Conference Agenda 2011
AFI-DISCOVERY CHANNEL SILVERDOCS CONFERENCE 2011
All Silverdocs Conference events & activities will be held at the:
Silver Spring Civic Building
One Veterans Place (at the corner of Fenton St. & Ellsworth Drive)
Silver Spring, MD 20910
MONDAY, JUNE 20
Noon – 7:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Atrium
EARLY BIRD CONFERENCE REGISTRATION OPENS
TUESDAY, JUNE 21
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Atrium
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION DESK OPEN
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Gallery & Courtyard
NETWORKING BREAKFAST
10:00 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Colesville Room
SILVER SESSIONS Begin
Silver Sessions are small-group meetings with development, programming and acquisition executives; program officers from funding agencies; theatrical, DVD and international broadcast distributors; digital media innovators; marketing and PR consultants; producers’ representatives; legal advisers and industry leaders.
All registered attendees may sign up for Silver Sessions, depending on space availability. On-line registration runs June 6 – 12. Check the Silver Sessions Agenda for additional registration details and a link to the sign up page. Each session is limited to 15 participants. Silverdocs Filmmakers, Platinum Package and Sterling Access pass holders have priority access. Student pass holders may not sign up in advance but are welcome to add their names to the on-–site wait list. Visit the Conference Information Desk after the Festival starts for the most up-to-date list or to be placed on a waiting list for a session.
Tuesday, June 21
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room
EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW, BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK
It’s time to have an honest conversation about how documentary filmmaking really works. What do digital deals really look like? Are there any DVD distributors who are still buying docs? Who are they, and what do the deals look like? What’s the use of a sales agent in the new world order of no-advance deals? And what IS a no-advance deal anyway?
Join industry experts on this safe, smart, no-holds barred panel where you can ask any question you want about making your film, no matter how basic you think it is. Our professionals will share their knowledge honestly and without spin, including true success stories, fake success stories, and some outright disasters.
MODERATOR
Paola Freccero, Co-Founder, Crowdstarter
PRESENTERS
Katy Chevigny, Co-Founder and Sr. Director, Arts Engine
Eugene Hernandez, Director of Digital Strategy, Film Society of Lincoln Center; Founder of indieWIRE, serving as Editor-in-Chief until 2010
Andrea Meditch, President, Back Allie Films; Producer (GRIZZLY MAN, ENCOUNTERS AT THE END OF THE WORLD, MAN ON WIRE, BUCK)
Basil Tsiokos, Documentary Film & Festival Consultant; Programming Assoc, Sundance Film Festival
Tuesday, June 21
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Great Hall 1
DSLR CAMERAS IN DOCUMENTARY – TECHNICAL WORKSHOP, PART I
Digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras have become increasingly popular for use in documentary film production because of their extraordinary portability, their interchangeable lenses, and the fact that they cost thousands less than their competition. Yet, they come with some pitfalls as well. This DSLR camera workshop will explore the technical capabilities of the DSLR camera – both the positive and the negative – as well as the processes and accessories that can be employed when using a DSLR camera in the making of a documentary film. (For entry-level to mid-level filmmakers; opportunity to interact with camera & accessories manufacturers.)
PRESENTERS
Steven Bognar, Filmmaker, (A LION IN THE HOUSE, THE LAST TRUCK: CLOSING OF A GM PLANT)
Matt Gottshalk, DP/Editor and Principal of McGee Digital Media
Curated by Steven Bognar
Tuesday, June 21
11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Spring Room
MASTERCLASS: DOCUMENTARY PRODUCERS
Documentary filmmaking can often be a largely solitary experience, especially for first-time filmmakers who often direct, shoot, produce, and edit their own work over long many months, if not years. Filmmakers sometimes don’tmay not recognize the value in working with a producer, or might not fully understand what a documentary producer can actually can do to help get their films made. This panel gathers together three established documentary producers to who will demystify their roles through practical examples from their bodies of work.
MODERATOR & CURATOR
Basil Tsiokos, Documentary Film & Festival Consultant; Programming Assoc, Sundance Film Festival
PRESENTERS
Daniel Chalfen, Producer, Naked Edge Films (MEETING RESISTANCE, WAR DON DON, BUDRUS, DONOR UNKNOWN)
Julie Goldman, Producer, Julie Goldman Pictures (BETTER THIS WORLD, BUCK, OUR SCHOOL)
Sandra Whipham, Producer, London Fields Pictures (AFGHAN STAR, ENEMIES OF THE PEOPLE, DESPICABLE DICK AND RIGHTEOUS RICHARD)
Tuesday, June 21
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room
A “CRUDE” AWAKENING: CHEVRON V. BERLINGER
When Chevron took filmmaker Joe Berlinger to court to compel him to release outtakes from his documentary CRUDE: THE REAL PRICE OF OIL, Berlinger’s 2009 doc about the legal fight waged by Ecuadorians against Texaco (now owned by Chevron) over what they claimed – and Chevron disputed - was nearly two decades of systematic contamination of their rainforest home, a shiver of fear ran through the non-fiction community. Does every filmmaker who takes on a controversial topic involving deep-pocket protagonists face the possibility of being hauled into court? What are the ramifications for the filmmaking and journalistic community and to society at large of such legal actions against a documentarian?
