Enter the world of TV series development and production!
An intensive lab for experienced feature and documentary producers expanding into fiction series.
MIDPOINT Cold Open 2027
Series
Upcoming
Benefits
- A three-day intensive lab for experienced feature film and documentary producers looking to expand into fiction series
- Designed for independent producers from Europe, Canada and Latin America
- Hands-on sessions with leading international experts, offering practical insight into TV series development and production
- A space to build the skills, industry knowledge and professional network needed to develop a first or second series project
Structure
This one-off event is embedded within the diverse industry program of When East Meets West Co-production Forum. Participants are offered a variety of lectures, group sessions and in-depth discussions.
Offering practical knowledge connected to the developing, producing and financing of drama series content in Europe, the program will familiarize its participants with the overall landscape and priorities of the industry, compare narrative and concept structures between features and scripted series, and provide hands-on skills in the financing and distribution of scripted series content.
The program is participant-based (not project based), only one producer per company will be accepted.
Fee & how to apply
Who can apply
- creative producers with a background in feature film and documentary production who aspire to move into fiction series content
- independent producers from Europe, Canada and Latin America are eligible to apply
Application requirements
Detailed information about the application requirements and all requested materials will be available in the submission form once the call opens.
Applicants will be asked to submit:
- Basic information and a short biography
- Production company profile
- Motivation letter
- Series pitch (optional)
To apply, applicants will need to create an account on the When East Meets West Visitor Page and complete the online application form.
Open Call
The call for applications will open in late August 2026.
More information will be announced soon.
FAQs
You may ask...
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What background should the applicants have?
The program is targeted toward feature-film and documentary producers who aspire to move into scripted series.
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What should I include in my motivation letter?
It will be closely described within the actual application form, but since you're asking: you should explain your professional background, reasons for applying to Cold Open Lab, your company's plans regarding moving into series production and references of the kinds of shows you'd be interested in making.
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What is meant by ''Series Pitch''? Is it requred?
Not at all. If you don’t yet have a particular project in mind, please let us know in your motivation letter what kinds of projects interest you most.
A series pitch is simply an overview of your series idea. It should include a general description of the premise, the setting, the main storylines, and the narrative style. Usually it’s about 3–5 pages long — just enough to give a first impression of the project.
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Can I get a scholarship for Cold Open?
Unfortunately not. However, we encourage you to contact your national or regional film funds, associations or ministries of culture, who may support participation in programs such as this or at least partially support training activities, even if they don't support television development in general.
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How many participants does the Cold Open program expect to select?
Approximately 9–10 participants.
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I'm not fluent in English, can I still apply?
Sadly, no. As the entire training is conducted in English, participants are expected to actively engage in discussions with tutors and fellow participants throughout the programme. This means you don't need perfect grammar, but you should be able to communicate fluently, express your ideas with confidence, and have a sufficient working vocabulary to take part in interactive sessions.
Contact
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Meet MIDPOINT alumni—writers, script consultants, and development executives ready to bring stories to life!
