The third edition of Series Mania Seriesmakers is set to feature a lineup of high-caliber, talent-studded shows, including “Falke Motors” from Jens Dahl, co-writer of “Pusher,” “Stick ‘Em Up” by the creators of Series Mania winner “Blackport,” and “The Wonderful Golem” from “The Cakemaker” director Ofir Raul Graizer.
Seriesmakers is a unique mentoring program for filmmakers making their TV creator debut or seeking to hone their craft. This year, the program is taking on a new commercial edge as creators aim to cut through the competitive TV drama sector in a buyers’ market while maintaining artistic ambition.
Speakers at this year’s edition include showrunners, writers, and producers of iconic titles such as “The Crown,” “Game of Thrones,” “Skins,” and “The X-Files.” The event is led by the Series Mania Forum, supported by European film-TV powerhouse Beta Group.
“Falke Motors” is a gritty, humor-laced family crime drama set in Denmark’s Western Jutland, written by Jens Dahl. “Stick ‘Em Up” is a family biopic set in the same universe as “Blackport,” created by Gísli Örn Garðarsson and Björn Hlynur Haraldsson. “The Wonderful Golem” is a genre-bending horror series from director Ofir Raul Graizer, known for his work on “The Cakemaker.”
Other notable projects at Seriesmakers include the AI-themed Spanish political thriller “The Interregnum,” the British duo Joseph Bull and Luke Seomore’s “Pigs Disco,” and Brazil’s “Unequal.” The event will culminate with the presentation of the Beta & Kirch Foundation Award, carrying a cash prize of €50,000, to one winning team.
Mentors for this year’s edition include experienced creatives such as Janine Jackowski, Isabelle Lindberg Pechou, Felipe Braga, and Ronit Weiss-Berkowitz. The Seriesmakers initiative is headed by Series Mania General Director Laurence Herszberg and Ferdinand Dohna of Beta Group.
Selected projects at Seriesmakers include “A Person of Interest,” a crime thriller from Ireland, and “Le Bouton d’Or,” a drama-comedy from Finland. “Cow’s Tongue,” a crime thriller from Brazil, follows Maíra as she uncovers a ruthless crime syndicate in her Amazon hometown.
Overall, Seriesmakers 2024-25 promises to be an exciting and talent-filled event for creators looking to make their mark in the competitive world of TV drama.
With a focus on social justice and the consequences of silence and complicity, the web series “Cow’s Tongue” delves into the dark and violent world of revenge. Inspired by true events, the series follows a blood-soaked path of vengeance that refuses to die, shedding light on the impact of remaining silent in the face of injustice. The creators behind the indie hit “The Messenger,” Bechar and acclaimed filmmaker Aly Muritiba, known for his socially conscious work, have joined forces to bring this gripping story to life.
As the series unfolds, viewers are taken on a journey through the consequences of a cycle of violence that spirals out of control, highlighting the dangers of turning a blind eye to wrongdoing. Through a compelling narrative and powerful performances, “Cow’s Tongue” explores the complexities of revenge, justice, and the price of silence. The creators aim to spark conversations about accountability, complicity, and the need to speak out against injustice.
With a talented cast and a team of creatives dedicated to bringing this important story to life, “Cow’s Tongue” promises to be a thought-provoking and impactful series that will resonate with audiences around the world. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project that aims to challenge and inspire viewers to take a stand against injustice and violence.
Series Mania has always had a clear mission, but this year’s lineup truly emphasizes the importance of connecting with the audience. Francesco Capurro, a key figure in the industry, highlights the significant difference between film and TV in terms of audience engagement. TV series, he explains, require a unique approach to storytelling that prioritizes the viewers’ experience.
In previous editions of SeriesMakers, there was a focus on filmmakers who had been recognized at prestigious festivals. However, this year, the criteria have shifted to include directors with commercially released feature films, opening up opportunities for a more diverse range of talent to showcase their work.
The selection of series at Series Mania this year covers a wide range of genres, from crime thrillers to science fiction and political dramas. While crime thrillers remain a popular choice, the challenge lies in bringing originality to the table. “A Person of Interest,” “Cow’s Tongue,” and “Unequal” each offer a unique take on the genre, with intriguing characters and compelling storylines.
Crime thrillers, like all great series, are expected to delve into the complexities of human nature. Character-driven narratives that explore relationships and consequences are a hallmark of successful TV shows. Family dynamics and relational dramas play a crucial role in keeping audiences engaged, as they provide a rich tapestry of interconnected characters and storylines.
As Series Mania continues to evolve and showcase innovative storytelling, it’s clear that the key to success lies in creating compelling narratives that resonate with audiences on a deep level. By exploring diverse genres and themes, Series Mania is shaping the future of television and setting new standards for excellence in storytelling.