Join us for a moderated discussion with filmmaker Joe Berlinger and his lawyer, Seth Berlin, as they talk about the CRUDE legal journey and explore questions raised by the case: Are documentarians investigative journalists, and are they afforded the same protections under the First Amendment? What protections do non-fiction filmmakers have? How does this case affect the relationship of trust between a doc filmmaker and his or her subjects? Will filmmakers now fear taking on controversial topics and if so, how do we as a community guard against this dampening effect?
MODERATOR
Andrea Meditch, President, Back Allie Films; Producer (GRIZZLY MAN, ENCOUNTERS AT THE END OF THE WORLD, MAN ON WIRE, BUCK)
PRESENTERS
Joe Berlinger, Filmmaker (PARADISE LOST, BROTHER’S KEEPER, METALLICA: SOME KIND OF MONSTER)
Seth Berlin, Managing Partner, Levine Sullivan Koch & Schulz, LLP
Tuesday, June 21
2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room
CHANGING THE PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF DOCUMENTARY
While in many ways the craft of documentary filmmaking has shown enjoyed continuedincreased improvement popularity in recent years, the question remains: - are these films reaching as wide an audience as they could be, or are they just largely playing to the converted? How can filmmakers, distributors, broadcasters, and marketers affect the general public's misperception of documentaries as dry, boring, academic chores, so that theyand instead view them as a the viable entertainment options that they are?
MODERATOR
Eugene Hernandez, Director of Digital Strategy, Film Society of Lincoln Center; Founder of indieWIRE, serving as Editor-in-Chief until 2010
PRESENTERS
Marshall Curry, Filmmaker (STREETFIGHT, RACING DREAMS, IF A TREE FALLS)
Paola Freccero, Co-Founder, Crowdstarter
Tristan Patterson, Filmmaker (DRAGONSLAYER)
Annie Roney, Founder, ro*co films, international
Curated by Basil Tsiokos, Documentary Film & Festival Consultant; Programming Assoc, Sundance Film Festival
Tuesday, June 21
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room
MEET THE BROADCASTERS: THE “REAL” REALITY TELEVISION
In a television landscape increasingly dominated by reality television programs, documentary films often seem relegated to an ever-narrowing bandwidth within “unscripted entertainment.” Meet a group who work every day to carve out a space for thoughtful, fact-based films to reach millions: television. This dedicated group of broadcasters will talk about the new opportunities and challenges they face in bringing a creative vision to wide audiences.
MODERATOR
Esther Robinson, Filmmaker and Producer (A WALK INTO THE SEA: DANNY WILLIAMS AND THE WARHOL FACTORY)
PRESENTERS
Nancy Abraham, Sr VP of Documentary Programming, HBO
Erica Forstadt, Executive Producer, Programming & Development, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
Simon Kilmurry, Executive Director, American Documentary, POV
Dan Silver, Director, Development, ESPN Films
Molly Thompson, Vice President, A&E IndieFilms
Curated by Katy Chevigny, Co-Founder and Sr. Director, Arts Engin
Tuesday, June 21
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Great Hall 1
DOC TALK: IN CONVERSATION WITH KEVIN CLASH (PERFORMER BEHIND ELMO)
Elmo is an instantly recognizable icon that brings joy to people all over the globe on Sesame Street, but who is the man behind the lovable red puppet? Meet Kevin Clash, the puppeteer behind Elmo and the subject of Constance Marks' delightful film, BEING ELMO, and learn more about his remarkable journey from his humble childhood in Baltimore, to Jim Henson's inner sanctum, to global fame.
MODERATOR
Robin Givhan, Special Correspondent, Style and Culture, Newsweek Daily Beast.
PANELIST
Kevin Clash, Puppeteer and Performer
Tuesday, June 21
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Gallery & Courtyard
MIX AND MINGLE HAPPY HOUR
Hosted by: The Maryland Film Office
Take advantage of the opportunity to network and relax at this daily social gathering.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Atrium
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION DESK OPEN
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Gallery & Courtyard
NETWORKING BREAKFAST
10:00 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Colesville Room
SILVER SESSIONS Begin
Wednesday, June 22
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room
SEPARATED AT BIRTH: FILMMAKERS AND JOURNALISTS WORKING TOGETHER… AND APART
Steve James’ film THE INTERRUPTERS was inspired by Alex Kotlowitz’s cover article for the New York Times, and together they worked to bring the story of three “violence interrupters” in Chicago to the screen. Amir Bar-Lev made his film THE TILLMAN STORY (Silverdocs 2010) as an attempt to get at the truth of a story that had been distorted by the military and misperceived by the public. These two filmmakers, along with and journalists Alex Kotlowitz and Steve Coll, who broke the Tillman story in the Washington Post, will discuss the craft of filmmaking and compare it to the craft of writing, as well as the interplay between the media and documentary filmmakers as it relates to their bodies of work. How does the filmmaker’s task differ from the writer’s? What are the different tools and devices at their disposal? What are their limitations? Are their ethics similar? What can film achieve that a written narrative cannot, and vice-versa?
