Exploring the future of European TV: Tallinn’s TV Beats Co-financing Market

A new wave of European TV series

The TV Beats Co-financing Market in Tallinn is set to showcase an exciting array of new TV series, with a focus on innovative storytelling and international collaboration. Among the standout projects are the Hungarian revenge period drama Fata Morgana, the Irish/Canadian spy thriller The Reluctant Contact, and the Estonian/Swiss/Danish fantasy thriller The Code of Thule. These series, along with seven others, have been selected for the prestigious TV Beats Co-financing Market, a key event in the Industry @ Tallinn & Baltic Event.

The significance of TV Beats

TV Beats has become a crucial meeting point for European creators and producers of TV dramas with international potential. Since its inception in 2018, it has evolved into a must-attend event for those looking to secure co-financing and network with industry professionals from the Baltics, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), and Nordic regions. This year, the event will be held from November 19-20 in Tallinn, Estonia, running parallel to the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.

A focus on financing and collaboration

Petri Kemppinen and Roosa Toivonen, the senior audiovisual executives now at the helm of TV Beats, emphasize the importance of financing in the current industry landscape. “The industry side of the only A-festival in Northern Europe is renowned, and TV Beats has already established itself as an important meeting point,” they said. “The first edition under our helm will surely focus on the topical issue of financing. Moreover, we are extremely happy to be able to join forces and work together again.”

Opportunities for Baltic creators

For professionals from the Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—TV Beats offers unique opportunities. These countries have seen a surge in filming and production activity in recent years but still face challenges in financing local content. TV Beats provides a platform for these creators to gain visibility and secure the necessary funding for their projects.

The Eurimages Series Co-Production Development Award

This year marks a significant milestone for TV Beats, as all titles selected for the Co-Financing Market will compete for the coveted Eurimages €50,000 ($55,000) Series Co-Production Development Award. “We are very excited and proud to welcome the Council of Europe Series Co-Production Development Award in Tallinn,” said Toivonen. “It means a lot to the small industry ecosystems of the Baltic countries to have this great incentive to build networks and relationships through co-development and co-productions.”

A diverse and dynamic lineup

The ten projects selected for the Co-Financing Market were chosen from 45 submissions, with the majority originating from the Baltics, CEE, and the Nordics. The final lineup includes a mix of genres and themes, from complicated family relationships to vengeful feminists and historical figures. “We have various crime shows that have long been the bread and butter of programming for broadcasters and streamers alike,” said Toivonen.

Highlighting key projects

Bunker (6×54’, Slovenia)

A psycho-thriller produced by Lija Pogačnik and Vlado Bulajić for December Films, in co-production with Jure Bušić of Croatia’s Jaka Produkcija. Written by Ivica Djikić, creator of Netflix’s hit Croatian show “The Paper,” together with Goran Vojnović and Marko Šantić. The story revolves around actress-turned-psychotherapist Marina Sabo, who receives her former lover, media tycoon Boris Herman, at her practice, leading them in an unpredictable direction.

Fata Morgana (6X50′, Hungary)

A revenge thriller produced by Lydia Kali for Oble Studios and showrunner Gabor Harmi for Queenside Pictures, in co-production with AMC Networks Central Europe. Legendary Hungarian filmmaker Bela Tarr serves as executive producer. The series tells the story of a Hungarian woman fighting a violent patriarchal society, addressing universal issues such as immigration, misogyny, and emancipation.

In Paradise (8X45′, Germany)

A dramedy produced by Marco Gilles and Lutz Heineking for eitelsonnenschein GmbH. Written by Corinna C. Poetter, the series features Denis Moschitto and Anne Ratte-Polle. “In Paradise” is described as a family series with a unique twist.

The future of European TV

The TV Beats Co-financing Market in Tallinn is a testament to the growing importance of international collaboration in the TV industry. By bringing together creators and producers from across Europe, the event fosters innovation and helps secure the necessary funding for groundbreaking projects. As the industry continues to evolve, events like TV Beats will play a crucial role in shaping the future of European TV.

Did you enjoy this article? Share it on your social channels and let us know your thoughts! Don’t miss out on the latest updates! Follow us on social media to stay informed about the newest releases.# A deep dive into the latest TV series: From comedy to crime thrillers

Exploring the fall of the middle class

The narrative begins with a family’s sudden plunge from the affluent middle class into a precarious existence. This isn’t about aristocrats or the super-rich but rather the educated middle class living in affluent suburbs. These are people with investments and pension plans, whose financial concerns range from investing in an electric SUV to planning horse-riding holidays for their children.

