Promoting Cooperation and Democracy: The Council of Europe's Groundbreaking Co-production Agreement at Series Mania
European television has the potential to promote cooperation and democracy, as highlighted by the Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset during the Series Mania television festival. At the event, a groundbreaking co-production agreement, known as the Convention on the Co-production of Audiovisual Works in the form of series, was introduced. This treaty, adopted by the Council of Europe in November, aims to facilitate independent producers from different countries to collaborate on series for television and streaming platforms. By simplifying administrative processes and enabling access to state media funding, the treaty seeks to enhance cultural cooperation and storytelling diversity across borders.
The Convention on the Co-production of Audiovisual Works in the form of series is the first international treaty dedicated to supporting collaborative series production. It emphasizes the importance of high-quality international co-productions as public goods that contribute to linguistic vitality, pluralism, and democratic engagement. The convention is now available for signature by Council of Europe member countries and will come into effect upon ratification by three countries. By promoting cultural cooperation and diversity, the treaty aligns with the Council of Europe's mission to uphold democracy.
Secretary General Berset emphasized the significance of series as a cultural medium that transcends boundaries and offers diverse perspectives to audiences worldwide. He encouraged Council of Europe Member States and other countries to join in leveraging culture as a catalyst for cooperation and democracy. The introduction of this convention at Series Mania, a platform dedicated to showcasing diverse series to audiences, signifies a significant advancement for the industry. The agreement is expected to contribute to the availability of a wider range of series for viewers in Europe and beyond, aligning with Series Mania's core mission.
The unveiling of the Convention on the Co-production of Audiovisual Works in the form of series at Series Mania's Lille Dialogues marks a pivotal moment for the industry. This international summit, which brings together industry leaders and policymakers to address key strategic challenges in the audiovisual sector, underscores the importance of fostering collaboration and diversity in series production. The convention sets the stage for enhanced cooperation among independent producers and the creation of compelling series that reflect a rich mix of languages, perspectives, and storytelling traditions.