MODERATOR
Jacki Lyden, Substitute Host & Correspondent, NPR
PRESENTERS
Steve James, Filmmaker (HOOP DREAMS, STEVIE, AT THE DEATH HOUSE DOOR, THE INTERRUPTERS)
Alex Kotlowitz, Author and contributor to The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker and public radio’s This American Life. His articles have also appeared in The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, Rolling Stone, The Atlantic and The New Republic
Amir Bar-Lev, Filmmaker (FIGHTER, MY KID COULD PAINT THAT, THE TILLMAN STORY)
Steve Coll, President of New America Foundation, a contributor at The New Yorker magazine Foreign correspondent and senior editor at The Washington Post.
Curated by Alicia Sams, Director/Producer (OFF THE MENU: LAST DAYS AT CHASEN’S, TOOTS, ELECTION DAY, BY THE PEOPLE: THE ELECTION OF BARACK OBAMA)
Wednesday, June 22
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Great Hall 1
DISCOVERY NETWORKS ROUNDTABLE
This informal affair will give filmmakers and Conference passholders the opportunity to meet with Discovery executives to learn more about programming needs, their acquisition process, and the development pipeline at Discovery's family of networks. This 90-minute session will allow participants to meet with executives in a "round robin" style for 10-minutes. Bring your questions and join us to meet the executives from Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Science, Investigation Discovery, Military Channel, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, Discovery Networks International, Discovery Fit & Health and Planet Green. Stop by the Conference Information Desk in the Silver Spring Civic Center Atrium to register for this session. Appointments are first-come, first-served, (maximum 50 people).
MODERATOR
Kate Schroeder, Manager, Corporate Affairs & Communications, Discovery Communications
PRESENTERS
Sarah Davies, Vice President, Programming, Factual, Discovery Networks International
Christo Doyle, Managing Executive Producer, Discovery Channel
Erica Forstadt, Executive Producer, Programming & Development, OWN
Sara Helman, Director, Program Development, Animal Planet
Lynne Kirby, Sr Programming & Development Consultant, Discovery Fit & Health & Planet Green
Sara Kozak, Vice President of Production & Development, Investigation Discovery & Military Channel
Brian Lavin, Development Manager, Science
Winona Meringolo, Director, Development, Military Channel
Darcy Tomlin, Vice President Programming, Lifestyle, Discovery Networks International
Wednesday, June 22
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room
DOC TALK: REVERSE ANGLE, WHEN THE FILMMAKER IS IN THE FILM
There is a wide range of documentary genres that call for the voice of the filmmaker. Join this conversation as filmmakers frankly discuss their decisions to put their own voice --and sometimes their image -- in their films.
MODERATOR & CURATOR
Katy Chevigny, Co-Founder and Sr. Director, Arts Engine
PRESENTERS
Steve James, Filmmaker (HOOP DREAMS, STEVIE, AT THE DEATH HOUSE DOOR, THE INTERRUPTERS)
Chico Colvard, Filmmaker (FAMILY AFFAIR)
Mimi Chakarova, Filmmaker (THE PRICE OF SEX)
Wednesday, June 22
2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room
DSLR CAMERAS IN DOCUMENTARY – CHALLENGES & AESTHETICS, PART II
With the sharp rise of DSLR cameras put to use in documentary film production, so comes a rise in a distinct aesthetic style uniquely borne from the digital single lens reflex and its capabilities… and limitations. Join expert DSLR cinematographers and filmmakers in a discussion about the use of this camera and its impact on current documentary trends and aesthetics.
MODERATOR & CURATOR
Steven Bognar, Filmmaker (, A LION IN THE HOUSE, THE LAST TRUCK: CLOSING OF A GM PLANT)
PRESENTERS
Danfung Dennis, Filmmaker/DP, (TO HELL AND BACK AGAIN)
Nadia Hallgren, DP/Filmmaker, (TROUBLE THE WATER, WAR DON DON)
Tristan Patterson, Filmmaker/DP, (DRAGONSLAYER)
Wednesday, June 22
2:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Spring Room
STORY LEADS TO ACTION: WITH CHICKEN & EGG PICTURES AND WORKING FILMS (Parts 1 & 2)
2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Part 1
3:45 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Part 2
This panel makes the nuts and bolts of designing a community engagement campaign transparent, dynamic and fun! Expect a hand-picked panel of stake-holders, the filmmakers and you – the audience – who together will brainstorm a strategy for linking the core elements of a film’s launch to the concrete needs of a movement. Chicken & Egg Pictures and Working Films are thrilled to bring this model to our Nation’s Capital and Silverdocs, where story indeed leads to action! Films to be discussed: THE BARBER OF BIRMINGHAM and SEMPER FI: ALWAYS FAITHFUL
MODERATORS:
Judith Helfand, Co-Founder, Chicken & Egg Pictures
Robert West, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Working Films
PRESENTERS
Robin Fryday, Filmmaker (BARBER OF BIRMINGHAM)
Rachel Libert, Filmmaker (SEMPER FI: ALWAYS FAITHFUL)
Tony Hardmon, Filmmaker (SEMPER FI: ALWAYS FAITHFUL)
Wednesday, June 22
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room
THE GREAT DEBATE
Three venerated filmmakers take on three esteemed members of the documentary "industry"leaders in a no-holds barred debate over the great issues facing of our timeindustry. See participants come up with arguments on the spot! Watch as the pro- and con- teams are switched mid-debate! Vote for the best and worst debater of the night (includes prizes for both!).
