Make your series idea a marketable project. Learn how to improve your script as well as your skills, and find out possible funding opportunities. Both limited and ongoing series projects are welcome.
MIDPOINT Series Launch 2023
Now Running
Projects
Nine promising series projects
Participating projects are divided into three groups of three, and each group's development is overseen by both a group leader and participating development executive.
Arizona Joe
A fictionalized account of a summer during the late 1970s in Riga Film Studio. The studio is finally making a new blockbuster called “Arizona Joe”. In order to escape conscription in the ruthless ...
Behind the Wall
Chaos erupts in an old upper-class building in Vinohrady when 35-year-old Triska Nemecova-Rose returns from the United States to inherit her father’s building. In the 6 months following her father’s ...
Vertebrae
Cosmina is a police officer in the Romanian coastal town of Mangalia. When a body is discovered on the shore, Cosmina and her partner, Liviu, are assigned to the case. The identity of the victim is ...
I Seek a Kind Person
On the night of December 10th, 1938, a train with 500 Jewish children leaves Berlin “Anhalter Bahnhof” station. Among them are Ruth, Iris, Jona, Henri and Elisa - five children from the ...
Kilwater
MARTA is a first-time Polish Search and Rescue (SAR) captain. During one of the first rescue missions under her command, a Swedish yacht mysteriously goes missing. The case of the sunk ship is ...
Rainbow Gravity
After robbing the dealer Mule, and stealing a stash of illegal hormones stuffed in a panda sex toy, a gay drug dealer Ash, and his best friend, lesbian gambler Lily, decide to sell them fast and ...
Brain Drain
Serbia, 2033. Over the past decade, not much has changed for the struggling country (surprise - still not in the EU) - apart from becoming a hot luxury travel destination. All thanks to flexible ...
Love is a Pitch
Group of 30-something women with ‘the fear of missing out’ establish an amateur football club to start a journey of reshaping views on failure through unexpected win, togetherness. The only thing ...
The Palace
Standing on the top of banking, booze and hotel industry, the Fassbind family has created its name for some time already in Engelberg, a Swiss mountain town. Fassbind Jr., a man ahead of his time, ...
Participants
The next generation of Central and Eastern European series-content professionals
Development Executive Participants
Tutors
Inspirational professionals with passion for sharing their experience
To ensure the most complex approach to training, Series Launch works with established and well-respected industry names coming from Central and Eastern Europe, Western Europe, USA or Australia.
Head of Studies
The Head of Studies oversees the general methodology of the program, ensures the needs of the participants are met in the most effective way, and guarantees the practical value and industry impact of the training delivered.
Gabor is a trailblazing professional: showrunning three seasons of the HBO Europe high end drama Golden Life, he boldly went where no man has gone before!
Gabor Krigler
Hungary
Gabor’s career began in the writing staff of a daily serial at Grundy UFA in 1999. He became Creative Executive at the Budapest office of HBO Europe in 2010, responsible for all creative aspects of ...
Complete bio
Group Leaders
The Group Leaders oversee the development of projects in their group from the very beginning of the training until they graduate from the program. They also coach the development executive participant assigned to their group.
Gabor Krigler
Hungary
Gabor’s career began in the writing staff of a daily serial at Grundy UFA in 1999. He became Creative Executive at the ...
Complete bio
Steve Matthews
United Kingdom
Steve was Consulting Producer on all three series of Neil Jordan’s series The Borgias for Showtime Networks, and ...
Complete bio
Tatjana Samopjan
Sweden
Tatjana Samopjan is a creative consultant, lecturer and coach specialising in development of TV series, films and ...
Complete bio
Development Executive Mentor
The Development Executive Mentor attends and co-creates the training program for the development-executive participants, ensuring that it's implemented into group work and that the collaborative set-up simulates a real-life industry environment.
Christopher Haug
Norway
Christopher Haug is a Norwegian screenwriter, consultant and executive producer. Haug began his career in television ...
