Jenny Hazan
The Final Frontier
NEWSChannel 4, U.K.
Since laying ‘Equinox’ and ‘Secrets of the Dead’ strands to rest this year, C4 has become interested in a range of science program formats. Explains Simon Andreae, C4′s commissioning editor for science and education, ‘There are no science strands on the channel at the moment. We are freeing our schedule to be more reactive to science-based events in the news. But, we still have a similar budget. Programming is tending to polarize between fast-turn-around think pieces, low-budget documentaries, and long-format, high-budget science movies.’
People on the Move
NEWSTelepiu’s president steps down; Indigo Factual gets a new doc head; Henninger appoints a VP
People on the Move
NEWSThe Academy of TV Arts and Sciences appoints a new COO; Australia’s Film Commission extends the term of its chief exec; Scottish Screen gets a new chair
Tiger Aspect restructures
NEWSU.K. prodco Tiger Aspect is shutting down its programming development departments in both Glasgow and Bristol – the latter was devoted purely to documentary projects – after a financial blow dealt by the recent retraction of the British government’s sale-and-leaseback tax break scheme.
EIFF: 55 and going strong
NEWSWhat began as a doc festival in 1947, has grown into a multi-genre international event. But, the factual component of the 55th Edinburgh International Film Festival is still at the heart of the fest. ‘Since the event began as a documentary fest, docs have remained a strong part of the program,’ says Jenny Leask, EIFF’s doc programmer.
Watching Wales
NEWSS4C is unique in that it is the only broadcaster in Wales required to cater its programming to both Welsh and English-speaking audiences. While working with an indigenous language can be limiting when it comes to acquiring programming with international potential, the Cardiff-based pubcaster benefits from its tie to sister distributor, S4C International (S4CI). Huw Walters, S4CI’s head of coproductions, explains: ‘One of the big advantages we have in the market is
People on the Move
NEWSAction Time gains a few and loses a few; HIT Wildlife promotes Phil Coles; and Style finds new head of programming.
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Photos
Factual Entertainment Forum 2011 - The scene during the Luncheon Roundtables at Realscreen’s Factual Entertainment Forum in Santa Monica.