On Documentary

Jane Ray on Documentary Funding at the Whicker's Foundation

June 19, 2023 Adam James Smith Season 1 Episode 2
Jane Ray on Documentary Funding at the Whicker's Foundation
On Documentary
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On Documentary
Jane Ray on Documentary Funding at the Whicker's Foundation
Jun 19, 2023 Season 1 Episode 2
Adam James Smith

In this episode, I talk to Jane Ray, the Artistic Director of the Whicker’s Foundation and head of Cat Flap Media. The Whicker’s Foundation, created in memory of the late broadcaster Alan Whicker, offers some of the largest grants for independent documentary filmmakers in the world. Jane offers her advice for filmmakers applying for funding from the foundation, walks us through what it takes to build a film foundation from the ground up, and unveils her experience working for the BBC and with Alan Whicker.

The Whicker’s Foundation: www.whickerawards.com
Cat Flap Media: www.catflapmedia.com

Thank you for listening. Please subscribe to keep up to date with new episodes. If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review.

“On Documentary” podcast page: www.adamjamessmithfilm.com/on-documentary
Adam James Smith’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/ajsfilm
Contact: ajsfilm@alumni.stanford.edu

Show Notes Chapter Markers

In this episode, I talk to Jane Ray, the Artistic Director of the Whicker’s Foundation and head of Cat Flap Media. The Whicker’s Foundation, created in memory of the late broadcaster Alan Whicker, offers some of the largest grants for independent documentary filmmakers in the world. Jane offers her advice for filmmakers applying for funding from the foundation, walks us through what it takes to build a film foundation from the ground up, and unveils her experience working for the BBC and with Alan Whicker.

The Whicker’s Foundation: www.whickerawards.com
Cat Flap Media: www.catflapmedia.com

Thank you for listening. Please subscribe to keep up to date with new episodes. If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review.

“On Documentary” podcast page: www.adamjamessmithfilm.com/on-documentary
Adam James Smith’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/ajsfilm
Contact: ajsfilm@alumni.stanford.edu

Introduction
How Jane made a start in her career
Working with Alan Whicker
Starting the Whicker's Foundation
Who/what the Whicker's are looking to fund
Who/what the Whicker's are not funding
Advice on funding applications
Sweet spot for funding
The Whicker's Pitch at Sheffield Doc Fest
Pitching advice
Involvement with the winners of the Whicker's funding
Services offered by Cat Flap Media
Trends in the documentary film world
Commissioning and acquisitions
Jane's favorite film festival
Jane's favorite documentary filmmakers
Whicker and Cat Flap websites