The Series Mania Forum’s first Buyers Upfront has announced an exciting lineup of potential highlights, including Erik Barmack’s “Fusion,” Sally Wainwright’s “Riot Women,” and epic fantasy “War of the Kingdoms.” These series are set to captivate audiences with their unique storytelling and high production values.
The event will kick off with a Beta Brunch on March 24, featuring the latest series from top production companies such as ARD, ZDF Studios, Mediawan, Sidus, Beta Film, Slot Machine, REinvent, and Bande à Part Films. This diverse lineup promises something for every viewer, from thrilling dramas to epic fantasies.
One of the key trends highlighted at the Upfront is the move towards English-language production, which opens up larger sales prospects with U.S. streamers. Additionally, there is a shift towards a more attractive financing model, focusing on securing partnerships and pre-sales among European broadcasters rather than relying solely on U.S. deals.
“Fusion,” produced by Erik Barmack’s Wild Sheep Content and Icelandic production powerhouse ACT4, follows the story of a gifted chef who gets entangled in illicit activities after being falsely imprisoned. Meanwhile, “Riot Women,” from acclaimed writer Sally Wainwright, tells the tale of five women who form a punk-rock band to express their innermost thoughts and feelings.
Another standout series is “War of the Kingdoms,” a German production that reimagines the classic legend of “The Song of the Nibelungs.” With a budget of €45 million, this epic medieval fantasy promises to be a visual spectacle like no other.
The Series Mania Buyers Upfront aims to provide top-tier buyers with exclusive access to some of the most anticipated series of the year. With a focus on global appeal and high-quality content, this event is set to become a must-attend for industry professionals.
In addition to these highlights, the Upfront will feature a range of other exciting series, including “Dangerous Truth,” “The Danish Woman,” “The Deal,” “Escaping Bolivia,” “Puzzle Lady,” “S Line,” and “Shadow Leaks.” Each of these series offers a unique blend of genres and storytelling styles, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Overall, the Series Mania Forum’s Buyers Upfront promises to be a groundbreaking event that will showcase the best of international television production. With a diverse lineup of series from top producers and creators, this event is sure to set the stage for the future of scripted content.