Welcome to WCSFP 2008 : World Congress of Science and Factual Producers

Network

The premiere event for science and history broadcast executives and producers, the WCSFP connects you with people who are informed and passionate about the craft and business of factual television. And, you can conduct business in a remarkable 2-to-1 producer-to-broadcaster environment: face-to-face meetings are easy, plentiful and productive. It's no wonder things are relaxed: the event is run by an involved member-run community for factual professionals.

Share & Learn

Leading international producers and broadcasters work collaboratively to develop a full-slate of member-produced panels and talks. This "by-the-industry and for-the-industry" model celebrates the best of the genre and explores contemporary issues without holding back nitty-gritty details (yes, panelists talk about what didn’t work as well as what did). You'll find extraordinary analysis and insight through case-studies of complex programs, feisty intellectual debates, and on-stage interviews that feature production visionaries and top network decision-makers.

Explore

For 16 years the Congress has travelled the world, visiting new cities and always welcoming new professionals into the community. Like recent editions in New York, Manchester and Tokyo, the Florence WCSFP will allow delegates a chance to explore the region's great wealth of history and culture. And, when the business day is over, grab drinks with your colleagues and have some real fun too at our lively evening events -what a concept for a television conference!

Welcome to WCSFP 2008

WCSFP JOURNEYS DOWN UNDER FOR 2009 EDITION

The World Congress of Science and Factual Producers (WCSFP) is pleased to announce that the 17th annual Congress is set for December 1-4, 2009, in Melbourne, Australia. This year’s Congress is made possible with the incredible support of Host Broadcaster Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the Host State of Victoria.

Following a string of sold-out successes in Manchester (2006), New York (2007) and Florence (2008), this year’s Congress again promises to be a must-attend event for industry professionals working in specialist factual television. Last year’s record-breaking Congress, which sold out weeks prior to opening, welcomed more than 600 international broadcasters, producers and distributors from 26 countries. Exit surveys indicate that 89% of delegates were able to advance their projects at the Congress and 88% were able to find new production partners. The 2009 Congress promises more in-depth panels, valuable networking opportunities and once-in-a-lifetime social events all happening in Australia’s cultural centre.

This year’s WCSFP will feature an outstanding three-day program of workshops, networking events, pitch sessions, and panels that will reveal emerging content trends and highlight important industry issues. Last year, more than 200 broadcast representatives attended from such broadcasters as: ARTE, BBC, CBC, Channel 4, FIVE, Discovery Channel U.S., Discovery Channel Canada, Discovery Science, France 5, National Geographic Int., NDR, NHK, ABC TV, Rai, WGBH and Thirteen/WNET. The 2008 Congress achieved a better than 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 Meet the Commissioning Editor sessions, an on-demand video library of delegates’ productions, as well as evening networking events and special social activities that will take advantage of Melbourne’s many historic and cultural attractions.

2008 CONGRESS A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

With over 600 delegates from 25 countries in attendance, the 2008 World Congress of Science and Factual Producers in Florence, Italy, was a resounding success. This year’s Congress was particularly enriched by a strong presence from the host country: close to 100 Italian delegates attended, including representatives from RAI, Mediaset, Fox Channels Italy and numerous independent producers from across the country.

The three day event featured blockbuster panels, such at the BATTLE OF THE BRANDS with Steve Burns (Executive Vice President, Content, National Geographic) and John Ford (President and General Manager, Discovery Channel), the always informative opening plenary WHAT’S THE BUZZ, and CLEVER PLEASURE: IN CONVERSATION WITH JANICE HADLOW (Controller, BBC Two). Additionally, hundreds of one-on-one Speed Dating meetings were arranged between independent producers and broadcasters and robust Meet the Network and Meet the CE/Funders strands facilitated over 40 intimate sessions with key decision makers.

The better than 2-to-1 producer-to-broadcaster ratio allowed for invaluable networking to take place both during the day and at the fantastic social events in the evenings. Delegates were treated to a private concert at the landmark Palazzo Vecchio during the opening reception, and a private tour of the Vasari Corridor overlooking the Ponte Vecchio on the closing night. Receptions and dinners at stunning palazzos - as well as a rousing evening of karaoke - helped make a memorable Congress for all.

