Council of Europe on verge of signing first international legal framework for series copros

The Council of Europe is gearing up to sign its new convention on the coproduction of series as it seeks to foster further crossborder cooperation across the continent.

Alain Berset

The convention marks the first international legal framework specifically dedicated to the independent coproduction of series for television and streaming platforms.

Officially named the ‘Council of Europe Convention on the Co-production of Audiovisual Works in the form of series,’ it will be signed on March 26 during Series Mania in Lille.

Marking a significant step for the European and international audiovisual sector, it strengthens cultural cooperation, supports independent producers and enhances transparency in a fast-moving world, the Council of Europe said.

It has been set up in response to the rapid growth of series over the past decade and introduces a set of coproduction rules for serialised storytelling, mirroring similar rules in place for cinema.

It seeks to streamline administrative procedures and clarify obligations to make it easier for independent producers from different countries to work together.

The convention will soon open for signature by Council of Europe member countries and enter into force upon ratification by three countries.

Once in force, the convention will establish “a stable and internationally recognised foundation for high-quality audiovisual works in the form of series, supporting their role as public goods that nurture linguistic vitality, pluralism and democratic participation, in line with the Council of Europe’s mission to safeguard democracy.”

It comes after the Council of Europe’s pilot programme for series coproductions recently launched two new calls for proposals, with approximately €2.1m (US$2.4m) available for independent copros.

Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset will chair the ceremony at Series Mania and also deliver an opening speech at the event’s international summit Lille Dialogues.

“Series are one of the defining cultural forms of our time, reaching audiences across borders and bringing different perspectives into our homes,” said Berset.

“With this convention, we are opening a new international framework to support independent producers and strengthen cooperation. I encourage all 46 Council of Europe Member States – and countries beyond – to join us in making culture a force for cooperation and democracy.”

Laurence Herszberg, founder and general director of Series Mania, added: “We are honoured to host this historic signing at Series Mania as part of the Lille Dialogues, our international summit bringing together political decision makers and leading industry figures to shape the future of Europe’s audiovisual sector.

“This Convention marks a major step forward for the industry. It will help bring more diverse series to audiences across Europe and beyond, a mission that has always been at the heart of Series Mania.”