Welcome to WCSFP 2008 : World Congress of Science and Factual Producers

Network

The premiere event for science and history broadcast executives and producers, the WCSFP connects you with people who are informed and passionate about the craft and business of factual television. And, you can conduct business in a remarkable 2-to-1 producer-to-broadcaster environment: face-to-face meetings are easy, plentiful and productive. It's no wonder things are relaxed: the event is run by an involved member-run community for factual professionals.

Share & Learn

Leading international producers and broadcasters work collaboratively to develop a full-slate of member-produced panels and talks. This "by-the-industry and for-the-industry" model celebrates the best of the genre and explores contemporary issues without holding back nitty-gritty details (yes, panelists talk about what didn’t work as well as what did). You'll find extraordinary analysis and insight through case-studies of complex programs, feisty intellectual debates, and on-stage interviews that feature production visionaries and top network decision-makers.

Explore

For 16 years the Congress has travelled the world, visiting new cities and always welcoming new professionals into the community. Like recent editions in New York, Manchester and Tokyo, the Florence WCSFP will allow delegates a chance to explore the region's great wealth of history and culture. And, when the business day is over, grab drinks with your colleagues and have some real fun too at our lively evening events -what a concept for a television conference!

Welcome to WCSFP 2008

The 16th annual World Congress of Science and Factual Producers will take place December 1 - 4 at the Hilton Florence Metropole in Florence, Italy.

REGISTER NOW

SEE WHO'S COMING TO CONGRESS: DELEGATE LIST NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

Are you thinking of coming to Congress, but want to know who will be there before you register? An up-to-date and growing delegate list is now available. Once you register, you'll have access to the WCSFP Online Community, which has contact information, company profiles and more for all registered delegates. The online list will be updated regularly, so check back for additions.

PROGRAMMING UPDATE: WCSFP GUIDE FOR DUMMIES

Conferences and markets takes a lot of work, but it's well worth the effort. The WCSFP Guide to Congress for Dummies gives the rookie and the seasoned conference participant a few helpful tips on who's who, what's what, good outcomes and, most importantly, how to enjoy the Congress. Session Producers: Robi Colangelo and Lilla Hurst.

PROGRAMMING UPDATE: AN INTRODUCTION TO FLORENCE AND THE MEDICI FAMILY

This Power Point presentation will be given by Professor Donatella Lippi of the Department of the History of Medicine at the University of Florence, who, with her colleagues, is engaged in the Medici Project. Scientific research carried out on the corpses of Medici Family members, exhumed from their burial sites in the Medici Chapels of Florence and San Lorenzo, is revealing a wealth of knowledge about the lives, habits, and causes of death of those in this most famous family of the Renaissance.

PROGRAMMING UPDATE: THE FUTURE OF GREEN - HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Does green programming rate, or has it failed? Will it leave our schedules or gain a place in commissioner's global programming remit? Our team of panelists will be shown nine clips of so-called green programs generated from all over the world. In our now traditional quiz format, we will play the ratings game and discuss why green does not rate - or does it? Session Producer and Moderator: Ellen Windemuth.

PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCEMENT: PIMP MY PROGRAM

Formatted factual is the new black. It's this year's must have, like cooking was last year. But where did the trend start? Does it actually make sense? And what are the ten things you absolutely have to know about formatting?

Join the BBC's John Farren, and a panel of star guests as they tell you how to Pimp Your Program - and make a million.

Click here for an outline of this year’s Congress schedule. Watch this space for more programming updates.

CALL FOR PROJECTS - SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

Does Darwin's theory of natural selection also apply to television programs?

Broadcasters the world over are commissioning programs to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birthday and the 150th year since On the Origin of Species was first published. Why did some of them make it across the line, while others were rejected?

A session at the upcoming Congress will compare and contrast a selection of commissioned programs on Darwin - and others that didn't make it - to provide insight into commissioners' priorities and what they think works in their local markets.

Do you have a Darwin-related project in production or one that has been produced in the last year? If so, we want to hear from you. We'd also like to hear from you if you feel your Darwin project should have been produced, but was rejected.

Please contact André Barro, Session Producer,and/or Alison Leigh, WCSFP Editorial Director.

PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCEMENT: Battle of the Brands

What makes Steve Burns, Executive Vice President - Content for National Geographic, tick? And which programs make President and General Manager for Discovery Communications John Ford’s pulse race? See these two power brokers take part in an entertaining and irreverent game-show panel that is designed to reveal the programs, styles and formats that set their channels apart in the perpetual Battle of the Brands. This not-to-be-missed panel will be produced by Lion TV.

Click here for an outline of this year’s Congress schedule. Watch this space for more programming updates.

Testimonials

I have been attending the WCSFP since its first edition and I have always considered it as an event not to be missed. It’s not only that the sessions are truly inspiring, that almost everyone in the business is there and that you always end up learning something new, but it is also the friendly and informal atmosphere that makes it a truly professional but at the same time fun and relaxing event. And this time it’s my own country’s turn…I can’t wait to greet you all in Florence.

— Daniela Bagliani, Acquisitions and Coproductions Manager, Documentary Dept., RTI SpA - Mediaset Group
I have been attending the congress for three years and every year I return to find new filmmakers, innovative ideas and lively discussions and workshops. As science is rooted in almost all of National Geographic’s programming, Science Congress continues to be one of our top priorities year after year.
— Bridget Whalen, Vice President, Development, Co-productions, and Acquisitions, National Geographic Channel
The WCSFP is my favorite industry meeting. It’s the mix of interesting people, great panels and sessions and relaxed atmosphere that make them so valuable. Other industry meetings are valuable in their own way, but none have the blend of intellectual zest and sense of humor that mark the WCSFP. I’m looking forward immensely to this year’s gathering.
— Tug Yourgrau, President, Powderhouse Productions
I enjoy WCSFP’s practical focus on the new trends plus the sobering versus inspiring realities facing science programme production today. The inevitable result of this dynamic conference is that we all rise to the challenge. What could be better?
— Ellen Windemuth, Managing Director, Off The Fence
The WCSFP features a unique blend of debates in various lively formats, screenings, case studies and trend spotting. It provides an overview of the global industry, and facilitates business meetings in a very relaxed atmosphere that mixes the fun with the serious. Moreover, every year it allows us to discover a different country and its television landscape. So as an old timer, I would encourage everybody in the science and history film and television industry, and especially the people who’ve never attended, to book a flight to Florence for the first days of December 2008.
— Fabrice Esteve, Producer, DOCSIDE Production
We are proud to act as the Host Broadcaster and to add RAI’s name to the list of other internationally renowned broadcasters like WNET/Thirteen New York, the BBC and NHK that have most recently undertaken this position. We look forward to this year’s event and to joining with the international factual community to debate, do business and to socialize in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
— Giancarlo Leone, Deputy Managing Director, RAI
The World Congress of Science and Factual Producers continues to be one of the most important international gatherings for like-minded filmmakers and producers. What I like most about it is that it is much more than a marketplace - it is a place that provides a singular opportunity for professionals to probe deeply into the creative aspects of our craft. I would not miss it.
— Melanie Wallace, Senior Series Producer, NOVA, WGBH