AFI-Discovery Channel Silverdocs Documentary Festival

AFI-Discovery Channel Silverdocs Conference 2012

MONDAY, JUNE 18

• Noon – 6:30 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Atrium

  EARLY BIRD CONFERENCE REGISTRATION OPENS

TUESDAY, JUNE 19

• 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Gallery & Courtyard

  NETWORKING BREAKFAST

• 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Atrium

  REGISTRATION AND CONFERENCE INFORMATION DESK OPEN

• 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room

  EVERYTHING YOU (STILL) ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW, BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK

  Back by popular demand, this safe, smart, no-holds-barred panel is the perfect place to ask industry experts any question about making a film. Our professionals will share their knowledge honestly and without spin, including examples of true success stories and some outright disasters.

  MODERATOR

  • Paola Freccero, Co-founder of Crowdstarter

• 10:00 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Colesville Room

  SILVER SESSIONS Begin

  Silver Sessions are small-group meetings with development, programming and acquisition executives; program officers from funding agencies; theatrical, DVD and international broadcast distributors; digital media innovators; marketing and PR consultants; producers’ representatives; legal advisers; and industry leaders.

  All registered attendees may sign up for Silver Sessions, depending on space availability. Each session is limited to 15 participants. Sign up in advance online or onsite at the Conference Information Desk to schedule an appointment. Silverdocs Filmmakers, Platinum All Access and Sterling All Access passholders have priority access. Student passholders are welcome to add their names to the on-site wait list. Visit silverdocs.com to sign up now!

• 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Great Hall 1

  KEYNOTE: ENGAGING YOUR AUDIENCE IN CO-CREATION THROUGH THE POWER OF THE CROWD-SOURCED DOCUMENTARY

  For future historians of our time, the crowd-sourced documentary will play a central role as a catalyst for political change. In that history, Jigar Mehta and Yasmin Elayat’s project, 18 DAYS IN EGYPT, is a significant achievement. Jigar Mehta will take the platform for the keynote address at this year’s festival to illustrate the power of engaging audiences in the act of storytelling. His talk will highlight their process, successes and failures of making the source the storyteller and maintaining journalist values, while engaging hundreds to collectively tell the story.

  SPEAKER

  • Jigar Mehta, filmmaker and journalist, 18 DAYS IN EGYPT

• 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room

  I LOVED THAT DOC! WHY CAN’T I FIND IT ON TV?

  What happens to the docs you loved at Silverdocs? Many of them end up hiding in plain sight on public TV. But hide no longer: PBS has recently revealed plans to spotlight and celebrate two series that air docs almost every week – POV and Independent Lens. Get the story on how filmmakers and viewers are key to PBS’ having more quality doc fare on TV.

  MODERATOR

  • Pat Aufderheide, Director of the Center for Social Media

  PANELISTS

  • Tim Horsburgh, Communications and Office Manager, Kartemquin Films
  • Donald Thoms, Vice President of General Audience Programming, PBS
  • Michon Boston, ITVS National Engagement Consultant

• 12:30 p.m. – 1:45p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room

  TAKING IT ON THE ROAD: NAVIGATING THE FILM FESTIVAL CIRCUIT

  Film festivals play a significant role in a film’s trajectory, becoming an important destination for audience engagement, press exposure and, ideally, leading to theatrical and broadcast deals. Hear from today’s leading documentary film festival programmers and organizers about what their festivals are looking for, and how best to create a festival strategy and leverage your festival opportunities.

  MODERATOR

  • Liz Ogilvie, Co-founder of Crowdstarter

  PANELISTS

  • Charlotte Cook, Director of Programming, Hot Docs Canadian Documentary Film Festival
  • Sadie Tillery, Director of Programming, Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
  • David Wilson, Co-Director, True/False Film Festival

• 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Spring Room

  STORY LEADS TO ACTION

  This panel makes the nuts and bolts of designing a community engagement campaign transparent, dynamic and fun! A hand-picked panel of stakeholders, the filmmakers and you – the audience – together will brainstorm a strategy for linking the core elements of a film’s launch to the concrete needs of a movement. Chicken & Egg Pictures and Working Films are excited to bring this model back to our nation’s capital and Silverdocs, where story indeed leads to action!

