Series Mania 2022: A Showcase of Global TV Innovation and Storytelling
The highly anticipated Series Mania festival kicks off with the world premiere of Hulu's The Testaments, a sequel to The Handmaid's Tale. The festival also features the international premiere of The Audacity, a Silicon Valley drama for AMC. Series Mania has a history with AMC, having showcased Mad Men in its early editions and hosting a Masterclass with Matthew Weiner in 2015.
The landscape of TV has evolved significantly since the days of Mad Men, with fewer cable channels submitting shows due to industry consolidation. This year, the festival received fewer submissions, signaling a shift in the production landscape. Despite the decrease in overall submissions, Series Mania continues to attract entries from over 60 countries, showcasing the global reach of the industry.
Notable entries in this year's festival include Proud, a Polish series for HBO Max, and Belgian shows like Best Immigrant and Breendonk. The UK also has a strong presence with shows like Waiting For The Out and Babies. The festival highlights series with social and political themes, reflecting real-world issues and current events.
Series Mania is seeing an increased interest from British producers in co-producing with European partners, as funding becomes more challenging in the U.S. The festival features masterclasses with British TV luminaries Russell T. Davis and Steven Moffat, offering insights into their successful careers in the industry.
The festival traditionally closes with lighter fare, such as Quebec's Vitrerie Joyal, a family comedy-drama about a glass shop owner navigating business challenges and family dynamics. Series Mania has evolved into a public-facing festival and industry event, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and creative talent in the TV industry.
As Series Mania gears up for another exciting edition in Lille, the focus remains on the power of storytelling and the impact of compelling narratives on audiences worldwide. The festival continues to celebrate diverse voices and innovative storytelling, making it a must-attend event for TV enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.