Series Mania is set to host a second edition of its Buyers Upfront in Lille in March.
This invitation-only event for buyers will serve as a prelude to the Series Mania Forum, running from March 24 to 26. First launched at the event last year, the Series Mania Buyers Upfront delivers exclusive to upcoming series and provides networking opportunities. The call for series runs from December 16 to February 10, with the Buyers Upfront taking place March 23 at the Chamber of Commerce (CCI), the Festival headquarters. Twelve series will be selected for the event, curated by the Festival’s artistic team.
A jury of top buyers, consisting of NRK’s Fredrik Luihn, WOWOW’s Haruka Jorgensen, France Téléivions’ Morad Koufane, TVI’s Margarida Pereira and the BBC’s Nick Lee will present the Buyers Choice Award for the most promising series.
“The response we received last year to this new initiative was phenomenal,” said Laurence Herszberg, founder and general director of Series Mania. “Our mission was to offer buyers a unique opportunity for exclusive screenings, dedicated meetings and networking opportunities, and from the feedback we received we accomplished our goal. We look forward to welcoming our new jury members to Lille as well as providing our guests with the wonderful BETA brunch again next year.”
“Last year our Series Mania Buyers Upfront marked a new chapter in the Forum’s evolution,” added Francesco Capurro, director of Series Mania Forum. “We were delighted to announce Gaumont’s The Deal as the winner of the first annual Buyers Choice Award. From creation to international distribution, we are further solidifying our position as a one-stop shop and the must-attend event of the spring for the scripted community.”