  MODERATORS

  • Judith Helfand, Co-founder of Working Films and Chicken & Egg Pictures
  • Anna Lee, Manager of Filmmaker and Partner Services and Coordinator of the Reel Education Initiative, Working Films

  PANELISTS

  • Delisa Saunders, Human Rights and Community Relations Department, American Federation of Teachers
  • Sarah Simpson, Communications Associate, Afterschool Alliance
  • Katie Dellamaggiore, Director/Producer, BROOKLYN CASTLE
  • Luis Gustavo Martinez, Senior Policy Analyst, National Education Association

• 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room

  DOC TALK: DYNAMIC DUOS

  We all know that documentary filmmaking is an extraordinarily collaborative process, but perhaps never more so than when two artists share the director role on the same project. Hear from a number of filmmaking duos on how they coordinate their artistic visions and work processes to make one coherent, integrated work of visual art.

• 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room

  MEET THE BROADCASTERS: THE DISH ON DOCS FOR TV

  In a world of original programming and reality TV series, this panel takes a look at how traditional documentary fits into the ever-changing world of television. Just what are broadcasters looking for right now, and where do they believe the market is headed? This panel brings together some of the most experienced broadcasters working in nonfiction today to answer the tough questions.

  MODERATOR

  • Paola Freccero, Co-founder of Crowdstarter

  PANELISTS

  • Dan Silver, Director of Development, ESPN Films
  • Nancy Abraham, Senior Vice President of Documentary Programming, HBO
  • Christopher White, Vice President of Programming and Production, POV
  • Molly Thompson, Vice President A&E IndieFilms, producer of JESUS CAMP, AMERICAN TEEN, THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE
  • Kate Pearson, Senior VP Programming, Acquisitions and Scheduling, Documentary Channel
  • Matthew Kelly, Senior Director of Development, Discovery Channel

  Curated by Liz Ogilvie, Co-founder of Crowdstarter

• 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room

  REACHING UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES IN UNTRADITIONAL WAYS

  For historically under-represented communities, viral marketing campaigns, web series and targeted outreach have allowed filmmakers to address a lack of diversity and concerns outside of the mainstream. In this panel, innovative nonfiction content creators and strategists discuss how they have successfully engaged their audiences through alternative means.

  MODERATOR

  • Eliza Licht, Director of Community Engagement and Education, POV

  PANELISTS

  • Angela Tucker, Black Folk Don’t
  • Pete Nicks, THE WAITING ROOM
  • Bernardo Ruiz, Quiet Pictures
  • Shukree Tilghman, More Than A Map(p)

  Curated by Basil Tsiokos, Documentary Film & Festival Consultant; Programming Associate, Sundance Film Festival

• 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Gallery & Courtyard

  MIX AND MINGLE HAPPY HOUR

  Take advantage of the opportunity to network and relax at this daily social gathering.

  Hosted by: The Maryland Film Office

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20

• 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Courtyard & Gallery

  NETWORKING BREAKFAST

• 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building Atrium

  REGISTRATION AND CONFERENCE INFORMATION DESK OPEN

• 10:00 a.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Colesville Room

  SILVER SESSIONS Begin

• 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room

  FROM PITCH TO AIR ON THE DISCOVERY NETWORK

  Come join the programmers and commissioners of the Discovery networks for an informative session designed to give filmmakers insight into programming strategy and the evolution from pitch to final, on-air product.

  MODERATOR

  • Joshua Weinberg, VP, Discovery Channel Communications

  PANELISTS

  • Mike Sorensen, Sr. Director of Development, Discovery Channel
  • Winona Meringolo, Senior Director, Investigation Discovery & Military Channel Development
  • Marisa Levy, Director of Development, TLC

• 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Great Hall 1

  IT’S ALIVE! NEW TOOLS FOR DOCUMENTARY STORYTELLING

  With the advent of new technologies, some bizarre trends are appearing online: Long form is finding new life and unexpected audiences, users are taking raw materials to construct their own narratives and entrepreneurs and hackers are inventing tools that make the storyteller's job easier – and much more interesting. Join the Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC) for a day-long journey to the edges of the known documentary universe. Get an infusion of inspiring transmedia storytelling examples, see demos of the new tools for storytelling (such as Sparkwise, Mozilla's Popcorn, Zeega and Google Fusion Tables), work with others to workshop an idea and get your hands on the latest tools to make ideas come alive. Please note: Participation in this workshop is by application only, and space is limited to 30 participants. All participants must bring a laptop, idea and content. Click here to apply to participate in this workshop: http://bit.ly/LgofAD

  PRESENTERS

  • Jennifer Gilomen, Director of Independent Media, Bay Area Video Coalition
  • Kim Bender, Director of Development, Bay Area Video Coalition
  • Jason Jakaitis, Manager of The Factor, Bay Area Video Coalition
  • Matthew Meschery, Director of Digital Initiatives, ITVS

• 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room

  HOT TOPICS

  In the past year, the documentary film community has faced a number of hot- button issues, including changes to the Academy’s Oscar requirements for documentaries, the battle between the MPAA and Lee Hirsch’s BULLY, the arrest of Joshua Fox (GASLAND) when he tried to film a subcommittee hearing on hydraulic fracturing and more. Join us on this panel where we tackle some of today’s most compelling “hot topics” affecting the documentary community.

