ESoDoc 2007 - European Social Documentary
Application deadline >> March 16, 2007

ESoDoc is a qualified professional training course on the making of social documentaries. ESoDoc’s ambition is to create new production opportunities for European documentary makers interested in broadcasting films that draw attention to human rights, social justice and environmental protection, particularly in the developing world.

Target group: the course is designed for audiovisual professionals attuned to social themes, as well as NGO and NPO communications specialists who wish to competently follow the production phases of multimedia content within the scope of their organizations.

Number of admitted participants: 22 (10-12 from EU new member states)

Sessions: ESoDoc offers three 1-week sessions held over a 6-month period, during which participants, either individually or in groups, develop a documentary film project in a stimulating intercultural environment. An e-platform and a tutor will support this work.
- session 1: May 26 - June 1, Italy
- session 2: July 29 - August 4, Latvia
- session 3: November 4-11, Sweden
(dates and venues are subject to changes)

Some of ESoDoc trainers: Martin Atkin (Greenpeace International); Patrice Barrat (Article Z / Bridge Initiative); Giulio Cederna (Amref); Katerina Cizek (freelancer); Mick Csàky (Antelope film); Susan Gray (freelancer); Neelima Mathur (Formedia - Foundation for Responsible Media); Isabel Morgan (Christian Aid), Iikka Vehkalahti (YLE)

All seminars are in English.

Application form and further information on: www.esodoc.eu

garrett scott
documentary development grant

deadline l feb. 5th
april 12-15, 2007 _______fullframefest.org______919.687.4100

This grant funds first time documentary makers for travel and accommodations at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, April 12-15, 2007. For four days, grant recipients will be given access to films, participate in master classes and be mentored by experienced filmmakers. TWO filmmakers will be chosen for the grant in its first year.

Apply for the Grant by February 5th.

About the Grant l Garrett Scott made a distinctive mark in documentary films during his short career. Without any formal training in film, he directed Cul De Sac: A Suburban War Story, examining the case of a methamphetamine addict who stole a tank from an armory and went on a rampage through the San Diego suburbs. The film prompted Filmmaker Magazine to cite Scott as one of 25 New Faces of Independent Film. He went on to make Occupation: Dreamland, co-directed with Ian Olds, about U.S. soldiers in Falluja, Iraq. It won prizes at Full Frame and the Independent Spirit Awards. Both films were broadcast by the Sundance Channel. In 2005, Scott died of a heart attack at age 37.

Scott’s work examined how the forces of state power and economics impact individuals. Stylistically, his films broke convention, giving audiences new perspectives on familiar milieus like suburbia or war torn Iraq. He was a beloved member of film communities from San Francisco to New York City and several points in between.

His friends, family and colleagues established this development grant to help other emerging filmmakers reach their potential. The grant’s selection committee looks especially for filmmakers who somehow fulfill Scott’s example, by bringing a unique vision to the content and style of contemporary documentary making.

Sprouts!  Youth filmmakers’ showcase

Planet in Focus International Environmental Film & Video Festival recognizes and values the diverse voice of youth around the world.  There is no such thing as too young when it comes to addressing issues about the environment.  Today’s youth are at the vanguard taking action and building awareness in protecting our environment, which is why Planet in Focus is proud to share its platform with youth filmmakers to help get their voices heard.

Complete details about this new program can be found on our website at www.planetinfocus.org

On February 24th, MIT Comparative Media Studies will host a conference in collaboration with Harvard’s Berkman Center for Internet and Society and the Information Society Project at Yale Law School. The one-day event will be held at MIT, and is entitled “Beyond Broadcast: From Participatory Culture to Participatory Democracy.” It will bring together industry experts, academic leaders, public media professionals, and political activists for panel discussions and focused working groups.

Beyond Broadcast 2007 builds on the overwhelming success of last year’s sold-out event, “Beyond Broadcast 2006: Reinventing Public Media in a Participatory Culture” held at Harvard Law School. Over 350 people took part in-person and online through the virtual world Second Life. Attendees used several unique online tools, including a web-based “question tool” to probe panelists, a collaborative wiki, live blogging, flickr photo sharing, del.icio.us tagging, and YouTube video production. These tools enabled the conference to practice what it preached, turning the event into a two-way participatory interaction in contrast with many conferences. The tools have been expanded upon this year, already spurring an active conversation on the conference web site, weeks before the event.

Henry Jenkins will give the Keynote Address, followed by panel discussions from media makers and policy commentators. Details of these panels are being updated on the conference web site www.beyondbroadcast.net

In the second-half of the day, the conference turns its focus to working groups that attendees will help organize. Building on themes coming from the plenary sessions, participants will target specific issues or questions and join efforts with the diverse crowd of others. In the past, these groups have been facilitated by thought leaders in technology, policy, and academia. Many attendees last year expressed their appreciation for this hybrid conference approach in which they had a chance to “do something before heading home.”

There will also be an evening reception, called “Demos and Drinks,” showcasing groups that are doing exciting work related to conference themes.

Registration is only $50, and includes lunch and the evening reception. There is also a special 50% discount for students. The conference follows the 2007 Public Media Conference taking place in Boston February 20-23. It is suggested that you register early to avoid losing a spot if Beyond Broadcast sells out again this year.

www.beyondbroadcast.net/
info@beyondbroadcast.net

“Natural Heroes,” a premiere showcase for independent films and vides on Public Television is seeking independent producers to contribute finished works for this new series. This program focuses on the people that are making a positive difference for the environment and enhancing the world around us. They are seeking programs that encourage thoughtful questions and realistic answers.