NEW WCSFP STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ANNOUNCED

The World Congress of Science and Factual Producers is a non-profit, member-run organization. In registering for the event, delegates also become members and are entitled to vote in the organization’s elections. During this year’s Congress, steering committee nominations and elections took place and, at the closing plenary session on December 4, the successful candidates were announced.

Newly elected WCSFP Steering Committee members are:

Amanda Evans, Screen Pacific (New Zealand)
Uwe Kersken, Gruppe 5 (Germany)
Beth Hoppe, Optomen Productions (USA)
Margie Bryant, Serendipity Productions (Australia)
Stuart Menzies, ABC Television (Australia)

Testimonials

WCSFP is a highlight every year on my calendar. The informal vibe leads to non-pressurized commission discussions on one hand, and what can be some spirited discussions or side splitting hilarity in the sessions on the other. Meaningful topics from global warming, teaching evolution, how to make a vat of murky salt water look like amniotic fluid peacefully co-exist with issues like the nature co-production relationships, and how to get that final bit of funding. If you care about the craft of non-fiction films, and like seeing people defend their passionately held views on stage, this is the place for you. It’s group therapy for the filmmakers and net execs alike.
— Chris Hoelzl, Head of Development, Smithsonian Networks
I have been attending the WCSFP since its first edition and I have always considered it as an event not to be missed. It’s not only that the sessions are truly inspiring, that almost everyone in the business is there and that you always end up learning something new, but it is also the friendly and informal atmosphere that makes it a truly professional but at the same time fun and relaxing event. And this time it’s my own country’s turn…I can’t wait to greet you all in Florence.
— Daniela Bagliani, Acquisitions and Coproductions Manager, Documentary Dept., RTI SpA - Mediaset Group
I have been attending the congress for three years and every year I return to find new filmmakers, innovative ideas and lively discussions and workshops. As science is rooted in almost all of National Geographic’s programming, Science Congress continues to be one of our top priorities year after year.
— Bridget Whalen, Vice President, Development, Co-productions, and Acquisitions, National Geographic Channel
The WCSFP is my favorite industry meeting. It’s the mix of interesting people, great panels and sessions and relaxed atmosphere that make them so valuable. Other industry meetings are valuable in their own way, but none have the blend of intellectual zest and sense of humor that mark the WCSFP. I’m looking forward immensely to this year’s gathering.
— Tug Yourgrau, President, Powderhouse Productions
I enjoy WCSFP’s practical focus on the new trends plus the sobering versus inspiring realities facing science programme production today. The inevitable result of this dynamic conference is that we all rise to the challenge. What could be better?
— Ellen Windemuth, Managing Director, Off The Fence
The WCSFP features a unique blend of debates in various lively formats, screenings, case studies and trend spotting. It provides an overview of the global industry, and facilitates business meetings in a very relaxed atmosphere that mixes the fun with the serious. Moreover, every year it allows us to discover a different country and its television landscape. So as an old timer, I would encourage everybody in the science and history film and television industry, and especially the people who’ve never attended, to book a flight to Florence for the first days of December 2008.
— Fabrice Esteve, Producer, DOCSIDE Production
We are proud to act as the Host Broadcaster and to add RAI’s name to the list of other internationally renowned broadcasters like WNET/Thirteen New York, the BBC and NHK that have most recently undertaken this position. We look forward to this year’s event and to joining with the international factual community to debate, do business and to socialize in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
— Giancarlo Leone, Deputy Managing Director, RAI
The World Congress of Science and Factual Producers continues to be one of the most important international gatherings for like-minded filmmakers and producers. What I like most about it is that it is much more than a marketplace - it is a place that provides a singular opportunity for professionals to probe deeply into the creative aspects of our craft. I would not miss it.
— Melanie Wallace, Senior Series Producer, NOVA, WGBH