EXCLUSIVE: Seriencamp’s Bold Focus on Co-Production
Seriencamp is positioning itself as a pioneering platform for innovation in European serial storytelling, reflecting a growing trend among producers and broadcasters to unify their efforts. The event, renowned for its annual gathering in Cologne, Germany, has officially announced its complete lineup, which is heavily centered on European co-production. In the face of dwindling financial support and partnerships from U.S. co-producers, European stakeholders are increasingly seeking collaborative ventures that promise bold narratives and shared resources.
The event’s curated selection of co-production projects will be pitched to producers, distributors, and broadcasters, providing a vital platform for creative exchange. An international jury composed of esteemed industry executives, including Emmanuel Eckert from Mediawan Rights and Maria Cervera from Cattleya Producciones in Italy, played a pivotal role in this selection process. Other jury members included Pernille Bech Christensen from Denmark’s TV2 and Henrike Vieregge from the German broadcaster WDR.
In addition to the co-production focus, Seriencamp’s “Next From” segment makes a return, where various broadcasters will share insights into their current projects and strategic outlooks. Noteworthy participation comes from the New8 group of European broadcasters, along with heavyweights like ZDF, RTL+, and Arte, ensuring a comprehensive overview of upcoming trends and opportunities in the European television landscape.
Gerhard Maier, the Artistic Director of the Seriencamp Conference, emphasized the practical nature of this year’s program, stating, “The focus is on practical insights and future-facing strategies to help navigate the evolving landscape of content creation.” This sentiment underscores the urgency for industry professionals to adapt and innovate in response to shifting audience expectations and market dynamics.
Scheduled to run from June 3 to 5, the event is backed by significant funding from the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, alongside support from the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW and the long-term partner, ZDF Studios. This solid financial backing exemplifies the importance of the event in shaping the future of television storytelling in Europe.
Now, let’s delve into the array of co-produced series that will be pitched at the Seriencamp Conference:
A Remarkable Woman: UK-Ukraine
Producer: Right Side Productions
Topline: This historical drama/comedy is inspired by the diaries of Ukrainian artist Marie Bashkirtseff, exploring themes of death, fame, and the pursuit of immortality.
Bloody Dunes: Lithuania
Producers: Magic Film, Bahama Films
Topline: A young adult thriller that follows the search for a missing prom queen, propelling her friends toward the perilous border of Kaliningrad, Russia.
Colorblind: Belgium
Producer: Playtime Films
Topline: A thought-provoking drama addressing the crucial question: Are we truly all equal before the law?
Lymbus: Germany
Producer: 70 Steps
Topline: A thrilling narrative centered around a series of bizarre murders and disappearances in the Black Forest, intertwined with a large-scale conspiracy.
Telegrass: Israel
Producers: Medalia Productions, Above the Clouds
Topline: A gripping drama about an ultra-Orthodox tech prodigy who rises to the head of a thriving drug empire.
1291: Switzerland
Producer: Zodiac Pictures
Topline: A period drama that chronicles the love story between Hedwig Fürst and Wilhelm Tell, highlighting their struggle for freedom against powerful rulers.
BRKN: Iceland
Producer: Glassriver
Topline: A gripping narrative featuring a troubled investigator and a man entangled in organized crime as they search for a missing teen, unraveling layers of corruption along the way.
Helsinki 1939: Finland
Producer: Take Two Studios
Topline: A thrilling account of a team of war correspondents fighting to expose the truth amidst a backdrop of propaganda and overwhelming enemy forces.