Testimonials
It’s the only event on the annual producer’s calendar that I actually look forward to. None of the other conferences, festivals and markets on the global circuit can rival the unique advantages of the WCSFP. It’s stimulating, enjoyable and thought provoking – both in the sessions and in the unrivalled networking opportunities. It’s a brilliant place to catch up with broadcaster contacts from around the world and to gossip with fellow indie friends and colleagues. And it’s fun!
John Smithson, Creative Director, Arrow Media
No other TV market or festival comes close to matching the Factual Congress for the liveliness of its socialising, or the topicality of its coverage of the issues that affect us all. Combine that with the changing scenery of some of the world’s greatest cities, and the result is irresistible. Ideal too, for brokering co-productions, and keeping abreast of other markets.
Martin Davidson, Commissioning Editor, History and Business Programming, BBC
I will be attending my third world congress this year. As a recent addition to the world congress community I have been amazed at how I have been welcomed and received. There is an embarrassment of riches at each congress. The panels are terrific and the networking opportunities are spectacular. All that in beautiful settings around the world combines to create an unforgettable experience. I’d highly recommend the congress to any producers interested in the art and craft of serious quality factual programming.
Dawn Porter, Founder, Trilogy Films
There are few events in the world of Factual where decision makers are so easily accessible and receptive, ready to discuss in an informal and relaxed way, even with strangers, ideas and projects. This spirit and atmosphere makes WCSFP so special, an event to which you become addicted, year after year, with great pleasure. WCSFP is also a great opportunity to take a break from the rush and pressures that punctuate the everyday life of a producer. An opportunity to discover people, enrich relationships and exchange in a different context and manner.
Pierre-François Gaudry, Author/Director/Producer, Mona Lisa Productions
Karaoke in Tokyo and Florence, drinks at the Guggenheim in New York, Berlin, Paris, Dresden, wow! This event is not just a congress. For me it is a fantastic (and my favorite) professional network experience with a very inspiring community. The WCSFP is really special and I look forward to meeting partners, clients, producers, commissioners and wonderful friends in a great atmosphere in Paris this year! What a privilege! And I can honestly say: Every single WCSFP I visited in the last 10 years gave birth to something new – a project, a new business relation or a new idea. I will be in Paris this year and I hope I will have the chance to have a dance with Alison again.
Thomas Zwiessler, General Manager, STORY HOUSE Productions
2010 was my first year at WCSFP and I had no idea what to expect. What I discovered was the most friendly and fun market that I’ve ever been to. Producers and network execs really use every part of the day and night to share ideas, pitch projects and close deals. And most importantly, the closing night karaoke is not to be missed!
Brent Montgomery, Co-Owner, Leftfield Pictures
As a debutant at WCSFP I found a very comfortable environment to learn and observe at a highly leveled event. Even the beginners can feel free to participate on the panels, discussions and approach the executives in a friendly and receptive atmosphere. I recommend it to everyone who is looking for a kick off to their business!
Lara Velho, Executive Producer/Director, Terra Brasilis Filmes
I’ve been to a fair number of conferences over the past decade. At some I’ve caught myself wishing I was elsewhere. But the WCSFP is different, a genuine highlight of the year! The blend of professionalism and informality makes it so special. The WCSFP is THE place to tune in to current market trends and to network, but also a wonderful opportunity to have a drink with friends, and to meet dedicated and interesting people. I kind of like the idea of going home abuzz with new ideas, but also with the feeling that I’ve had a really good time.
Rudolph Herzog, Producer/Director, Brümmer & Herzog Filmproduktion
I was the fortunate recipient of an emerging markets producer bursary to attend The World Congress of Science and Factual Producing where I found open and honest discussions between broadcasters and producers about what is possible, what is viable and how we might work together to provide better factual programming in the future. As an environment to gather information about the state of factual programming internationally, understand trends and develop a network to work through it was invaluable. I was very impressed with the candid nature top broadcasters and producers engaged in honest discussion of what is required in terms of new business models and financing structures to enable factual programming to survive into an ever uncertain future.
Simon Taylor, Producer, Periphery Films
For an independent producer WCSFP offers a more informal atmosphere to catch up with the best in broadcast, distribution and production. The speakers and sessions are entertaining and jam packed with new ideas, cutting edge technology and sprinkled with creativity. When you throw in the fun social events and world class locations it is an enjoyable way to work.
Kylee Ingram, Head of Production, Australian Documentaries
WCSFP is fantastic. I don’t know any other industry event with such a great lineup of sessions. Checking out the presentations and discussions is a surefire way to catch up with the trend of science and factual programs in the world. WCSFP is also a unique chance to make contacts. People involved with science and factual programs attend from every corner of the world. Everybody is here as a creator rather than a businessman with whom you can naturally become friends by talking passionately about program-making, which leads to great opportunities for future business. Plus, WCSFP is great fun. Dinner in a dance hall, a river cruise, and even karaoke help you to make more friends.
Hideki Tazuke, Senior Producer, Special Content Development Center NHK