MODERATOR & CURATOR
AJ Schnack, filmmaker (KURT COBAIN ABOUT A SON), film blogger (All these wonderful things), and founder of Cinema Eye Honors
PRESENTERS
Sean Farnel, Director of Programming, Hot Docs
Josh Fox, Filmmaker (GASLAND)
Sam Green, Filmmaker (THE WEATHER UNDERGROUND, UTOPIA IN FOUR MOVEMENTS)
Liz Ogilvie, Co-founder, Crowdstarter
Esther Robinson, Filmmaker and Producer (A WALK INTO THE SEA: DANNY WILLIAMS AND THE WARHOL FACTORY)
Debra Zimmerman, Executive Director, Women Make Movies
Wednesday, June 22
3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room
MASTER CLASS: EDITORS, THE TRUE STORYTELLERS?
The art of the film editor may go unnoticed by general audiences, yet it is revered by documentary filmmakers and aficionados. Directors know that documentary stories are usually written in the editing room. Hear three top-notch editors reveal share their craft as they each reveal the thought process that went behind getting a stubborn scene that just wouldn’t take shape to finally work..
MODERATOR & CURATOR
Julia Reichert, Filmmaker (A LION IN THE HOUSE, THE LAST TRUCK: CLOSING OF A GM PLANT)
PRESENTERS
Toby Shimin, Film Editor (MARTHA AND ETHEL, EVERYTHING’S COOL, , BUCK)
Tom Haneke, Film Editor (AMERICAN DREAM, AMERICAN TEEN, TAKING ROOT: THE VISION OF WANGARI MAATHAI, WHERE SOLDIERS COME FROM)
Heather Courtney, Filmmaker (LETTERS FROM THE OTHER SIDE, WHERE SOLDIERS COME FROM)
Wednesday, June 22
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Gallery & Courtyard
MIX AND MINGLE HAPPY HOUR
Hosted by: Chicken & Egg Pictures
Take advantage of the opportunity to network and relax at this daily social gathering.
THURSDAY, JUNE 23
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Atrium
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION DESK OPEN
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Gallery & Courtyard
NETWORKING BREAKFAST
10:00 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Colesville Room
SILVER SESSIONS Begin
Thursday, June 23
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room
PITCHING WORKSHOP
“Pitching” has become an increasingly essential tool for filmmakers’ funding opportunities; from international forums to the 3 minute elevator pitch needed for potential donors. Join Working Films co-founders for a dynamic workshop in which the nuts and bolts and best practices for a strong pitch are presented, followed by three 20-minute sessions with invited filmmakers who will receive targeted feedback on their pitch for community-engagement projects.
MODERATORS
Judith Helfand, Co-Founder, Chicken & Egg Pictures
Robert West, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Working Films
PRESENTERS
Mona Nicoara, Filmmaker (OUR SCHOOL)
Ramona Diaz, Filmmaker (THE LEARNING)
Cynthia Lowen, Producer (THE BULLY PROJECT)
Thursday, June 23
10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. -, Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room
A BEHIND-THE-SCENES GUIDE TO CAPITOL HILL FOR FILMMAKERS
Join a bipartisan panel of high-powered legislative staffers who will take offer you on a behind-the-scenes look at how laws and policies are made in Washington, the people who make them, and how you can best position your film to engage policy makers. Most documentary filmmakers want to make an impact on the world. However, it can be challenging to turn inspiring stories into lasting change. Policymakers and filmmakers—both wanting to make a difference—usually operate in separate realities, so creative possibilities are easily missed. Panelists will also discuss how to successfully engage and interview politicians in documentaries.
