Series Mania Institute
Series Mania Institute, the training institution entirely dedicated to series, prepares audiovisual professionals in the specific techniques of series writing and production and has developed “Serial Bridges” workshops for professionals, which take place all over the world.
“With Serial Bridges, we open up new perspectives for series writers and producers around the world. These workshops are an opportunity to explore cross-cultural synergies and energize the international audiovisual sector. Our ambition is to equip professionals with the skills they need to innovate and collaborate across borders, while strengthening existing co-production networks,” comments Pierre Ziemniak, Director of Programs at Series Mania Institute.
Offering concrete keys to strengthening pitching skills, understanding international financing systems and finding co-production opportunities, the “Serial Bridges” workshops have several objectives like to understand the international series market and its current trends; receive advice on how to enter the European co-production market; build cultural bridges between countries and continents and develop series projects with strong international potential.
CROSSING BORDERS
In South America: At the request of RioFilme, the French Embassy in Brazil, Projeto Paradiso, SICAV, FIRJAN, and as part of the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival, the second edition of “Serial Bridges Rio de Janeiro” was held in Brazil in October 2024, following a successful first edition in fall 2023. Led by screenwriter mentors Camila Agustini and Eszter Angyalosy, this second edition for Brazilian screenwriter/producer duos involved representatives from prestigious industry players, such as Steve Matthews (Banijay), Guillaume Pommier and Jérômine de la Villardière (Federation Studios), as well as the CNC's European and International Affairs and Audiovisual departments. It concluded with the selection of the "Guardians" project (created by José Eduardo Belmonte and Graciela Guarani, and produced by Fernanda Senatori at Cinefilm Produções), which will be invited to the Series Mania 2025 Forum in Lille, France.
“The immersion and mentorship offered through Serial Bridges Rio have been transformative, enabling us to refine and elevate our project, while highlighting the tremendous international potential it holds”, comments Fernanda Senatori.
In Asia: The year 2024 saw the launch of a long-term Serial Bridges workshop between France and Taiwan, in partnership with Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA). It is open to 6 writers/producers duos with a series project, half of the duos coming from Taiwan and the other half from other countries in East and Southeast Asia. Launched in Lille in the Spring with initial modules, the program continued with two online sessions during which the 12 participants benefited from the advice of screenwriter mentors Michaela Sabo and Victor Lockwood, and masterclasses with industry greats such as screenwriter Clémence Madeleine-Perdrillat, producers Klaus Zimmermann and Nora Melhli, as well as Charlyn Ng (executive producer at IFA MEDIA), Quark Henares (creator and producer), Indra Suharjono (co-founder of I. E. Entertainment Pte. Ltd) and Shao-Yi Chen (Senior Director of Content Production at Screenworks Asia). The workshop will conclude at the TCCF market in Taipei, with a pitch of the projects to representatives of the international series industry on November 8. “Serial Bridges Asia” has already been renewed for a second edition in 2025.
"We are proud of what our strategic partnership with Series Mania has achieved, fostering talent and facilitating meaningful exchanges between Taiwan and the global series industry. Building on this success, we look forward to continuing our collaboration, further enhancing international visibility for Asian creators. Wishing all workshop participants the best of luck in their upcoming presentations at TCCF 2024," says Homme Tsai, Chairperson of TAICCA.
In Turkey: In partnership with the French Institute of Turkey and m2 Film Lab, the first “Serial Bridges Istanbul” workshop will be held from Monday November 18, 2024 to Friday November 22, 2024. It is aimed at Turkish writer/producer duos with a series project. Participants will be supported by two mentors: Turkish screenwriter Deniz Akçay and British-American producer Marc Lorber, and will have the opportunity to attend exclusive masterclasses with some of the biggest names in series production. At the end of the five-day workshop, each duo will pitch their series project to a jury of renowned Turkish serial industry professionals. The project selected by the jury will win a trip to Series Mania Forum 2025.
“We are thrilled to kick off our first year of collaboration with Series Mania Institute, showcasing a remarkable selection of projects from talented teams across diverse genres. With the guidance of esteemed mentors Deniz Akçay and Marc Lorber, we are committed to making Serial Bridges Istanbul a key event that not only helps participants refine their projects for a global audience but also fosters connections within the international series market", says m2 Film Lab.
In the Mediterranean: The year 2025 will see the launch of a new Serial Bridges workshop, which will take the form of a residency for series writers from all over the Mediterranean region looking to develop original projects with international ambitions. Organized in partnership with the Mallorca Film Commission, “Serial Bridges Mediterranea” will bring the shores of the Mediterranean together from April 1 to 10, 2025 in Mallorca, through mentoring sessions, exclusive meetings with renowned series creators, and presentation sessions on the international co-production ecosystem.
"At Mallorca, an island of creation, we are very excited to partner with Series Mania Institute on this Mediterranean series writers residency that will take place in our inspiring locations. The goal is to become a bridge to bring together authors from diverse cultural backgrounds across the Mediterranean and connect people through the stories and content they will enjoy on their screens", says Pedro Barbadillo, Head of the Mallorca Film Commission.