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Getting Real 2020 Documentary Film Conference

Registration

All Getting Real ‘22 attendees must have an All Access pass or a Virtual Together pass to take part in the conference. Make sure to register for your pass in advance to stay up to date on all conference updates.

Register Now

Virtual Together Pass ($90)

The Virtual Together Pass allows access to all virtual panels, discussions and keynotes, excluding select closed sessions. Virtual Together pass holders will have access to Zoom. For the virtual-only days of the conference, we will be opening community hubs throughout Los Angeles for attendees who are interested in continuing to gather in person. If you are not in one of the cities with a community hub, or if you do not feel safe/comfortable attending an in-person gathering, you will still be able to experience the conference through the same platform that all attendees will be using, and through WhatsApp that conference programmers will organize.

All Access Pass ($350)

The All Access Pass allows access to all virtual panels, discussions and keynotes (excluding select closed sessions) as well as access to Zoom, our online platform where attendees can network with conference-goers and peers from all over the world. For the virtual-only days of the conference, we will be opening community hubs throughout Los Angeles for attendees who are interested in continuing to gather in person.

In addition, the All Access experience includes a one-day, large-group gathering at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) in Los Angeles on Thursday, September 29th. In addition to panels, keynotes and breakout rooms of the conference, attendees will be invited to the Big Hub Breakfast, Closing Night Reception and After-Party, all of which will provide opportunities for mingling with directors, industry gatekeepers, funders and thought leaders. 


Attendance

Virtual Attendance

This year we are using Zoom as our conference platform. As we get closer to the event, you will receive an invitation to create an account to join the platform or connect via an existing G-Suite account. You can sign up, stream, and attend sessions all using this platform. 

We are working to customize the features of each meeting room to fit the type of programming for each session of the event. Depending on the event, this may mean limiting the public chat feature to allow participants to focus on the main event content. 

In Person Attendance

All in-person events will take place on Thursday, September 29 at the Directors Guild of America, 7920 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046.

Covid-19 Vaccination Check: Upon arrival at the DGA, all attendees will be required to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination before being allowed into the venue. Please see the Covid Protocols section for more information about acceptable proof of vaccination.

Pass Pickup: After the Covid check-in, attendees must pick up their physical All Access passes at the registration area from 8:00am - 9:00pm. Attendees must provide their confirmation email and photo identification in order to pick up their pass. Passes are non-transferable and non-refundable. All attendees must wear their All Access passes at all times in order to attend any in-person events. 

Attending in-person events: All in-person events have a maximum capacity and will be seated on a first come, first served basis. Possession of a pass does not guarantee seating and seat saving is not permitted. We strongly encourage attendees to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the start time of each in-person event to ensure proper seating. 

Casual Dress Code Policy: comfortable, practical clothing is welcome!

Video and Camera Policy: Our events and sessions will be live streamed to our virtual platform by IDA staff. That is the only permitted recording at the conference. Live streaming of events by attendees is not permitted at Getting Real ‘22. Photos, social media stories, and quotes are welcome in open sessions. To ensure a safe space for all of our guests, filming and on spot interviews of attendees by non-staffers are also not allowable at the conference.

No/Low Scent Policy: We ask all guests who are joining us in person to arrive using no to low scented products. This means refraining from using perfumes, lotions, detergents, oils, and hair products with strong fragrances. Learn more about why this is important and what we will do in the accessibility tab of the event website. 

Access Support People (For in-person programming): Disabled guests whose access includes bringing an access support person or personal care aide can do so at no additional charge. Let us know who you plan to bring when you register and we will create a code to register them for free. You can check in together when you arrive at the venue. 

“Here’s What Really Happened” and Other Closed Sessions

Our intimate “Here’s What Really Happened” sessions and select others will be marked “closed to the public.” These sessions are designed to allow independent filmmakers an opportunity to speak frankly about experiences with funders, distributors, broadcasters, festivals and film organizations, so we don’t allow press, industry or film organization representatives in the room, even if they are also filmmakers. Please note that recording of any kind is not permitted: no photos, no social media, no video, no audio, and no transcription. Everything said in the session, stays in the session. Thank you for understanding and respecting these guidelines.

