Conference
The World Congress of Science and Factual Producers (WCSFP) is pleased to announce that the 20th annual Congress will take place November 27 to 30, 2012, in Washington, DC, USA, at host hotel Mandarin Oriental Hotel. This year’s Congress is made possible with the incredible support of Host Broadcaster Discovery Channel and Science Channel.
Following a string of sold-out successes in Manchester (2006), New York (2007), Florence (2008), Melbourne (2009), Dresden (2010), and Paris, 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 several weeks prior to opening, welcomed close to 700 international broadcasters, producers and distributors from 31 countries. Exit surveys indicate that over 80 per cent of members were able to both advance their projects and find new production partners at the Congress. The 2012 event promises more in-depth panels, valuable networking opportunities and once-in-a-lifetime social events all happening in one of the world’s most beloved cities.
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. More than 200 broadcast representatives attend from such broadcasters as: Discovery, Science Channel, ARTE, ABC, BBC, CBC, Channel 4, Discovery, France Télévisions, MDR, National Geographic, NDR, NHK, Rai, WGBH, Thirteen/WNET, YLE and ZDF. The 2011 Congress achieved 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 Close Encounters of the Funding Kind and Speed Dating, as well as evening networking events and special social activities that will take advantage of Washington’s many historic and cultural attractions.
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. It is administered by a board of directors and a steering committee that deals primarily with editorial matters. The 20th annual Congress is managed by Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival on behalf of the WCSFP.
