Berlinale 2025 to Spotlight Global Series at Series Market and Co-Pro Series
Serialised filmmaking has become an integral aspect of the Berlinale, both as part of the public programme and in the festival's industry initiatives. In 2025, the Berlinale will once again emphasise the importance of series with several key events planned to showcase international series and support projects in development. The series-related events will be featured across multiple platforms, including the Berlinale Series Market and the Co-Pro Series, reinforcing the festival's role as a significant hub for serialised storytelling.
Berlinale Director Tricia Tuttle expressed her enthusiasm about the continuing focus on series, stating: "Berlinale was early amongst major international film festivals to present series prominently across a number of platforms, from premiering international series for the audience to supporting series projects in development and sales via our industry programmes." Tuttle also hinted at the high caliber of submissions expected for the 2025 edition.
The appointment of Rowan Woods, a well-known series programmer, as a special advisor further strengthens the Berlinale's commitment to series. Woods will work with the selection team to ensure that a diverse and engaging array of series is presented across the festival’s public programme. Audiences and professionals alike can look forward to a carefully curated selection of major new series from around the world.
The Berlinale Series Market, set to take place from February 16 to 19, 2025, at CinemaxX, will feature market screenings, showcases, and a conference programme. Under the Berlinale Series Market Selects label, 10 to 16 series with high market potential will be selected by a jury of experienced industry professionals. This initiative aims to spotlight series that can achieve international success, as has been the case with several series featured in past editions. Submissions for Berlinale Series Market Selects will open soon, with details available on the official website.
In addition to international submissions, the Up Next: Germany showcase will spotlight four upcoming German series. The event will feature talks with creators and producers, offering valuable insight into the creative processes behind these projects. The Film- und Medienstiftung NRW, a co-initiator and key partner of the Berlinale Series Market, has been instrumental in building this platform and expanding its global reach.
The Co-Pro Series segment, part of the Berlinale Co-Production Market, is another highlight for professionals in the series industry. A curated selection of ten drama series projects in the development and financing stages will be pitched to potential co-production and financing partners. The Co-Pro Series provides a platform for direct interaction between creators and industry stakeholders through one-on-one meetings aimed at securing collaborations and funding. Submissions for the Co-Pro Series are open until October 1, 2024, with interested partners invited to join in November.
Both the Berlinale Series Market and Co-Pro Series reflect the festival’s commitment to advancing the global series landscape by facilitating collaboration and promoting innovative storytelling. Supported by organisations such as MDM - Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung and the Creative Europe - MEDIA Programme of the European Union, these platforms continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of serialised filmmaking.