by WCSFP, Toronto, September 4, 2014.
The World Congress of Science and Factual Producers (WCSFP) has announced that it has relocated its upcoming Congress from Beijing to Hong Kong. The event will now take place at the luxurious Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel on the same dates, November 18-21, 2014. The decision to relocate follows recent events at CCTV-9, which was originally slated as the host broadcaster for the Congress in Beijing, and was made to ensure the best possible experience for attending members.
“We have been in ongoing contact with CCTV representatives for the past several weeks to assess their current situation and how it could impact their role as host broadcaster in Beijing,” said John Lynch, WCSFP Chairman. “Given the uncertain circumstances, the board unanimously decided that relocating the Congress to Hong Kong would best ensure the collegial atmosphere, business opportunities and editorial excellence that members have come to expect. Hong Kong is a vibrant location and a readily-accessible hub for the pan-Asian industry – we look forward to welcoming new colleagues and old friends from across the region.”
Under the direction of Editorial Director Alison Leigh and the WCSFP Editorial Committee, a dynamic programming slate is currently being shaped to offer insights from industry leaders into the trends and technologies impacting the sector. Spotlighting China and the wider pan-Asian industry, sessions will introduce the major players in the region, provide overviews and case studies for international co-productions, and offer plenty of opportunities for networking. The WCSFP will also feature the return of popular services, including one-on-one commissioning editor speed dating, updates from broadcasters, distributors and funders, and numerous social activities. And, from the centrally located venue, members can easily explore many of the historic sights and landmarks that Hong Kong has to offer.
With hundreds of international broadcasters, producers and distributors from over 25 countries expected in Hong Kong, the WCSFP is a must-attend event for those working in specialist factual television. Following sold-out events in Montreal, Canada, in 2013 and Washington, D.C., in 2012, approximately 90 per cent of attending members reported having advanced their projects and found new production partners. At last year’s Congress, more than 200 representatives from international broadcasters were in attendance, including representatives from Discovery Canada, CBC/Radio-Canada, Science Channel, ABC, ARTE, BBC, Channel 4, Explora, France Télévisions, MDR, National Geographic, NDR, NHK, Rai, SBS, WGBH, YLE and ZDF. The WCSFP in Hong Kong is expected to maintain a remarkable two-to-one ratio of independent producers to broadcasters, ensuring plenty of invaluable networking and deal-making opportunities.
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The World Congress of Science and Factual Producers is a not-for-profit, member-run organization dedicated to celebrating the best in specialist factual production. The WCSFP is the place where the science, history and content-rich factual media community gathers to share, explore and reveal how science and history are communicated to the world. Past Congresses have been held in such cities as Montreal, Canada (2013); Washington, D.C., USA (2012); Paris, France (2011); Dresden, Germany (2010); Melbourne, Australia (2009); Florence, Italy (2008); New York, USA (2007); Manchester, UK (2006); Tokyo, Japan (2005), Toronto, Canada (2004); Paris, France (2003); and Berlin, Germany (2002). It is administered by a board of directors and an elected steering committee that deals primarily with editorial matters. The 22nd annual Congress is managed by Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival on behalf of the WCSFP. The WCSFP Editorial Director is Alison Leigh. For more information, visit http://www.wcsfp.com.
Media Contact:
Jonathan Da Silva, Communications Director
Email: jdasilva@wcsfp.com