Complete bio
Financing Tutor
Marike Muselaers
Netherlands
MARIKE MUSELAERS started her career at Fortissimo Films and RTL Netherlands before joining the Lumière team. After a ...
Complete bio
Producer Tutor
Nebojsa Taraba
Croatia
Nebojša Taraba, producer & partner, production company DRUGI PLAN, ZAGREB (CROATIA). Drugi plan is a leading ...
Complete bio
Pitching Tutor
Agathe Berman
France
Agathe Berman a.k.a The Pitchologist, is a slash figure: pitch expert/producer/writer/teacher/artistic consultant. She ...
Complete bio
Guest Tutors
These established professionals attend one of the workshops to share their particular professional expertise.
Structure
A year long intensive program combining various formats
The 9 creative teams, split into 3 groups, work under the guidance of internationally renowned and experienced tutors and in close collaboration with development executive participants who are involved in all parts of the program.
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All ParticipantsProject Pre-trainingMarch 14 - 17, 2023 | Online
Project team members are introduced to serial storytelling with lectures and dramaturgical consultations addressing the structural differences between features and series, and tackling the subject of the series concept and a pilot.
Lectures
Formats and Genres in Drama SeriesBenjamin Harris
Tuesday, March 14, 11:30 - 13:00 CET | OnlineHow do anthology, continuing and limited series work? What are common TV drama genres? Examining the formal structures and common story elements that compose the “DNA” of a series, we will look for the ‘engine’ that powers the storytelling in each series format and genre: the careful interplay of character, theme, arena and plot.
So, What Makes It a Series?Cyril Tysz
Tuesday, March 14, 14:30 – 16:00 CET | OnlineAt the core of each series lies an engine, a central question, a central conflict that, unlike in a movie, must not be solved. Stretching a movie for 8 hours might not be the solution either, for a series is NOT a long film chopped into small pieces. So how do you provide the fuel to go beyond the pilot? What sustains the conflict and makes the audience want to watch the next episode?
While in film, the legendary chicken and egg question of which comes first: the plot or the character remains unanswered, in TV series, CHARACTERS are the way to go: they are the reason we come back to watch the show.
In this lecture, Cyril will study the specifics of series characters. How they have to be approached, how they must be combined and confronted with one another in order to sustain conflict and generate situations and scenes for a long time. He will also discuss how they affect the narrative specifics that are at the core of any series, whether procedurals or serialized, all that good stuff that makes a series – a series.
The Alpha and the OmegaMaggie Murphy
Tuesday, March 14, 16:30 – 18:00 CET | OnlineMs. Murphy will discuss the highlights of the most powerful and critical parts of your script… The beginning and the end. In this market of television where there are hundreds of shows to watch - how can you break out of the clutter. It is critical to hook the audience in the first 10 or 15 pages. This is the heart of your show… the make it or break it. Maggie will screen an assortment of iconic pilot openings and analyze why they keep the audience mesmerized. There will also be discussion on the ending of your pilot and how it must also be equally strong to bring the audience back for more.
SUSTAINAWHATTim Wagendorp
Wednesday, March 15, 10:00–11:30 CET | OnlineWhat is sustainability and how can it be applied within the AV industry? Are the environmental challenges limited to production only, or do writers also play a role? We will jointly dig deeper into these topics using hands on examples from Flanders.
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Development executive participantsPre-Training for DE ParticipantsMarch 13 - 17, 2023 | Online
Development Executive participants, guided by their mentor, are briefed and pre-trained in their basic script-editing skills.
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All participantsWorkshop 1: Series ConceptMarch 27 - April 2, 2023 | Prague, Czech RepublicTEAMS WITH PROJECTS
The creative teams are led to defining their series concept and theme, and outlining their pilot scripts. The workshop consists of group work, individual consultations, lectures and series analysis.
DEVELOPMENTS EXECUTIVE PARTICIPANTSEach Development Executive is assigned to the group of projects and observes the group work led by the group leader. The participants get acquainted with the dynamics within the creative team. Their learning process is debriefed within meetings with the development executive tutor, as well as the project teams themselves.