  MODERATOR

  • AJ Schnack

• 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room

  IT TAKES A VILLAGE: MEET THE PUBLIC MEDIA DECISION MAKERS AND FUNDERS

  Financing an independent film is a challenge, and finding a home for it can be even harder. Public broadcasting is known for embracing substance, diversity and inclusiveness. Meet key executives from across a number of programming strands (which may include POV, Independent Lens, American Masters, PBS, etc.) to get your project shaped, financed and ready for broadcast and streaming.

  MODERATOR

  • Rob Gardner, Director/Producer at Gardner Films

  PANELISTS

  • Donald Thoms, Vice President of General Audience Programming, PBS
  • Sandie Pedlow, Executive Director at Latino Public Broadcasting
  • Jacquie Jones, Executive Director at National Black Programming Consortium
  • Matthew Meschery, Director of Digital Initiatives, ITVS
  • Christopher White, Vice President of Programming and Production, POV

• 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Spring Room

  BUILDING COMMUNITY AWARENESS THROUGH LONG FORM DOCUMENTARIES

  Public media has taken on a multi-year initiative, American Graduate: Let’s Make it Happen, to help local communities address the high school dropout crisis. National producers are creating long-form content to help local stations build awareness and increase understanding of the problem in local communities. Join us to learn about how public media is examining this issue in depth through compelling documentaries for distribution on multiple platforms.

• 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room

  HOW TO MAKE A NOISE IN THE DIGITAL FOREST

  The age-old question is: If a tree falls in the forest and there’s no one there to hear it, does it really make a noise? The same principle applies to digital distribution of a film. Digital aggregators do what they can to drive awareness of their titles and platform, but they have limited bandwidth. Filmmakers have two choices: Complain about what their digital distributors aren’t doing, or dive in and help drive awareness. The experts on this panel offer valuable advice about pushing digital sales of a film and how best to collaborate with a digital distributor.

  MODERATOR

  • Liz Ogilvie, Co-founder of Crowdstarter

  PANELISTS

  • Stephanie Bruder, Senior Director of Marketing, New Video
  • Damian Bender, SnagFilms
  • Olivier Pfeiffer, Director of Business Development, UbicMedia
  • DeAnn Paley, VP, Digital Syndication for Discovery

  Curated by Liz Ogilvie, Co-founder of Crowdstarter

• 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room

  "GEOAESTHETICS" AND DOCUMENTARY FILM

  Does geography influence the aesthetics of nonfiction films? This panel explores the inter-relationships between the locations of filmmakers and the films they make, consciously or otherwise.

  MODERATOR

  PANELISTS

  • John Haptas & Kristine Samuelson, Filmmakers, TOKYO WAKA

  Curated by Yance Ford, Series Producer, POV

• 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room

  CRACKING THE CODE AND PRODUCING FOR PBS

  Quality, groundbreaking, genre-defining independent programs have long been the hallmarks of PBS. With the ever-evolving media landscape, PBS is leaning forward with new programming initiatives and a new way of doing business. Meet the new commissioning editors to find out how PBS is pivoting with new ideas and opportunities, and responding more nimbly to economic realities and stiffer competition for eyeballs – all while maintaining its mission. This is an opportunity to hear PBS' national programming strategy.

  MODERATOR

  • Stephen Segaller, Vice President of Programming, WNET

  PANELISTS

  • Donald Thoms, Vice President of General Audience Programming, PBS
  • Beth Hoppe, Vice President of General Audience Programming, PBS

• 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room

  DOC TALK: A CONVERSATION WITH EUGENE JARECKI

  Eugene Jarecki is a celebrated author and a dramatic and documentary filmmaker based in New York whose documentary work has focused on some of the most important figures and issues of our time. His acclaimed works include WHY WE FIGHT, THE TRIALS OF HENRY KISSINGER, REAGAN, FREAKONOMICS, QUEST OF THE CARIB CANOE, SEASON OF THE LIFTERBEES, and his most recent THE HOUSE I LIVE IN (featured at this year’s Silverdocs Festival). Join the filmmaker in an intimate discussion of his prolific career.

