Doc U: The Future of Docs on PBS

Doc U: The Future of Docs on PBS

THURSDAY MAY 10, 2012 
Doors Open: 7:00pm
Discussion & Audience Q&A: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Wine Reception to Follow

The Cinefamily
611 N. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036

PBS has long been an important outlet for independent documentary programming. Through POV and Independent Lens, millions of households gain free access to documentary programming addressing the most important issues of our time.

But the landscape is changing for these programs. PBS announced a change in schedule for Independent Lens and POV, resulting in less favorable and inconsistent time slots. The documentary community responded with the public advocacy campaign PBS Needs Indies, and it received such support from independent producers that PBS announced it would reconsider the schedule move for both series. A steering committee has been formed to chart the next steps in preserving the visibility and accessibility of POV and Independent Lens.

With these shifting realities, as well as significant cuts in funding to PBS' nonfiction programming from the National Endowment for the Arts, what does the future hold for independent documentary films and public broadcasting? What can you do to impact the decisions and changes being made right now?

On Thursday, May 10, 2012, IDA invites you to join Simon Kilmurry, Executive Producer of American Documentary | POV; Lyn Goldfarb, award-winning documentary director and producer; Gordon Quinn, Artistic Director and founding member of Kartemquin Films; Brenda Brkusic, Executive Producer of Program Development and National Productions at PBS SoCaL; and and Lois Vossen, founding and Senior Series Producer of Independent Lens, to discuss these issues and participate in the discussion of the changing outlook, and opportunities for growth in independent documentary programming at PBS.

The evening's on-stage conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A, and a reception on the Cinefamily's backyard Spanish patio!

For more information on IDA's Doc U: documentary.org/doc-u

Parking:

Meters on Fairfax: 2hr parking until 8pm, free thereafter. Parking in the lot across Fairfax is $3.00. Non-permitted parking available in neighborhoods behind The Cinefamily.