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.
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.
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!
Ralf joined On the Fence after eight years at ZDF, where he was in charge of major primetime documentaries, including Tsunami – A Wave Shakes the World and Supercomet: After the Impact, which enjoyed great success in the international market, notably for Discovery USA and France 2. Originally a biologist and science historian, Ralf has many years of experience as a natural history, science and history producer and writer.
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
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