  MODERATOR

  • Eugene Hernandez, Director of Digital Strategy, Film Society of Lincoln Center

  PARTICIPANT

  • Eugene Jarecki, THE HOUSE I LIVE IN, REAGAN

• 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Gallery & Courtyard

  MIX AND MINGLE HAPPY HOUR

  Take advantage of the opportunity to network and relax at this daily social gathering.

THURSDAY, JUNE 21

• 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Gallery & Courtyard

  NETWORKING BREAKFAST

• 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building Atrium

  REGISTRATION AND CONFERENCE INFORMATION DESK OPEN

• 10:00 a.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Colesville Room

  SILVER SESSIONS Begin

• 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Great Hall 1

  ONE-ON-ONE WITH NEH FUNDERS

  Are you creating a documentary with humanities themes on a national or international topic? Perhaps your project is appropriate for funding by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Sign up online or onsite at the Conference Information Desk for a 15-minute one-on-one meeting with a Program Officer from the NEH to discuss your humanities-based project. Sign up in advance online or onsite at the Conference Information Desk to schedule an appointment. To sign up online, click here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?pli=1&formkey=dEk5RktpM3RiYUxtemgzM3VYYTRBLUE6MQ#gid=0

  PRESENTERS

  • Danielle Shapiro, Senior Program Officer, NEH
  • Karen Kenton, Senior Program Officer, NEH
  • Kathleen Mulvaney, Senior Program Officer, NEH

• 9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room

  DOC MAKER AS GENERAL CONTRACTOR: THE INDEPENDENT PRODUCER’S EVOLVING JOB DESCRIPTION

  A decade ago, the job description of a documentary filmmaker sounded a lot like that of any film director: A passionate interest in a subject matter, an ability to raise funds to support one's vision, experience with production and post-production workflows, the ability to hire and lead a crew and, of course, the ability to nurture a great story from page to screen. Today, filmmakers are expected to have those skills in addition to an understanding of ever-shifting technologies, the ability to engage audiences on the latest platforms, a command of new audiovisual vocabularies, an entrepreneurial business model – and the ability to manage all this while continuing to make movies. Join facilitators from the Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC) in a maker-to-maker conversation with some of this year's Silverdocs producers who have found a way to make films and make it all work.

  MODERATOR

  • Jennifer Gilomen, Director of Independent Media, Bay Area Video Coalition

  PANELISTS

  • Pete Nicks, Filmmaker, THE WAITING ROOM
  • Katie Dellamaggiore, Filmmaker, BROOKLYN CASTLE
  • Malika Zouhail-Worrall, Filmmaker, CALL ME KUCHU
  • Matthew Meschery, Director of Digital Initiatives, ITVS

• 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room

  THE LONG TALE OF SHORT FILMS

  The current digital landscape has opened up a host of funding, distribution and exhibition opportunities for shorts. Learn about the latest opportunities to get your short film funded and distributed to a national audience.

  MODERATOR

  • Julia Reichert, Co-founder of New Day Films, GROWING UP FEMALE, A LION IN THE HOUSE, THE LAST TRUCK

  PANELISTS

  • Sam Morrill, Senior Content and Community Manager, Vimeo
  • Eva Weber, Odd Girl Out Productions, THE SOLITARY LIFE OF CRANES

• 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Great Hall 1

  PBS SPEED PITCH

  If you think your project will strike a chord with audiences, then step up to pitch to PBS professionals, who will be on hand to take five-minute pitches, providing project-specific advice. The session is geared toward those who did not pitch in last year’s session and have not submitted current projects to PBS or any of its series. Consult the “Producing for PBS” website at pbs.org/producers to review PBS’s standard submission guidelines, and come prepared with at a least a one-sheet that defines the project, provides a production plan/timeline and describes a funding strategy. Sign up in advance online or onsite at the Conference Information Desk to schedule an appointment. To sign up online, click here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dE1POVpnLWl4QWJvMGdMSUZ5MUdyQ3c6MQ#gid=0

  PRESENTERS

  • Sumner Menchero, Senior Program Associate, PBS
  • Cara Liebenson, Assistant Director of Primetime Programming, PBS
  • Jalyn Henton, Senior Program Associate, PBS
  • Jennifer Ruppmann, Senior Program Associate, PBS

• 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room

  AN ANATOMY OF A TRAILER

  A moving picture may be worth a thousand words – in the case of film trailers, they can help secure necessary funding or sufficient interest to ensure a successful theatrical and/or broadcast release. Documentary editors well versed in the process of crafting effective fundraising and promotional trailers will present their insight on the craft, as well as offer direct feedback on select conference attendees' trailers. Filmmakers seeking feedback on their trailers can apply by filling out the application form at the following URL: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHFoY1lhbW9xbzNHQ2t6XzVxOWRoemc6MQ

