NHK’s Yoshihiko Ichiya at AIDC’s FACTory. (Photo: Dan Aulsebrook)
In 2020, the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) is set to expand its pitching event FACTory, to give greater exposure for projects from development to rough cut stage.
Submissions are now open, and the updated forum will include three strands: Forum Pitches, Rough Cut Sessions and New Talent Pitch.
- For projects in development and production, Forum Pitches will be organised with a new focus on genre to ensure the best possible visibility to commissioners, funders, streamers, networks, distributors, sales agents and more.
- For projects in post-production, Rough Cut Sessions, will be a new closed-to-public program of rough cut screenings for invited decision makers only. This has been specifically designed to close financing gaps, and secure sales, distribution and festival opportunities.
- Projects including a first-time director or first-time producer will immediately be considered for the New Talent Pitch, providing AIDC an opportunity to showcase new talent to decision makers and production companies from all over the world.
AIDC reports an increased number of international decision makers attending each year, and the conference hopes the new program will give tailored feedback from industry experts and increased opportunities for business outcomes.
AIDC CEO and conference director Alice Burgin said: “With more and more international buyers coming to the conference each year, we want to ensure that the FACTory, as our centrepiece pitching forum, is expanding to encompass all the new opportunities this presents. The new format has been developed to showcase talent in ways that provide even more depth, discussion and visibility – no matter which stage of production the project is at.”
Submissions will be assessed by a panel of local and international experts, including Madelaine Russo (Canada) industry programmer, Hot Docs; Nicole Tsien (USA) Co-Producer, American Documentary | POV; Kazz Basma (UK/Spain) head of sales & acquisitions, Sideways Film; Aidan Laverty (Australia) manager, Science, ABC; Krishan Arora (UK/Australia), international content consultant, SBS; and Britt Arthur (Australia), producer/director.
Projects selected for FACTory 2020 will have the opportunity to undertake pitch training from industry experts and receive editing advice from pitch trailer consultant Stephen Ellis (Children on the Frontline, Watani: My Homeland).
Previous FACTory projects inlcude Ghost Pictures’ internationally-acclaimed Mystify: Michael Hutchence, Media Stockade’s China Love, and Occasional Pictures’ Kim Dotcom: Caught in the Web.
Entry to FACTory 2020 is competitive, so project submissions must be original ideas that will appeal to targeted market buyers and are of both Australian and international relevance.
Regular Deadline: December 13
Submission cost: $50.00 per project
Late Deadline: December 18
Submission cost: $60.00 per project
Apply here.
AIDC 2020 takes place March 1-4 at State Library Victoria in Melbourne, Australia.