Documentary films present new perspectives and activating powerful emotions, but what happens next? How can empathy created by effective storytelling fuel action? A panel of industry professionals will come together to discuss how they’ve carried their messages beyond the screen to promote engagement from viewers and response to social issues and injustices. Through their experiences we intend to explore how to build a good impact strategy, when to start working on it and who are the possible partners to collaborate with in the process.

Participants:
László Józsa, producer, SpeakEasy (Hungary)
Margje de Koning, artistic director, Movies That Matter (Netherlands)
Vivian Schroder, producer, Good Pitch (Germany)
Fleur Nieddu, freelance producer (UK)
Moderator:
Viki Réka Kiss, producer

The panel discussion is in English with Hungarian simultaneous translation. Pre-registration is required at industry@verzio.org. 

This panel discussion explores co-production possibilities in Europe and beyond and how strategic international co-production partnerships may expand your financing, sales and distribution possibilities. Do national and European funding schemes sufficiently encourage and support co-productions? How do international co-production funds work and operate? What are the benefits and downsides of co-producing outside of Europe? What's it like from a European producer's perspective and what are the lessons to be learnt from their experience?

Participants:
Alessandro Gropplero, forum director , When East Meets West (Italy)
Max Tuula, producer, Marx Film (Germany)
Anna Závorszky, executive producer, HBO Europe (Hungary)
Anna Kaslová, Forum Manager, Ex Oriente Film & East Doc, Institute of Documentary Film (Czech Republic)
Hanne Phlypo, producer, Clin d'oeil Films (Belgium) 
Moderator:
Julianna Ugrin, producer, Eclipse Film (Hungary)

The panel discussion is in English. Pre-registration is required at industry@verzio.org. 

The documentary filmmaking industry is going through major changes that need to be discussed. As consumers have drastically changed the way of watching films and have risen their expectations on availability of content, professionals have to re-think their communication strategies and look for new ways to communicate with the audience. These new challenges have paved the way for innovative and creative marketing and distribution strategies. In this world of digital access, what are the benefits and challenges of a theatrical release? Traditional showcasing has changed significantly: What are the new models? What will be the consequences and who will benefit from? How do these changes influence the younger generations and their habits?

Participants:
Bojana Maric, distributor, Sweet Spot Docs (Switzerland)
Christine Dollhofer, festival director, Crossing Europe Film Festival (Austria)
Johanna Huth, Yangon Film School e.V. (Germany)

Moderator:
László Józsa, producer, SpeakEasy (Hungary)

The panel discussion is in English. Pre-registration is required at industry@verzio.org.