Festivals and Markets

Hot Docs Festival showcases a huge line-up of over 200 compelling and inspiring films from around the world. Hot Docs also hosts exclusive market programs, including the renowned Hot Docs Forum, and Hot Docs Deal Maker.

Hot Docs Forum

Widely regarded as the most effective international documentary market in North America, the Hot Docs Forum is a dynamic pitching event that stimulates international co-production financing. Taking place over two days, pre-selected international projects are presented to a round table of leading commissioning editors, film fund representatives, financiers, programming executives and delegates from around the globe.

Each presentation slot is 15 minutes: a seven-minute presentation from the production team and their trigger decision-maker, and an eight-minute discussion and response period. Presentation teams are encouraged to include one- or two-minute video clips as part of their presentation.

For more information visit the Hot Docs website.

Hot Docs Deal Maker

Hot Docs Deal Maker is a one-on-one pitch-meeting program for producers seeking financing from the international marketplace. The most compelling projects will be pre-selected for these valuable meetings with key decision makers, commissioning editors and other film financers.

For more information visit the Hot Docs website.

Attendee Tips

“Do the research on who you want a request a meeting with. There is no point in targeting the wrong commissioning editor for your project. So do your homework.”

“Hot Docs is great if you get into the Pitch Forum or Deal Maker. I would not advise filmmakers to just attend and expect to meet with dealmakers. They are so busy and already booked up so it is virtually impossible.”

“Make sure you have a strong trailer / scene selects and treatment.”

“Attend the public Forum pitch even if you haven’t been selected. Teaches you how to pitch and what commissioning editors are looking for.”

“Only take truly international projects there.”

“Best attended with a film in the festival, or a project pitching in the Forum. The Dealmaker session is a useful way to attend the conference but don’t expect breakthroughs with it. Filmmakers should prearrange meetings rather than rely on networking opportunities. It’s very heavily television focussed despite the festival screenings so best to go with television projects in hand.”

Disclaimer
This information is to be used as a guide only and is of a general nature. Screen Australia has undertaken all reasonable measures to ensure its accuracy and specifically disclaims any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly of the use and application of any of the contents. Exact registration details are available on the market website.