In this workshop for emerging and mid-career filmmakers, Lesley Birchard, Executive in Charge of Production for CBC Docs will detail what makes a successful short documentary, why short docs are popular right now, and the opportunities that currently exist in the digital space.
With reference to several case studies, Lesley will examine the process of making a short doc – from pitch to online release and beyond – and will offer tips for how to navigate the murky waters of working with broadcasters.
Topics to be covered include:
• Storytelling, format & length, characters, release strategy and more…
• What makes a doc successful in the digital space.
• How broadcasters work with independent producers.
• What broadcasters want & how to make your pitch stand out.
• Do’s and Don’ts for pitching and working with broadcasters.
Workshop Instructor
Lesley Birchard is a storyteller who fuses television and digital production success with a passion for mentoring and inspiring the next generation of content creators. As Executive in Charge of Production for CBC Docs at Canada’s public broadcaster, Lesley spearheaded CBC’s digital-first
strand CBC Short Docs, commissioning documentary content from emerging Canadian filmmakers. Under Lesley’s leadership, commissions including Oscar-shortlisted ‘Frame 392’, Sundance-winner ‘Fast Horse’ and audience favourite ‘Finding Fukue’ have resonated with audiences worldwide and
made Short Docs one of CBC’s most successful online properties.
For television, Lesley has overseen high-impact projects including four seasons of the award- winning comedy series ‘Still Standing’, feature documentary ‘Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind’, Gord Downie’s ‘Secret Path in Concert’ and ‘Finding the Secret Path’ and k.d. Lang’s ‘Balletlujah’.
When: Saturday Oct 19th, 10am-4pm
Where: Regina Soundstage