WCSFP Prepares for International Conference

TORONTO, July 7: More than 500 international broadcasters,
producers and distributors from 24-plus countries are expected to attend the 16th
annual World Congress of Science and Factual Producers (WCSFP) conference in
Florence from December 1 to 4.

The conference will feature three days of workshops,
networking events, pitch sessions and panels that will discuss emerging content
trends and highlight industry issues. The WCSFP will also feature the return of
commissioning editor lunches, an on-demand video library of delegates’
productions, evening networking events and special social activities. Italian
pubcaster RAI is the host broadcaster for this year’s event.

Last year, 197 broadcast representatives from companies such
as the BBC, Discovery Channel U.S. and National Geographic attended the
sold-out event. Ninety-four percent of the 2007 delegates reported advancement
of their projects.

Giancarlo Leone, the deputy managing director of RAI, said:
“We are proud to act as the host broadcaster and add our name to the list of
other internationally renowned broadcasters like WNET/Thirteen New York, the
BBC and NHK that have most recently undertaken this position. We look forward
to this year’s event and to joining with the international factual community to
debate, do business and to socialize in one of the world’s most beautiful
cities.”

—By Jackie Stewart