At the Series Mania Co-Pro Pitching Sessions in March, some highly anticipated productions include “Cecilie Mars” by Zentropa, “The Chaplain” by Christoffer Boe, an Australian series titled “Wooden Horse,” and Jennifer Fox’s latest work, “Ruth’s Ghosts.
Additionally, there’s buzz about “Phenomena – the Series,” a contemporary remake of Dario Argento’s “Creepers,” and the Spanish dramedy “The Lottery Ticket,” produced by Secuoya Studios. This information was revealed on Friday by Series Mania, with a total of 16 titles in their lineup. The selection spans from major players like German public broadcaster ARD (“Nuclear Sunset Cruise”), Lars von Trier’s Zentropa, Iceland’s Glassriver (“Masquerade”) and Israel’s Sipur (“Intimacy”) to smaller-scale collaborations such as “Wool,” a joint production between Serbia and Iceland.
Speaking from a movie enthusiast’s perspective, I must say that the Co-Pro Pitching Sessions feel like a fresh wave, reminiscent of the London TV Screenings, ushering in a grittier, more authentic portrayal of the TV industry. It seems Europe’s TV production is evolving to meet the challenges of leaner times.
Project financing has become a bit more complex compared to a few years ago. Broadcasters and platforms are being more careful with their investments, although they may still collaborate on certain projects. However, it’s important to make your project stand out and convince broadcasters more effectively,” said Francesco Capurro, director of the Series Mania Forum. “For this year’s Co-Pro Pitching Sessions, we made a conscious effort to consider the feasibility of projects in market terms, which was one of our primary – though not exclusive – selection criteria.
In their pursuit of English-speaking shows that are highly marketable in the U.S., content creators and distributors are increasingly focusing on talented regions like New Zealand, the Philippines, and Australia. These emerging creative hotspots are gaining significant international attention.
The number of project proposals we’ve received – 406 – is similar to the amount from 2024, but this time they’re coming from more countries, literally from every corner of the globe. To be specific, new participants this year hail from New Zealand, the Philippines, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Uganda, and Eswatini. Notably, “The Chaplain” is the first Australian project to present at these sessions.
The preference for crime thrillers among global streaming services is growing significantly, with the proportion of first-run scripted series orders in this genre nearly doubling from 22% in the second half of 2019 to 38% in the second half of 2024. This trend is evident at Series Mania, where out of the 16 projects presented, a staggering ten can be categorized as crime thrillers. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t just about numbers.
Capurro mentioned that while the thriller remains the primary genre, it offers immense flexibility for interpretation,” he said. “The creativity in this year’s crime thrillers has significantly contributed to the diversity and depth of our programming.
As a seasoned movie critic, I find myself captivated by an array of productions that delve into diverse realms. Some, like “Phenomena – The Series” and “Ruth’s Ghosts,” venture into the mystical and supernatural. Others, such as the quirky “Invisible,” employ a sharp, engaging wit to captivate audiences. Lastly, there are those that masterfully craft ethical dramas, like “Cecilie Mars.” This gripping series revolves around a relentless police commissioner who grapples with a haunting past trauma. When cases strike an uncomfortably familiar chord, she steps beyond the boundaries of her duty and embraces vigilantism.
Producer David Vermander from Cartouche in Belgium assures us that while many crime series focus on drugs, trafficking, and murder mysteries, our racing pigeons reveal an entirely different universe, one backed by billions in wagered money.
Additionally, Capurro notes that dramas with a comedic touch or those emphasizing lighter aspects are increasingly popular as well.
He suggested that this may serve as an effort by creators to produce less heavy, more entertaining stories, considering the complex and scary state of the world we live in. They might aim to provide some relief or distraction.
Instead, several significant series such as “Ruth’s Ghosts,” “The Institute,” and “Wool” emphasize a powerful feminist perspective, exploring themes of female empowerment or resistance against historical disempowerment. As Capurro pointed out, there is an increasing number of female main characters navigating a world that remains predominantly male-driven.
Laurence Herszberg, founder and general director of Series Mania, noted that the Co-Pro Pitching Sessions are consistently a standout feature of the Forum because they aim to assist high-end European and international drama projects in discovering potential financial backers.
Ever since we started in 2013, these pitches have brought us significant victories, and this trend is expected to carry on this year due to our impressive array of global titles. We are excited to host our respected jury in Lille and bestow the winner of the Best Project Award with €50,000 [approximately $52,500],” she concluded.
