Are you looking for a producer for your documentary?
Are you unfamiliar with the jungle of broadcasters and funding agencies? Do you get dizzy when you see a budget? Do you just get stressed out by money matters, planning, and marketing? Let's join forces!
Together with talented, emerging creators, we create undiscovered stories that creatively question the world around us. From large-scale investigative journalism productions to small-scale human interest stories, we're here to share urgent and innovative stories.
Do you want to focus your camera on topics everyone has preconceived notions about, or even worse, is completely unaware of? Together, we'll develop a film plan to convince broadcasters and financiers. Got a hit? Then let's get started!
Producer Julian Klop
As a 10-year-old boy, I was already recreating TV shows with my sister's dolls. At 17, I started as a reporter for the local radio station. During my journalism studies, I interned at my own company, doing presentations and creating videos for clients like RTL and DPG Media. In short: media has always been my passion!
After a few years of creating corporate videos with Klop Media, I chose a new direction in 2023: documentaries. I enjoy using my experience as a media creator and entrepreneur to guide creators through the film industry. I teach at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, among other institutions, coached creators in marketing their documentaries, and work as a producer on DocHuis productions.
Providing a platform for new creators, and thereby bringing new stories that need to be heard into the world. That's what I stand for.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
1: Getting acquainted
Within 4 weeks after registration
If producer Julian Klop sees potential in the social relevance and visual possibilities of your idea and your creative potential, you'll be invited to an online meeting via Google Meet, which you can schedule yourself in Calendly. You'll hear soon after our meeting whether we'll be collaborating. If not, you'll receive useful tips on how to realize your plan through other partners.
2: PITCHPLAN
2 to 3 months
Together, we'll conduct preliminary research and develop the documentary plan. You'll work on the plan in Google Drive, and every two weeks, we'll discuss progress via Google Meet in 1.5-hour sessions. We'll present the plan to broadcasters and financiers—possibly through channels like 3LAB, Teledoc Campus, or Filmfonds Shorts—and then it's a two- to six-month wait, with an average of four months, until the funding is secured.
3: Getting Started
Average 9 to 12 months
Once the plan is approved by broadcasters and funding agencies, our project will begin. You'll research, film, and edit the production, either independently or with a team. We'll handle production planning, budget control, project management, marketing, and content guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
FILL OUT THE IDEA FORM
Fill in your details.
Describe your idea
Describe your idea in no more than half an A4 page so we can get a good idea of you as a creator and your ambitions, and describe how you intend to visualize it. If you already have style ideas or have something written down, you can attach it. A film plan is not required!
Share your motivation
Describe why you want to create this production, why it's relevant now, and why you're the right person for it. Tell us what you want to learn visually and content-wise, as that's also part of your motivation to get started.
Add your resume
Include all relevant work experience in your resume. Also include your name and address, a professional photo, and don't forget to mention your relevant skills. Send two links to previous (audiovisual) work. More experience? Then send us a portfolio or filmography. Have your previous productions been screened anywhere? Please let us know.
WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING WITH JULIAN?
Thanks to his journalistic background, Julian can constructively brainstorm documentary ideas and develop a solid plan. His personal approach and consistently approachable demeanor make him a pleasure to work with. As an executive producer and entrepreneur, he also has a keen eye for opportunities, especially when it comes to financing options.
Annick Luijkx, director of Not My Fault
DocLokaal has been a wonderful platform for me, giving me the space to develop a project that started as two sentences in my phone notes. This idea eventually grew into a three-part series for RTV Utrecht. I did a lot of the research myself, from research and direction to editing. All of this in collaboration with a great team, with whom I could always brainstorm – especially producer Julian Klop and editor-in-chief Wiesje Kuijpers. DocLokaal also serves as a great springboard for future productions. I have plenty of ideas that I hope to realize soon.
Jitse de Graaf, director Behind the Lens
CHECK THIS OUT
VIEW SUBMISSION OPTIONS
You can submit your idea to our Open Call all year round, with no deadline. We also have targeted calls for projects, which you can find below.
Do the checklist
Do you meet all the points on this list?
- You have 1 or more ideas for a social audio or video documentary (series).
- You have (just) completed your media training or you have at least one year of relevant experience in the media or video sector.
- You have previously made audiovisual productions, e.g., a short documentary for school or corporate videos.
- You are at least 20 years old and write and speak Dutch fluently.
- You are available at least 3 days a week during the shooting period and 2 days a week during the installation period.
- You are registered as a freelancer with the Chamber of Commerce or are open to this.
- You agree to market-based rates for creators, based on your experience.
Don't check all the boxes? Feel free to sign up anyway.
FILL OUT THE IDEA FORM
Tips for successfully pitching your idea?
Read our blogs from producer Julian Klop with tips for a successful pitch.
