Reimagining documentary: Formats, markets & business

DOK.forum Industry Training Talks 2025

The documentary landscape is evolving, with new formats, shifting markets, and changing business models reshaping storytelling and distribution. As short-form, digital platforms, online film and media libraries, vertical video, and series gain traction, where is the real opportunity for filmmakers? This panel explores how to adapt, find funding, and reach audiences in a rapidly transforming industry.

Before the panel: Keynote on 10 Trends Shaping the Doc Marketplace by Brian Newmann

Speakers and moderation

  • Justin Crosby
  • Thilo Kasper
  • Lena Müller
  • Brian Newman

Moderated by Adam Gee

Event information and tickets

  • The event will end at approx. 3.30 p.m.
  • The event will be held in English.
  • The event will be held on site.
  • The event is open to the public (with ticket purchase, valid for all Industry Training Talks).
  • The event is open to all accreditation types (DOK.fest professionals, DOK.forum Marketplace Observer (Plus) and Marketplace guests) for free (except DOK.forum accreditation, need to purchase ticket).

Our partners

  • Logo Sponsor
  • Logo Sponsor
  • Logo Sponsor

  • Fri, 5/9/25
    14.00
    HFF - Audimax

  • Fri, 5/9/25
    14.00
    HFF - Audimax

Justin Crosby
(TellyCast Media & Events Ltd)
Justin Crosby is the founder and host of TellyCast, the leading podcast and event series for the international TV and digital content industry. With a background in TV production, media strategy, and content marketing, Justin launched the TellyCast Digital Content Forum to create a focused platform for the fast-evolving digital-first video sector. Now in its fourth year, the Forum has become firmly established as the key event for professionals working in social-first content, digital video strategy, and platform innovation. Held annually in London, it brings together broadcasters, producers, platforms, digital publishers, and creators to explore the business models, creative trends, and commercial opportunities shaping the future of digital video.
Adam Gee
Documentary Campus Masterschool & Doc Hearts (Documentary Campus Masterschool & Doc Hearts)

Adam is Head of Documentary Campus Masterschool, the Berlin-based documentary incubator. He is also Head of Content at Doc Hearts, the award-winning UK indie production company. Prior to these, he was a Commissioning Editor at CAA, a long-time Commissioning Editor at Channel 4 and the first Commissioning Editor of original programming at Little Dot Studios (on ‘Real Stories’ documentary channel). He has also commissioned at Red Bull Media House and consulted for Ridley Scott Creative Group on digital content. He specialises in documentary, short form & online video, multiplatform TV, digital interactivity and diverse talent development. He has won over 90 international awards for his productions, including 6 BAFTAs, an Emmy, 3 Royal Television Society awards and the Grand Award at the New York International Film & Television Festival.

Thilo Kasper
Teamlead Content Strategy (ARD Mediathek)

Thilo Kasper is Teamlead for Content-Strategy at ARD Mediathek, the streaming platform for German public service broadcaster ARD. He is in charge of the development of new video formats with a focus on documentaries and factual entertainment. Before this Thilo served as Head of Video at ZEIT ONLINE and worked for major media companies such as funk (ARD&ZDF) and BuzzFeed Motion Pictures as a journalist and Creative Producer.

Brian Newman
(Sub-Genre Media)

Brian Newman, founder of Sub-Genre, consults on content strategy, distribution and marketing for some of the top brands in the world. Brian has served as CEO of the Tribeca Film Institute, produces independent films, and writes a popular weekly newsletter on film.