I've been a neglectful and distracted blogger lately. But I'm gearing back up in anticipation of final TIFF doc announcements coming on August 18. We'll be unveiling more titles for Real to Reel, major doc content in the Mavericks conversation series, and a robust slate of industry programming with a new full-day Doc Conference on Sept 13 and the return of Doc Roundtables Sept 14-16.

As a teaser for Doc Conference, check out the front page article in today's New York Times, "Now, Independent Filmmakers Are Distributing On Their Own." In planning our Doc Conference over the past several weeks, we've been intensely focused on these new trends. As budgets are shrinking for broadcasters and other traditional distribution outlets, a range of new models for financing and distribution are emerging. Look out for more details about Doc Conference on Aug 18.

And if you're in Toronto on Aug 18, please join me for an informal pub night, organized by Doc Toronto, at the Duke of York pub at 39 Prince Arthur Ave from 6-8 pm. You can hear me discuss the Doc Conference and other TIFF news, while mingling with the local doc scene and wetting your whistle at the cash bar. To RSVP, click here.