Feature film directors venturing into series
SERIESMAKERS is a creative initiative which focuses on feature film directors who venture into the world of series created by Series Mania Forum & BETA Group.
SERIESMAKERS will select ten teams with an idea for a scripted TV series to participate in a tailor-made training program focused on developing a full pitch deck. Experienced mentors and A-list directors, showrunners, writers, and producers will guide new series creatives in online workshops.
At the end of the program, a jury will award a team with a € 50,000 (fifty thousand Euros) award to develop a pilot script and a bible with additional creative support.
The award team will be presented at Series Mania Forum 2025.
ELIGIBILITY OF TEAMS
- The teams must consist of two creatives each: a director and a producer, or a director and a writer.
- The directors are required to have min. one feature film (min. 75 minutes, fiction only) screened at an official film festival and/or commercially released in theatres.
PROJECTS’ REQUIREMENTS
- Scripted TV series based on an original idea or a secured underlying property
- First season only
- Early stage of development
- Exclusivity: the project is not and will not be submitted to any other program, workshop, training initiative market event or funding institution during the Program. Further, neither the project nor any derivative project (such as a prequel, sequel, spin-off and remake) have been submitted to a previous edition of the Program.
- Number of episodes: min. 4 episodes, max. 12 episodes
- Length: min. 30 minutes, max. 60 minutes per episode
- Genres: all genres, e.g., drama, comedy, period, crime, sci-fi, except for kids/young adults
FEES
In case of selection, each duo will have to pay a 2500€ (excl. VAT) tuition fee*, i.e 1250€ for each participant. We kindly remind you that the program is designed for duos only.
This includes:
- Full pedagogical online program (2 x three-days) with top-notch speakers in November 2024 and January 2025 at the above-mentioned dates.
- A follow-up made by experienced mentors during the workshops and on a weekly basis in between
- One Series Mania Forum accreditation (value of 460€) for each participant of the duo
*We encourage participants to apply for financial support from their national/regional funding bodies.
Submission to the Program is free of charge.The Awarded Project will be invited to Series Mania Forum 2025 which includes coverage of expenses for accommodation in Lille for two nights and accreditations for Series Mania Forum giving access to all Forum and festival activities (conferences, premieres, pitching sessions, networking events, etc.).
Travel costs will not be covered
KEY DATES
- Submission period: May 14 – June 30, 2024
- Submission deadline: June 30, 2024 at 23:59 pm (CET)
- Announcement of participants: by end of October 2024
- First workshop (online): November 5 – 7, 2024 (3 days)
- Second workshop (online): January 21 – 23, 2025 (3 days)
- Deadline to deliver pitch decks: February 2025
- Award ceremony of the Award Project at the Series Mania Forum 2025
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
- For submission, the Rules and Regulations* must be accepted.
- The application form must be fully completed.
- Only applications in English will be accepted.
- All elements must be submitted at once. After submission, it is not possible to edit the application.
- Only one submission per director will be considered.
- Submission and participation in the program are free of charge.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- In English language and max. 10 pages total: Short presentation of the series consisting of a logline (max. 2 sentences) and synopsis, characters, story arch, creators’ note, tone and style, filmographies & contact details of applicants; visuals are optional and are included in the 10 pages.
- Please consider the mandatory formatting: A4, Calibri, 12 pt, 1.15 line spacing, margins min. 2.0 cm all sides.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, please consult the FAQ page or send an email to seriesmakers@seriesmania.com.
*Rules and regulations may be subject to change.