New Routes for Producers – Fostering Coproduction in the International Market

As part of the three new professional pathways introduced by Sunny Side of the Doc 2025, the New Routes for Producers track focuses on international coproduction as a strategic and creative driver. In a rapidly evolving market, international coproduction is more than a financing solution, it’s a creative strategy, a global mindset, and a collaborative art form.

This curated track supports producers actively developing projects with international potential, those eager to build new partnerships, align with broadcaster expectations, and explore innovative storytelling and funding models.

Signature Sessions and First-Time Formats

Backed by the success of previous years, the 2025 pitch sessions remain the cornerstone for international collaboration. Producers will present their most compelling projects across seven categories: Science, Nature & Environment, History, Current Affairs & Investigation, Arts & Culture, New Voices, and Impact Campaigns.

Each pitch session is accompanied by Meet the Executives: fast-paced, 30-minute insights from key commissioning editors — including ZDF Studios, Al Jazeera, RTBF, and Blue Ant Media — offering a real-time look into their editorial priorities, current needs, and acquisition strategies.

To go even further, the new Meet the Commissioners sessions will feature major buyers and platforms sharing their programming vision, acquisition needs, and commissioning volumes — a key opportunity to match your projects with the right editorial strategies.

Don’t miss the line-ups of leading broadcasters including ARTE, France Télévisions, NHK, Canal+, M6, and RMC, who will present their content strategies and future opportunities in dedicated spotlight sessions throughout the week.

New Routes to Storytelling: Making Our Own Way

The pressure on factual producers is mounting — fewer commissions, higher expectations, and tighter budgets. But innovation often emerges under constraint. On Wednesday, June 25, this two-part session invites both producers and commissioning executives to the table to explore:

Act One brings us to the front lines with producers navigating an oversaturated content market, funding shortfalls, and vanishing commissioning opportunities.
Act Two turns the lens on the other side of the industry, helping producers understand the evolving pressures and limitations faced by networks, streamers, and festivals.

Enhance Your Experience with Expert Guidance

Navigating the documentary market for the first time can be overwhelming — that’s where Ask the Experts comes in. This initiative gives selected participants the opportunity to book 20-minute individual consultations with seasoned international professionals. Whether you’re refining your project, figuring out your next steps, or just looking for reassurance, these meetings offer focused, tailored guidance from trusted industry voices.

Who can participate?
The program is reserved for First-time Sunny Side participants and accredited professionals who submitted a project to the 2025 New Voices Call for Projects

How it works:

Receive a personalized invitation by email if you’re eligible to participate
Browse expert profiles and select up to two individuals for one-on-one consultations
Book your meetings directly via MySunny Space

Our experts cover a wide range of fields and topics — from editorial development and international coproduction to financing, pitching, and navigating cultural nuances. Meet the people who can help move your documentary forward.

New Routes for Producers – Fostering Coproduction in the International Market