Sunny Side of the Doc Adapts Pitching Sessions

Sunny Side of the Doc, slated for June 22 to 25, is preparing for a “reconfiguration of the marketplace event,” in particular through digital alternatives.

“We recognize that the creative and cultural sector is very much affected by the unprecedented series of cancellations of industry events and productions,” the organizers said. “The documentary ecosystem is losing the face-to-face meetings that are necessary to source quality content, share ideas, pitch projects, sell programs, foster co-production and distribution opportunities, drive business and most importantly, maintain relationships. In such a context, our team remains responsive to the needs of documentary professionals around the globe,” and digital alternatives are being explored.

As a key to Sunny Side’s mission is promoting international co-productions, the competitive call for projects and pitching sessions are a coveted platform for presenting fresh ideas to buyers and commissioners from the channels and platforms. Sunny Side’s first commitment aims to guarantee and arrange, through an online solution, the holding of pitches and one-to-one meetings for the 36 documentary projects in its six categories: history, science, social issues, arts and culture, wildlife and digital experiences. Content producers and creators can now submit a pitch for a €90 fee until April 16.

“Other announcements and plans will follow depending on developments related to the directives of local, national and international authorities on health security, as the safety of our clients and staff is paramount,” the organizers said.

The Sunny Side team is starting to reach out to event partners, festivals and markets in Europe that have had to cancel in order to develop “new synergies and collaborative approaches,” they said. “We strongly invite any interested party to contact us as well.”