Ladies: A comedic journey of self-discovery

Ladies (8×30′, Turkey) is a comedy produced by Diloy Gulun and Beste Yamalioglu for Karma Films, known for their work on “The List of Those Who Love Me.” Sefa Ozturk, who previously directed “Trust,” writes and directs this series.

The show follows a woman in her 40s as she embarks on a transformative journey, awakening to her true needs and desires. “It’s a comedy that mischievously challenges ingrained notions about femininity and women’s roles in society,” said Yamalioglu, who won best pitch for the project at Istanbul’s industry showcase, Meetings on the Bridge Series.

Let it Snow: A blend of light crime and comedy

Let it Snow (6×45′, Estonia) is a light crime and comedy series produced by Jevgeni Supin of Zolba Productions for the leading Baltic streamer Go3, in co-production with Finland’s Take Two Studios. The story, co-written by Mihkel Seeder and Ain Mäeots, follows an eccentric Estonian family man who accidentally becomes the sole leader of the cocaine trade in Helsinki.

“It’s a unique project where the line between reality and fiction blurs, inspired by true events,” Supin said. The series delves into themes of loneliness, love, and the desire to protect one’s family.

Mercy: Uncovering a dark past

Mercy (6×50′, Portugal) is a true crime drama produced, directed, and co-written by Justin Amorim for Promenade. The series is based on true events and follows journalist Felícia Cabrita as she uncovers a pedophile network at Casa Pia, a child protection institution, in 2002 Portugal.

“The Casa Pia case led to a surge in sexual abuse reports in Portugal and catalyzed several reforms in our justice system,” said Amorim. The series highlights the personal experiences of survivors and whistle-blowers, offering a gripping fight for justice.

Norröna Murders: A crime mystery on an isolated ferry

Norröna Murders (6×50′, Iceland) is a crime mystery thriller produced by Hördur Rúnarsson and Jónas Margeir Ingólfsson for Act4. The series, ordered by Iceland’s streamer Síminn, is co-produced by Denmark’s Nordisk Film Production.

The story follows Adam, a socially anxious detective, who is thrust into his first case involving a double sexual ritual murder on an isolated ferry. “By placing an ensemble of characters from different nationalities into an isolated environment, we get to explore their deeper truths and see what’s behind their masks,” said Rúnarsson.

The Code of Thule: A mix of mystery, drama, and fantasy

The Code of Thule (8×45′, Estonia) is a mystery drama/fantasy thriller produced by Helen Lõhmus from Oree Films. The series, co-produced by Danish producer René Ezra and Switzerland’s Uwe Lützen, mixes universally popular genres with intriguing elements such as paranormal phenomena and the future of science and geopolitics.

At its core, the series explores the timeless quest for identity and truth, set against a world where reality blurs with the extraordinary.

The Reluctant Contact: A cold war spy thriller

The Reluctant Contact (6×60′, Ireland) is a noir cold war spy thriller produced by Jane Doolan from Mammoth Films and James Mitchell from Soho Moon, in co-production with Canada’s Christina Jennings from Shaftesbury Films. The series is adapted by Stephen Burke from his own novel.

“The series looks at cold war themes of love, betrayal, and identity from the unique setting of a Soviet mining town inside a NATO country, Norway,” said Burke. The town’s stark arctic aesthetic and societal contradictions add to the unnerving, off-kilter tone of the series.

The Woman I Think of About at Night: An adventurous drama comedy

The Woman I Think of About at Night (5×45′, Finland) is a drama comedy/adventure produced by Liisa Karpo and Marianne Mäkelä from napafilms. Based on Mia Kankimäki’s best-selling novel, the series is adapted by Anna Ruohonen and co-directed by Saara Cantell and Anu Kuivalainen.

The story follows an art teacher in her forties who embarks on a life-changing adventure across the world, guided by legendary historical women from past centuries. “It’s an uplifting high-end series that offers viewers a much-needed escape from today’s dark reality,” said Karpo.

Did you enjoy this article? Share it on your social channels and let us know your thoughts! Don’t miss out on the latest updates! Follow us on social media to stay informed about the newest releases.