Documentary Campus, a leader in the provision of training initiatives for film-makers, is launching a new event to help producers and production companies embrace the growing opportunities presented by digital-first factual storytelling.
Called NEXTWAVE: The Digital-First Production Summit, the event is a new addition to Documentary Campus’ long-running Industry Training Days. Curated by TellyCast, the event takes place in Halle (Saale), Germany on November 1, 2025.
For the inaugural NEXTWAVE event, Justin Crosby, founder of TellyCast, has brought together leading voices from across the global media landscape. Panellists include Melissa Chapman (Jungle Creations), Graham Haigh (ITV Studios/Zoo55), Gerrit Kemming (Quintus Studios), Ben Zand (Zandland), Olivier Levard (Full Joy Media), Kate Beal (Woodcut), Bart Frank (Objekt), Charlie Read (Upstream), Nils Frank (Little Dot Germany), Serena Jones (B1M), Charlie Hyland and Janine Thomas (both Channel 4).
According to Documentary Campus and TellyCast, “the summit will explore the creative and commercial shifts shaping digital-first content: from market trends and monetising IP, to building sustainable businesses with multiple revenue streams, collaborating with brands, and succeeding on new and emerging platforms worldwide”.
The goal is for NEXTWAVE to be both a think tank and a launchpad, giving attendees insights and tools to thrive in the new landscape. Networking will also be a pillar of the day, with space built in for connection, collaboration, and community-building.
Masterschool 2024
“Digital-first media is no longer the future, it’s the present,” said Donata von Perfall, managing director of Documentary Campus. “Digital-first storytelling is reshaping the landscape, and we want to support producers in navigating that shift with confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of community through NEXTWAVE and the Industry Training Days.”
“We’re delighted to be collaborating with Documentary Campus on NEXTWAVE: The Digital-First Production Summit at Industry Training Days,” added TellyCast’s Crosby. “Social video has driven a fundamental shift in the way content is created, distributed, and consumed and I’m looking forward to a day of shared learning, inspiration and opportunity with the executives and creators shaping the new production economy”,
NEXTWAVE will run alongside Documentary Campus’ annual Masterschool Pitching event (pictured). The event is open to all industry professionals, with discounted registration available for Eastern European filmmakers as part of Documentary Campus’s commitment to regional inclusion and international exchange.
