Heddy, if you find time to poke around some of the topics in D-Word, you will see that collegial bond in action. I actually would answer your question about whether the documentary film climate is healthy in the U.S. by saying a resounding "yes." Indeed it is not if one were to only look at it from a money perspective. The competition for limited funds has always been tight in the States and it has gotten much worse this year as arts funding has been cut in many states, corporations have fewer revenues for their foundation sides, and private foundations have been pinched as well. But somehow the scrappy spirit which you need to be a doc-maker in America also creates a deep need for a community in which to share the joys and frustrations of making documentaries, as well as a shared love for discussing documentaries. D-Word and Facebook both provide a place in the virtual world and there are a number of local organizations which provide the regular face to face sustenance which is also so very needed.
Curious to know why you find the conversation among the Dutch colleagues dull? What makes it dull?
P.S. The hosts will probably recommend this conversation be continued in another topic since this one is generally reserved for introductions only. You are well past introduction and into discussion. So maybe continue this discussion in the virtual Bar & Grill?
