If you’re interested in making documentaries, or getting money to make them, you might be interested in “How to sell your documentary” workshop/competition at the NY Paley Center for Media.

Over 75 filmmakers applied for this workshop/competition and only five finalist were chosen.  At the workshop they will pitch their ideas to a panel of documentary producers. The producers will give them feedback on their concept as well as their presentation skills. The winner will be selected based on the persuasiveness of their pitch, originality of idea and the film’s viability. He or she will receive a $5,000 grant, sponsored by SnagFilms, to be used toward the completion of the pitched film.

The five finalist
Annie Heringer, The Pigeon Game
Jennifer Redfearn, Sun Come Up
Leo Sacks, A Taste of Heaven: The Heartbreak Life of Raymond Myles, Gospel Genius of New Orleans
Till Schauder, From Texas to Tehran
Therese Shechter, How to Lose Your Virginity

The Panel
Andrew Mer, Vice President, Content Partnerships, SnagFilms
Diana Holtzberg, Vice President – USA Operations Acquisitions, Project Development, Sales, Films Transit International
Charlie Maday, Senior Vice President, Programming, History
Molly Thompson, Vice President, A&E IndieFilms
Chris White, Director of Programming & Production, P.O.V.

When and where:
Saturday, October 17, 2009
2:00 to 4:00 pm ET
Paley Center for Media
25 West 52 Street
New York, NY 10019

If you’re interested in purchasing tickets to this workshop/competition (a bit like a live reality TV show) visit the Paley Center for Media website.