  MODERATOR

  • Steven Bognar, A LION IN THE HOUSE, THE LAST TRUCK, PERSONAL BELONGINGS, WAITING FOR MARTY

  PANELISTS

  • Sabrina Gordon, Founder of Vespertine Film and New Media Productions, MRS GOUNDO’S DAUGHTER, HIP-HOP: BEYOND BEATS & RHYMES
  • Jeremy Workman, Co-founder and Creative Director, Wheelhouse Creative

  RESPONDENTS

  • Ryan Harrington, Director of Documentary Programming, Tribeca Film Institute
  • Cynthia Lopez, Executive Vice President and Co-Executive Producer, POV

  Curated by Basil Tsiokos, Documentary Film & Festival Consultant; Programming Associate, Sundance Film Festival

• 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room

  DESIGN(ING) FOR PARTICIPATION: A NEW FRONTIER FOR PUBLIC MEDIA DOCUMENTARY

  The growing network of independent public media-makers has emerged as a seedbed for invention that is driving a new culture of experimentation and accelerating innovation across public media. AIR's 10-city production Localore and Pete Nick's THE WAITING ROOM are two of the latest bold initiatives. Experience distinctive interactive platforms designed by Zeega and discuss emerging bridges between radio/television craft, digital/broadcast platforms and 20th/21st century media.

  MODERATOR

  • Sue Schardt, Executive Director at The Association for Independents in Radio

  PANELISTS

  • Julia Reichert, Co-founder of New Day Films, Filmmaker, GROWING UP FEMALE, A LION IN THE HOUSE, THE LAST TRUCK
  • Kara Oehler, Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief at Zeega
  • Pete Nicks, Filmmaker, THE WAITING ROOM

• 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Great Hall 1

  ONE-ON-ONE WITH THE TRIBECA FILM INSTITUTE

  If you have a unique story-driven film with audience-grabbing potential in development, production or post-production, then the Tribeca Film Institute would like to meet you! TFI staff will be ready to take your 10-minute pitches and provide specific feedback on funding initiatives. Visit tribecafilminstitute.org for more information on TFI’s funding initiatives and come prepared with a one-sheet, timeline, funding strategy and visual material if applicable. Sign up in advance online or onsite at the Conference Information Desk to schedule an appointment. To sign up online, click here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFpVaVk4TVQ0MVNHVV9yQmtLdktGUlE6MQ#gid=0

  PRESENTERS
  • Ryan Harrington, Director of Documentary Programming, Tribeca Film Institute
  • Jose Rodriguez, Program Associate for Documentary Programming, Tribeca Film Institute
  • Opeyemi Olukemi, Program Associate for Digital Initiatives, Tribeca Film Institute

• 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room

  DOC TALK: IT’S A MUSICAL LIFE

  Films about musicians and their creative process are bursting at the seams in this year’s festival. How does music feature in their films as both an aesthetic element and a prominent story line? Hear from some of the filmmakers whose work features prominent musicians about the story behind the story.

  MODERATOR

  • Felix Contreras, Reporter and Producer for NPR's Arts Desk

  PANELISTS

  • Poull Brien, Filmmaker, CHARLES BRADLEY: SOUL OF AMERICA
  • Jay Bulger, Filmmaker, BEWARE OF MR. BAKER
  • Ramona Diaz, Filmmaker, DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’: EVERYMAN’S JOURNEY
  • Mandy Stein, Filmmaker, BAD BRAINS: A BAND IN DC

• 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room

  HACKATHON PANEL

  The two-day Hackathon event will give pre-selected documentary filmmakers the chance to collaborate with creative technologists to develop a functioning prototype of an original web documentary. Sponsored by the Living Docs project (Mozilla, ITVS, Tribeca Film Institute, BAVC and the Center for Social Media), the Silverdocs Hackathon will add a new dimension - public data. The behind-the- scenes Hackathon will be followed by a public panel discussion featuring the Hackathon teams as well as representatives from Mozilla who will offer brief presentations of their most cutting edge projects, as well as reveal the in-the-works prototypes of the participating documentary filmmakers – and the creative process that got them there.