Rosh Hashanah Acknowledgement 

We do understand and acknowledge that there is a conflict with the opening virtual day of the conference. Our team has considered ways to respectfully accommodate Jewish observant attendees: the first day of Getting Real, we will not hold Real Talks - the one-on-one meetings with industry and funders. Additionally, all our events (with the "Here's What Really Happened" and "The Moment of Truth" events) will be posted online within 48 hours and will be available for two weeks after the end of the conference for anyone with a pass to access at their convenience. 

Covid-19 Protocols

The safety of our guests, staff, and volunteers is our priority. Please check here for updated Covid-19 policies. 

GUESTS & ALL ATTENDEES: IDA Covid-19 policy requires all in-person attendees of IDA events (at Community Hubs and at the DGA events) to submit proof of vaccination before attending in person. The proof of vaccination will be requested at the conference check-in, and/or after registration, and deleted from our database after a staff member confirms vaccination status.

Additionally, events held in Los Angeles county will follow county guidelines on masking and social distancing at the time of the event. Although masks are not mandatory at this time, they are strongly encouraged. Community Hubs outside of LA county will issue their own guidelines on masking, eating/drinking, and social distancing. DGA Covid-19 policy is consistent with the City of Los Angeles mandates at the time of the event. 

Accessibility 

For detailed accessibility information about our event, visit the Accessibility tab on our website. We will continue to update this section as we move closer to our event. At any time, contact our accessibility coordinator, Ani, at access@documentary.org. She typically responds within 2 business days. 

Best Practices to Create Access as an Attendee

  • State your name before you speak (“This is *name*...”). This allows interpreters and captions to let people know who is communicating and when presenters switch 
  • Speak at a comfortable pace, and not too fast. Session moderators will let you know if you need to adjust how you communicate to best support interpreters, captioners, and other attendees
  • Avoid ableist and additional oppressive language. Recognize that some terms ingrained in main-stream spaces (ex: cr*zy, l*me, ins*ne) are very harmful. Visit Self-Defined, for a holistic list of terms to understand harmful implications and to work on removing them from your daily life. Also avoid euphemisms when discussing disability.  

Additional Online Access Considerations:

  • Introduce yourself with your name, pronouns, and a brief visual description if you have your camera on 
  • We want you to turn off and on your cameras as you need to in the comfort of your own space. If it is possible, please turn your camera on when you speak to assist people who may benefit from reading your lips and facial expressions
  • If you plan to speak. Use headphones/headsets with a microphone. This will help interpreters and captioning pick up your speech
  • Recognize that people may be caring for children or other people while also attending the conference
  • Recognize that creating accessibility is an active, collective, and dynamic process. People’s access needs vary from person to person and day to day. Help us strive to create an environment where we all feel responsible to respond and adapt to people’s changing needs together   
  • Please be patient when technology issues arise. Many people, including conference staff and volunteers, will be using this technology for the first time. We will communicate who to contact if you need assistance using the technology as we get closer to the event

Code of Conduct

We are honored to host a community that is vibrant, diverse and bold. We value and respect the perspective of our guests and employees and we encourage open exchange of ideas and views in a mutually courteous and consensual environment. We are committed to providing our attendees and staff with a safe and pleasurable experience. 

IDA seeks to ensure that all guests, staff and volunteers are treated with dignity and respect, and that all of our events can be fully enjoyed without disruption. IDA is dedicated to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of gender identity & expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, individuality, race, ethnicity, immigration or economic status, nationality, or religion.

All IDA events participants – including staff, panelists, moderators, vendors, sponsors, guests, volunteers, members of the press, board of directors, industry representatives, attendees, and others are required to comply with this code of conduct before, during, and after events, whether in-person, online, or in any other forum established by the conference.   

IDA does not tolerate harassment in any form. We define harassment as including, but not limited to:

  • any form of verbal or physical abuse, or threatening behavior;
  • unwelcome sexual attention or physical contact;
  • targeted comments related to gender, gender identity & expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, lifestyle choices and practices;
  • deliberate intimidation, stalking, following;
  • harassing photography or recording;
  • use of derogatory language;
  • sustained disruption of programs; 
  • public display of sexual images or use of sexually explicit language.
     

