Exploring New Frontiers in Content Creation: Iberseries & Platino Industria Welcomes South Korea

Madrid’s annual confab, Iberseries & Platino Industria, is taking bold steps in its fifth iteration by spotlighting South Korea as this year’s Country in Focus. The event has partnered with the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), emphasizing its role as a strategic partner in this innovative collaboration.

This partnership underlines the ambition of Iberseries to evolve from a transatlantic platform into a comprehensive international event, bridging the creative industries across Asia, Ibero-America, and Europe.

Co-director Samuel Castro noted, “We’ve transitioned from being a purely transatlantic event to becoming a more globally recognized platform.” Castro oversees the television sector while co-director Juan Alía focuses on film. Participating players this year include major networks like ZDF, RAI, and Beta.

KOCCA’s significant involvement at Iberseries will feature a range of activities, including pitching sessions, an array of conferences, and an exclusive showcase spotlighting Korean titles that possess strong global potential.

Castro commented on the increasing popularity of Korean content, stating, “As a cinephile and an avid series consumer, I perceive that Korean storytelling resonates with European and North American viewers. Its narrative style aligns closely with our content preferences, which could boost opportunities for sales, acquisitions, and co-productions.”

While Iberseries retains its foundational programs—such as co-production forums, pitch sessions, and expert panels—it will also introduce new discussions addressing emerging trends like remakes and strategies to enhance the worldwide reach of Latin American content, according to Castro.

Esteemed Mexican comedian and producer Eugenio Derbez will deliver a keynote, followed by discussions surrounding his Prime Video series “Traveling with the Derbez,” currently in its fifth season. His participation will culminate in a dialogue with “Money Heist” star Pedro Alonso and the cast of Derbez’s latest project, “El Juicio,” as they examine pivotal issues relating to a sexual abuse case.

“We are expanding our programming to include the unscripted content sector,” Castro remarked, citing contributions from major companies such as Mediapro and HBO, which are set to focus on unscripted formats—a new addition to the lineup. Notably, Iberseries will host a special conference featuring leaders from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch.

“In this evolving landscape, it is imperative for us to provide producers with real business opportunities,” Castro emphasized.

Another topics of significance—including artificial intelligence—will be addressed through discussions led by the Madrid Audiovisual Cluster. This group, which consists of over 100 companies within Madrid, will explore various facets, including production workflows and technical processes for visual effects (VFX).

Castro noted that the discourse will focus on the constructive use of AI technology, rather than the often contentious debate surrounding job displacement.

On the film front, Alía has observed significant transformations within the Ibero-American audiovisual sector in recent years. “Key trends today highlight the consolidation of international co-productions aimed at reaching wider audiences, an increasing commitment from streaming services to fund locally produced content, and the professionalization of creative and technical teams,” he remarked.

Regarding ongoing challenges faced by Ibero-American filmmakers, Alía pointed to difficulties in securing financing and establishing sustainable production models in a highly competitive arena. “Distribution remains a critical challenge, influencing how films connect with both theatrical audiences and streaming platforms,” he explained.

“Adapting to global market dynamics is another hurdle, particularly as audiences increasingly seek diverse narratives that resonate on an international scale without compromising local authenticity,” he added, stressing the importance of platforms like Iberseries & Platino Industria in creating opportunities for co-production, training, and visibility. Such initiatives are vital for creators to strengthen their foothold in the global industry.

To support these efforts, Iberseries is committed to expanding its training workshops and pitch sessions, tailored to meet the needs of its accredited participants. Alía stated, “As the event continues its trajectory of growth, our focus is on providing a broader array of options that cater to the evolving landscape and help participants maximize their experience at Iberseries.”