Funding Your Documentary – Friday 5th March, 2010

Having an idea for your dream documentary is fine thing, but if you can’t find the money to turn it into reality it’s going to remain a dream. Luckily, the Documentary Filmmakers Group have come up with the perfect course for you. The one day Funding Your Documentary workshop will help you navigate the complicated world of commissioning, co-production and distribution with lots of practical tips for tracking down, pitching for and securing production funding. Whether your ambition is to secure domestic or international TV broadcast, theatrical or festival release, you’ll come away with an overview of the opportunities and be aware of potential pitfalls.

When: Friday 5th March, 2010

Where: DFG, Dalston, London E8 2EZ

How Much:
Freelance DFG members £150 + VAT = £176.25
Freelance non members £175 + VAT = £205.63
Corporate rate: £350 + VAT = £402.50

To book your place, call DFG on +44 (0)20 7249 6600 or email training@dfgdocs.com

Entertainment Master Class Call for Applications – Deadline 29th March, 2010

Entertainment Master Class is a year-long programme for TV professionals, divided into four modules (which can be taken individually): Games and Game Shows; Reality, Documentary and Factual Entertainment; Sitcom and Comedy and Entertainment Management. Each module runs for five days and is held in a different place (Berlin, Banff, Lucernne and South Africa respectively).

Participants receive lectures, workshops and mentoring from industry leaders, including content creators, producers, distributors and lawyers. Subjects covered include creative development, pitching, broadcast scheduling, talent representation, legal compliance, rights management and format distribution.

This year’s programme begins in May. The deadline for applications is 29th March, 2010. Applicants are assessed by a panel and successful applicants notified.

Cost: Four modules, including online support material, hotel accommodation and full board, cost €13,500. The fee for one module is € 4,000.
Please note that the fee does not cover travel costs.

Application is by CV and completed application form (click through for links). Alternatively you can apply for a free scholarship at MIPTV.
(Photo by korom CC BY-SA 2.0)

DFG: Developing Your Factual Idea – 15th December, 2009

“You’ve written a proposal, or maybe gained some interest in your idea, but most broadcasters, funders, directors and producers will want to see something more before they back your project. There are many ideas around but it takes a lot of work to make the idea into a programme or film – so where do you start? This practical development workshop focuses on moving your idea into actuality, adding depth, possibility and originality to your factual programme or documentary.” Click through for more details.

DFG Training: How to Write and Pitch a Commission Winning Proposal, 8th-9th April, 2010

“Getting your proposal right first time is crucial, as for most filmmakers it represents the first chance to get your foot in the door with broadcasters. On this intensive workshop you’ll explore the processes involved in writing and pitching your proposal for factual programming. During the course, you will cover the standard writing techniques and formats for television proposals, vital information on the commissioning process and the particular types of proposals required by different commissioning bodies. You will also get help with visualizing your story and learn how to make your proposal eye-catching. Prior to the workshop, participants will submit a one – page proposal for a documentary or a factual project that will be developed and pitched during the workshop.” The course tutor is Nicola Lees.
Click through for more information.

Pitch, Shoot and Kill: An Introduction to Factual TV Development, Manchester, 5th December 2009

Freerun TV presents Pitch, Shoot and Kill. This intensive one-day seminar is a crash course in development that will give you an overview of the factual TV development process from initial idea to commission.

Illustrated with real-life stories of how internationally successful and award-winning
programmes were commissioned, the course reveals the ten steps to development
success, including how to:

• Develop the right mindset
• Understand the commissioning landscape
• Generate ideas from scratch
• Turn an idea from a concept into a TV programme idea
• Find talent
• Write a proposal
• Pitch
• Manage a slate of ideas

This course is for anyone who wants to start pitching their own ideas but doesn’t know where to start.

Click through for more details – places are limited!

(Photo by Photo by DavidQuick CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)