With over 4,000 accredited to the forum section last year, there is no doubt that Series Mania Forum has grown from a boutique market to a key event on the industry agenda. In general, between the forum and the festival, the event brought together a record number of 85,000 attendees from 64 countries, with a great focus on the European market, so this year it returns with the premise of continuing with the success and proposing spaces for industry businesses.
‘It is a special year for the industry, so today more than ever these spaces are necessary to boost business’, said Laurence Herszberg, General Director of Series Mania. The executive also made special reference to the global war context, which has impacted the number of applications from the territories in conflict. An example of this is that because several productions were suspended in Israel, there were no productions from this country in the line-up. And even the Hollywood strike last year has meant that this year’s edition will have fewer American premieres.
For this seventh edition, the organization has several new features that respond to the current dynamics of the industry. One of the new initiatives is the focus on IP adaptation strategies, where literary sources, podcasts, and short formats have been a trend. Also, due to the tremendous response to the “Series Mania’s Creative Campaign Awards”, the organization launched the new “Best Marketing Initiative Awards” program, an award that seeks to recognize the best marketing strategies to promote projects.
Being the heart of the Series Mania Forum, the Co-Pro Pitching sessions this year have 15 projects that will seek funding opportunities, the winner of which will receive 50 thousand. Likewise, in alliance with Sam Spiegel School where seven scriptwriting producer duos will be selected for a scholarship to develop their ideas.
«Lille Dialogues» are once again held within the framework of the event in its 6th edition. This year’s motto will be devoted to artificial intelligence and its dazzling development, with the theme: «Gen AI, the technology we’d love to like.» ‘The rapid development of artificial intelligence and generative technology is having a major impact on the design and production of audiovisual works. This powerful tool is a unique opportunity for creators and professionals, but it is also risky. Numerous panels will be organized around AI and generative technologies that impact the design and production process of audiovisual works,’ commented Herszberg.
The one-day Lile Dialogues program will begin with a Welcome Address by Series Mania President Anne Bouverot who will give a sharp, deeply interesting, and impassioned look at the crossroads to be imagined for series and AI. It will also have important personalities from the industry, including Domingo Corral, director of fiction and entertainment at Movistar Plus+ (Spain), Benjamina Mirnik-Voges, VP Original Productions at Disney+ (Germany), Clément Schwebig, President – Western Europe & Africa at Warner Bros. Discovery, Larry Tanz, VP, head of film & series EMEA at Netflix.
