New Legal Framework for International TV Co-Productions to Launch at Series Mania
The inaugural legal framework for international television co-productions is set to be revealed at next week’s Series Mania event in Lille, France.
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset will be present at the conference on Thursday to officially sign the convention, which was first announced last year.
This new legal framework aims to enhance the independent production and cultural cooperation in television and streaming series across Europe. It establishes a series of co-production rules akin to those already present in the film industry. One of the objectives is to streamline administrative processes and clarify obligations, thereby facilitating collaboration among producers from different countries. Key aspects of the framework include regulations around revenue sharing, access to funding, and data transparency.
“Series are one of the defining cultural forms of our time, reaching audiences across borders and bringing different perspectives into our homes,” Berset stated. “With this convention, we are opening a new international framework to support independent producers and strengthen cooperation. I encourage all 46 Council of Europe Member States – and countries beyond – to join us in making culture a force for cooperation and democracy.”
The announcement, set to occur during Series Mania, emphasizes the event’s role as a key platform for European co-productions. These collaborations have become increasingly vital as American funding sources diminish, resulting in numerous recent partnerships among various nations. Series Mania Director Laurence Herszberg characterized the signing as “historic” and noted that it will lead to a greater diversity of stories for audiences throughout Europe and beyond.
Following the signing at Series Mania, the treaty will enter a phase for signature and ratification by Council of Europe member states or states that are part of the European Cultural Convention. It will take effect once ratification is completed by three states, with the timeline contingent on national procedures.
This year’s Series Mania will feature co-production pitching sessions showcasing projects from regions including Kyrgyzstan to Canada, running from March 20 to 27.
