DOC NYC PRO 2023 WINTER SEASON

When developing your documentary story, you face some crucial decisions: Which characters should you follow and how many is too many? Should you put yourself or your family in the film? Or maybe you’ve been offered the chance to pitch a story that explores a specific urgent topic but you’re not sure how to convey the stakes of the project. Peabody Award-winning filmmaker, educator and Chicken and Egg Pictures/Working Films co-founder Judith Helfand (Love and Stuff) will explore the thrills and joys of tackling those initial story development hurdles and critical process questions. This session will include Judith’s frank but supportive feedback on several pre-selected story ideas.

Funding is a key aspect of making your film, but often the most confusing and uncertain part of the process. Feeling empowered and equipped to have agency over the process can lighten the load. Join producer Darcy McKinnon (Neutral Ground) as she provides a detailed overview of the funding process, budgets, funding sources like labs/fellowships and the importance of having your pitch ready at all times!

The use of archival footage can elevate your story and add emotional texture. But choosing which archival footage to be a part of your film is a delicate balance between directing and editing. Join Adam Lingo, Senior Editor at National Geographic, and filmmaker Carol Bash (Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities) as they use their own projects  as examples to explore how to integrate archival footage to bring your story to life. 

International co-production can be a valuable part of your creative, production and fundraising strategy. But what exactly does an international co-production entail? What kinds of projects are best suited for this arrangement? How do you find an international co-production partner and what should you consider as you embark on a collaboration? Join veteran Canadian producers  Ina Fichman (Fire of Love), Ed Barreveld (Queen of the Deuce), Jessica Edwards (Skate Dreams) and Peter Raymont (Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On) as they share expertise and advice so you can chart your own path.

DOC NYC PRO presents a two-part intensive workshop on grant funding for documentary filmmakers. In two 90-minute sessions, this workshop offers filmmakers an introduction to successful grant funding, including best practices for creating proposals for documentary funders, from government agencies to foundations to private philanthropists.