Sunny Side of the Doc | 19-22 June 2023

Documentary Business

Peter Hamilton Consultants, Inc

Case Study

Season of the Osprey: How It Happened! The Development, Production & Global Distribution of a Blue Chip Wildlife Special

Our Season of the Osprey case study captures in unique detail the journey of a blue chip Nature documentary special from initial concept to successful distribution worldwide. It is a roadmap for independent wildlife filmmakers – serving both as an inspirational tool and as a sobering reality check. The players involved in the story include …

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MIPDoc: Gédéon’s “Sagrada Familia: Gaudi’s Challenge” Case Study. Coming Soon

At the MIPDoc Coproduction Summit, Gédéon Programmes‘ Stéphane Millière revealed the development, the deal, and the ground-breaking CGI solutions employed to deliver Sagrada Familia: Gaudi’s Challenge. I will share and expand on Stéphane’s video presentation later this month. Intro: In my introduction to his presentation, I wrote: “Stéphane’s work is important for its creative merit and for …

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At Risk in Russia: Soviet-Era Nuclear Icebreaker Smashes Arctic Floes… and the Budget! (Case Study)

The Siberian Nuclear Icebreaker Case Study (April, 2011) reveals how producer Vinnie Kraylevich risked his life and finances when he hitched a ride on a Soviet-Era icebreaker. It is my all-time favorite post about the risk that producers take on when they pursue the jeopardy-filled stories sought by platforms, channels and viewers.   His Nuclear …

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Netflix 2023 What You Need To Know Now


Happy Holidays from Stockholm: Wrapping up 2021. Excited about 2022!

  Wishing my friends and colleagues a happy holiday season from Stockholm! Our family is gathering in Uppsala for Christmas; its the first time that we’re all together since 2019! For 2022, I’m excited about providing you with more analysis and context, particularly covering how the revolutionary shift from channels to streamers is impacting documentary …

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Executive Producers: What do they do?? A podcast with Love Nature’s James Manfull

What are the responsibilities and workload of an executive producer for a wildlife coproduction intended for a global audience?? James Manfull is the EP for Love Nature, and in a previous life a producer for Nat Geo’s Natural History Unit. James shares his day-to-day responsibilities– from concept evaluation to delivery — as the EP of …

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The Art, Craft & Persistence of Blue Chip Wildlife Filmmaking. WCS executive producer Natalie Cash in conversation with Jacob Steinberg

Natalie Cash is executive producer in charge of video production at the Wildlife Conservation Society, HQ’d at the world-famous Bronx Zoo. She explores the art, the craft and the challenges of wildlife filmmaking with SEASON OF THE OSPREY director / cinematographer Jacob Steinberg. It was nine years since Natalie first met Jacob and heard his …

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Netflix 2023 What You Need To Know Now


“How I go about writing a NATURE special for PBS.” WNET’s Janet Hess on Season of the Osprey

Janet Hess is the series editor of NATURE, PBS’s prime time wildlife series, and the writer of Jacob Steinberg‘s SEASON OF THE OSPREY. In conversation with Peter Hamilton, Janet recalls how she found her unique and enviable writing career. She describes her creative process, beginning with her deep immersion in the footage with her long …

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Ellen Windemuth discusses conservation, wildlife filmmaking and her Waterbear streamer with Season of the Osprey’s Jacob Steinberg.

Industry legend Ellen Windemuth is CEO of WaterBear Network, the new free streaming platform dedicated to the future of our planet. Ellen was founder and CEO of Off The Fence, and has produced more than 500 hours of programs including this year’s Academy Award documentary winner MY OCTOPUS TEACHER. In conversation with SEASON OF THE …

Ellen Windemuth discusses conservation, wildlife filmmaking and her Waterbear streamer with Season of the Osprey’s Jacob Steinberg. Read More »