NEM Zagreb 2023 has announced the finalists for the inaugural NEM Awards, which aim to recognise outstanding TV drama series from low-production-capacity countries in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region. The event, set for 7 December, marks a crucial moment in acknowledging storytelling, creativity and innovation within CEE television dramas.

Chosen meticulously after criteria in five distinct categories – Idea, Monetisation, Cast, Screenplay and Audiovisual Presentation – were assessed, the finalists showcase a diverse array of compelling stories. The top three projects will be unveiled on 6 December, with the ultimate winner announced during the evening of 7 December at the NEM awards ceremony.

A panel of industry experts from high-production-capacity countries forms the jury responsible for deliberating and selecting the winners. This esteemed panel includes Faye Tsitsipi, senior manager at COSMOTE TV; Frank Spotnitz, CEO and executive producer at Big Light Productions; Giorgio Grignaffini, head of Drama at Taodue Film (Mediaset Group); Jarmo Lampela, head of Drama at YLE Finnish Broadcasting Company; Marc B Lorber, executive producer at The Art of Coproduction; Morad Koufane, deputy director of International Series (Co-productions and Acquisitions) at France Télévisions; Nigel McCrery, screenwriter; Peter Nadermann, producer and managing director of Nadcon Film; Simona Nobile, screenwriter and script editor; Steve Matthews, content partnerships executive at Banijay; and Tom Coan, executive producer at Universal International Studios.

The prizes for the top three projects include a ten-minute presentation slot at NEM Dubrovnik 2024, along with a badge and a three-night stay at the Hotel Palace Dubrovnik during the event. Additionally, winners will benefit from a joint interview published on the NEM Zagreb website and by an international media partner, a shared press release circulated among all NEM Zagreb media partners, and a joint newsletter distributed to NEM newsletter subscribers and those of another media partner. Each TV series will also have a specialised newsletter dedicated to it. Moreover, the ultimate winners will have the opportunity to present their winning project at one of NEM Zagreb's partner events in Europe. They will receive badges, travel and accommodation for two individuals.

NEM Zagreb is fostering opportunities for fresh projects, employment and collaborations among CEE countries, as well as partnerships between nations with varying production capacities. Notably, NEM Zagreb 2023 receives co-funding from the European Union through the Creative Europe – MEDIA sub-programme.

The 12 finalists for the NEM Awards are as follows:

The Cases of Inspector Vrenko 2 - RTV Slovenija (Slovenia)
Fairyland: Age of Temptations - Media Services and Support Trust Fund (MTVA), National Film Institute Hungary (NFI) (Hungary)
The Highlands - Antitalent, Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) (Croatia)
The King - RTL Hungary (Hungary)
Moth Hunting - TVP (Poland)
Octopus - Czech Television (Czech Republic)
The Silence [+leggi anche:
recensione
scheda series] 2 - Drugi plan, Croatian Radiotelevision (Croatia)
South Wind – On Edge - Telecom Serbia (Serbia)
Spy/Master [+leggi anche:
trailer
intervista: Adina Sădeanu, Kirsten Pet…
scheda series] - Warner Bros Discovery (Romania/Germany)
Troll Farm - Dansu Films (Lithuania)
The Uninvited Guests - Tet SIA (Latvia)
Vera - Radiotelevision of Serbia (RTS) (Serbia)