Netflix and the streamers share only a sliver of useful data about their viewing audience. However, a steady flow of independent research provides a jigsaw puzzle of insights into the streaming ecosystem. Lots of worthwhile data crossed my desk this month. Here are 12 highlight charts, with just a little commentary. Don’t miss my Desktop …
Steve Harris bursts with inspiring insights into the pitching process. He has a gift for breaking out the key qualities for a successful pitch. As my charismatic, globe-trotting co-presenter, Steve has shared his insider knowledge to grateful producers at WESTDOC (LA), AIDC (Adelaide), Sunny Side (La Rochelle), and more. He draws on his veteran experience …
“Bullshit!” That’s how Donald Trump’s attorney general William Barr describes the claimed evidence of election fraud presented in the documentary 2000 Mules. Barr was being deposed for last week’s Congressional hearings on the January 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol. The hearings characterize the proponents of these election falsehoods — like the producers of …
The success of our recent coproduction partnership attracted me to cover Love Nature‘s Evolution Earth, a new original production that was announced today at Sunnyside of the Doc. The five-part series is produced by PASSION PLANET, in co-production with Love Nature, PBS and ARTE. This impressive group of partners has joined forces to create a …
Our Season of the Osprey case study captures in unique detail the journey of a blue chip Nature documentary special from initial concept to successful distribution worldwide. It is a roadmap for independent wildlife filmmakers – serving both as an inspirational tool and as a sobering reality check. The players involved in the story include …
JAN ROFEKAMP is the highly-respected, veteran documentary distributor and consultant who has led sales agent FILMS TRANSIT INTERNATIONAL since 1982, overseeing more than 500 documentaries. Jan attended the post-Covid 2022 edition of the giant CANNES FILM FESTIVAL. He shares his Takeaways on what happened at Cannes, and what it reveals about the state of the …
Ellen Windemuth is CEO of Waterbear Network, the ambitious streamer dedicated to creating a sustainable planet through compelling storytelling. She describes Waterbear’s mission, strategy, programming priorities, key contacts for producers, and much more. Listen to Ellen Windemuth (18′) Peter Hamilton · Ellen Windemuth, CEO Waterbear on programming strategy Timecode “Dedicated to the future of our …
by Ed Hersh. If there’s anyone out there who doesn’t yet believe that the media ecosystem is shifting under our feet, the tumultuous events of the last few weeks at Netflix, Warner/Discovery and CNN certainly should convince you. And nowhere can you see these shifts more clearly than in the still-burgeoning field of True Crime …