate at the annual New York Television Festival each fall, uniting indie creators, industry decision-makers, and TV fans, alike.”
International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam – November 2014
“The Forum, IDFA’s international co-financing and co-production market, is Europe’s most important breeding ground for new documentary projects, and an essential meeting place for filmmakers, television commissioning editors, documentary stakeholders and independent documentary producers.”
World Congress of Science & Factual Producers – December 2014
“WCSFP is a member-run, not-for-profit organization, dedicated to celebrating the best in science and history programs and other related genres (known in the UK market as specialist factual programming). Most recently held in Montreal, Canada (2013); Washington, D.C., USA (2012); Paris, France (2011); Dresden, Germany (2010); Melbourne, Australia (2009); Florence, Italy (2008); New York, USA (2007); Manchester, UK (2006), and Tokyo, Japan (2005), the Congress’ annual event has become a must-attend gathering for producers, broadcasters and distributors working in specialist factual television.”
The NextMEDIA Digi Awards & Conference – December 2014
“The Digis Awards are Canada’s premier annual showcase of the remarkable companies, products and people who are making waves in the digital media industry. From across the country, projects and profiles for consideration across 17 distinct categories were sent in to compete as part of Canada’s digital elite. A group of industry professionals across the digital spectrum determined the brightest stars in the Canadian digital media landscape.”