Lectures
The Narrative Foundations of a Series ProjectGabor Krigler
Tuesday, March 28 | Prague, Czech RepublicGabor Krigler, the founder of Joyrider TV and former Creative Executive and Producer at HBO Hungary, will explain how the pilot episode of a drama series must serve many different needs. It has to be a great story itself but it also must set up a long, ongoing narrative. He will be looking at the various elements that need to be introduced in a pilot to hook the audience and create an emotional experience they want to return to. The second part of the discussion focuses on the creative processes behind the show bible and what it needs to contain to help sell your project first, and then serve as a springboard for further development.
TV Series with No Expiration DateTatjana Samopjan
Tuesday, March 28 | Prague, Czech RepublicUnderstanding deep structure in serial storytelling
What makes some TV series last and get better with each season, while others start dying after just a few episodes? Why do some affect us deeply, while others are temporary entertainment? What are the necessary ingredients in a high-quality series – the kind that does not have an expiration date?
As it turns out, the answers can be found in patterns bursting out of a fiery volcano…
This lecture is an exploration of deep structure in serialised stories of lasting quality.
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All participantsOnline ConsultationsApril - June, 2023 | Online
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All participantsWorkshop 2: Season Arc and Mini-BibleJune 12 - 19, 2023 | Czech RepublicTEAMS WITH PROJECTS
Creative teams work on completing their pilots, and creating their season arc and season outlines. They focus also on the role of a director, the project pitching documents, production aspects as well as the financing strategy.
DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE PARTICIPANTSDevelopment Executive participants continue the involvement in the group, serving as script editors, observing the work on the pilot episode, and getting trained in the financing strategies and production issues together with the creative teams.
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All participantsOnline ConsultationsJuly-November, 2023 | Online
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All participantsWorkshop 3: Pitching and Acquiring PartnersNovember 9 - 15, 2023 | Tallinn, EstoniaTEAMS WITH PROJECT
Each project arrives with a revised pilot script and a completed pitch book/mini-bible. Workshop focuses on creating marketing strategies, refining pitching skills and familiarizes participants with the specifics of different segments of the series market. It concludes at the Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event and its TV Beats market, offering debates, panels, lectures, case studies, master classes and the pitching presentation of all projects and participants within.
DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE PARTICIPANTSThe Development Executive participants are present at the pitching training and rehearsals of the projects and also prepare for their own presentations, to pitch themselves as industry professionals. They will also use the networking opportunities at the event for their future careers.
Gallery
References
A pushing experience that gives you confidence
MIDPOINT Series Launch provides a safe space to do all the deep digging you need to in order to develop a good series. You do it with some kind and talented people, you help each other along the way and if you put in the work - you really end up with something to show within what's a rather short space of time for this type of work!
Lea Stankovic
Writer, Series Launch 2022 alumna
If you truly intend to make progress with your project, especially while being an emerging writer, don't hesitate and just apply.
Monika Franczak
Writer, Series Launch 2022 alumna
I would not move in the TV space in Eastern Europe before at least trying to get into MIDPOINT.
Cristian Nicolescu
Producer, Series Launch 2022 alumnus
MIDPOINT Series Launch was an incredible human and professional experience. It was international in a truly European way: multicultural, tailor-crafted and at the same time very demanding!
Giulio Rizzo
Writer, Series Launch 2022 alumnus
We came in with quite abstract concept of our series. And we came out with a clear season outline, a really workable draft pilot script and, above all, precious insight into the current changes happening in the series industry, namely, new co-production and distribution models. Very valuable, very recommended!
Andris Gauja
Writer, Director, Producer; Series Launch 2022 alumnus
MIDPOINT was a space in which our project could develop into something stronger and where our team was able to work through a number of issues on a working and personal level; and somewhere for me to learn new skills - like public speaking - which I will take with me in the rest of my career.
