Areas of Interest for Attendees
Keynote panels and seminars - Two days of information and dialog. See our 2009 schedule for last year's great line-up. 2010 will be even better. Panel schedule to be announced July 1st, 2010. Check back often for Speaker and Master Class updates.
PitchFest - Got an idea? Looking to pitch in front of potential network buyers and a live audience? This is your event! Inspired by The Documentary Forum, IDFA, and other live pitching events, Pitchfest is compelling entertainment where the audience decides the winner. Attendance to PitchFest is part of your WESTDOC admission. Click here if you are interested in submitting to PitchFest.
The Sit-Down - Broadcaster overviews from networks outlining their needs today and tomorrow. Find out exactly what they want and how to get your pitch to the right person.
Face Time - One-on-one meetings with the network people you want to pitch. Reservations are limited on a first come first serve basis, so register early.
Master Classes - Master Class A: Learn how to Shoot and Edit in HDSLR with master cinematographer Philip Bloom. Master Class B: Small Production Master Class with Jem Schofield. Designed for independent producers, filmmakers & editors interested in camera, lighting, audio, post & distribution using emerging technologies.. Master Class C: Network License Fees and The Pitch Perfected with Peter Hamilton and Fernanda Rossi.
Networking - Our venue is dedicated to making introductions and dialog with those who buy content and those who make content.
Parties - End each day with our now famous cocktail mixers. Socialize with speakers and attendees and enjoy the nearby THIRD STREET PROMANADE for great resturants and bars.
Opening Night Screening - To be announced.
The Sit Down
Want an up-close overview of the programming philosophy of a network? Interested in their current line-up of network commissions, co-productions and acquisitions? The Sit-Down will feature broadcasters outlining their specific needs for today and more importantly - tomorrow. Find out exactly what they want and how to get your pitch to the right person.
Only registered WESTDOC attendees will receive a list of broadcast networks participating in The Sit-Down three weeks before the event. Limited seating per presentation.
Only registered WESTDOC attendees will receive a list of broadcast networks participating in The Sit-Down three weeks before the event. Limited seating per presentation.
Face Time
Brush up on your short pitch. One-on-one meetings with the network people you want to pitch to for 10 minutes. Every WESTDOC attendee will have the opportunity to schedule Face Time meetings with the network executive of your choice, on a space available basis.
Registered WESTDOC attendees will receive a list of broadcast executives participating in Face Time three weeks before the event. Reservations are limited on a first come first serve basis, so register early.
Registered WESTDOC attendees will receive a list of broadcast executives participating in Face Time three weeks before the event. Reservations are limited on a first come first serve basis, so register early.
PitchFest
The third day of the conference is dedicated to PitchFest, a rousing live presentation for documentary and reality producers to pitch new concepts to network and development executives for potential acquisition, in front of a live audience. Network and cable buyers will be on hand to hear and see 12 minute verbal and video pitches. The best pitch of the day will be awarded the second annual WESTDOC PITCHER.
All Westdoc Conference attendees may apply to pitch or watch the special all day event as part their conference pass. See details below.
All Westdoc Conference attendees may apply to pitch or watch the special all day event as part their conference pass. See details below.
Register to Pitch at PitchFest
PitchFest spectator admission is included in your general conference pass. Those who apply to pitch (additional $50.00 submission fee required) and are chosen to participate will be able to pitch their projects to an esteemed panel of network acquisition executives, buyers and commissioning editors. The pitch will be a total of 8 minutes with a work in progress video of at least three minutes, and a verbal pitch at least three minutes. Any combination not to exceed 8 minutes. These should be new works in progress available for acquisition or as co-productions. Projects should not have been pitched previously at any other public event. PitchFest categories are Documentary (one off or series) and Reality series.
A limited number of those that submit their projects will be accepted to pitch. You must submit two DVDs of your work in progress. You must also submit a written treatment 500 words or less (paper or email) outlining your project, the current status of the project, any existing broadcast partners, a one or two page budget, how much money you need, two still production photos, a résumé and or credit list.
WESTDOC prefers online entries submitted via Withoutabox.com, which provides cost-saving, paperless submission to film festivals around the world. Withoutabox’s internet-only submission platform features online applications via one master entry form, online fee payments, press kits, and the option to use Secure Online Screeners, an economical, eco-friendly, and secure alternative to traditional hard-copy DVD submissions. Fill out one master entry form and take advantage of quick entry, extended deadlines, and powerful submission management tools. There’s no extra cost to you, and by submitting, you’ll join Withoutabox’s global filmmaker community and stay in the loop about international exhibition opportunities. Click on icon below to submit your film today!
A limited number of those that submit their projects will be accepted to pitch. You must submit two DVDs of your work in progress. You must also submit a written treatment 500 words or less (paper or email) outlining your project, the current status of the project, any existing broadcast partners, a one or two page budget, how much money you need, two still production photos, a résumé and or credit list.
WESTDOC prefers online entries submitted via Withoutabox.com, which provides cost-saving, paperless submission to film festivals around the world. Withoutabox’s internet-only submission platform features online applications via one master entry form, online fee payments, press kits, and the option to use Secure Online Screeners, an economical, eco-friendly, and secure alternative to traditional hard-copy DVD submissions. Fill out one master entry form and take advantage of quick entry, extended deadlines, and powerful submission management tools. There’s no extra cost to you, and by submitting, you’ll join Withoutabox’s global filmmaker community and stay in the loop about international exhibition opportunities. Click on icon below to submit your film today!
You may also send materials to the WESTDOC CONFERENCE PitchFest, 3000 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA. 90404, arriving no later than August 15th, 2010. None of the material will be returned. You will be notified no later than August 31st if you are accepted. All applicants accepted to participate in PitchFest will be given a free WESTDOC CONFERENCE pass to the 2011 conference.
COOPERATING PARTNERS
