FAQs: The Doc Shop

FAQs: The Doc Shop

What is The Doc Shop?

The Doc Shop is a secure, password-protected market platform created to facilitate sales, acquisitions, and festival solicitations. The Doc Shop is accessible to Hot Docs industry delegates, including broadcasters, distributors, sales agents, and festival programmers.

What are the benefits of adding my film to the Doc Shop?

The Doc Shop allows you to make your film discoverable to the Hot Docs Industry community, including hundreds of potential buyers and festival programmers. The Doc Shop enables delegates to browse, search, and view films, providing valuable exposure to titles seeking sales and programming opportunities.

The Doc Shop allows you to share your contact information with buyers, and allows you to access detailed viewing reports, including information on which delegates have screened your film.

What kinds of films are eligible for the Doc Shop?

The Doc Shop accepts submissions of creative documentaries of all lengths and subject matters. Projects with international appeal that would suit theatrical, broadcast, VOD or educational audiences are welcome.

For further details, please see the Doc Shop Guidelines, or contact [email protected].

Who will be able to access the Doc Shop?

The Doc Shop is accessible to accredited industry professionals worldwide, including broadcasters, distributors, sales agents, and festival programmers. The Doc Shop is not accessible to the general public.

Will 2021 Hot Docs Festival selections be available on the Doc Shop?

Yes, Hot Docs industry delegates will be able to access a number of 2021 Hot Docs Festival selections via the Doc Shop.

How can I add my film to the Doc Shop?

Doc Shop submissions are available to Hot Docs All-Access Online Pass holders.

After registering for an All-Access Online Pass, you will receive an email containing a link to the Doc Shop submission and payment form.

If you have registered for an All-Access Pass and are unable to locate the Doc Shop submission link, please contact [email protected].

How much does it cost to add my film to the Doc Shop?

The early bird entry fee is $50 + 13% HST, and is valid until March 23. After March 23, Doc Shop entries are subject to a regular fee of $75 + 13% HST.

Discounted rates are available for bulk submissions. If you are interested in submitting 5 films or more, please contact [email protected].

Can I add more than one film to the Doc Shop?

Multiple submissions are permitted, and discounts are available for bulk (5+) submissions. If you are interested in submitting 5 films or more, please contact [email protected].

When will my film be available for viewing by delegates, and how long will it be online?

By default, your film will be available from April 29, 2021, until April 1 of 2022. If you wish to deactivate your screener at any point during that period, you may do so by contacting [email protected].

Is Doc Shop content geoblocked?

To facilitate access for Industry delegates located outside of Canada, Doc Shop content will not be geo-blocked.

If I add my film to the Doc Shop, can I remove it at any time?

Yes, if at any time you decide that you no longer want your film to be included in the Doc Shop, please contact [email protected].

I have a film on the Doc Shop. How can I access viewing reports?

You may request viewing reports at any time by contacting [email protected].

I have a film on the Doc Shop. How can I promote it to Hot Docs Industry delegates?

The Hot Docs Guide to Decision Makers is available via the Hot Docs Online Community. We encourage Doc Shop rightsholders to research attending buyers and their programming mandates, and to contact those who might be interested in your film via their Online Community profiles.

Will being featured on the Doc Shop impact my film’s festival premiere status?

No. Because the Doc Shop is a private, industry-facing platform, participation will not impact your film’s festival premiere status.

Does placing my film on the Doc Shop grant Hot Docs any distribution rights in the film?

No. Placing your film on the Doc Shop does not grant Hot Docs any distribution rights. Your film will be featured on the Doc Shop for the specified availability period only, or until you choose to remove it.

Is Digital Rights Management (DRM) employed by Hot Docs to ensure someone cannot copy my film?

Yes. The Doc Shop uses DRM (Digital Rights Management) to protect your film by encrypting the media data. When your video is loaded into The Doc Shop player, the player communicates with a licensing service to obtain permission to play the video. This secured request is invisible to viewers. DRM prevents viewers from downloading your film without permission.

What are the technical requirements for accessing the Doc Shop?

The Doc Shop utilizes an HTML5 video player. Here are the recommended system requirements for optimal playback:

• Chrome 35+ (Windows Vista and higher, Mac OSX 10.9 and higher)
• Firefox 47+ (Windows Vista and higher, Mac OSX 10.9 and higher)
• Safari 8+ (Mac OSX 10.9 and higher)
• iOS 6+
• Android 4.3+