The Series Mania Forum Co-Pro Pitching Sessions take place Tuesday March 25.
The titles:
“Antiparos,” (8 x 45,’ Greece)
Genre: Comedy, Crime
Created by Dionyssis Samiotis and Development Producer Alexandra Orfanidou, in collaboration with Tanweer Productions. Additionally, co-produced by Mark Denessen of Ginger Film Flanders from Belgium.
Written by Alexandros Tsilifonis and George Zafeiropoulos
Directed by Alexandros Tsilifonis
So Long, Marianne” – A Mysterious Comedy by Tanweer Productions, Athens’ renowned producer
Creator Tsilifonis describes this production as a “darkly comedic mystery.” In the story, a detective on the brink of exhaustion retreats to his tranquil home island of Antiparos. However, he becomes entangled in a complex web of murders that prove to be the most challenging cases he’s encountered.
This contemporary series uncovers the hidden underbelly beneath the idyllic facade of this picturesque destination, where intrigue, absurdity, and engaging storytelling intersect, as Tsilifonis further explains.
“Cecilie Mars,” (6 x 45,’ Denmark)
Genre: Thriller
Produced by Karoline Leth for Zentropa Entertainments
Written and directed by Christoffer Boe
In this year’s selection, the most talked-about title is “Cecilie Mars,” produced by double Oscar winner Zentropa (“In a Better World,” “Another World”), led by Christopher Boe who made some groundbreaking work in mainstream Danish TV with his series “Warrior” in 2018. Following Lars Von Trier’s “The Kingdom: Exodus” and Thomas Vinterberg’s “Families Like Ours,” this is Zentropa’s third recent series. The plot thickens as Mars finds herself embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, coerced by a mysterious figure into acts of vigilantism that challenge the boundaries between justice and revenge. This is the summary provided by Zentropa for their upcoming series.
“The Chaplain,” (8 x 30,’ Australia)
Genre: Dramatic comedy
Co-created and produced by Jude Troy for Wooden Horse. Co-created and written by Elise McCredie
A notable contender for Pitching Sessions could be “The Chaplain,” a series set in the lively atmosphere of a global airport. The story revolves around Tobias Wallace, an Airport Chaplain who employs unusual strategies to tackle everyday predicaments, all while facing potential new management that threatens his position. Co-created by Elise McCredie and Jude Troy, this production offers a compelling mix of drama and humor, focusing on the distinctive struggles and tales within the diverse community of an airport. Wooden Horse, known for Disney+’s “The Clearing,” is the production company behind it.
”Consultants,” 6 x 45′ – Germany
Genre: Political thriller
Created by Alexis von Wittgenstein and Gilda Weller, in collaboration with Violet Pictures and Henning Kamm’s Real Film Berlin
Scripted by Richard Kropf, Bob Conrad, and Hanno Hackfort.
Carlo Berliner, a budding political strategist from Berlin, secures his dream position combating a resurgent neo-fascist movement in Italy. However, he soon uncovers that he’s unwittingly involved in a broader, ominous scheme. Co-produced with ZDF and financially supported by Filmfernsehfonds Bayern (FFF), Medienboard Berlin Brandenburg (MBB), and the German Motion Picture Fund (GMPF), this thriller reveals how simple it is to disseminate false information in today’s politics. As producer Alexis von Wittgenstein explained to EbMaster, “‘Consultants’ tackles a crucial issue for our society: How can democracies endure without truth.
“Heist,” (6 x 45,’ Belgium, France)
Genre: Action thriller
Produced by Dries Phylpo for A Private View and Antoine Simkine for Les Films d’Antoine
As a captivated admirer, I eagerly anticipate the pulse-pounding thrill ride penned by journalist Xavier Muntz and filmmaker François Bergeron. Titled by Ben Braeunlich, this action-packed masterpiece is inspired by real-life events and unfolds in Beirut during the tumultuous year of 1976. Amidst the gripping chaos of the ongoing Civil War, the city’s residents struggle to stay alive while the biggest bank heist of all time is poised to take place. Renowned Belgian director Hans Herbots (“Paris Has Fallen,” “Riviera”) promises to infuse his action finesse into this ambitious Belgium/French collaboration.
