Gibney, Fraser set for Realscreen Summit keynote conversation

October 10, 2012 by Realscreen Staff

Alex Gibney Nick Fraser

The first keynote announcement for the 2013 Realscreen Summit has been made, with Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney (pictured, left) set to appear in conversation with BBC ‘Storyville’ series editor Nick Fraser (right).

Fraser will talk to Gibney about his work and worldview, including the challenges of balancing multiple projects at his 30-year-old indie Jigsaw Productions; his recent deal with Content Media; and his plans to develop and expand his TV portfolio.

The filmmaker will discuss his recently announced development deal with CNN Films; his latest acclaimed doc Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God; his forthcoming BBC ‘Why Poverty?’ documentary 740 Park Avenue; and his in-the-works film on Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

In the same session, Gibney will grill Fraser – whose BBC strand has backed Gibney’s Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer – on his approach to commissioning, and the challenges of maintaining a high quality slate amid a climate of funding cuts, downsizing and economic downturn.

Fraser will also discuss his thoughts on the current environment for investigative filmmaking, and the importance of documentary in modern society.

“We are thrilled to welcome Alex and Nick back to the Realscreen Summit,” said Claire Macdonald, VP and publisher of realscreen. “Alex was a panelist at the 2000 installment and Nick appeared as a panelist and moderator in 2006.

“It will be fascinating to hear from them both how the art of documentary filmmaking has changed over those several years. Their inclusion in our program sets the stage for another sold-out event.”

The Realscreen Summit, the largest market and conference in the world dedicated to non-fiction television, film and digital content, will take place in Washington DC from January 27-30, 2013. Further keynote announcements are due over the coming weeks.

For more information on the event, click here.

Tags: Alex Gibney, Claire Macdonald, Nick Fraser, Realscreen Summit 2013