Conference Overview
WORLD CONGRESS OF SCIENCE AND FACTUAL PRODUCERS SET TO BRING TOGETHER KEY BROADCASTERS AND PRODUCERS FOR 15TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN MANHATTAN
NOVEMBER 26-29, 2007 – NEW YORK, NY
Toronto, July 18, 2007 – The World Congress of Science and Factual Producers (WCSFP) will welcome hundreds of leading international broadcasters and producers to its 15th annual conference in New York City from November 26-29, 2007.
Following last year’s highly successful edition in Manchester, which saw record-breaking attendance and an astounding 80% of delegates reporting advancement of their projects, the Congress has become a must-attend event for those working in specialist factual television. More than 550 international broadcasters, producers and distributors from more than 20 countries are expected in New York.
Thirteen/WNET New York, the largest of the 300 locally owned-and-operated television stations that comprise the US Public Broadcasting Service, is the Host Broadcaster for this year’s edition.
“The World Congress of Science and Factual Producers is such a revitalizing event for industry professionals, and the heart of New York City in November is the perfect spot for such a lively gathering,” says Jared Lipworth, director of science programs at Thirteen/WNET New York and member of the WCSFP Steering Committee. “We’re thrilled to be the Host Broadcaster, and look forward to welcoming WCSFP members from all over the world to a 2007 Congress filled with the dynamic sessions, memorable socializing and productive deal-making that we all find so valuable.”
This year’s WCSFP features an outstanding program of 40+ workshops, networking events, pitch sessions, and panels that will reveal emerging content trends and highlight important industry issues. Last year, 184 broadcast representatives attended from such broadcasters as: ARTE, BBC, CBC, Channel 4, Channel 5, Discovery Channel US, Discovery Channel Canada, Discovery Science, France 5, National Geographic Int., NDR, NHK, ABC TV, WGBH and Thirteen/WNET. The 2006 event maintained a two-to-one ratio of independent producers to broadcasters, ensuring plenty of valuable time for networking and deal-making.
The WCSFP will also feature the return of popular services including commissioning editor lunches, an on-demand video library of delegates’ productions, as well as evening networking events and special social activities that will take advantage of Manhattan’s renowned nightlife.
The World Congress of Science and Factual Producers is a not-for-profit, member-run organization dedicated to celebrating the best in specialist factual production. Past Congresses have been held in Manchester (2006), Tokyo (2005), Toronto (2004), Paris (2003), Berlin (2002), and Washington, D.C. (2001). It is administered by a board of directors and a steering committee that deals primarily with editorial matters. The 15th annual Congress is managed by Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival on behalf of the WCSFP. For more information, visit http://www.wcsfp.com.
