Dawn Porter had a couple of careers before she landed in documentary filmmaking-where she feels most at home. She was an attorney for BakerHostetler, where she learned the true meaning of rigorous thought and how to pay attention to detail. But she felt she was missing out on creative opportunities in that world, so she moved on to work in television, for ABC News and A&E Television Networks. There, her creativity flourished a bit more, and she was also able to learn a lot about the business of making media. "I learned that it doesn't matter if you have the most brilliant project in the world
Latest Posts
'Big Men' airs August 25 on 'POV.'
A review of 'Documenting the Documentary'
For this month's #FunderFriday, we asked Lisa Chanoff and Bonni Cohen from Catapult Film Fund to answer some questions from our Twitter community. Below, they answer our community's questions, while also offering up answers to frequently asked questions. Don't forget: the Catapult Film Fund deadline is August 25th! Is Catapult a fit for Indie Docs Seeking Post Production Funds? #FunderFriday— ljfogel (@ljfogel) August 5, 2014 Catapult Film Fund: No. Catapult is all about early money. Our focus is to help launch documentary film projects near the beginning of their process. These "development
The Storyhunter team in their Brooklyn office, reviewing pitches from around the world. Courtesy of Storyhunter The Botanic Lab Bar on Manhattan's Lower East Side bustled with the energy of a typical Friday night crowd. International filmmakers, tech leaders and producers all gathered together in the relaxed vibe of the basement lounge, sipping herb-infused cocktails and listening to the ambient, pulsating beats of a world-music mix perfectly suited to the laid-back atmosphere of the room. At first glance, it appeared to be not unlike any other scene with an underground buzz and a focus on
It seems lately like nonfiction series are popping up left and right on cable networks. This boom reflects networks’ increased desire for original content. But how can documentary filmmakers navigate new opportunities and get their projects slotted on cable schedules? For our June Doc U on cable and nonfiction series, we brought together a dynamic cast of cable movers and shakers to discuss what they look for in nonfiction offers, to give tips for filmmakers, and to present their side of the pitching table. Anne Thompson, of Indiewire’s ‘Thompson on Hollywood’ blog, moderated the discussion
'Captivated: The Trials of Pamela Smart' airs August 18 on HBO.
'Altman' premieres August 6 on Epix.
The filmmaker was an IDA Career Achievement Award honoree.
'Rich Hill' opens in New York on August 1 through Opus Docs/The Orchard.