Series Mania launches its Buyers Upfront initiative

30/09/2024 – Exclusive excerpts from a selection of 12 highly anticipated series will be presented to buyers the day before the opening of the Lille-based gathering’s industry sidebar

“Given the recent changes in the international marketplace, Series Mania is now perfectly positioned as the leading European event for scripted content development, as well as a key hub for distributors and buyers looking for content.” Better connecting the latter at this must-attend springtime event for leading broadcasters, streamers and studios from all over the world, is the aim of Francesco Capurrothe director of Series Mania Forum whose next edition is set to unspool in Lille between 25 and 27 March 2025 within the framework of the 15th Series Mania Festival.

In this respect, a timely new addition to the event will be Series Mania Buyers Upfront, an invitation-only initiative during which exclusive excerpts from 12 highly anticipated series of global appeal (either currently on release or in post-production) – chosen by the festival’s artistic team according to criteria encompassing artistic merit and appeal to wider audiences – will be presented to buyers.

Unspooling 24 March 2025 as a prelude to the Forum, Series Mania Buyers Upfront will also see a jury awarding the Buyers Choice Award to the most promising series. This jury will be composed of Ghislain Barrois (Mediaset, Spain), Katie Keenan (Sky Group, UK, Ireland & Europe), Rubén Fernández Loa (Movistar Plus+, Spain), Johanna Gardare (SVT, Sweden) and Virginie Padilla (Arte, France/Germany).

“Series Mania Buyers Upfront will serve as a bridge between industry professionals and the Series Mania Festival (…) This new initiative offers buyers a unique opportunity for exclusive screenings, dedicated meetings and networking opportunities, and a full festival experience. We are designing a tailor-made experience just for buyers”, enthused Laurence HerszbergCEO of the Lille-based event.

(Translated from French)