The
World Congress of Science and Factual Producers (WCSFP) is pleased to announce
that the 17th annual Congress is set for December 1-4, 2009, in Melbourne,
Australia.
Following a string of sold-out successes in Manchester (2006), New York (2007) and
Florence (2008), this year's Congress again promises to be a must-attend event
for industry professionals working in specialist factual television. Last
year's record-breaking Congress, which sold out weeks prior to opening,
welcomed more than 600 international broadcasters, producers and distributors
from 26 countries. Exit surveys indicate that 89% of delegates were able to
advance their projects at the Congress and 88% were able to find new production
partners.
This year's Congress is made possible with the incredible support of Host
Broadcaster the Australian Broadcasting
Corporation (ABC TV) and the Host State of Victoria.
"ABC TV looks forward to playing host to bold and provocative
discussion at the Congress this year, providing delegates with a unique
opportunity to share ideas, foster knowledge, forge partnerships and ultimately
drive the creation of leading edge specialist factual programs and
content," says Courtney Gibson, Executive Head of Content
Creation for ABC TV.
The 2009 Congress promises more in-depth panels, valuable networking
opportunities and once-in-a-lifetime social events all happening in Australia's
cultural centre.
"As Australia's fastest growing factual production sector, Victoria
makes the ideal destination for the next World Congress of Science and Factual
Producers," says Gavin Jennings, Minister for Innovation,
Industry and Regional Development for Victoria. "We are thrilled with
the opportunity to host a peak international event which will see the world's
leading broadcasters and producers of science and factual television meet with
the nation's top academic, journalistic, scientific and research communities.
We anticipate great outcomes for both Australian and overseas industry
practitioners and look forward to welcoming delegates to Melbourne later this
year."
This year's WCSFP will feature an outstanding three-day program of workshops,
networking events, pitch sessions, and panels that will reveal emerging content
trends and highlight important industry issues. Last year, more than 200
broadcast representatives attended from such broadcasters as: ARTE, BBC,
CBC, Channel 4, FIVE, Discovery Channel U.S., Discovery Channel Canada,
Discovery Science, France 5, National Geographic Int., NDR, NHK, ABC TV, Rai,
WGBH and Thirteen/WNET. The 2008 Congress achieved a better than two-to-one
ratio of independent producers to broadcasters, ensuring plenty of valuable
time for networking and deal-making.
The WCSFP will also feature the return of popular services including Meet
the Commissioning Editor sessions, an on-demand video library of delegates'
productions, as well as evening networking events and special social activities
that will take advantage of Melbourne's many historic and cultural attractions.
Registration for this year's Congress opens in May. The Host Hotel is the Grand
Hyatt, Melbourne.
2009 HOST BROADCASTER: ABC TV
2009 HOST STATE: Film Victoria
_______________
Niall Byrne
Science in Public
26 Railway Street South, Altona Vic 3018
ph +61 (3) 9398 1416 or 0417 131 977
Full contact details at www.scienceinpublic.com