• 3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Great Hall 1

  DISCOVERY NETWORKS PITCH SESSIONS

  Filmmakers will have the opportunity to meet with Discovery executives to learn more about programming needs, their acquisition process and the development pipeline at Discovery's family of networks. These 60-minute sessions will allow participants to meet with up to two executives to deliver a short (five-minute) pitch – so bring your ideas and questions. Sign up in advance online or onsite at the Conference Information Desk to schedule an appointment. To sign up online, click here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEJNT1AzMWdwYk9qeGk5TVJYWTJPZlE6MQ#gid=0

  PRESENTERS
  • Christo Doyle, VP-Executive Producer, Discovery Channel
  • Marisa Levy, Director of Development, TLC
  • Brian Lavin, Sr. Manager of Development, SCIENCE
  • Brad Kohlenstein, Sr. Director of Development, SCIENCE
  • Sarah Davies, VP-Factual Production and Development, Discovery Networks International
  • Marion Said, Associate Producer-Factual Production and Development, Discovery Networks International

• 3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room

  DOC TALK: A CONVERSATION WITH HEIDI EWING AND RACHEL GRADY

  Join filmmaking team Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady (THE BOYS OF BARAKA, JESUS CAMP, FREAKONOMICS) as they sit down with Washington Post film critic Ann Hornaday to discuss their careers and their most recent film, DETROPIA.

  MODERATOR

  • Ann Hornaday, The Washington Post

  PANELISTS

  • Heidi Ewing, Co-founder of Loki Films, THE BOYS OF BARAKA, JESUS CAMP, 12th AND DELAWARE
  • Rachel Grady, Co-founder of Loki Films, THE BOYS OF BARAKA, JESUS CAMP, 12th AND DELAWARE

• 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Gallery & Courtyard

  MIX AND MINGLE HAPPY HOUR

  Take advantage of the opportunity to network and relax at this daily social gathering.

  Hosted by: Living Docs

FRIDAY, JUNE 22

• 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Atrium

  CONFERENCE REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION DESK OPEN

• 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Gallery & Courtyard

  NETWORKING BREAKFAST

• 10:00 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Colesville Room

  SILVER SESSIONS Begin

• 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room

  THE MECHANICS OF OUTREACH

  Increasingly, funders require an outreach and engagement campaign before committing to a film – but what does “outreach and engagement” really mean? This panel will explore the basics of building an outreach campaign, from clarifying the message to targeting the audience to identifying the platforms. The topics of how to leverage outreach partners in securing production funding and how to create a viable timeline for rolling out a robust campaign will also be explored. Two films – one traditional and one transmedia project – will serve as case studies in the discussion.

  MODERATOR

  • Katy Chevigny, Co-founder and Senior Director of Arts Engine

  PRESENTERS

  • Theresa Navarro, Director of Community Programs and Outreach, Arts Engine
  • Marilyn Ness, Director of Production, Arts Engine
  • Lynn True, SUMMER PASTURE
  • Matt Heineman, ESCAPE FIRE: THE FIGHT TO RESCUE AMERICAN HEALTHCARE

• 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room

  CONTEMPORARY HYBRID FILMMAKING: PLEASE DON’T CALL THIS A ‘MUSEUM PIECE’

  Hybrid, experimental or genre-bending documentary films that challenge the conventions of nonfiction storytelling are here to stay. This panel puts a spotlight on filmmakers whose approaches to their work have pushed the form in new, challenging and exciting directions.

  MODERATOR

  • Yance Ford, Series Producer, POV

  PRESENTERS

  • Mike Rauch, Filmmaker, Rauch Brothers Animation, DANNY & ANNIE, TO R.P. SALAZAR, WITH LOVE
  • Alan Berliner, Filmmaker, INTIMATE STRANGER, NOBODY’S BUSINESS, THE SWEETEST SOUND, WIDE AWAKE

  Curated by Yance Ford, Series Producer, POV

• 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room

  DOC TALK: WHEN ARTISTS COLLIDE

  Filmmakers present their stories through a unique aesthetic lens that reflects their sensibilities and styles. What happens when the subjects of their films are artists themselves, as in the case of MARINA ABRAMOVIC: THE ARTIST IS PRESENT, AI WEIWEI: NEVER SORRY and BEAUTY IS EMBARRASSING? How do the filmmakers enmesh their artistic styles with that of the artist they are representing? How might two distinct artistic styles unite or collide? Join us as we examine the dual function of the artistic process when artists collide as filmmaker and subject.

  MODERATOR

  • Anne Midgette, Musical Critic, The Washington Post

  PANELISTS

  • Matthew Akers, MARINA ABRAMOVIC: THE ARTIST IS PRESENT
  • Neil Berkeley, BEAUTY IS EMBARRASSING

• 12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room

  CITIZEN CAMERA

  Whether with super-8, videotape or HD camera phones, some of history's most shocking moments have been captured by ordinary people who did not necessarily consider themselves filmmakers. In a world where anyone with a camera phone is a witness to history, what are the ethics and the limits of spontaneous footage gone viral? Citizen Camera looks at the implications for filmmaking, journalism and the "news" at a time when the difference between professional and amateur video reporting is blurred.

