+ What are the program’s objectives?
SERIESMAKERS is a creative initiative that focuses on feature film directors who venture into the world of scripted TV series. The objective is to support talents working on a new scripted TV series. The ten selected teams create a full pitch deck for a new project during the program. One out of the ten selected projects will be awarded the € 50,000 (fifty thousand Euros) Beta | Kirsch Foundation Award. The awarded team will be presented at the Series Mania Forum 2025 and will develop a pilot script and a bible for the awarded projects with further creative support.
+ Can I apply as an individual?
No, only teams co No, only teams consisting of either one director and one producer or one director and one writer are eligible.
+ Can I apply with multiple projects?
As a director, you can only submit one project. As a producer or writer, you can submit more than one project. Each project must be submitted individually.
+ Which genres are eligible?
All genres of scripted TV series are eligible, e.g., drama, comedy, period, crime, sci-fi, except for kids/young adults and animation.
+ Our project is an adaptation. Can we apply?
Yes, you will, however, need to prove that rights to the underlying property are either obtained or may be obtained through the execution of an obtained existing option in order to develop and produce the project.
+ Can projects that have participated in other workshops be eligible to SERIESMAKERS?
Yes, projects that have participated in other programs or workshops are eligible provided that such programs or workshops have been completed prior to application at SERIESMAKERS.
For avoidance of doubt a project is not eligible if at the time of application at SERIESMAKERS or during SERIESMAKERS such project is simultaneously submitted to a training initiative, market event or funding institution.
+ As a director, I have already had a TV show produced. Am I still considered eligible for the program?
Yes, if you, your team and your series project meet all criteria of the program (see Rules and Regulations here), you are eligible.
+ I live outside of Europe. Can I apply?
Yes, SERIESMAKERS is a worldwide program.
+ The original language of my project will not be English. Can I apply?
Yes, the original language of the developed project can be in any language. However, the communication language of the program is English. All materials at all steps of the program must be in English. Translation costs, if any, are not borne by SERIESMAKERS.
+ The story of my project is set outside of Europe. Can I apply?
Yes, all settings are eligible.
+ Can we submit with talents, co-producer(s) or financiers on board?
Yes, you may submit such projects provided you own rights to the submitted project. A co-producer or financier as an applicant will, however, not be eligible for the program. All information regarding any such attached talent or other partners needs to be fully disclosed in the application form.
+ Can a director and a writer apply for an adaptation, knowing that the adaptation rights are held by their producer and not them directly?
Yes, you can apply. However, please mention who holds the IP rights in the comments section in the application form. With adaptations, we may ask you to prove in writing that rights are secured. You can refer to section 9 – Intellectual Property in the Rules and Regulations regarding a project’s rights requirements.
+ I had a feature-length documentary screened in a film festival. Can I apply?
No, directors are required to have min. one feature film (min. 75 minutes, fiction only) screened at an official film festival renown by the core cinema industry and/or commercially released in theaters.
+ I have one feature film selected ina film festival but OUT OF competition. Can I apply?
Yes, you can apply to SERIESMAKERS if your film has been screened at a film festival (in or out of the competition) and/or commercially released in theaters.
+ As a producer or a writer, I have a feature film screened in the selection of a film festival. However, the director did not have a feature film screened in the selection of a film festival. Can we apply as a team?
No, it is required that the director had at least one feature film (fiction only) screened at an official film festival (in or out of the competition) and/or commercially released in theaters.
+ I am only available for the program to a limited extent. However, my team partner would be present throughout. Can we apply?
No, prior to the commencement of the program, all participants will need to sign an approval of commitment, each stating their full commitment, as well as general availability for a duration of up to 4 months to participate in the workshops and the on-going development of their project.
+ As a team, we are currently developing a project and already have a full bible and/or pilot script in place. Could we polish it during the program?
No, the program is intended for projects at an early stage only.
+ Are there any terms or conditions tied to the awards?
The Beta | Kirch Foundation Award shall be used directly for the development of the bible and the pilot script of the awarded projects.
The participants awarded the Beta | Kirch Foundation Award will enter into a co-development agreement with Beta Film upon terms and conditions to be negotiated in good faith and in accordance with industry standards.
+ What happens to the project if one or both participants decide to leave the program?
If the producer or writer decides to leave the program, the position may be replaced in consultation with SERIESMAKERS.
If the director decides to leave the program, the team and its project may be disqualified.
+ In addition to the required pitch deck, I would like to add more material to my application. Am I allowed to send/share it via email?
No, only a pitch deck of the series consisting of a logline, synopsis, characters, story arch, creator’s note, tone and style, and filmographies of the applicants (in English only and with a maximum of 10 pages) is allowed for the application.
+ Can the submitted 10-pages pitch deck include visuals and/or a moodboard?
Yes, you can include visuals in your pitch deck for the application, as long as it respects the mandatory formatting (see Rules and Regulations).
+ Can I issue press releases or talk to financiers during the program?
Yes, but until the award ceremony, any press release or communication with financiers requires prior written approval from SERIESMAKERS.
+ I’m having trouble uploading my documents for submission. Whom can I contact?
For technical assistance and further inquiries please contact the Series Mania team at seriesmakers@seriesmania.com.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.Please note: The FAQs are non-binding and for informational purposes only. In the event of a collision of any term of the FAQs with any term of the Rules and Regulations, the term of the Rules and Regulations shall prevail. Rules and Regulations may, however, be subject to change.