During the second day of Series Mania Forum, Clément Schwebig, President and CEO of WBD EMEA, alongside Véra Peltekian, VP and Commissioning Editor of Original Production for France, and Clémentine Bobin, introduced a seismic shift in the European content landscape: the merger between Warner and Discovery, culminating in the launch of MAX, a colossal platform set to redefine entertainment consumption.
With an extensive catalogue spanning scripted and non-scripted content, MAX promises to revolutionize the way audiences engage with entertainment. Schwebig revealed that the platform had already made waves in Latin America with its recent launch and teased the imminent arrival of the platform in Europe in 2024. ‘Our strategy’, he emphasized, ‘is to leverage our vast catalogue while investing in locally produced content to forge deeper connections with our audience’.
Peltekian underscored the importance of crafting narratives that resonate with viewers, advocating for ‘simple stories that captivate audiences from the outset’. She outlined a multifaceted approach, encompassing a diverse range of genres and formats, including original stories, docu-series, and scripted dramas, to enrich MAX‘s expansive portfolio.
Bobin offered a tantalizing glimpse into MAX‘s inaugural lineup with the unveiling of Black Lies, a gripping psychological thriller rooted in real-life events. Our aim, she asserted, ‘is not to replicate the American storytelling model but to imbue each narrative with our distinct sensibility’.
The announcement heralds a new chapter in European content creation, marked by innovation, diversity, and a steadfast commitment to storytelling excellence. As MAX prepares to make its European debut, anticipation mounts for the transformative impact it will undoubtedly have on the entertainment landscape.
