New Conference Targets Doc, Reality TV Worlds

SANTA MONICA: This September, the new conference WESTDOC will bring together documentary and reality TV executives in Santa Monica for three days of networking, panel sessions, keynote speakers and pitching opportunities.

WESTDOC: The West Coast Documentary and Reality Conference is set for September 14 to 16 at the Hilton Doubletree Hotel in Santa Monica. It is targeted to producers, directors, network executives and other creators in the nonfiction/documentary and reality TV industry. The event, which promises one-on-one interaction between creatives, buyers and distributors, is the brainchild of Oscar-nominated producer/director Chuck Braverman and Solid Entertainment’s Richard Propper, a former president of the IDA (International Documentary Association).

“Learning and networking, particularly in this dour economic climate, are vital to our industry forging ahead, conceiving and producing more programming," they said in a joint statement. "The venue will facilitate introductions and dialogue and promote development and deals. We need an occasion to gather our troops, and we chose L.A. because it is home to an incredible talent pool."

Over the first two days of the conference, attendees may select panels from either The Documentary Village or The Reality Village. The third day will be dedicated to PitchFest. Another highlight of the event is featured keynote guest Thom Beers, the founder and CEO of Original Productions—the producer of Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers and Ax Men. The full lineup and registration details are available on www.TheWestdoc.com.