The Council of Europe and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) have announced an MOU, extending their long-running partnership, to provide development support for potential European scripted co-productions.
The organizations signed an initial MOU in 2011 to foster the creation of high-end European-originated international drama co-productions. The new European Series Development award was previewed at TV Drama Vision during the Gothenburg Film Festival.
Selected beneficiaries will sign a grant award agreement with the Council of Europe. The initiative is being integrated with Council of Europe’s pilot program for series co-productions, run through Eurimages, and will be supported by the EBU Drama Initiative and the EBU Fiction Expert Group.
The joint call for projects was made today, with submissions due March 18. A jury composed of representatives from both organizations and an independent professional will select up to two projects to receive funding. The award will offer 50,000 in development support.
“By combining the Council of Europe’s mission to promote cultural and democratic values with the EBU’s network and expertise in public service media, the new award is expected to reinforce creative collaboration across borders and contribute to a more vibrant and diverse European drama landscape,” the organizations said in a statement.
