Resist Networks is changing doc research

The excitement and innovation of a doc are usually saved for the project itself, not the research, but a filmmaker, an actor and a producer have put their heads together to bring serious innovation to the research process. Pulse Films' Thomas Benski, director Marc Silver and actor Gael Garcia Bernal have created resistnetwork.com, an online research tool for their upcoming documentary Resist. In a chat with realscreen, Benski and Silver gave more details on the creative project. continue

IDFA tells East Side Stories

This year's IDFA, which starts today, will present a new program called East Side Stories; a series of Indian documentaries which coincides with the Amsterdam India Festival. Rada Sesic, IDFA programmer and filmmaker, is a researcher and teacher of Indian cinema and she gives her insight into the new program. continue

On the Slate: Raw Cut & Blue Chip

From a new look at domestic violence to a new approach to crime fighting: it's the latest projects from Raw Cut Television and Blue Chip Films. continue

Don't forget to vote for the Global 100

We won't let you forget that it's that time again. Time to select realscreen's Global 100, the top production companies in factual and documentary productions. continue

One World Berlin starts tomorrow

Now in its fifth edition, the One World Berlin Film Festival for human rights will screen its biggest selection to date from November 20 to 26, 2008. Melanie Sevcenko talks with festival director Natalie Gravenor about the fest's mission and why Berlin is the perfect home for it. continue

Global 100 update: New Dominion Pictures

With the next Global 100 coming up, it's a perfect time to revisit some of the prodcos who made the list last year to catch up. Senior writer Lindsay Gibb spoke with David O'Donnell, head of development for New Dominion Pictures, about the difference a year makes. continue

Considering currency with digital media

Toronto's nextMedia conference focusing on monetizing digital media kicked off with a session on the Economic Meltdown. Keynote speaker Shelly Palmer, MD of Advanced Media Ventures Group and host of MediaBytes, an online daily newscast, broke down the three models of online content and the value they have. continue

Realscreen's Global 100 needs you

It's time once again to select realscreen's Global 100, the top production companies in factual and documentary productions. Thanks to everyone who has submitted lists so far, but we're still looking for more. The deadline is Monday, November 24. continue

Producers find "scientific gold" following whale sharks

"It's a very rare sight - one I've only witnessed twice in 10 years of whale shark observation," says Dr. Mark Meekan, a marine biologist who was followed by Big Wave productions for their new doc Whale Shark. The sight he's referring to is one that is making this natural history doc airing on BBC2's 'Natural World' a landmark event; it's a whale shark taking a poo. continue

The technology of reality: Channel 4's The Family

London-based Firefly Productions, part of the Shine Group, has used crewless multi-camera equipment for a number of series, including Britain's Deadliest Addictions. Carol Nahra looks at this technology and the hows and whys of its use on C4's The Family. continue

It's Global 100 time again

It's time once again to select realscreen's Global 100, the top production companies in factual and documentary productions. This year we're asking the industry to submit their lists of the docs and factual programs of 2008 that were the most innovative, original, best executed and just plain best productions of the year so that we can tally the Global 100 picks using the most popular shows from the past year. continue

Reality veterans launch new factual prodco

The Nightingale Company is teaming up with reality veterans Sean Connolly and Burak Ozgan to launch Gorilla Media, to focus on creating factual entertainment and documentaries. continue

Plan and MTV Canada team up on social awareness doc

Getting young jaded viewers motivated to open their eyes and think about worldly issues is a hefty task, but with the right partners, Girls of Latitude could just make that happen. continue

A look into NDR

NDR is the most successful of Germany's numerous regional channels. Realscreen contacted Patricia Schlesinger, head of the culture and documentary department, to give us a glimpse inside the public broadcaster and producer to see how they tick. continue

On the Slate: Twofour & Lion Productions

From a UK fast food institution to the US education system... it's the new productions from Twofour Broadcast and Lion Productions. continue

It's Global 100 time again

It's time once again to select realscreen's Global 100, the top production companies in factual and documentary productions. This year we're asking the industry to submit lists of the docs and factual programs of 2008 that were the most innovative, original, best executed and just plain best productions of the year so that we can tally the Global 100 picks using the most popular shows from the past year. continue

All docs all the time with Planete

Planete, Canal+ Group's digital documentary channel, just celebrated its 20th anniversary on air this fall. Head of documentary acquisitions, Laurent Sicouri, explains to realscreen what the French channel, along with its offshoots Planete No Limit, Planete Thalassa and the latest, Planete Justice, are looking for and how they fill their slots with doc features, one-offs and limited series. continue

Sky's Woolfe comes to Five

Richard Woolfe is leaving his current role of director of programs for Sky 1, 2 and 3 and will be moving to Five as channel controller. At the same time Ben Gale, current director of programs at Five, will be leaving the broadcaster. continue

It's Global 100 time again

Drumroll, please. It's time once again to select realscreen's Global 100, the top production companies in factual and documentary productions. This year we're asking the industry to submit their own personal lists of the docs and factual programs of 2008 that were the most innovative, original, best executed and just plain best productions of the year so that we can tally the Global 100 picks using the most popular shows from the past year. continue

Current TV comes north with CBC

Making a bold grab for the Internet generation, the CBC is bringing former US vice-president Al Gore's interactive Current TV channel to Canada. Current Canada, a collaboration between Gore's Current Media and the CBC, will operate as a website and a Category 2 digital channel, Current TV. continue