  MODERATOR

  • Anthony Kaufman, Film journalist and critic

  PRESENTERS

  • Jigar Mehta, Filmmaker and journalist, 18 DAYS IN EGYPT
  • Jay Arthur Sterrenberg

  Curated by Yance Ford, Series Producer, POV

• 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room

  EDITING MASTER CLASS

  Documentary filmmakers don't have the benefit of a script they can write, rewrite and generally control as fiction filmmakers do. What they DO have is the talent of the documentary editor, who works with the director to shape the film's final form in the most compelling manner possible. Veteran editors will discuss their pivotal role in the process of documentary filmmaking, offering insight into how they have solved specific storytelling problems and how they collaborate with the rest of the filmmaking team.

  MODERATOR

  • Sam Pollard, IF GOD IS WILLING AND DA CREEK DON’T RISE

  PRESENTERS

  • Jean Tsien, DRIVERS WANTED, FINDING NORTH
  • Mary Manhardt, RACING DREAMS, THE FARM: ANGOLA, USA
  • Sari Gilman, GHOSTS OF ABU GHRAIB, THE FENCE

  Curated by Basil Tsiokos, Documentary Film & Festival Consultant; Programming Associate, Sundance Film Festival

• 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room

  COMING TO A THEATER NEAR YOU: DOCUMENTARIES AND THEATRICAL DISTRIBUTION

  Focusing on feature documentaries in a theatrical context, this panel questions what general audiences are looking for in their movie-going experience, and how various distributors are seizing the opportunities and facing the challenges in an increasingly competitive theatrical market. Filmmakers and distributors weigh in on the state of the theatrical marketplace for documentary.

  MODERATOR

  • Basil Tsiokos, Documentary Film & Festival Consultant; Programming Associate, Film Festival

  PRESENTERS

  • Jenny Raskin, Head of Development, Impact Partners
  • Rachel Grady, Co-founder of Loki Films, Filmmaker, THE BOYS OF BARAKA, JESUS CAMP, 12th AND DELAWARE
  • Emily Russo, Co-founder and co-president of Zeitgeist Films
  • Rodrigo Brandao, VP of Promotions and Publicity, Kino Lorber

  Curated by Basil Tsiokos, Documentary Film & Festival Consultant; Programming Associate, Sundance Film Festival

• 3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room

  YOU’VE FINISHED YOUR FILM… NOW WHAT? THE ROLE OF SALES AGENTS AND PUBLICISTS

  This panel presents practical information related to sales and publicity to prepare documentary filmmakers for that crucial period between finishing and distributing their film. Leading sales agents and experienced publicists offer their advice on how best to prepare for post-post-production.

  MODERATOR

  • Julie Goldman, Founder of Motto Pictures

  PRESENTERS

  • Josh Braun, Co-founder of Submarine
  • Gary Hustwit, URBANIZED, OBJECTIFIED
  • David Magdael, Founder and President, David Magdael & Associates, Inc.

  Curated by Basil Tsiokos, Documentary Film & Festival Consultant; Programming Associate, Sundance Film Festival

• 3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room

  POV’s 25th ANNIVERSARY: A LOOK BACK

  Launched in 1988 to showcase new and challenging point-of-view documentaries on PBS, POV has grown to become American television's longest-running series dedicated to contemporary documentaries. POV films have won virtually every major film and broadcasting honor, including three Academy Awards and 27 Emmys. Join us for a discussion with three POV filmmakers about how documentary filmmaking has evolved over the past 25 years and what the future might hold.

  PANELISTS

  • Julia Reichert, Co-founder of New Day Films, Filmmaker, GROWING UP FEMALE, A LION IN THE HOUSE, THE LAST TRUCK
  • Ramona Diaz, Filmmaker, DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’: EVERYMAN’S JOURNEY

• 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Gallery & Courtyard

  MIX AND MINGLE HAPPY HOUR

  Take advantage of the opportunity to network and relax at this daily social gathering.