Jack Thomas-O'Brien
Producer, Series Launch 2022 alumnus
I would recommend this program to anyone who loves scripted drama, who wants to write or develop scripted drama. The body of knowledge and skills acquired here can hardly be matched elsewhere. And purely on a human level - the relationships that are forged here, the support system created by our incredible tutors, MIDPOINT staff and our talented participants are unprecedented. If you want to grow, learn about TV shows, create a show which will awe audiences…all the while being a part of a like-minded group of people, a MIDPOINT family, think no more - apply!
Sasha Vyshnevska
Development Executive, Series Launch 2022 alumna
MIDPOINT TV launch is constituted in a way that it creates a safe space for you to work with the support of the most enthusiastic experts who keep pushing your limits. You have time to truly explore the theme of your project, reimagine the world and the characters all in a positive and friendly environment.
Maja Pek-Bruenjes
Producer, TV Launch 2020 Alumna
Successful series
Selection of our successful alumni
Hausen
After his mother's death, teenager Juri and his father relocate to a rundown housing complex - but there is more here than meets the eye.
Status:
realised
MIDPOINT participants involved:
Till Kleinert, Anna Stoeva
Developed at:
MIDPOINT TV Launch 2016
Genre:
Horror/mystery serie
Fractures
The ER doctor, Kristin, in the wake of her divorce moves to her home village with her teenage daughter. Completely out of her comfort zone as she deals with her old lover and her psychic mother, forcing her to face the ghosts of her past.
Status:
realised
MIDPOINT participants involved:
Kolbrun Anna Bjornsdottir, Eva Sigurdardottir, Vala Thorsdottir
Developed at:
MIDPOINT TV Launch 2017
Genre:
Medical drama series
Babyland
Kyiv, 2020. Natasha has created Babyland, a luxury hotel where fertile women give birth for infertile couples. When a tragic event from Natasha’s past comes back to haunt her, Babyland’s future is threatened and Natasha’s soul is at stake.
Status:
in development
MIDPOINT participants involved:
Martichka Bozhilova, Dianne Jones, Simona Nobile
Developed at:
MIDPOINT TV Launch 2019
TURBO
Aging mobster Dragan struggles to adapt to the new times by fighting teenage-hot-shots on the rise – realizing that his son is becoming the very face of this emerging “turbo-generation”.
Status:
in development
MIDPOINT participants involved:
Boris Grgurovic, Matthias Nerlich, Milan Stojanovic, Milica Zivanovic
Developed at:
MIDPOINT TV Launch 2018
Genre:
High-end crime drama
FAQs
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I have an idea of a series but it's still early development. Can I apply anyway?
Absolutely! The sooner in the development process you apply, the better. Series Launch is designed as a "bottom-up" training program, and will help you create your show from scratch.
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What the fudge is a development executive?
In our region, you might know the profession under the term "television dramaturg" or "commissioning editor". It basically is the script consultant and person who oversees the creative development of series. He/she stands on the broadcaster's side mostly, but could also easily be a development producer at a production company. Read more by clicking on the links stated in the "Overview" folder of this page, or simply ask us.
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I'd like to apply with a limited series. Am I eligible?
Sure! But before you apply, take a moment and first think about why is a series format the one you're thinking of as opposed to a feature film. Is there an engine moving your story? Are you working with a more complex world? (...) Took that moment? Okay, so now apply.
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Once selected, how much time should I allocate to the training?
Quite honestly - a lot. Series Launch is an intensive training, and apart from the assignments and work done during the residential workshops themselves, it operates with a system of tasks and deadlines in between the three workshops. So clear that calendar out a bit.
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Can I apply with a short form series (web series/digital series)?
Not for this particular program. But brace yourself! We are also offering a special training for the short form series (under 20 mins per episode) creators! Check it out here.
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I'm developing a 90-minute 3-part mini-series. Am I eligible?