MODERATOR
Will Jenkins, Staff, Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA)
PRESENTERS
Alisia Essig, Staff, Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT)
Sonny Sinha, Staff, Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY)
Thursday, June 23
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. –Fenton Room
DOC TALK: LAW AND ORDER IN DOCUMENTARY
The Silverdocs films BETTER THIS WORLD, INCENDIARY: THE WILLINGHAM CASE, SCENES OF A CRIME and GIVE UP TOMORROW all focus on different riveting aspects of the judicial process. Meet the filmmakers behind these films as they discuss how documentaries are uniquely positioned to present, analyze, and when appropriate critique the judicial process. How is their approach as filmmakers similar, and different to that of a criminal investigator, prosecutor or defender? When their film uncovers a judicial wrong, is it the filmmaker’s ethical responsibility to stay neutral or to take a stance? And how might their film be used as a catalyst to generate action and positive change within the legal system?
MODERATOR
Shawn Armbrust, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project
PRESENTERS
Katie Galloway, Filmmaker (BETTER THIS WORLD)
Michael Collins, Filmmaker (GIVE UP TOMORROW)
Joe Bailey, Jr., Filmmaker (INCENDIARY: WILLINGHAM CASE)
Grover Babcock, Filmmaker (SCENES OF A CRIME)
Thursday, June 23
12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room
CROWDFUNDING SUCCESS STRATEGIES
To have a successful Crowdfunding campaign, you need a firm grasp on how to find your "crowd" and how to build relationships with them. This presentation will provide a clear set of directives for building the foundation for a fruitful campaign, including how to create powerful strategic alliances and use social media to its fullest potential. The benefits of setting up an effective campaign also translate brilliantly to outreach and distribution of a finished film.
PRESENTER
Jilann Spitzmiller, Documentary Filmmaker, and Co-Creator, DocuMentor
Thursday, June 23
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Great Hall 1
PBS SPEED PITCH
If you think your project will strike a chord with audiences, then step up to pitch to PBS professionals, who will be on hand to take 5-minute pitches, providing project-specific advice. Time will be strictly enforced. The session is geared towards those who did not pitch in last year’s session and have not submitted current projects to PBS or any of its series.
Space is limited and you must register in advance for this session by completing the online registration form. In addition to the form, please come to the session prepared with at least a one-sheet that defines the project, provides a production plan and timeline, and describes a funding strategy. Online registration is now closed. Please visit the confirmation information desk in the Silver Spring Civic Center Atrium to see if space is still available.
Before scheduling your meeting, please consult the “Producing for PBS” website at www.pbs.org/producers to review PBS’s standard submission guidelines, and come prepared with at a least a one-sheet that defines the project, provides a production plan and timeline, and describes a funding strategy.
PRESENTERS
Jalyn Henton, Senior Program Associate, Program Development & Independent Film, PBS
Cara Liebenson, Assistant Director Primetime Programming, PBS
Sumner Menchero, Senior Program Associate, Program Development & Independent Film, PBS
Jennifer Ruppmann, Senior Program Associate in Primetime Programming, PBS
Thursday, June 23
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Great Hall 1
PITCH TO INDEPENDENT TELEVISION SERVICE (ITVS)
If you have a project that meets the ITVS programming mission (see our website: ITVS.org) , then sign up for the ITVS pitch session. You will have 5 minutes for your pitch, which can be a combination of a verbal presentation and a clip of your proposed documentary. No need to send any advanced materials. Stop by the Conference Information Desk in the Silver Spring Civic Center Atrium to register for this session. Appointments are limited and are first-come, first-served.
PRESENTER
Richard Saiz, Sr. Programming Manager, ITVS Open Call
Thursday, June 23
2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room
BRANDED DOCUMENTARY: ART, COMMERCE, AND HOW YOU CAN HELP REDEFINE A GENRE
Filmmakers and marketers take note: branded film content is on the rise and opportunities abound. As consumers sidestep traditional advertising, brands must connect with them in new ways. Many have begun to purvey magnetic content of their own -- often by telling real stories about the lives that they change. Some of their richest content and biggest successes are coming from their work with documentary filmmakers, who are finding a new sustainability of their own through this meaningful commissioned work.
But how do these projects happen? What process allows the players to both meet company goals and deliver work that filmmakers can be proud of? And does it make an impact? Our panelists bring distinct perspectives. This panel presents a 360-degree view from filmmakers, producers and marketers -- and best practices for all players in this cresting niche.
MODERATOR
Joel Johnson, Head of Global Planning, Porter Novelli
PRESENTERS
Jessica Agneesens, Content Development Strategist, Whole Foods Market
David Modigliani, Creative Director, Flow Nonfiction
Barbara Ponce, Manager, Corporate & Diversity Advertising, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Thursday, June 23
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Great Hall 1
ONE-ON-ONE WITH NEH FUNDERS
Are you creating a documentary with humanities themes on a national or international topic? Perhaps your project is appropriate for funding by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Sign up for a 15-minute one-on-one meeting with a Program Officer from the NEH to discuss your project.
The NEH supports the development and production of documentary films that address significant figures, events, or developments in the humanities and draw their content from humanities scholarship. Films should be intended for national distribution. Awards range from $40,000 for development to $800,000 for production. For almost forty years, the Endowment has been a leading funder of historical documentary films on public television. Recently funded films include: THE FREEDOM RIDERS, HARLEM IN MONTMARTRE: A PARIS JAZZ STORY, OROZCO: MAN OF FIRE, and WOMEN, WAR & PEACE: THE BALKANS. Stop by the Conference Information Desk in the Silver Spring Civic Center Atrium to register for this session. Appointments are first-come, first-served, (maximum 18 people).