“The Institute,” (working title, 6 x 50,’ Germany, Denmark)
Genre: Thriller
Created by Irina Ignatiew-Lemke, via Boxworks Media, and Deborah Bayer Marlow, under the auspices of Nordisk Film Productions.
Created by: Esther Gronenborn
Written by Esther Gronenborn and Astrid Ströher
Renowned TV executive Irina Ignatiew-Lemke (previously with All3Media and Red Arrow International, now back at Boxworks Media) has joined forces with experienced filmmaker Esther Gronenborg (“The White Silence”) for a corporate thriller. The narrative revolves around Rebecca Abrams, a brilliant scientist aged 47, who encounters a career downturn following unidentified accusations of misuse of power against her. According to Ignatiew-Lemke, this production is a timely and globally significant examination of power dynamics, gender issues, and institutional corruption, inspired by numerous real-life instances of systemic obstruction faced by women in leadership positions.
“Intimacy,” (8 x 42,’ U.K./Israel)
Genre: Thriller
Produced by Ariel Weisbrod for Sipur
Created by: Dan Berlinka, Maude Sandham, Dan Buckland
Written by: Dan Berlinka
As a passionate cinephile, I’m eagerly anticipating three intriguing new projects: “Bad Boy,” created by Euphoria’s Ron Leshem, “I’m Still Alive,” the adult animated feature by Roberto Saviano (Gomorrah), and now, “Sipur” with its enticing series “Intimacy.” The synopsis reveals, “A sex scene, a death scene, a crime scene. When an actress is found dead on a film set, the Intimacy Co-ordinator feels compelled to delve into the mystery, which leads her to take on the deceased woman’s role.” Ariel Weisbrod from Sipur describes it as a “gripping and entertaining genre show that offers an authentic glimpse into a previously unseen side of the entertainment industry.
“Invisible,” (6 x 47′-Ireland)
Genre: Mystery Drama
Produced by Ciarán Charles, Darach Ó Tuairisg & Bernadette Hoban
Written by Matt Harvey & Marteinn Thorisson
In a crime investigation series set in Northern Ireland, an unconventional pair – Scarlett, who is widely disregarded, and her grandfather James, whom many doubt – takes the lead. Matt Harvey is recognized for his work on Shudder original “Mandrake”, while Marteinn Thorisson is known for Sundance-nominated “One Point O”, Karlovy Vary winner “XL” and TV show “Happily Never After”. The development of this project received support from Northern Ireland Screen, BBC Northern Ireland, and Screen Ireland.
“The Lottery Ticket,” (6 x 50,’ Spain)
Genre: Dramedy
Produced by Secuoya Studios
News from Secuoya Studios in Madrid, led by CEO Brendan Fitzgerald and penned by Carlos Vila, who co-created the 2016 series “Los misterios de Laura, later adapted by Warner Bros. for NBC as The Mysteries of Laura with Debra Messing in the lead role, and also a co-creator on the recent RTVE hit “Detective Touré.” At age 50, Julia reveals she has terminal cancer and seeks out the daughter she gave up for adoption when she was young. However, her 50th birthday celebration spirals into chaos when a winning lottery ticket surfaces, causing everyone to fight over it.
“The Masquerade,” (8 x 55′ – Iceland)
Genre: Crime-thriller
Produced by Arnbjörg Hafliðadóttir for Glassriver
Andri Óttarsson, a former law enforcement officer and attorney who now works as a writer/producer, has been responsible for some of Iceland’s most successful television shows in the last ten years, including “Case”, “Stella Blómkvist,” and the recent success “Black Sands”, which was produced by Baldvin Z. The duo’s upcoming project “The Masquerade” is set in Iceland, with a concurrent mystery unfolding in the United States. In this story, a young American journalist named Sarah arrives in an Icelandic village under the pretense of being a girl who was abducted 25 years ago. As she searches for her family, her quest takes a dark turn when she discovers that her kidnappers may still be lurking nearby.
“Nest,” (8 x 60,’ Belgium, U.K., Taiwan)
Genre: Crime Comedy
Created by David Vermander (for Cartouche), Anouk Mertens (Neo Studios) and James Chia-Hao (Reel Asia Pictures)
or alternatively,
David Vermander (of Cartouche), Anouk Mertens (from Neo Studios) and James Chia-Hao (at Reel Asia Pictures) were the ones who produced it.
