Inside Digital-First Production and Commissioning
DCampus Exchange Munich in cooperation with DOK.forum @ DOK.fest Munich 2026
What does it really mean to produce and commission factual content for digital-first platforms? This panel takes a close look at the day-to-day realities of digital-first production, unpacking how projects are developed, financed and delivered outside traditional broadcast workflows. From questions of IP ownership and audience-building to the practical mechanics of commissioning for digital platforms, the session explores how broad online reach - often driven by strong social media followings - can translate back into public broadcaster Mediatheken (on-demand players). With contributions from digital producers and broadcasters, the discussion offers concrete insights into figures, funding pathways, and decision-making processes, helping filmmakers and producers better understand how to navigate digital-first commissioning.
Moderation: Adam Gee
Speakers: Catherine Harwardt (Drive Beta), Ellie Winstanley (Channel 4), Adam Jacobs (Quintus Studios), Andrea Bräu (BR)
Event information and tickets
- The event will end at approx. 17pm.
- 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 events within DCampus Exchange).
- 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
Redaktion Dokumentationen (Bayerischer Rundfunk)
Born in eastern Bavaria, studied history, literary studies and journalism in Giessen and Hamburg, graduated with a Mag. Phil. degree. Worked as a freelance journalist for television and radio (ARTE, ARD, Bayerischer Rundfunk); since 2012 editor for national and international documentary formats at Bayerischer Rundfunk in Munich.
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.
Executive Producer (DRIVE beta GmbH)
Since 2019, Catherine Harwardt has been producing digital-first formats for DRIVE beta GmbH in Berlin. DRIVE beta develops, produces, and distributes video content featuring a new generation of media and opinion makers. From long-form content for streaming platforms to short-form for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok: her work focuses on young target audiences, journalistic content, and distribution.
Commissioning / Originals (Quintus Studios)
Adam is Creative Director at Berlin based Quintus Studios, overseeing the commissioning of Quintus Originals, working with independent producers, freelancers and video journalists to create compelling non-fiction series for the digital Quintus Channel Network on YouTube. Working closely with filmmakers, he is executive producer on all Quintus Original productions, shaping the direction, narrative and storylines of each project. Previously, Adam was a documentary buyer, executive producer, development consultant and commissioner, with over 20 years’ unscripted experience, including a decade long stint at Discovery Channel where he held several senior positions. With a passion for arts, culture, fashion and music based films, developing and pitching his own slate of ideas in this space.
Digital Commissioning (Channel 4)
Ellie Winstanley is a Digital Commissioning Executive at Channel 4, specialising in digital factual for 16-34 audiences. She commissions bold, access-led documentaries designed for how people actually watch online, with a focus on strong hooks, repeatable formats and ideas that travel across platforms. She also works across digital branded entertainment, shaping content that balances editorial ambition with commercial partnerships in a platform-native landscape.
