Testimonials
Having attended the WCSFP for the past three years, I’ve come to appreciate how the event’s sharp focus leads to a more intimate and even collaborative approach to making factual programs. I tend to meet both the core buyers plus some new faces that I wouldn’t see anywhere else, and always find the locally oriented social events to be fun and interesting. All in all it’s the best television market for an intriguing mixture of business, development and pleasure.”
Michael Hoff, President & Executive Producer Hoff Productions
There is nothing quite like WCSFP. There is nowhere better to meet up with your major international coproducers in one hit, whether its to talk future passion projects or catch up with the suprise hit or trend in other territories. It’s good for smaller producers too - when you’re there and on the ground, it’s a great chance for everyone to do those single-project meetings which back home get stuck in diary-hell. And last of all - it’s always immense fun, even if the dancing can leave something to be desired.
Kim Shillinglaw, Commissioning Editor, Science and Natural History BBC
Travelling can be exhausting, conferences can be tiresome, discussions can be boring…not at the WCSFP! Being given the opportunity to meet all of your potential co-production partners in one spot is an opportunity nobody should miss. Within the span of only half a week the World Congress keeps us up-to-date with the newest developments in non-fiction worldwide, and there is hardly a better place to introduce our own new ideas and latest programs. The WCSFP is a real crucible – you’ll never know what mixtures will come out of the ingredients put in. This is what makes every edition so exciting – not to mention the beautiful venues. I am really looking forward to meeting everybody in beautiful Dresden, which will hopefully cast its own spell on the participants of the World Congress.
Alexander Hesse, Head of Department, History and Society ZDF
Of all the television conferences there is one that is not only more enjoyable, but more useful than all the others - the WCSFP. It’s where the best in the world of specialist factual gather to talk candidly about what’s going on in our industry. It’s also the place where the next big ideas often emerge. The sessions are stimulating and informative. The whole thing is a pleasure to go to.
David Glover, Commissioning Editor, Science Channel 4 Television
After 20 years, I confess to sometimes feeling a little jaded by the international circuit of festivals, conferences and markets. I had to skip MIP last year and to my surprise, I didn’t miss it at all. But when I missed the WCSFP last year because I had to be in the US, I suffered terrible withdrawal pangs. It’s not just the late night drinking sessions or the opportunity to get all your key customers in a room together (often at one of these late night drinking sessions!) but it’s the fact that while so many conferences these days are dominated by things beginning with M (money, marketing, etc) the WCSFP is still determinedly, gloriously passionate about things beginning with C (content, creativity, etc.) Long may it prosper.
Alex Graham, Chief Executive Wall to Wall
WCSFP is a fantastic event which always pulls in the biggest names from within the science/factual TV arena. The sessions are not only informative but entertaining and inspiring - breaking the mould of the usual “heard it all before” sessions that you tend to find at most TV events. The socials are the best in the business - they always take place at stunning locations within the host city and enable delegates to sample the best of the local culture as well as to mix with everyone from first time to big name producers, top commissioners and distributors. Well-organized, easy to navigate and an essential on the calendar of anyone who is working in the science/factual TV space.
Leila Monks, Director TVF International
The WCSFP is the greatest opportunity for independent producers to establish a worldwide network for their ideas whether they might be scientific, historical or factual. When I visited my first Congress years ago in Berlin, I was thrilled and amazed by its attitude, its freedom of thought which was non-commercial, non-selling. Since than I have experienced the very core of the founder’s idea: the democratic, membership-driven organization, its professional attitude to bring scientists, commissioning editors and producers together to exchange of ideas that matter in today’s world. Several years later TV business and international co-production are at the verge. Less money, country centristic TV-habits and therefore more and more localized productions make it difficult for all of us “who look out!” In times of crises it is necessary to have a vision… the only vision in international co-production which is real is the WCSFP. Since May 2010 I am in with new company. I made them join. Not only because of me, but because they are clever…
Werner Vennewald, Head of Development and Non-Fiction Vincent TV