For relevant grants programs please visit the following link prior to your appointment: http://www.neh.gov/grants/grantsbydivision.html#public
PRESENTERS
Jeff Hardwick, Senior Program Officer, Div of Public Programs, NEH
Kathleen Mulvaney, Senior Program Officer, Div of Public Programs, NEH
David Weinstein, Senior Program Officer, Div of Public Programs, NEH
Thursday, June 23
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Great Hall 1
ONE-ON-ONE WITH THE SAN FRANCISCO FILM SOCIETY | DOCUMENTARY FILM FUND
Do you have a feature length doc in or nearing postproduction? If so, you may be a good fit for the San Francisco Film Society’s new Documentary Film Fund, which will disburse $300,000 to documentary filmmakers in post-production nationwide over the next three years. The Fund will support riveting documentaries distinguished by compelling stories, intriguing characters and innovative visual approach.
The San Francisco Film Society inspires the progressive evolution of film culture and transforms individual lives via a brilliant slate of programs and services in three core areas: Exhibition, Education and Filmmaker Services. Offering a full suite of programs and activities designed to foster creativity and further the careers of independent filmmakers, the Film Society’s Filmmaker Services program empowers filmmakers of all levels, taking their project from conception to completion and beyond through its project development and fiscal sponsorship services, grants and residencies programs and a variety of networking events throughout the year. Join SFFS grantors for 15-minute one-on-one sessions to discuss your project. Stop by the Conference Information Desk in the Silver Spring Civic Center Atrium to register for this session. Appointments are first-come, first-served, (maximum 18 people).
PRESENTERS
Sara Dosa, Coordinator, Grants and Residencies
Joanne Parsont, Director of Education
Thursday, June 23
3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room
NAVIGATING THE FILM FESTIVAL CIRCUIT
Film festivals play a significant role in a film's trajectory, becoming an important destination for audience engagement, press exposure and ideally leading to theatrical and broadcast deals. Hear from today's leading documentary film festival programmers and organizers on what their festivals are looking for, how they go about their selection process, their sense of the changing festival landscape, and tips and advice on how best to create a festival strategy and leverage your festival opportunities.
MODERATOR
Liz Ogilvie, Co-Founder, Crowdstarter
PRESENTERS
Sean Farnel, Director of Programming, Hot Docs: Canadian International Documentary Festival
Thom Powers, Documentary Programmer, Toronto International Film Festival
Sadie Tillery, Director of Programming, Full Frame Film Festival Film Festival Film Festival
Basil Tsiokas, Documentary Programmer
David Wilson, Co-Director, True/False Film Festival
Thursday, June 23
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Gallery & Courtyard
MIX AND MINGLE HAPPY HOUR
Hosted by: International Documentary Association (IDA)
Take advantage of the opportunity to network and relax at this daily social gathering.
FRIDAY, JUNE 24
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Atrium
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION DESK OPEN
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Gallery & Courtyard
NETWORKING BREAKFAST
10:00 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Colesville Room
SILVER SESSIONS Begin
Friday, June 24
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room
STUDENT PITCH: EMERGING ARTISTS PITCH TO THE PROS
Students from leading graduate film schools present their projects to a distinguished panel of programmers, filmmakers and distributors.
MODERATOR
Yance Ford, Series Producer, AMDOC | POV
PANELISTS
Mona Nicoara, filmmaker (OUR SCHOOL)
Jose Rodriguez, Programming Associate, Tribeca Film Institute
Christine Umali, Executive Assistant, WITNESS
PITCH PRESENTERS (in alphabetical order):
Matt Gordon, American University
Eva Hageman, New York Univeristy
Sylvia Johnson, American University
Laura Murray, New York University
Friday, June 24
11:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room
ITVS & THE ART OF THE SHORT STORY
As the single biggest funder of independent documentaries on television, the Independent Television Service has become indispensable for filmmakers seeking major funding for their projects. This seminar focuses on a form rarely utilized by documentarians: the short documentary –-- in this case, half hour television documentaries. This is a rare opportunity to learn what ITVS looks for in half hour docs by examining how storytelling principles are utilized in the short doc form.
PRESENTER
Richard Saiz, Senior Programming Manager, ITVS
Friday, June 24
12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room
FUNDING DOCUMENTARIES: CRAFTSMANSHIP AND MESSAGE
Hear from some of the documentary world’s most committed funders about what they look for in a proposal from a filmmaker. Is the most important thing access to a subject, past experience, or the timeliness of the subject matter? How do style, format, and craftsmanship come into play, and what is the tension between these foci? Join us as we tease out the nuance of funding priorities.
