American Documentary, Inc. | American Documentary | P.O.V. Grants Second Annual "Best Pitch" Award

Headlines | 2006

American Documentary | P.O.V. Grants Second Annual “Best Pitch” Award

Oct 16 2006

Christopher Wong, winner of the Art of the Pitch Award width=

American Documentary, Inc., producer of the award-winning P.O.V. documentary series on PBS, sponsored its second emerging filmmaker award at the popular The Art of the Documentary Pitch workshop at the annual Museum of Television and Radio (MTR) DocFest in New York City. A $5,000 grant from American Documentary was awarded to Christopher Wong, the producer/director of Whatever It Takes, at the conclusion of the workshop on Saturday, Oct. 14. American television's longest-running independent documentary series, P.O.V., now in its 19th season, is public television's premier showcase for point-of-view, nonfiction films.

In the 1970's, huge portions of the South Bronx burned to the ground, imprinting on millions of Americans the reputation of a community in despair. Even President Jimmy Carter declared it "one of the worst neighborhoods in America." Whatever It Takes follows a South Bronx high school on an emotional journey through its first year (2005-2006). Principal Edward Tom envisions the Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics as a safe haven where children can focus on a rigorous and meaningful education. A dramatic, ultimately uplifting story with uncommon personal access, Whatever It Takes carries the weight of 107 ninth-grade students born into hardship, but rising to excellence.

Whatever It Takes represents Christopher Wong's debut as both director and producer. Jillian E. O'Connor is director of photography/producer, and W. Scott Lyon is producer. Wong received a bachelor's degree in economics from Princeton University in 1992. Following stints in New York City, Santa Barbara and Seattle, he now resides in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter. He is currently working on a new documentary about television game show enthusiasts.

"We are happy to work with the Museum again to support emerging filmmakers," said American Documentary Inc. Executive Director Simon Kilmurry, who presented the grant. "This award extends our commitment to nurture and present the best contemporary storytelling on-air and in the community."

The Art of the Documentary Pitch annually convenes a panel of producers and programming executives to discuss the many issues that arise during the making of a documentary film. During the competition portion of the program, five emerging filmmakers pitch their documentary ideas to the panel members, who give un-sugarcoated, real-world critiques of the projects and the pitches. The winner receives a $5,000 grant, sponsored by American Documentary, Inc. Last year's recipient, Anne de Mare and Kirsten Kelly's Asparagus! (A Stalk-umentary), had its world premiere at the 2006 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, and won the Best Documentary award at the Rural Route Film Festival.

The panel of judges included Chana Gazit, producer/director/writer, Steward/Gazit Productions; Diana Holtzberg, acquisitions, project development, sales director-U.S., Films Transit International, Inc.; Lauren Lazin, filmmaker and executive producer, MTV Networks; Steve Rosenbaum, chief executive officer, Magnify.net; Chris White, director, production, American Documentary | P.O.V.; and Susan Werbe, vice president, programming, The History Channel.

The seventh annual MTRDocFest, which runs through Sunday, Oct. 22, celebrates the art and craft of the documentary form with a variety of premieres, special screenings, and workshops. MTR has premiered such award-winning films as Born Into Brothels and P.O.V.'s Street Fight during previous festivals.

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