NEM Zagreb wraps after offering an in-depth look at CEE TV and film production
- The event cemented its role as a premier platform for connecting TV and film professionals across CEE, showcasing innovative solutions and addressing critical challenges
Encompassing an array of events ranging from insightful panels and high-profile keynote speeches to expert master classes, the fourth edition of NEM Zagreb unfolded over three days, from 10-12 December. Co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe – MEDIA sub-programme, the event drew prominent industry leaders, producers, and creatives from the region and beyond. This year’s agenda focused on fostering collaboration, sparking creative innovation and amplifying regional content on the global stage.
The opening day set the tone for the event’s ambitious programme. After a warm welcome from Krešimir Partl, State Secretary, attendees explored the intricacies of talent selection in TV production during the panel “The Power of Casting in TV Formats”. Lee Hobbs, SVP of Discovery Networks and Creative Agency, EMEA, at Warner Bros Discovery, spoke passionately about the critical role of casting across genres. “The one thing that unifies whatever genre [we’re talking about] is that characters need to pop.” Hobbs also reinforced Warner Bros Discovery’s strong commitment to diversity and inclusion: “Diversity, equity and inclusion are very much part of our DNA as a company and have been for some time. It's our role – we are establishing almost a vanguard and pushing the envelope to make it easier for smaller or local companies to follow afterwards.”
Another highlight was “Success Stories: Volcano & Reykjavik Fusion”, moderated by Martina Petrović, head of Creative Europe – MEDIA Desk Croatia. The session examined the strategies and challenges behind successful cross-border collaborations, presenting the titular series as case studies for co-productions (see the news on the latter show). The day concluded with the panel “Content That Pops: Which Are Decisive Factors for Broadcasters?”, a discussion that illuminated what drives audience targeting and which elements ensure that a project resonates on a global scale.
The second day delved into some of the industry’s most pressing issues. The panel “Public Service Media: A Fight Worth Fighting For” addressed the ongoing struggle to maintain editorial independence in public service media (PSM). The participants were Noel Curran, director general of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU); Nina Obuljen Koržinek, Minister of Culture and Media of Croatia; Natalija Gorščak, president of the management board at RTV Slovenia; and Robert Šveb, general director of Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT).
Curran underscored the increasing political pressures facing PSM. “There is a lot of political pressure – let’s be upfront about it – particularly in some countries where certain politicians and political parties aim to gain greater control over public service media,” he explained. Nevertheless, he also emphasised the unique importance of PSM, stating: “PSM, however, remains the most trusted media source – in 90% of countries, PSM is rated number one. We invest €21 billion annually in European content, and operate 248 separate channels on TV, radio and online for minorities – something no one else does.”
Šveb stressed the need for transformation within PSM while staying true to its values: “It must be emphasised that there is a strong need for the public to understand the value of PSM and for them to truly believe that we are the ones they can always turn to as the most trusted source.”
Later, the keynote by Dariusz Jabłoński, founder, CEO and president of Apple Film Production and president of the European Producers Club (EPC), celebrated independent filmmaking in Europe. “I truly believe that independent producers are a cornerstone of democracy. Only small, independent producers are bold enough to create films that challenge the authorities and address topics they may not like,” he remarked, highlighting the EPC’s enduring commitment to creative freedom.
Music’s role in storytelling took centre stage during “The Secrets of Music in Films and TV Series”, a session featuring renowned composer John Altman. Reflecting on the collaborative nature of his craft, Altman explained: “Writing music for media is a collaboration – and, in fact, all music should be collaborative.” In the panel “Alliances: Join Forces for a Stronger Future”, sponsored by HRT, participants tackled the importance of strategic partnerships in Europe’s television industry. Bartosz Witak, general manager and SVP of CEE, MENA and Turkey at BBC Studios, summarised the situation succinctly: “I think the challenges are, more or less, the same for everyone. Financing and budgeting will likely remain issues moving forward.”
On the final day, discussions shifted towards regional production trends. A panel exploring the European Showrunner Programme highlighted the potential of the showrunner model – commonly used in the USA – to streamline European production workflows and boost project quality. Meanwhile, master classes by John Altman and Larry Bass, founder and CEO of ShinAwiL, offered practical advice for professionals. These sessions provided valuable insights into composing for complex narratives and navigating modern production challenges.
Did you enjoy reading this article? Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive more stories like this directly in your inbox.