There will be a zero-tolerance policy for harassment. If you are asked to stop harassing behavior, you must comply immediately. Anyone not in compliance will be removed immediately, without refund, at the sole discretion of IDA or venue staff. IDA also reserves the right to ban violators from future events. In addition, IDA reserves the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason. This policy exists to ensure a safe environment for all IDA event participants.

Please speak to an IDA staff member on-site if you believe you’ve observed or experienced a violation of the Code of Conduct. If you cannot locate an IDA staff member, please contact access@documentary.org. 

In the event of harassment and/or code violations, IDA will work to assess the situation and to respond as soon as possible. All suspected violations of local, state, or federal law should be reported to local law enforcement. For emergencies, immediately dial 911.

We value your attendance and are dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone. For questions regarding IDA's Code of Conduct agreement, please email conference@documentary.org. IDA strives to provide inclusive and accessible festival spaces and gatherings, clearly noting barriers to accessibility when present and seeking feedback for how we can improve.

Media Release statement

By entering the event premises, you consent to photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, webcasts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by IDA and its affiliates and representatives. Images, photos, and/or videos may be used to promote similar IDA events in the future, highlight the event and exhibit the capabilities of IDA.

Accommodations & Transportation

Hotels

The Getting Real '22 team is happy to provide accommodation recommendations for Los Angeles hotels conveniently located near our conference and event locations. The official Getting Real ‘22 conference hotels are the Loews Hollywood Hotel at 1755 N. Highland Ave. 90028, and W Hollywood Hotel 6250 Hollywood Blvd. 90028, conveniently located near Directors Guild LA and other event locations. 

Shuttles

Group shuttles will be available at designated times for transport to and from the Directors Guild America and our conference hotels on our in-person conference date, Thursday, 9/29. Specific timetables and schedules will be posted closer to the conference.

Parking

Parking is available, free of charge, with limited availability at the DGA parking structure (7920 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA). There are additional paid parking lots available throughout the area. 

 

IDA Members

Membership Table

We are happy to answer all of your questions in person at the IDA membership table at Getting Real ‘22, on Thursday September 29, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the DGA lobby. Stop by and say hello! During our virtual days, and for virtual attendees, a membership room will be available. Stop by at designated times to learn more about our membership benefits and perks!

Special Member Opportunities

Getting Real ‘22 is a great time to become a new member or renew your existing membership.

Register for a new membership or renew your existing membership during Getting Real ‘22 and receive your New Member Gift. (Only available in person between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the membership table during Getting Real ‘22. New and renewed memberships completed online during Getting Real ‘22 will receive the New Member Gift by mail.) 

Opportunities to connect with fellow IDA members from around the globe. At Getting Real ‘22, IDA members will have their personal room in our platform to connect with other members and more networking opportunities during our in-person events. We are also inviting in-person members to participate in a group photo on Thursday, September 29 at 12:30pm in the DGA lobby.

When picking up your registration package or signing up as a new member, make sure you grab your membership badge to wear during the conference. Your badge will help you identify other IDA members and is a great conversation starter!

Read more about member benefits at documentary.org/membership


Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a pass to watch the sessions or can I buy them individually?

Sessions are not available for individual purchase. You must purchase a pass in order to access the sessions and the conference as a whole.

 

Does my pass give me access to all virtual events?

Both the Virtual Together pass and All Access pass grants attendees access to our virtual panels, discussions and keynotes. We will have select closed sessions that are only available to select groups of people. All closed sessions will be noted as such on their individual event page.

 

Does my pass get me into the community hubs?

Yes! Both the Virtual Together pass and All Access pass grants attendees access to our community hubs. More information will be provided about community hubs as we get closer to the conference.

 

Are sessions available to watch on the virtual platform after their scheduled time?

Yes! All pre-recorded sessions will be available immediately after their scheduled time. Recordings of most live sessions will be available the day after their scheduled time. All session recordings will be available on the virtual platform for two weeks after the conference. In addition, a number of sessions will be selected and broadcasted through  IDA’s YouTube channel in the future.

