Canneseries 2025: Elevating the Festival Experience with Enhanced Networking

A new chapter for Canneseries

After remarkable successes in 2023 and 2024 with premieres of Apple TV+’s “Silo”, “Franklin”, Amazon’s “Dead Ringers”, and Disney+’s “Becoming Karl Lagerfeld”, Canneseries is gearing up for an even more ambitious 2025. As one of Europe’s most influential festivals, Canneseries aims to solidify its industry significance with its eighth edition. This edition is particularly notable as it will be their second event held independently of MipTV or Mipcom, running from April 24-29 on the Croisette.

Expanding professional programs

In a strategic move to elevate the festival’s importance, Canneseries will significantly enhance its professional programs, building on initiatives established in 2020. These programs include the already popular Canneseries Writers Club and Producers Club, targeting a broad audience from commissioners and program managers to producers, distributors, and TV channel directors.

Introducing new networking clubs

Benoît Louvet, Canneseries Managing Director, announced an exciting expansion: the introduction of a variety of new clubs under the Canneseries Industry umbrella. These clubs are designed as forums for networking and discussion, involving composers, technicians, casting directors, and students. Each forum aims to foster connections in innovative ways, moving beyond traditional half-hour meetings.

“The feedback on the Producers and Writers clubs has been overwhelmingly positive. We aim to create encounters that foster deep connections and lead to significant show commissions and deals,” said Albin Lewi, Canneseries Artistic Director.

Centralizing activities in the Palais des Festivals

Another significant change for 2025 is the centralization of all activities within Cannes’ Palais des Festivals. This consolidation is expected to streamline the festival experience and make it a focal point for industry professionals worldwide.

Claire-Marine Pietriga, Canneseries’ Deputy Artistic Director, emphasized that the Producers Club will now also include documentary series producers. With an expected attendance of around 300-500 professionals, these sessions are set to be the heart of Canneseries’ networking activities.

Diverse participation and comprehensive value chain representation

One of the core goals of Canneseries 2025 is to attract a global array of industry players. The festival plans to host buyers accompanying series in various festival sections, ensuring that the entire value chain—from production to distribution—is represented. Despite current economic constraints, the festival’s commitment to inclusivity and comprehensive representation remains steadfast.

Canneseries has a history of successful and highly curated festival sections, ranging from long-format and short-format to documentaries. This curated approach will continue in 2025, ensuring the festival’s reputation for quality and prestige.

Resilient through challenges

The resilience of Canneseries has been tested before; notably, in 2020, when COVID-19 forced Mipcom to cancel its physical event, Canneseries courageously held a physical edition, drawing significant industry attention. Historically held parallel to MipTV or Mipcom, Canneseries has managed to attract top-tier premieres and industry players, building a strong reputation since its inception in 2018.

Noteworthy premieres and successes

Canneseries has hosted premieres of critically acclaimed series from both American platforms and international giants. For instance, Beta Film’s “Sisi”, now sold to 120 territories, and NRK/Maipo Film’s Norwegian period drama, “State of Happiness”, demonstrates the international appeal and success of the festival’s selections.

In 2021, “The Allegation”, starring Peter Kurth of “Babylon Berlin,” further exemplified the festival’s knack for high-quality programming and significant industry impact. Canneseries 2024 continued this trajectory with “The Zweiflers,” which won four awards at the German TV Awards, including Best Drama Series. The documentary laureate “DJ Mehdi: Made in France” also made notable waves in France.

Sustaining attractiveness without MipTV buyers

A standalone Canneseries raises questions about its ability to attract the same caliber of shows without the volume of MipTV buyers. However, Albin Lewi remains optimistic, citing the festival’s existing respect and industry support.

“We now have the industry’s respect and the support of past participants, but we are always seeking new voices and territories. Canneseries offers a potent marketing launch with glamour and the potential to kickstart careers.”

The effectiveness of Canneseries’ marketing impact through selections and prizes cannot be overstated. The festival’s ability to create buzz and foster career-defining connections provides a substantial draw for industry professionals.

Looking ahead: Call for series and accreditation

The call for series for Canneseries Season 8 opens on November 8, and accreditation begins on December 2. This ongoing cycle of innovation and commitment to excellence ensures Canneseries remains a cornerstone festival in the global television landscape.

As Canneseries continues to grow and adapt, it remains an essential platform for discovering new talents, launching significant series, and fostering invaluable industry connections. Follow the latest from Canneseries and share this enriching festival journey with friends and colleagues.