Germany’s leading industry event for serial storytelling, SERIENCAMP CONFERENCE, returns for its 11th edition, taking place from June 3-5, 2025, in Cologne. With the continued support of its main funders – the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW – and its returning main partner ZDF Studios, the conference remains a key force in shaping the future of scripted content in Europe.
With a clear focus on INTERNATIONAL CO-PRODUCTION, INNOVATION IN A DISRUPTED INDUSTRY, and the newly introduced GAMES & SERIES track, SERIENCAMP CONFERENCE 2025 brings together the key players shaping the future of European storytelling.
Focus on Co-productions
Under the co-production banner, formats like “Next From” and “Work in Progress” offer exclusive previews of strategic programming and high-end series in development, including Mozart/Mozart (ARD, ORF, Story House Pictures), We Come in Peace (TV4, ZDF), Ku'damm 77 (UFA, ZDF), and Alphamännchen (Netflix, Geißendörfer Pictures). Additionally, the program will feature a Co-Production Case Study on the upcoming series Weiss & Morales (RTVE, Portocabo, Nadcon, ZDF, and ZDF Studios), offering an inside look at the creative and strategic collaboration behind the project. The session will highlight key lessons learned and provide cross-border production insights from the team behind the series.
European co-production: meet the commissioners
The popular “European Co-Production: Meet the Commissioners” session further emphasizes the event’s strong European perspective. It will feature representatives from some of Europe's most important public broadcasters such as SRF, TV 2 Denmark, WDR, NRK, NDR, France Télévisions, YLE, ARD Degeto, SWR, ZDF, VRT, ORF, ARTE and RAI. Commissioners such as Alexander Bickel from WDR, Morad Koufane from France Télévisions, and Pernille Bech Christensen from TV 2 Denmark will share insights into their programming strategies.
innovation in a disrupted industry
At the same time, SERIENCAMP CONFERENCE will explore the evolving business landscape under the theme INNOVATION IN A DISRUPTED INDUSTRY. From storytelling to monetization, this strand examines forward-thinking strategies and shifts across the industry. Program highlights include the latest “Nostradamus Report” with Johanna Koljonen, sessions such as “Marketing Your Series – How to Cut Through the Clutter and Find Your Audience”, and “Empowering Creatives, Packaging Success – Business Models for the New Market Reality”. The panel “20 Reasons Why Your Project Got Rejected & 10 Strategies To Get a Green Light”, featuring Steve Matthews (Head of Scripted, Creative, Banijay Entertainment) and Tim Biedert (former Director, Productions & Development, Paramount), and a Fireside Chat with Johannes Jensen, newly appointed Head of Scripted, Business at Banijay Entertainment, add high-level insights into future-proof production approaches.
Another highlight will be “GHOSTS – Traveling the World with Adaptations", a panel exploring the international journey of the acclaimed British comedy. Since its premiere in 2019, Ghosts has been successfully adapted in the US, France, and most recently in Germany (WDR, BBC Studios Germany), with new versions in Australia and Greece underway. Writers, producers, and commissioning editors will discuss the keys to successful adaptations, the balance between cultural specificity and global appeal, and why the BBC values its international versions. Panelists include Charles Harrison (International Scripted Format Producer, BBC Studios), Eva Holtmann (Head of Fiction, BBC Studios Germany), and Anke Hirschel (Commissioning Editor, WDR).
games & series
For the first time, SERIENCAMP CONFERENCE introduces a full-day focus on GAMES & SERIES (Thursday, June 5), reflecting the growing intersection between the two mediums in terms of IP adaptation and exploring the possibility of new approaches to development processes and audience design. Sessions like “Community-Building, Audience Design & Prototyping – What Games & Series Can Learn From Each Other” and “IP-Building is World-Building – Strategies for Creating Brands and Story Worlds” will explore how the two mediums can inspire and enrich one another through shared tools, audiences, and creative processes.
story exchange
Beyond the stage program, the project market STORY EXCHANGE offers pitching events and networking opportunities for producers, writers, and creators to showcase their ideas to decision-makers from various international companies. With a focus on fostering collaboration and co-production opportunities, Story Exchange is ideal for those looking to break into the industry or advance existing projects. This year’s Co-Production Jury comprising Emmanuel Eckert (Mediawan Rights), Maria Cervera (Cattleya Producciones/ITV Studios), Pernille Bech Christensen (TV 2 Denmark) and Henrike Vieregge (WDR), has selected eight promising international projects to pitch live on stage at Seriencamp Conference. In parallel, the well-known Writers’ Vision Pitch will feature eight projects carefully selected by the jury comprising Gabor Krigler (Joyrider), Lenka Szántó (tv Nova/VOYO), Sophie Toth (shining nice), and Thomas Kren (Bavaria Fiction).