  Hosted by: PBS Distribution and POV

SATURDAY, JUNE 23

• 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. - Silver Spring Civic Building, Atrium

  REGISTRATION AND CONFERENCE INFORMATION DESK OPEN

• 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Courtyard & Gallery

  NETWORKING BREAKFAST

• 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room

  ALTERNATIVE FUNDRAISING

  Is there life for a film after the big funders say no? As film funders consolidate their resources around a smaller set of select films in an effort to increase their impact and as nonprofit resources shrink, one can't help but wonder how an important film gets made when it falls outside "the system." This workshop presents a holistic view on fundraising, exploring how research and development contacts, and committed fans, can be as important as distribution sales in funding – and finishing – a film.

  PRESENTER

  • Marilyn Ness, Director of Production, Arts Engine

• 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Colesville Room

  ONE-ON-ONE STORY CONSULTATIONS

  Producers preparing to submit to ITVS can sign up for a one-on-one 30-minute consultation with Richard Saiz, former ITVS Senior Programming Manager who oversaw its “open call”, ITVS’ largest funding initiative. He has over 35 years experience as a television journalist, producer, director and writer in both public and commercial broadcasting. He served on the ITVS staff from 1999-2012. Sign up onsite at the Conference Information Desk starting June 18th to schedule an appointment.

  PRESENTER

  • Richard Saiz, Independent Story Consultant

• 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room

  FILM MUSIC DEMYSTIFIED: HOW TO GET THE BEST SCORE FOR YOUR FILM

  Expressing musical direction can sometimes be elusive for filmmakers. Engage with composer Joel Goodman (BEING ELMO, CLINTON, $ELLEBRITY) as he shares effective methods for collaborating with composers. Participants will be guided through the entire film scoring process – from the first phone call to the final delivery – using emotionally driven, plain-English examples. Direct, logical and comprehensive with focus on both creative and business considerations, this workshop will help you learn how to get the best score for your film.

  PRESENTER

  • Joel Goodman, BEING ELMO, CLINTON, $ELLEBRITY

• 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room

  IN THE CLOUD: YOUR FILM IN A POST-OWNERSHIP WORLD

  With the advent of cloud-based computing, opportunities for documentary filmmakers are rapidly changing: Gross profits per transaction are down, yet so is the cost of entry to a vast digital marketplace. A proliferation of delivery platforms calls for nimbleness, flexibility and do-it-yourself savvy – the familiar terrain of the independent producer. Connecting with the audience is critical; engaging that audience to take action is the payoff. A panel of filmmakers, distributors and technology experts will share their vision of the future and strategies for survival in a post-ownership world.

  MODERATOR

  • Steve Savage, Co-president of New Video

  PANELISTS

  • Rick Allen, CEO of SnagFilms
  • Voleine Amilcar, Associate Director of Communications, ITVS

• 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room

  DOC TALK: A CONVERSATION WITH ROSS McELWEE

  For over two decades, Ross McElwee has been a distinct voice in first-person nonfiction cinema. His inward focus on love and death, memory and denial, fleeting youth and fatherhood have been sources for some of the most memorable and revered work in the documentary genre. His significant body of work includes such titles as: SHERMAN'S MARCH (1986), TIME INDEFINITE (1994), SIX O'CLOCK NEWS (1996), BRIGHT LEAVES (2003) and his latest, featured at this year's Silverdocs, PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY. Join the filmmaker in a discussion of his illustrious career.

  PARTICIPANT

  • Ross McElwee, PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY, BRIGHT LEAVES, SHERMAN’S MARCH

• 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Ellsworth Room

  FILMMAKERS’ GUIDE TO POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT

  The 2012 campaign season presents a dynamic environment for films to influence the public debate. Learn how Washington politics really works and how your film can have an impact on national policies from a bipartisan panel with years of experience in election campaigns, Congress and the White House. The panel will help identify opportunities for filmmakers to have a bigger impact by building creative partnerships with political leaders and organizations.

  MODERATOR

  • Jody Arlington, Co-founder of IMPACT ARTS + FILM FUND

  PANELISTS

  • Will Jenkins
  • Alisia Essig

• Saturday, June 23 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Silver Spring Civic Building, Spring Room

  DANGER AHEAD! HOW TO KEEP YOUR STORY FROM FALLING INTO A STRUCTURAL POTHOLE

  Why do so many TV docs derail and lose their drive after a strong beginning? Flaccid structure leading to a mid-point slump is one of the biggest reasons that documentaries lose narrative momentum. Story consultant Richard Saiz helped develop more than 50 documentaries for public television broadcast. In this 90-minute seminar, Saiz reviews the five deadly sins to avoid in constructing your story. Attendees will have an opportunity to analyze and discuss examples of well-structured docs.

  PRESENTER

  • Richard Saiz, Independent Story Consultant

That’s a Wrap!