02/02/2022 - Previously known as TV Launch, the successful “idea to market” series project development programme has now set its deadline for applications as 6 February

Last year's third workshop, held in Tallinn, Estonia, as part of Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event

Already known for its successful previous editions, the MIDPOINT Institute’s residential “idea to market” drama series project development programme, Series Launch (previously known as TV Launch), has extended its call for this edition, and is looking for nine projects for limited or ongoing series. The workshop will welcome creative teams hailing from the Central and Eastern European region, and the deadline is now 6 February.

The new Series Launch programme coordinator, Alexandra Gabrizova, underlines: “Applicants have a few days left to apply for Series Launch 2022, and as the submission process slowly comes to an end, we will be more than happy to step into the evaluation part and welcome the nine selected projects on board. Our primary interest still lies in the Central and Eastern European pool of writers and producers; however, we are thrilled that our list of eligible countries has been extended in comparison to previous years. The programme is focused on developing projects throughout the year during three residential workshops, culminating in the final pitch at Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event. Simultaneously woven into the structure of the project development, another very important part of our programme is the training of upcoming development executives, led by Steve Matthews.”

As for the programme, the first workshop is planned for April, taking place in the Czech Republic, and focuses on “Series Concept”; an online pre-training course earlier the same month will prepare the participants for the residential workshop. During May and June, a series of online consultations will follow, and the second workshop, focused on “Season Arc and Mini-Bible”, will happen in Slovakia by the end of June. All participants will be involved in the last series of online consultations from August until October, and the programme will wrap in Tallinn in November with the third workshop on “Pitching and Acquiring Partners” and the aforementioned project showcase at Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event.

It should be emphasised that the development process that the Series Launch projects go through is also used as a platform to train three attending development-executive participants, who will be prepared for their future roles as commissioning editors or heads of development on real, existing series projects, acquiring the skills needed for developing a diverse range of projects.

The call closes on 6 February, and you can find more information and access the application form here.