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MIDPOINT Cold Open 2025

Series
Upcoming

Enter the exciting world of series producing!

Dive into series production with renowned experts and network with guests of the When East Meets West Co-Production Forum.

MIDPOINT Cold Open is designed to build skills among independent producers interested in moving from feature films to fiction series content.

 

Benefits

Diverse program with unique focus

This program targets European independent producers who have background in feature-film producing and wish to move into high-end series content. 

For independent producers interested in moving from feature films into fiction series content 

  • gain knowledge connected to the developing, producing, and financing of drama series content in Europe 
  • become acquainted with the current landscape and priorities of the European series industry 
  • learn about the narrative, concept and structural differences between feature films and scripted series 
  • gain hands-on skills in the financing and distribution of scripted series content 

Tutors

Inspirational professionals with a passion for sharing their experience

To ensure the most sophisticated approaches to training, Cold Open works with established and respected professionals from the European industry.

Structure

This diverse one-off event is embedded within the diverse industry program of When East Meets West Co-production Forum.

Participants are offered a variety of lectures, group sessions and in-depth discussions.

  • ALL PARTICIPANTS
    Workshop
    January 19 - 22, 2025 | Trieste, Italy

    Offering practical knowledge connected to the developing, producing and financing of drama series content in Europe, the program will familiarize its participants with the overall landscape and priorities of the industry, compare narrative and concept structures between features and scripted series, and provide hands-on skills in the financing and distribution of scripted series content.

    The program targets independent producers who have a background in feature-film production and aspire to move into high-end series content. The program’s graduates will

    acquire knowledge and skills in producing and financing series, and will become acquainted with the European series landscape.

    The program is participant-based, so only one producer per company will be accepted.

    The program is conducted in English.

Fee and how to apply

Take the first steps towards becoming part of the network

Fee

250 EUR
per participant for the entire session
The participation fee includes accreditation, tuition fee, two lunches and access to the on-site WEMW programme. Travel costs and accommodation are not included.
The call for applications is now closed.

Who can apply

  • producers with a background in feature-film production who aspire to move into fiction series content.

  • open to applicants worldwide, with a specific focus on CEE, Benelux, and the Baltic countries.

  • it is possible to apply to max. 3 different labs, but it will be possible to attend only one Inspirational Lab;

  • in case you already applied to other WEMW activities, you can apply to the Inspirational Labs.

Application requirements

To apply to the program, please create an account on the When East Meets West Visitor Page and follow the instructions on the submission form.

Required materials:

  • personal and company profile

  • motivation letter

  • series pitch - optional

Please note that a detailed description of the requested materials can be found on the submission form.

All applicants will be informed about the selection results in December 2024.

References

Starting point on the bridge from features to series

FAQs

You may ask...

  • How many participants does the Cold Open program expect to select?

    Approx. 8 - 9

  • What background should the applicants have?

    The program is targeted toward feature-film producers who aspire to move into scripted series.

  • What should I include in my motivation letter?

    It will be closely described within the actual application form, but since you're asking: you should explain your professional background, reasons for applying to Cold Open, your company's plans regarding moving into series production and references of the kinds of shows you'd be interested in making.

  • What is meant by ''series pitch''?

    The series pitch is simply an overview of your idea, and should include a general description of the premise, the setting, the main storylines and the narrative style. Usually about 1 - 5 pages, a first glance of the project.

  • Is the series pitch required?

    Not at all. If you don't yet have a particular project in mind, let us know, in your motivation letter, which kinds of projects interest you most.

  • Can I get a scholarship for Cold Open?

    Unfortunately not. However, we encourage you to contact your national or regional film funds, associations or ministries of culture, who may support participation in programs such as this or at least partially support training activities, even if they don't support television development in general.

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Contact

Did we forget something? Do not hesitate to ask

Alexandra Gabrizova
Program Coordinator
alexandra.gabrizova@midpoint-institute.eu

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