MODERATOR & CURATOR
Katy Chevigny, Co-Founder & Sr. Director, Arts Engine
PRESENTERS
Orlando Bagwell, Director, JustFilms, Ford Foundation
Daniel Chalfen – Founder/Producer, Naked Edge Films
Sheila Leddy, Executive Director, The Fledgling Fund
Judith Helfand, Co-Founder, Chicken & Egg Pictures
Adella Ladjevardi, Grants Manager, Cinereach
Friday, June 24
1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room
DOCUMENTARY WITHOUT A CAUSE
Recognizing that many festivals, broadcast outlets and funders seem to find it easier to support documentaries with clearly defined advocacy agendas, how can documentaries without a central social issue focus get funded, programmed, and seen? Panelists will explore non-social issue docs and opportunities for alternate and traditional funding, distribution, and exhibition.
MODERATOR
David Wilson, Co-Founder & Co-Director, True/False Film Festival
PRESENTERS
Ryan Harrington, Director of Documentary Programs, Tribeca Film Institute
Molly Surno, Outreach Director, Kickstarter
Jon Foy, Filmmaker, RESURRECT DEAD: THE MYSTERY OF THE TOYNBEE TILES
Curated by Basil Tsiokos, Documentary Film & Festival Consultant; Programming Assoc, Sundance Film Festival
Friday, June 24
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Silver Spring Civic Building, Great Hall 1
TRANSMEDIA LAB
(Co-presented by The Tribeca Film Institute)
This one-day workshop will delve into the development of a cross-platform and/or transmedia project, beginning with the concept of a social issue documentary film. Six projects will go through a private mini transmedia workshop in the morning, rotating through a panel of experts who will provide advice for the projects. In the second half of the day, open to the public, the transmedia experts will make 20-minute presentations on their areas of expertise, followed by a 10-minute pitch by each of the projects.
MODERATORS
Ingrid Kopp, Director, New Media Consultant, Tribeca Film Institute; Director / Editor-in-Chief, Shooting People
Patricia Aufderheide, Director, Center for Social Media
PRESENTERS/MENTORS
Mark Belinsky, President & Co-Founder, Digital Democracy
Wendy Levy, Creative Director, Bay Area Video Coalition
Ben Moskowitz, Media Program Officer, Mozilla Foundation
Susana Ruiz, Media Artist & Designer, Co-Founder Take Action Games
Lina Srivastava, Principal, Lina Srivastava Consulting
Zack Wise, Multi-Media Producer, Digital Artwork
FILMMAKER PARTICIPANTS
Amir Bar-Lev, THE TILLMAN STORY
Margaret Brown, THE GREAT INVISIBLE
Michael Collins & Marty Syjuco, GIVE UP TOMORROW
Lee Hirsch, THE BULLY PROJECT
Steve James, THE INTERRUPTERS
Marco Williams, UNDOCUMENTED
Friday, June 24
2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room
PRODUCING FOR PUBLIC MEDIA WORKSHOP
Producing non-fiction content is at an all time high thanks to advances in digital technology, which include various tools from Final Cut Pro to file-based cameras. If your goal is to air content on PBS, take note. In this session, PBS insiders will share their knowledge of best practices when using new technology and lay out case studies which examine what has worked in the past and what’s acceptable practice for the future. The workshop will also prepare you for what deliverables will be expected of you when producing for PBS.
MODERATOR & CURATOR
Chris Hastings, Managing Producer/Editorial Manager, WORLD Channel/WGBH LAB
PRESENTERS
Chris Fournelle, Post-Production Director, Frontline/WGBH
Chris White, Director of Programming, America Documentary | P.O.V.
Robert Bahar, Filmmaker (MADE IN L.A.)
Friday, June 24
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room
STRATEGIES FOR AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT AND IMPACT
The Fledgling Fund – a renowned granting organization that seeks to improve the lives of vulnerable individuals, families, and communities by supporting innovative media projects that target entrenched social problems – will explore different strategies for using films as vehicles for social change. What strategies have the filmmakers used? Plan to use? How can these powerful and complex stories help NGOs, policy makers, school leaders, parents, youth and communities work for change within their individual communities? What lessons do they offer?
MODERATORS
Sheila Leddy, Executive Director, The Fledgling Fund
PRESENTERS
Lee Hirsch, Filmmaker (THE BULLY PROJECT)
Roland Legiardi-Laura, Filmmaker (TO BE HEARD)
Richard Chisholm, Filmmaker (CAFETERIA MAN)
Molly McCloskey, ?Managing Director, Whole Child Programs
Friday, June 24
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room
DOC TALK: BRIDGING THE GENERATIONS
Who best to discuss the work of a documentary filmmaker but another documentary filmmaker? Who best to address the influence of one of our film community’s veteran documentarians but an emerging young filmmaker who has been especially influenced? This panel brings together one veteran and one newcomer for an in-depth discussion of each other’s work.
