When:
Weekend 8 - 9 May 2010
10am - 6pm
Where:
DFG, London
Early Bird Discount: Book by 9 April and save £50!
You’ve got great ideas and you want to make them. Funding and selling your film (and even knowing where to start finding the necessary funds and distribution options) can be one of the most daunting and challenging aspects of making your film. But worry not, because this course will give you the hefty dose of know-how and insider tips that you need to get ahead in the realm of documentary funding and selling, and start getting your film underway.
This course is for those looking to get into the industry and independent filmmakers working to get documentary projects off the ground. The workshop will also look at distribution options and the contractual jargon you'll face when selling your film. Participants will be encouraged to bring along a proposal* but those without a proposal can also apply. The course leader will give individual attention to each proposal, and examine the various routes to funding – from domestic and international broadcast, theatrical and festival release, to online, mobile, corporate, NGO and gallery exhibition.
You will learn about the current funding opportunities and schemes; how to write proposals and complete applications effectively; what different channels and broadcasters are looking for, and how to best approach them. As part of this process you will explore the kinds of docs that are being funded and why. You'll also explore funding for new media and cross platform - a big emerging area for documentary.
The “Credit Card Film” will also be discussed - maxing out your credit card and hoping that someone will buy it or you will get completion money; You will explore some examples of when this has worked and the pitfalls you may face.
On the selling side of things, topics include an introduction to distribution options, the advantages and disadvantages of selling your documentary independently and through a distributor.
Topics include:
- what broadcasters are looking for at the moment
- what makes a good film
- models of film financing in the UK
- European and international funding
- developing and maintaining a healthy relationship with funders
- opportunities for production for online TV stations
- protecting your ideas and intellectual copyright
- overcoming the challenges of being a small independent freelancer or company in the marketplace
You will be enlightened as to how to negotiate and stand your ground without jeopardizing a deal and the current distribution market will be examined and explored – what sells, what doesn’t sell and why.
You will learn where and how to make and approach invaluable contacts - another pivotal element in funding and selling your documentary.
* All participants will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement before starting the course, to protect each others’ proposals.
Previous course tutors: Andy Glynne
A clinical psychologist, author, documentary filmmaker and producer, Andy is the founding director of our very own Documentary Filmmakers Group. He’s Managing Director of Mosaic Films, and Director of the One World Broadcasting Trust and is the author of the book, “Documentaries and How to Make Them”. As a consultant and Trainer for UK broadcasters and broadcasting organisations Andy has worked ITV, Rory Peck Trust, BBC, Sheffield International Documentary Festival, Scottish Documentary Institute, Univeristy of London, University of Portsmouth, and University of the Arts. As a Producer and Director Andy's recent credits include:
Troubled Minds, Teachers TV/ Wellcome Trust (2008)
Coma - Three Minute Wonders, Channel 4 (2008)
Britain Recut, Three Minute Wonder, Channel 4 (2007)
Independence In 3 Mins, Series of 8 x 3” documentaries by Indian filmmakers on the themes of Independence for Channel 4 (2006)
Five Bites, series of news features for FIVE News (2006)
Reel London 2005/2006. 6 x 23” documentaries for ITV London, including RTS nominated “Holloway Hairdo”
Big Screen Science, 1 x 45” Teachers TV
So You Thought Your Documentary could Change the World?, BBC4/Grierson Trust
Early Bird Discount: Book by 9 April and save £50!
How Much:
Freelance DFG Members: £275 + VAT = £323.13
Freelance non-members: £300 + VAT = £352.50
Corporate rate: £600 + VAT = £705
Behind the times and not yet a member? Reap the benefits here
To book your place, call us on +44 (0)20 7249 6600 or email training@dfgdocs.com