Please note that all closed sessions and all breakouts will only take place live and recordings of these will not be available outside of their scheduled time. 

 

I am in a different time zone (such as UK time), how will the virtual pass work for me? It will be a big time difference for the live events - how will this work?

The way we have designed the conference program, it would work worldwide, taking in consideration different time zones. Different sessions and panels would be pre-recorded and might be available in the virtual platform before the live program starts in Los Angeles, so that people around the world can catch up with the live program. Additionally, we highly encourage all our Community Hubs to broadcast at their local times. We suggest 10am-4pm or thereabouts, depending on whether the Community Hub wants to break for lunch. We will be broadcasting from LA/virtual between 9am-5pm PT. In addition, 1/3 of the sessions will be pre-recorded, so Community Hubs can choose to broadcast those earlier in order to be open at their local times. All "live" sessions will be recorded (exceptions are the breakout sessions and closed-to-industry case studies) and we hope to post them within 24 hours, so panels from day 1 should be available to broadcast by day 2, for instance.

The conference program is designed to work worldwide, taking different time zones into consideration. We will be broadcasting from LA/virtually between 9am-5pm PT, but roughly ⅓ of the sessions will be pre-recorded and available on the virtual platform before the live program begins in Los Angeles, allowing people around the world to catch up to the live program. We highly encourage community hubs to broadcast at their local time zones, using the pre-recorded sessions 

We suggest community hubs broadcast between 10am-4pm local time or thereabouts, depending on whether they want to break for lunch. All “live” sessions will be recorded  (exceptions are the breakout sessions and closed-to-industry case studies) and will be posted within 24-48 hours.

 

What is Doc Filmmakers Legal Ed Day? 

Funded by the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation and supported by FRONTLINE/WGBH, the UCLA Law Doc Film Legal Clinic, and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press are pleased to present a free event:

September 30, 2022, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Directors Guild of America, 7920 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

See the program & schedule and register here.

 

What are the in-person venues in LA? 

The Conference will be held one day in-person, on Thursday, September 29, at the Directors Guild of America, 7920 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046. At the culmination of the conference, we are also planning a Closing Night Reception, at the same venue (DGA). Additionally, the first two days of the conference -virtual-only days- we will be opening community hubs throughout Los Angeles for attendees who are interested in gathering in person. A transportation voucher is offered to guests needing wheelchair access between designated locations. Our access coordinator, Ani, and access volunteers can assist in coordinating this. 

 

Are all of them fully wheelchair accessible? 

All venues and community hubs have been screened for accessibility, and ADA compliance. While we understand accessibility needs are deeply varied between each person, we will make direct community hub contacts available to request additional accessibility information. Wheelchair accessible transportation options will be available for those who need it. At the DGA, there is accessible parking underground with an elevator that rises directly to the Grand Lobby. From the surrounding sidewalk on Sunset, there are step free routes and two ramps to the main building entrance. All areas we will use are on one floor with step free routes throughout the entire space. A list of more detailed venue information is on the accessibility tab on our website. This will continue to be updated as we get closer to the event.  

 

Do your venues offer single stall restroom options? 

No, at this time the two restrooms available to us at the DGA are multi-stalled. Signs will designate what equipment is available in each restroom.  

 

What is the process for credentialing a support person? 

Please email access@documentary.org with a request. We will inquire about the name of the mobility support person for identification purposes, and then we will be providing an access code for registering for the conference.

 

Is there wheelchair accessible transit support between venues? 

Anyone staying at official conference hotels (Loews and the W) will have an accessible shuttle to and from the DGA during morning and evening time blocks. If you are not staying at a Loews or the W hotel and need wheelchair accessible transportation please email access@documentary.org. 

 

Will all staff and volunteers undergo accessibility training? 

Yes, all staff and volunteers will undergo accessibility training. We have an accessibility coordinator on staff who will be available by phone and email during the online portion of the event, and in person at the DGA. We will also have dedicated access volunteers supporting programming at the DGA.