About Training

DOCS CONNECT – Taskovski Films Training Program is developed to keep the European and world cultural & documentary industry up and running in this new pandemic scenario and beyond, and to enable our participants to have access to knowledge, connection to film industry colleagues and develop perspectives on the new reality.

Training program participants from different countries of the world, including those, who have less access and opportunities in this field, will be encouraged to work together creating new alliances across the sectors in the future projects.

We created a friendly, non-competitive professional environment in which we share, get inspired, learn and grow together.

Our expertise responds to your needs

During 20 years of international experience producing, distributing and lecturing within a worldwide network of professional film training programs, we immersed ourselves into other cultures, societies and the challenges of the local filmmakers and needs of their film industries.

Each country and region is a true oasis of local talent, full of potential thanks to these creative voices, beautiful locations and production facilities, but many need more support and guidance in further development of the regional industry and reaching international markets with their projects and films.

In Docs Connect – Taskovski film training – with our in-house expertise,passionate industry professionals and experts from other fields we actively communicate with different filmmaking and creative communities around the globe that helped us identify  three common areas that have emerged to be the most needed. 

We focus on WHY we do things and what IMPACT we intend to make, together with HOW we do things.

Why is docs connect a unique program?

We skillfully combine three areas:

• How to develop, finance, co-produce and distribute authentic local stories and to turn them into internationally recognized films
• Conscious film industry – What is the purpose of our work? Our values? How do we work together in a conscious way in our collaborative industry, despite cultural differences, economic realities and different roles in the process of film-making? What is conscious leadership and what are its benefits?
• Wellbeing and self-care as part of our long-term commitment to work in film industry either as individual or as a production company

The program is open to anyone interested, especially:

• Emerging filmmakers (producers, directors, screenwriters, editors and any other industry professionals)
• Film professionals with experience in their local market and industry, who wish to learn more about international market and opportunities. 
• Students (film, media, communication, social studies and any other)
• Professionals considering a career change and moving into areas of producing, festival work, international sales or distribution.

Depending on their level of knowledge and skills the participants can choose programs for beginners or advanced level, which is recommended for experienced executives. Based on the type of workshop and its topic, participants can apply with their own project at any stage of production (development, production, ready for distribution). Applicants without any projects are equally welcome to explore with us how they can develop their individual professional career or at any company in the industry.

What will the participants gain:

• Producing and distribution expertise for your film.
• Knowledge how to do your own distribution or find a sales agent and distributor.
• Selected participants’ projects will receive detailed feedback and advice during a live session (synopses/treatments will need to be sent to the mentor in advance – depending on which masterclass or workshop YOU choose) 
• An opportunity to share ideas, experiences and challenges with leading experts and fellow participants.
• A chance to become part of a supportive and inspiring filmmaking community.
• Assistance in finding long-term mentors for your fellowship program with us
• Access to award-winning documentaries from Taskovski Home Cinema VOD

• Film schools or universities: the program will enrich the curriculum of YOUR STUDENTS
• Film festivals and professional training programs: the program is an opportunity to expand your existing offer
• National or local film and cultural centers or institutes: the program will be adapted to local specifics for local filmmakers

ON REQUEST TAILOR-MADE PROGRAM 

We can prepare a uniquely designed program focused on a specific topic of your choice, individual needs and requirements. We can focus exclusively on the chosen topics or projects, and adjust everything to different levels of knowledge and professional experience.

With our network of experts and tutors, we are able to provide training in all of the aspects of the film-making process, conscious leadership and wellbeing.

If you are interested in providing YOUR filmmakers and film industry members with:

• professional tools to help them turn their local stories into global success
• a space where we open a dialogue on the industry and personal challenges
• a chance to connect with like-minded colleagues who desire change in our industry and societies 

OUR TRAINING PROGRAM IS FOR YOU!

Together we will create a place where conscious creators can connect, collaborate and expand their conscious storytelling.

OUR previous partners and collaborators

FORMAT

All training sessions can be organized online and as on-site programs. We are able to offer anything between a 2-hours master class to several day workshops including online feedback and tutoring – project or lecture-based.

• INDIVIDUAL MASTERCLASSES – duration: 2 to 3 hours; you are welcome to choose from topics suggested by us or request a topic that interests you
• FROM THE IDEA TO THE SCREEN / WORKSHOPS  – duration: 5 full days; a comprehensive program with a series of topics – from project development to distribution, number of participants and all the details to be agreed on – if YOU would like to have participants with projects to work on during the workshop the groups need to be smaller
• MENTORSHIP AND ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATIONS – in-depth consultations and professional feedback for specific projects in different stages (development, rough cuts, marketing materials, impact distribution and others)
• INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR PARTICIPANTS – assisting workshops and masterclasses participants to find practical work experience in the film industry (most suited for for graduates of film schools or emerging filmmakers and entrepreneurs)
• GUIDED FESTIVALS AND MARKET VISITS – we offer supervision and guidance for a group of your participants in order to prepare them for an event and for them to make the most out of it; it is up to YOU to choose the event you would like your participants to attend
• FILM SCREENINGS – followed by discussions and interactive Q&As with film authors

POTENTIAL TOPICS FOR THE MASTERCLASSES AND WORKSHOPS 

This is just a selection of topics we offer. You are welcome to propose your own topics and we shall provide expertise and tutors.

• Project development & Art of Pitching – What are the first steps to be taken from the initial idea towards successfully finishing your documentary film? Finding the core of the film and how to present it.
• Financing & Co-production– Where to find funding for the project and how to secure it effectively? How do international coproductions work?
• Distribution & Audience Development – How to get the film distributed internationally, how to find a sales agent and how do they help the film? How to reach your audience?
• Promotion & Festivals Strategies – How to create ideal promotional materials and campaigns for a specific project? How to plan a festival strategy and how has the pandemic changed the festival market
• Outreach and impact distribution 
• How to set up your own company, build your healthy and productive ecosystem and find like-minded collaborators 

• Rough cuts/trailers

• Conscious leaderships

• Wellbeing sessions

OUR METHODS

Participants can apply with their own project at any stage of production (development, production, ready for distribution). Applicants without any projects are equally welcome to explore with us how they can develop their individual professional career or at any company in the industry.

• We encourage creative process through participants’ engagement and active participation
• We use practical learning and learning in action
• We promote a hands-on approach using specific tools to work in the industry, resulting in an efficient and productive collaboration
• We offer in-depth analyses, case studies, lectures and film screenings with practical examples, as well as experiences, strategies and tips given by world’s leading experts and followed by an open discussion
• One-on-one meetings with experts focusing on a specific topic, consultations and professional feedback on your specific project
• We strengthen and support the development of participants’ ability to learn and provide/receive constructive feedback

Taskovski Films London and Koleks Doo DOKUDOM Bosnia have partnered up to create the DOCS CONNECT Taskovski Training Program.

Taskovski Films Ltd. one of the world leading documentary film companies, skillfully integrates development, production, sales,  professional film business training and conscious film & art residencies. We possess global expertise and fine-tuned ability to react to an ever-changing world with creative and transformative films. Our documentaries spark powerful changes and touch the hearts and minds of audiences globally.

We work with, support and empower emerging filmmakers as well as renowned world-class talent Oscar, European Academy and multiple festivals winners. Our portfolio includes names such as Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, Petra Costa, Filip Remunda, Helena Trestikova, Audrius Stonyes, Radu Jude and many others.