Sadly, no. Based on our experience, the series rules do not quite apply to formats running over an hour and tend to behave more like feature films. It certainly is a format finding its place on television, we've however opted to focus our training to projects that are series in their core.
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Can I apply with a reality show, documentary or animation series project?
Sadly, this program does not work with reality show, animation or documentary projects, its focus are fiction series projects (drama, comedy, etc.).
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I’m a writer. Can I apply myself?
Apply yes. But please note that to be able to enter the training, you'll have to partner up with an independent producer. This is important as the creative collaboration between the writers and producers represents the core of MIDPOINT Institute in general and moreover, it is an essential part of the development process.
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What is the ideal number of project team members?
Taking into account the methodology of collective group work, we strongly recommend applying as a project team consisting of 2-3 creators, ideally consisting of writer, (co-writer), and producer.
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I have difficulty finding a producer: Can I still apply with my project?
The way how Series Launch is designed, a producer is really needed to be on board. You can consider coming as a writer-producer yourself and taking on another co-writer. It would only mean that you'd have to take over the position of the producer at a certain point of the training and focus more on production planning.
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I'd like to apply as a writer and a producer at the same time.
This is of course possible, but as series writing, in general, is team-based, we really really really suggest bringing another writer with you. During the workshop, you'll be asked to brainstorm and come up with new, and then some new, and then other new ideas, and this is difficult to do in a one-man-show set-up. It might come in handy to have somebody to bounce off your ideas along the way.
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Can we replace the members of our project team in the course of the training?
The continuity of work of specific persons during the entire program is essential. Therefore, it is not possible to add (or replace) the team members during the program.
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The creator is a novelist/playwright.
We embrace all kinds of talent coming from different types of backgrounds. But because we actively and intensely work during the run of the program (both during and outside the residential workshops), it might be a good idea to bring an actual screenwriter – somebody who's familiar with screenwriting structure and formatting and used to day-to-day deliveries, as the tempo and demands during the workshop might seem a bit overwhelming for a first-time writer. This person can be added to the team alongside the creator.
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I have this great idea for a show based on a historical figure...
Great! We love those. But don't forget that you're not writing a Wikipedia profile for a specific person or event in history, you're telling a story. Don't describe it; narrate it. Pitch it to us as if we were the viewers already watching the show on the screen.
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Do I have to pay the whole amount of the participation fee at once?
It is possible to pay the participation fee in three instalments corresponding to the three parts of the training program (i.e., 3 * 600 EUR per participant).
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Does MIDPOINT Institute offer scholarships?
It does. However, these are only partial, cannot be allocated to all participants, and their granting therefore considers various criteria. We HIGHLY recommend applying to a local supporting organization (national or local funds, ministries of culture or education, professional associations, etc.) at the same time you're applying to MIDPOINT Series Launch. You can always withdraw your application if not selected, but as the processing time of this support can be rather long, it might be quite late to do this once we confirm you're in.
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Am I eligible to apply for a scholarship?
We don't have a particular list of eligible countries, as basically the entire region we work with is eligible. We do give out scholarships; their allocation and value depend on the selected projects and teams - based on how many of them come from countries with no system of support.
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How do I write my biography/resume?
Be clear about which of the projects you're mentioning were actually produced/released and which are being developed, and with the ones already made, name a few specific results (festivals, awards, number of viewers, etc.).
Also be clear what specifically your role was in these projects. Mention relevant international training programs you've participated in the past, interesting collaborations you've been
a part of and in what role, industry events / presentations you've taken part in and in which capacity.
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What exactly is a “series pitch” and “statement of purpose”?
You can find a detailed description on all the requested submission materials on the first page of your submission form. You can access the form once you've created a profile at the MIDPOINT Visitor Page (see instructions in the "Application" segment of the program’s web profile).
No worries! You can save the form anytime you like and come back to it later, and you can also save or submit any number of applications you like!
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Contact
Did we forget something? Do not hesitate to ask
Alexandra Gabrizova
alexandra.gabrizova@midpoint-institute.eu
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