10/01/2024 - The training programme aimed at individuals from Central and Eastern Europe will take place across 2024, hosting sessions in both the Czech Republic and Estonia; the new deadline is 15 January

A previous edition of MIDPOINT Series Launch

MIDPOINT Series Launch, designed for creative teams of emerging professionals predominantly from Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Baltic countries and the broader Mediterranean area, offers specialised residential training tailored to their needs. The programme has extended its project submission period, and the revised deadline is now 15 January – all of the necessary information can be found here. This extended deadline also applies to the Development Executive Training, a comprehensive nine-month course where the participants will have the opportunity to gain insights from seasoned executives into how to propel projects and creators towards achieving success.

A selection of nine creative teams will participate in Series Launch, divided into three groups. These teams will collaborate closely with internationally recognised and seasoned tutors, alongside Development Executive Training participants, who play an integral role throughout the programme. As part of this initiative, development executives will assess and hone their skills through practical, hands-on methods. The training provides an invaluable opportunity to observe the transformation of initial series concepts into scripts, as well as to discover methods for enhancing and guiding project teams towards optimal outcomes.

During this comprehensive programme, teams will immerse themselves in the development of their drama-series projects. This involves conceptualising a series, drafting a pilot script, understanding the intricacies of crafting marketing and financing models, and delving into the television and series industry landscape. The programme will conclude with a pitching session held at Tallinn Black Nights' Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event.

Commencing in March, the programme gets under way with online pre-training for Series Launch participants, covering serial storytelling nuances, series concept creation, and pilot development. Simultaneously, Development Executive Training participants undergo mentor-guided basic script-editing sessions. The first physical workshop in the Czech Republic involves defining series concepts, crafting pilot scripts for creative teams, and development executives observing group dynamics. Following online consultations from April to June, a Czech-based workshop emphasises the season arc and mini-bible. Creative teams will finalise pilots, develop season arcs and outlines, and refine project pitching, production and financing strategies. Development executives stay engaged, serving as script editors, observing pilot episode development, and receiving training in financing and production alongside the creative teams.

After a round of online consultations from July to November, the programme culminates in a final workshop in Tallinn, focused on “Pitching and Partner Acquisition”. Participants will showcase revised pilot scripts, completed bibles, teasers and marketing strategies. The workshop, held at Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, includes TV Beats conference sessions, project pitches and networking. Development executives undergo pitching training, rehearse project pitches and prepare to present themselves as industry professionals, capitalising on networking prospects to further their careers.

Some of the participants shared their experiences regarding their participation in the last edition of Series Launch. Ljubica Lukovic remarked, “We are busy professionals, and I even had a child between two workshops, but thanks to MIDPOINT, we had deadlines that pushed us, and a designated time slot in which to meet and develop the show, which we would never have managed otherwise.” Sara Saric explained, “For me, this has been the most encouraging environment so far for the development of projects, creativity, connections and personal growth.” Andrei Epure mused, “Looking back, Series Launch was the perfect place for me to dive into the world of series. Since my focus was mainly on features, the programme really helped me broaden my writing skills – and, of course, meet new and nice people.”

As for the Development Executive Training participants, Klara Follova exclaimed, “A standing ovation for Series Launch workshop magic. A creative whirlwind! Your passion is the cliffhanger, and I eagerly await the next episode!” while Jon Gojani commented, “MIDPOINT Series Launch is a great programme. Its focus is not only on the projects, but also on the people behind them. It offers a great platform to connect with filmmakers from all over Europe and provides excellent professional guidance.”