NEM Zagreb 2023 event focused on content creation in the low-production capacity countries of the CEE, announced finalists of NEM Awards - new competition for the best drama TV series from the CEE.

In alphabetical order, the finalists are: Fairyland: Age of Temptations, Media Services and Support Trust Fund (MTVA) / National Film Institute Hungary (NFI); Moth Hunting, TVP; Octopus, Czech Television; South Wind – On Edge, Telekom Serbia; Spy/Master, Warner Bros. Discovery; The Cases of Inspector Vrenko 2, RTV Slovenia; The Highlands, Antitalent/HRT; The King, RTL Hungary; The Silence 2, Drugi Plan/HRT; The Uninvited Guests, Tet SIA; Troll Farm, Dansu Films; Vera, RTS.

The finalists were chosen based on 5 different categories: Idea, Monetization, Cast, Screenplay and Audiovisual presentation. The final top 3 projects will be known on December 6 and the winner will be announced on the evening of December 7 at the NEM Awards Ceremony.

The winner will be chosen by accomplished jury members from countries outside of the CEE and mostly high-capacity production countries: Faye Tsitsipi, Senior Manager, Market Insights & Content Production, COSMOTE TV; Frank Spotnitz, CEO & Executive Producer, Big Light Productions; Giorgio Grignaffini, Head of Drama, Taodue Film (Mediaset Group); Jarmo Lampela, Head of Drama, Yle; Marc B. Lorber, Executive Producer, The Art of Coproduction; Morad Koufane, Deputy Director of International Series (Co-Productions and Acquisitions), France Télévisions; Nigel McCrery, Screenwriter; Peter Nadermann, Producer & Managing Director, Nadcon Film; Simona Nobile, Screenwriter - Script Editor; Steve Matthews, Content Partnerships Executive, Banijay; Tom Coan, Executive Producer, Universal International Studios.

The top three projects will receive a 10-min presentation at NEM Dubrovnik 2024, one badge and accommodation at Hotel Palace Dubrovnik for three nights during NEM Dubrovnik 2024, joint interview published on NEM Zagreb website and one international media partner, joint press release sent to all NEM Zagreb media partners, joint newsletter sent to NEM newsletter subscribers and one media partner, and a specialized newsletter dedicated to each TV series.

In addition to the above, the winner will get to present their winning project at one of the NEM Zagreb’s partner events in Europe and receive badges, travel, and accommodation for two people.

In December 2023, Zagreb will once again become the central place in Europe focused on education, connection and promotion of professionals, companies, and projects from the CEE. NEM Zagreb is creating opportunities for new projects, jobs, co-productions between CEE countries and co-production between low and high-production capacity countries.