Deanna Wong
Make art, not war
NEWSAt a time when the world – and the U.S. in particular – is still grappling with the after-effects of the war in Iraq, the notion of encouraging governments to resolve conflicts with diplomacy rather than violence seems almost antiquated. But, that is the raison d’être of the International Theatre Institute, a 55-year-old NGO under the umbrella of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) that optimistically continues to explore artistic ways to effect change.
Canary in the Coalmine
NEWSIn 1996, Discovery Networks confirmed that digital was the wave of the future when it launched four diginets. Managed as one entity, with a skeletal staff, the channels (Home & Leisure, Science, Civilization and Kids, and – in 1998 – Wings and Español) were sold as a package to subscribers to entice viewers to check out all of them, and to sell the digital platform. Now, with the digital/analog divide inching toward obsolescence, programming execs at DCI have become anxious to unbundle the brands. According to Vivian Schiller, senior VP & GM of Discovery Times Channel, ‘It was always the plan to break each of them out, create distinct identities.’
Leaping Broadcast
NEWSWhen the U.S. version of London-based Castaway Television’s Survivor debuted on CBS in the summer of 2000, Mark Burnett – the format’s multitasking exec producer – hoped it would develop a cult following, trigger watercooler buzz and gradually build an audience.
Bringing Docs In from the Cold
NEWSCardiff, U.K.-based pubcaster S4C heralded the new fall season with a marked change, but not to its schedule – at least, not yet.
‘Soaprah Formula’ Vies for Daytime Converts
NEWSDaytime, the traditional domain of soap operas, quiz shows and chat programs, has some new competition in the U.S. market in the form of reality format Starting Over.
Discovery takes brands to new markets
NEWSThere has been a flurry of launch activity over at Silver Spring, u.s.-based Discovery Networks, including a new u.s. cable channel, a foothold in Africa and in-roads into Germany.
Small yet powerful
NEWSBelgium, with a population of only 10 million, lives in the shadow of bigger, richer neighbors. But, small countries can be creative with their coffers and often possess influence that belies their size. This generalization extends to the broadcast world, where Philippe van Meerbeeck, commissioning editor for news and culture channel Canvas – the second arm of Belgium’s Flemish-language pubcaster VRT – oversees a relatively tiny budget of 4,545,000 euros (US$5,287,000), devoted exclusively to docs.
Think globally, hire locally
NEWSDOP Alphonse Roy adds unique access to the camera package
Influential People – the Newcomers
NEWSDavaa and Falorni, Bartley and O’Briain: chosen for their bold entry onto the doc scene, and the promise of a repeat performance
The end of a wonderful, horrible life
NEWSIn contrast to the outrage her early film work often caused, Leni Riefenstahl died peacefully in her sleep on September 8. One of the most renowned and reviled doc-makers of all time, Riefenstahl remained unrepentant to the end for her Nazi-glorifying films. Throughout her life, people found it impossible to separate her artistic achievement in docs Olympia and Triumph of the Will from the hideous doctrines of her patron, Adolf Hitler.
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Factual Entertainment Forum 2011 - Zodiak Rights’ VP acquisitions for North America, JC Mills, moderating “Formats that Fly” at Realscreen’s Factual Entertainment Forum in Santa Monica, June 2011.