From Idea to Series – How the audience:first lab Propels Creative Impulses

How does an initial idea become a broadcast-ready series – and what steps lie in between? This session offers a behind-the-scenes look at the ZDF series Bad People, a project that originated in the audience:first storytelling lab – an initiative by Bayerischer Rundfunk in collaboration with the Drehbuchwerkstatt München lead by Matthias Leitner (BR) und Julia Zantl (Drehbuchwerkstatt München).

After a brief introduction, we will screen highlights of the series. The subsequent discussion will focus on the development process from the lab’s first day to the finished production. Author Julia Mirjam Cantuária, producer Lara Stump (Hager Moss), and Jakob Zimmermann (ZDF) will share how ideas were refined, target audiences engaged, and feedback loops implemented.

The audience:first storytelling lab sees itself as a catalyst for new voices and collaborative story development. This session offers hands-on insights into a path that must constantly be reimagined – with creativity, patience, and teamwork.