The European Documentary Network (EDN), which lists more than 1,000 professionals in over 60 countries working with film and TV documentaries, has launched a new version of its Financing Guide, including a brief survey of co-production possibilities in 29 European countries.

“The most cost-effective funding tool for documentary professionals” is how Danish EDN web editor and film consultant Ove Rishøj Jensen describes the Financing Guide, which is available both in an online searchable version and in print.

The 2015 edition has detailed information about broadcasters, key people and funding opportunities, such as 899 commissioning editors and buyers, 506 documentary strands, 402 documentary departments, 388 distributors and VoD platforms, and 263 film funds.

The “Broadcasters” section comprises comprehensive profiles of broadcasters acquiring documentaries, while “Distributors” lists leading international documentary distributors and sales agents covering cinema, broadcasting, non-commercial, educational and DVD. 

Under “Funds”, there is information about funds and public support aimed at international documentary development, co-production and distribution, adding an overview of the relevant tools and platforms available for crowdfunding and crowd-sourcing documentary projects. 

According to EDN, since 1993, the Financing Guide has set the industry standard for the information needed to navigate through the global landscape of documentary production, where new approaches to funding and distribution have become increasingly important.