For me today is going to be a challenge to focus on work while keeping an eye on the info-fest that is Transfer Deadline Day. For those that aren’t into football, it’s one of the two days in the year (the other is the end of August) when the transfer window closes, and clubs are… Continue reading A transfer window for TV production companies?
Category: Television
My week at FIPA, a TV festival by the sea
I’ve just spent a few days at FIPA in Biarritz, France. That’s the Festival International de Programmes Audiovisuels. A few thoughts from my time there. There’s something about waves, beaches and lighthouses that is very inspiring. Even though I didn’t actually get to the beach. Being in a beautiful venue with big windows, the Bellevue, made… Continue reading My week at FIPA, a TV festival by the sea
The factual shows in 2015 that I haven’t seen yet
I know It might be a bit late to do some predictions for 2015, but here they are anyway. Some thoughts on what I’m looking forward to in 2015. If they exist already, please send me a link! Something that uses the visceral thrill of stunt bike descents and builds a proper story around it.… Continue reading The factual shows in 2015 that I haven’t seen yet
What happened on my first day at SBS
I arrived for my first day of a visit to SBS, based in a nondescript business park in the north of Sydney, at 9:30am on Monday 15th December. I’m working from London as their content consultant. Half an hour after I got there and started introducing myself to my new colleagues, there was a sense that… Continue reading What happened on my first day at SBS
I went to the ATF in Singapore to see what half the world is watching
Last week’s Asia TV Forum was my first visit, and my first visit to Singapore. Plenty of channels, distributors, funding organisations and producers in an airy exhibition floor in the huge Singapore Convention centre. The event was organised by Reed Midem, with support from the impressive Media Development Authority of Singapore. It was good to… Continue reading I went to the ATF in Singapore to see what half the world is watching
on indie production and public service media
Back to Copenhagen after a week in London. I spent it catching up with production companies, distributors, and going to a day at the Televisual Factual Festival. Well moderated panels on Specialist Factual, Popular Factual, and how to make docs in danger zones, an interview with Ralph Lee of Channel 4, and a room full… Continue reading on indie production and public service media
Korea – a new factual force?
There’s a national drive in Korea to make documentaries the next Korean international content success. Korea made a national project out of becoming the world’s biggest music producer through K-Pop. Pretty ambitious project for a country of 50 million people. But they’re now the fastest growing music industry in Asia, with a massive presence in Japan and inroads… Continue reading Korea – a new factual force?
Don’t mention the E-word
There was a packed auditorium for the main debate at Wildscreen on Wednesday. It covered themes familiar to previous festivals, but no less important for that, according to Wildscreen veterans. How television wildlife films misrepresented the world and its environmental problems. How cute and fluffy animals don’t tell the whole story. How the word ‘Environment’ is a turn-off for… Continue reading Don’t mention the E-word
Wildscreen…I think I love you
Wildscreen is a conference and gathering held in Bristol for nature and wildlife filmmakers, distributors, and broadcasters. It happens once every two years, alternating with the Jackson Hole festival in Wyoming. Everybody clusters around Bristol’s lovely harbourside, like animals around a waterhole, wandering between the Arnolfini Gallery, Bordeaux Quay, and the Watershed centre. It’s relaxed, chatty,… Continue reading Wildscreen…I think I love you
Chasing content and dodging cloudbursts in Cannes
Three and a bit days in Cannes for MIPCOM have just come to an end. The Indian summer gave way to dramatic cloudbursts, making the Croisette look like somebody had gone overboard on the CGI budget. Drama subplots were everywhere. Warner International’s semi-open stand on the beach got flooded out; All3Media laid on Tuk-Tuks to their lunch for… Continue reading Chasing content and dodging cloudbursts in Cannes