What drives a commissioner’s choices beyond the written brief? Discover how authentic connections and conversations can turn your documentary pitch into commissions.
In this interactive session, leading commissioners reveal not just what they want, but give you insights into who they are – their favourite documentaries, presenters and what they’re watching when no one’s looking. Through real examples of how and why they’ve commissioned past projects, and how they interpret their own channel briefs, you’ll learn how to turn ideas into conversations into commissions. Commissioners will also share their latest priorities, including digital and cross-platform briefs – giving you a unique opportunity to spot the gaps, tailor your pitch and better understand what they’re really looking for in today’s evolving landscape.
Speakers:
Charlie Parsons (SVP, Development, National Geographic)
Florencia Donagaray (Assistant Commissioner, Factual & Fact Ent, 7+, BBC Children’s)
Dan Korn (VP of Programming, Hearst Networks)
Kati Fernandez (Head of Development for 30 for 30, ESPN Films, and ESPN Originals)
Bethan Arwel-Lewis (Commissioning Editor of Factual for SBS Australia)
Moderator: Ed Taylor (Founder & MD, Honey Bee)
Content guidance: Clips contain some nudity
