From Concept to Iteration: Prototyping the Future of Production

How can series development become more open, flexible and audience-aware? In cooperation with audience:first, this DEEP DIVE explores iterative approaches to storytelling, from early prototyping to audience feedback as an integral part of the creative process.

Drawing inspiration from gaming and software development, where testing, iteration and user input are built into production pipelines, the session asks what happens when ideas are treated as evolving prototypes rather than fixed concepts. How can early testing, sprint-based development and real audience feedback shape the journey from first idea to finished series?

Using the current microdrama boom and the vertical TikTok drama BETWEEN THE BEATS as points of reference, the session also looks at how platform-native storytelling can be combined with quality, relevance and creative ambition, and what “audience:first” can mean beyond simply chasing reach.