Series Mania Buyers Upfront: Series From Beta, Fremantle, Mediawan, Erik Barmack, ZDF Studios Make for a Mouthwatering Lineup
variety.comJohn Hopewell Chief International Correspondent Erik Barmack’s “Fusion,” Sally Wainwright’s “Riot Women” and epic fantasy “War of the Kingdoms” feature as potential highlights at the Series Mania Forum’s first Buyers Upfront, whose lineup was announced Tuesday by Series Mania founder and director general Laurence Herszberg.
Kicking off with a Beta Brunch on March 24, the Buyers Upfront also features latest series from ARD, ZDF Studios, Mediawan, Sidus, Beta Film, Slot Machine, REinvent and Bande à Part Films – making for a mouthwatering prospect.
The Upfront also underscores two trends: a move into English-language production which has larger U.S. streamer sales prospects; an increasingly attractive financing model, at least for selectively produced foreign-language shows, based on tying down partners and pre-sales among local broadcasters in Europe rather than waiting for currently highly challenging U.S.
deal with a streamer. Part of producer-distributor Erik Barmack’s drive at Wild Sheep Content into “top talent from smaller countries,” “Fusion” marks the first project to go into production from new Icelandic production powerhouse ACT4.
Read more on variety.com
