MBC Academy Training Course

Session #1 – Online Session Before Sunny Side of the Doc

An introductory online session helps participants familiarize themselves with the dynamics of the international documentary market and prepare for their visit to La Rochelle.

Session #2 – Intensive Training Day One Day Before Sunny Side

A full-day workshop led by expert Pauline Mazenod, including:

• Introduction to the international market and financing models (grants, co-production, pre-sales)

• Keys to international co-production: legal framework, finding partners, key negotiation points

• Workshop: how to prepare an effective pitch and presentation deck

• Overview of major international funds and documentary markets

• Understanding the expectations of international buyers and distributors

Session #3 

• 12:15–13:00: Pitch session briefing to prepare for meetings with buyers and producers

• 18:00–19:00: End-of-day debrief and experience sharing among participants

Session #4 

• 09:00–10:00: Roundtable on international co-production, moderated by Pauline Mazenod with Canadian producer Josette D. Normandeau

• 12:00–13:00: Meeting with Shaminder Nahal (Channel 4, UK) focused on broadcasters’ editorial needs and short project pitches from participants

Session #5

• 17:30–18:30: Roundtable with Christopher Mitchell (BBC Arabic) on editorial expectations, industry trends, and discussion of Saudi projects

Session #6

• 09:00–09:30: Certificate ceremony for participants

• 12:00–13:00: Final debrief and programme wrap-up