Session 1: The ABC's (and XYZ's) of Getting into Television
Many things were covered in this session, below are a few of the ones I found really interesting:
- Access - knowing a character, having an amazing story. Relationships with the subject matter can be used as a USP (Unique Selling Point).
- Broadcasters: Channel 4 , BBC, Channel 5 - visit the commissioning sections on their websites for further information.
- Commissioning Editors - the people that give you the money - funding!
- Determination is key - you must keep going!
- Executive Producers are the first point of contact - their job is to help you pitch your idea and make it work. You must have trust between each other.
- Film Festivals are an excellent method to showcase your work - IDFA Amsterdam, HotDocs, South by South West, DocFest Sheffield.
- Knowledge - know what's on TV; be aware of the media on a day-to-day basis.
- Multi-skilling - learn to shoot yourself, have a high standard of aesthetics, and make sure you know about other areas of the filmmaking process.
- Pitching - have titles, pictures and most importantly a STORY. Tell them what they will see i.e. scenes, shots. Pitch to your friends first to test your idea.
- Rejection - is a part of the process, learn to accept and move on.
- Taster Tape - always a good idea when pitching, it shows you have already thought about it and shows what the film might look like as well as your skills as a filmmaker!
Session 2: Who Do You Think You Are?
This session was led by Olly Lambert (Documentary Film Maker), Peter Dale (Commissioning Editor) and Kerry McLeod (DFG).
- A commissioning editor looks for someone who can be their eyes and ears outside the building.
- The ability to hold a conversation or dialogue is key
- You must understand and watch TV and have a critical but positive take on it. This creates a common language which is reassuring.
- You must want to engage with the world - know what's going on
- You must have ideas but want them to be collaborative. You should have the ability to see that you are part of an industry.
- Find your voice and your distinct signature - what kind of films do YOU want to make?
- Smuggling - finding the balance between what you want to do and what the commissioning editor wants you to do
Session 3: Making the Most of the World Outside Broadcast
This session was led by Lisa Salem an independent film maker ('Walk LA With Me'), Danielle DiGiacomo (Head of Documentary Acquisitions at IndiePix), Kerry McLeod (DFG) and Isis Thompson (Student Film Maker). They covered the following points:
- Build an audience
- Use your audience to support your funding
- Outreach and distribution also costs money
- Look at the following artists who created their own funding: Franny Armstrong, Rob Greenwell, Liz Rosenthal, Tracy Rooster.
- Visit following websites:
- http://www.indiepixfilms.com/
- http://www.workbookproject.com/
Session 4: The Current TV Pitch
This session was a 'Mini Meet-Market' where six individuals were given the opportunity to pitch live to a panel of Current TV Executives. The winner received a commission from current TV for their documentary which would be part of their Crime Season in March 2009. I found this session very practically useful as I got to experience how pitches are made, what kind of feedback the panel gave and also how they came to deciding the winner. I found the following points very interesting:
- The pitch should include your idea, structure, style, characters, scenes and access
- Something visual to accompany the pitch is very useful and attractive
- Keep it short, concise, simple and clear
- Ensure you have a STORY!!!
- Know your subject - do the research
- Having unique access is a bonus
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