PRESENTERS
Doug Block, Filmmaker, THE KIDS GROW UP, 51 BIRCH STREET
Doug’s credits as producer include: SILVERLAKE LIFE, JUPITER’S WIFE, LOVE AND DIANE. Doug is also the founder and co-host of The D-Word (www.d-word.com), a popular online discussion forum for documentary professionals worldwide.
Jon Foy, Filmmaker, RESURRECT DEAD: THE MYSTERY OF THE TOYNBEE TILES
Curated by Basil Tsiokos, Documentary Film & Festival Consultant; Programming Assoc, Sundance Film Festival
Friday, June 24
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Gallery & Courtyard
MIX AND MINGLE HAPPY HOUR
Take advantage of the opportunity to network and relax at this daily social gathering.
SATURDAY, JUNE 25
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Atrium
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION DESK OPEN
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Gallery & Courtyard
NETWORKING BREAKFAST
Saturday, June 25
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room
MASTER CLASS ON DIRECTING: HEIDI EWING AND RACHEL GRADY
This seminar by directing duo Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady (BOYS OF BARAKA, JESUS CAMP, 12th & DELAWARE) will illustrate the team’s specific filmmaking process. They will illustrate their method of finding the concept for a picture and creating a visual style appropriate to the subject matter. Using clips of their work over the years, Ewing and Grady will also address handling interviews in a cinematic way, solving tension and story arc problems and dealing with sensitive ethical issues that inevitably arise in documentary filmmaking.
PRESENTERS
Heidi Ewing, Co-Director/Producer
Rachel Grady, Co-Director/Producer
Saturday, June 25
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Spring Room
DIGITAL BOOTCAMP
Designed to help you navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape. This Bootcamp
will guide you through a series of case studies and practical examples to help you get up to speed with many of the digital tools now available to documentary storytellers. The Bootcamp will cover a range of approaches from crowdfunding campaigns to social media and interactive documentaries to show how you can explore new ways of telling stories and bring new audiences to your work.
PRESENTER
Ingrid Kopp, New Media Consultant, Tribeca Film Institute; Director / Editor-in-Chief, Shooting People
Saturday, June 25
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room
IF YOU FILMED IT, WILL THEY COME? – THE DISTRIBUTION GAME
You’ve made your film, now what are your options? Getting your film in front of audiences is often just as much work as making it. Join our panel of distribution experts as they discuss the current landscape of documentary distribution. The conversation will include: building an audience through social networking, niche marketing and festival screenings; the arrival (finally) of online distribution; traditional art house booking, and nd working your film city by city; how to succeed with day and date releasing; and how to figure out if your film can justify a national campaign.
MODERATOR & CURATOR
Alicia Sams, Director/Producer (OFF THE MENU: LAST DAYS AT CHASEN’S, TOOTS, ELECTION DAY, BY THE PEOPLE: THE ELECTION OF BARACK OBAMA)
PRESENTERS
Matt Dentler, Head of Content, Cinetic Rights Management
Greg Kendall, Balcony Releasing, Cinetic Media
Laura Kim, Principal, Inside Job Consulting
Ted Mundorff, CEO, Landmark Theatres
Liz Ogilvie, Co-Founder, Crowdstarter
Tom Quinn, SVP, Acquisitions, Magnolia Pictures
Saturday, June 25
12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room
STATE OF THE ARTS
Public media and federal arts funding—key sources of support for filmmakers—remain a bête noire for some policy-makers who view the results as non-essential or politically slanted. With the 2012 budget battle looming, arts funding remains a vulnerable target. Silverdocs convenes a panel with key funders, policy-makers and advocates to present their programs and discuss agendas in this difficult political climate.
MODERATOR
Karen Finney, Democratic Strategist, MSNBC Political Analyst, and Columnist for The Hill
PRESENTERS
Rachel Goslins, Executive Director, President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities
Alyce Myatt, Director of Media Arts, National Endowment for the Arts
Jeff Hardwick, Senior Program Officer, Div of Public Programs, National Endowment for the Humanities
Jennifer Lawson, Senior VP, Television and Digital Video Content, Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Gladstone Payton, Esq., Assoc Director for Federal Affairs, Americans for the Arts
Saturday, June 25
1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room
DOC TALK: USING ARCHIVAL FOOTAGE: THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
There is a tradition nearly as old as the genre itself to utilize archival footage in documentary. And while having access to visual relics from the past is almost always an asset, the successful integration of such archival footage into a film may also bring with it a unique set of challenges. How does one successfully repurpose previously shot material for a new project? How does one keep the story feeling creative, fresh and contemporary when the footage is clearly taken out of the past?
This panel will discuss the strategies, opportunities and challenges that documentary filmmakers have encountered when implementing archival and historic footage into their films.
MODERATOR
Ann Hornaday, Film Critic, The Washington Post
PRESENTERS
Nancy Buirski, Filmmaker (THE LOVING STORY)
Elisabeth James, Producer/Editor (THE LOVING STORY)
Chad Friedrichs, Filmmaker (THE PRUITT-IGOE)
That’s a Wrap!
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