About ZagrebDox Pro

ZagrebDox Pro is a training programme consisting of a preparatory workshop for creative documentary projects in different stages of development and production, a Pitching Forum and individual meetings. The four-day workshop, mentored by Leena Pasanen and Stefano Tealdi, is tailored for professional director/producer teams. In some cases, teams can also be joined by the screenwriter, cinematographer or editor, but a director and/or a producer must be present.

At the workshop, the mentors will go in detail through the directorial and production aspects of all the projects; synopses and trailers will be developed, budgets analysed and participants consulted regarding funding methods. Aside from the workshop facilitators, each edition involves other keynotes speaking on different subjects and advising the participants, with a special focus on the presentation and efficient pitching of the projects to potential financers and partners. The closing part of the workshop is dedicated to preparations for a successful pitch at the Pitching Forum. Each project team will have seven minutes to present their project to the international panel, followed by eight minutes to answer the panellists’ questions. The panel includes experts ranging from sales agents, to film fund representatives, to broadcasters and distributers.

ZagrebDox Pro places a special accent on projects and teams from the region. Projects from Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy, Kosovo, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia and Serbia, dealing with the region thematically and/or those in search of a co-producer from one of these countries, have an advantage in the selection. Their international potential is a key factor. The main objective of ZagrebDox Pro is to bring equal attention to the creative and business aspects of documentary filmmaking in Europe today. A substantial objective is also facilitating international exchange within Europe and between European subjects and those from other continents.

ZagrebDox Pro training programme has, since its initiation in 2005, been supported financially by the Croatian Audiovisual Centre and the City of Zagreb (City Office for Education, Culture and Sport). For the last five editions it has also been funded by the Creative Europe - MEDIA Sub-programme. ZagrebDox Pro also collaborates with partners, sponsors and donors which assist the implementation of the programme. ZagrebDox Pro maintains a no-fee policy.

The ZagrebDox Pro event also includes several masterclasses by renowned documentary filmmakers open to the public.