The Iberseries Co-Production Forum: A New Era for European Content

The recent announcement of the first selection committee for the Iberseries & Platino Industria’s Co-Production and Financing Forum marks a significant shift in the way European content is developed and financed. For five years, the forum has provided a vital platform for industry professionals to connect and develop projects showcasing Ibero-American storytelling.

The new committee, comprising Bernardo Bergeret, Joanna Lombardi, and Karina Dolgiej, brings together a wealth of experience in TV film production. Their selection process will focus on viability, international potential, solid financing plans, and co-production potential, among other criteria. This emphasis on practicality is a welcome change from previous years, when the forum’s focus was more on showcasing innovative ideas.

This year’s crop demonstrates a deliberate commitment to variety rather than a single market direction. Genres represented include true stories, horror, folk horror, comedy, family dramas, historical stories, and thrillers. The presence of mystery crime thrillers is particularly notable, with Anonymous Content Spain’s exorcism thriller “1999” already having secured a berth at Sitges.

The success of previous years’ projects is also worth noting. Nearly 20 feature and series projects presented at the forum have secured financing, been produced, and released across Ibero-American territories. Examples include Lucia Puenzo’s “Pepita, the Pistolera” and Uruguayan survival thriller “Hunting and Fishing.”

The growing importance of animation in the industry is also highlighted by this year’s crop. The project “Archipelago,” a dystopian science fiction adventure with elements of piracy and supernatural powers, showcases world-building potential and international co-production. Given the increasing demand for global content, its focus on co-production is particularly noteworthy.

As the forum continues to evolve and adapt to changing market trends, questions arise about the future of European content creation. Will this new approach lead to more innovative storytelling and increased international collaboration? Or will it result in a homogenization of genres and themes?

The success of previous years’ projects also raises questions about the value of international co-production. Is it a viable way to increase diversity and reduce costs? Or does it lead to a watering down of creative visions?

As the forum takes place from September 30th to October 1st, one thing is clear: the Iberseries Co-Production Forum has become an essential platform for industry professionals to connect, develop, and finance projects showcasing the diversity and creativity of Ibero-American storytelling.