NEXTWAVE at the DC Industry Training Days – A Powerful Showcase of Documentary Innovation

Between 31 October and 1 November 2025, the industry’s eyes turned to Halle (Saale), Germany for the Documentary Campus Industry Training Days 2025, and the introduction of NEXTWAVE: The Digital-First Production Summit.

Curated by Justin Crosby of TellyCast, NEXTWAVE gathered creators, funders, platform-leaders and content innovators to explore how non-fiction storytelling is evolving in the digital age.

Sessions covered a range of vital topics: monetising IP for digital platforms, building sustainable multi-revenue models, brand-funded content, platform strategies, global distribution, and social-video native formats. The lineup featured a mix of keynote presentations, panels and case studies, offering both creative inspiration and practical business insights for documentary makers aiming to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace. 

With NEXTWAVE, Documentary Campus made a clear statement: digital-first production is not just a trend, it’s essential. By equipping producers with new knowledge, tools and networks, the summit opened up fresh pathways for non-fiction storytelling in platforms beyond traditional film or TV. What's some of the biggest takeaways? Don't wait, and don't be afraid to take risks.

For the documentary community at large, Documentary Campus Industry Training Days 2025 served as a reminder of how the field is evolving, embracing digital, embracing diversity, and embracing innovation. As the media landscape shifts, initiatives like this ensure that storytellers stay ahead, equipped for global audiences and new ways of engaging them. We can't wait to continue to conversation and build the future of nonfiction together.