Written by Koen Van Sande, Sven Huybrechts, Daniel Lambo and Lai Kin Chang
In a turn of events, a captivating swindler along with her eccentric sibling, who appears to lack intellectual depth, come into possession of a racing pigeon. This unexpected move thrusts them into the cutthroat realm of Taiwanese gambling circles. As they pursue the fabled ‘Million Dollar Race,’ the series “Nest” masterfully combines elements of crime and humor, weaving a heartfelt narrative about family ties and identity – a saga where each character, much like their swift-winged competitor, is on a quest for a place they can call home. The project has been chosen for Series Mania, TCCF Taiwan, MIA Rome, and Torino Series Lab, and it’s supported by the Flemish Audiovisual Fund (VAF).
“Nuclear Sunset Cruise,” (“MS Völkerfreundschaft”) (6 x 45’ – Germany)
Genre: Historical Comedy
Produced by Schiwago Film, in co-production with ARD Degeto
Written by Robert Krause, Florian Puchert
A clueless East German cruise ship sails towards the Cuban Missile Crisis oblivious to the nuclear standoff happening around them. As Cold War tensions rise, the chaos within the ship could pose a greater immediate danger in this comedic portrayal. Co-created with ARD Degeto, Europe’s largest public broadcaster, known for supporting daring productions like Canneseries 2024 winner “The Zweiflers”, it appears to be a timely satire on global instability, nuclear threats, and the absurdity of history repeating itself.
“Phenomena – The Series,” (Italy)
Genre: Horror
Produced by Titanus Production
Written by Nicola Guaglianone and Menotti
Drawing inspiration from Dario Argento’s 1985 chilling horror film “Phenomena,” popularly known as “Creepers” in the U.S., this intriguing series is the brainchild of Italy’s Titanus Production. I, Jennifer Corvino, an enterprising American student, find myself at a fencing academy nestled within the majestic Dolomites, all while grappling with a string of gruesome murders. Armed with my extraordinary psychic bond with insects, I’m on a mission to apprehend the killer, protect my peers, and ultimately survive this harrowing ordeal.
“Ruth’s Ghosts,” (6 x 60,’ U.S., Germany)
Genre: Legal thriller with supernatural elements
Created by Jennifer Fox (for A Luminous Mind Production), Tara Grace (for Temair Pictures), and Jana Lotze (for Oma Inge Film).
Written by Jennifer Fox
The award-winning series, titled “The Tale,” produced by Fox and showcased at this week’s Berlinale Series Market Co-Pro Series, is a groundbreaking narrative film. In 2020 U.S. setting, it revolves around a Christian pro-life lawyer in New Orleans who grapples with a supernatural presence. This woman fights for her granddaughter’s legal right to have an abortion in court. The series promises a gripping drama that delves into a pressing global issue of divided family beliefs on politics and religion, as described by EbMaster.
“Tokyo Crush,” (8 x 30′ – France, Japan)
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Created by Jonas Ben Haiem and Jean-Félix Dealberto at Salle Commune, as well as Hiroko Oda for Flag Inc.
OR
Jonas Ben Haiem and Jean-Félix Dealberto of Salle Commune, along with Hiroko Oda from Flag Inc., were responsible for the production.
Written by Clémence Dargent
Mona, an exceptionally creative sous-chef from Paris, believes she’s struck gold when offered to transform a struggling izakaya in Tokyo into the city’s next big sensation. However, upon her arrival in Japan, she discovers a condition: she must collaborate with the current team, which includes Toshiro, the incredibly skilled (and somewhat irritatingly attractive) grandson of the founder. According to Dealberto, this series offers a delightful mix of culinary adventures, personal growth, and romance.
“Wool,” (6 x 50′ – Serbia, Iceland)
Genre: Drama
Created by Milena Dzambasovic (for Film Road Production), Jonas Margeir Ingolfsson and Milla Ósk (for Act4), and Danna Stern (for In Transit Productions)
Written by Milena Dzambasovic (creator), Mladen Maticevic, Birkir Blaer Ingolfsson and Milla Ósk
In the 1960s, a visionary woman in socialist Yugoslavia galvanized rural housewives into a knitting cooperative that revolutionized their lives, defying traditions, altering their fates, and causing a stir in the international fashion scene. “Wool” is an inspiring, engaging, heartwarming series focusing on female camaraderie and the impact one individual can have – not just on the world, but certainly on a village,” Dzambasovic explained to EbMaster.
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2025-02-21 11:49