Series Mania Forum announces second edition of its Buyers Upfront and unveils jury member
Set for March 23, 2026 in Lille, this invitation-only event is designed specifically for top-tier buyers as a prelude to the Forum and will begin with the BETA Brunch
PARIS & LILLE, FRANCE – November 24, 2025 – Having launched this initiative last year to tremendous success, Laurence Herszberg, Founder and General Director of Series Mania (Festival: March 20-27, 2026), announced today that the Series Mania Forum (Forum: March 24-26, 2026) will be hosting the second edition of its Series Mania Buyers Upfront, a prelude to the Forum designed to provide buyers with exclusive access to highly anticipated series and facilitate networking opportunities with the leading distributors behind these series. The call for series for this second edition will be open from December 16 to February 10. The 2026 selection will be announced as the event approaches.
This exclusive event is set for March 23, 2026, at the Chamber of Commerce (CCI), the Festival headquarters, in Lille’s historic city center. The event will kick-off with the exclusive invitation only BETA Brunch, the well-known industry staple in the international marketplace, followed by the series presentation. The Series Mania Buyers Upfront is an invitation-only event for buyers, showcasing exclusive excerpts up to 12 eagerly awaited series that have strong global appeal. Curated by the Festival’s artistic team, the selection will include high-potential series about to be released or still in post-production. The selection will be based on both artistic merit and broad audience appeal.
A distinguished jury of top buyers will present the Buyers Choice Award for the most promising series and announce the winner at the Series Mania Forum Welcome Drinks that evening.
The prestigious jury includes:
- Fredrik Luihn, Head of Acquisitions, NRK (Norvège)
- Haruka Jorgensen, Content Acquisition Manager, WOWOW Inc. (Japon)
- Morad Koufane, Head of International and Young Adult Drama, France Télévisions
(France) - Margarida Pereira, Director of International Acquisitions and Sales, TVI (Portugal)
- Nick Lee, Head of Acquisitions, BBC (Royaume-Uni)
“The response we received last year to this new initiative was phenomenal. Our mission was to offer buyers a unique opportunity for exclusive screenings, dedicated meetings and networking opportunities, and from the feedback we received we accomplished our goal. We look forward to welcoming our new jury members to Lille as well as providing our guests with the wonderful BETA brunch again next year ” commented Herszberg.
“Last year our Series Mania Buyers Upfront marked a new chapter in the Forum’s evolution. We were delighted to announce Gaumont’s The Deal as the winner of the first annual Buyers Choice Award. From creation to international distribution, we are further solidifying our position as a one- stop shop and the must attend event of the spring for the scripted community ” added Francesco Capurro, Director of Series Mania Forum.
Originally established around its renowned international co-production pitch, Series Mania Forum has evolved into a premier destination for the entertainment industry, expanding its scope to include an IP market, a showcase venue, comprehensive conferences, and dynamic exhibitions. The Forum has become a must-visit destination each spring for leading broadcasters, streamers, and major scripted studios worldwide. Registration is now open, and early bird badges are available until December 19.
Discover the teaser for 2026 Series Mania Forum: Here
About Series Mania
Based in Lille since 2018, Series Mania – Lille / Hauts-de-France has become the biggest event dedicated uniquely to television series in Europe. Its festival offers exclusive world premieres of the greatest international series on the big screen, giving its audience – over 108,000 spectators.
7 days of discoveries, parties, and masterclasses with some of the most renowned personalities in the series world. At the same time, Series Mania welcomes 5,000 professionals from over 75 countries, 84 exhibitors, 25 international delegations at Series Mania Forum including the anticipated Lille Dialogues summit. Two key events for networking and business are now extended online with the creation in 2020 of Series Mania Digital. In 2021, Series Mania launched Series Mania Institute, a training program for students and industry professionals. The association is thus extending its action to support the creation of series in Europe.
CONTACTS PRESSE
MORRIS MARKETING
Sheila MORRIS – 818-487-9300 – [email protected]
Danielle COTTON – 615-554-8671 – [email protected]
USA MIAM – France & INTERNATIONAL
Claire VORGER – 06 20 10 40 56 – claire.vorger@abenzerga
Blanche Aurore DUAULT – 06 29 97 88 89
Danielle COTTON – 615-554-8671
Nathalie iUND – 06 10 96 30 08
Michael MORLON – 06 60 45 65 69
[email protected]