The second day at NEM Zagreb 2024, an event focusing on television series and film production, continued with an all-day private Script Surgery for Top 3 in the Best Pre-Development Project Award, several panel sessions, showcases from renowned European TV industry events and NEM Awards Ceremony where the best from all three main categories were announced.

During a Keynote Q&A, Dariusz Jablonski, Founder, CEO, Producer, Director, Apple Film Production and President of The European Producers Club presented the way EPC is shaping European independent production for more than 30 years.

”Our members are two hundred producers from 35 countries — these are all European producers working on co-productions, both young and old, with varying levels of experience, from seasoned professionals to newcomers.

The most important philosophy of the European Producers Club is that we lobby for everyone. I truly believe that independent producers are a cornerstone of democracy. They represent a fundamental element of it. Only small, independent producers are bold enough to create films that challenge the authorities and address topics they may not like,” said Mr. Jablonski.

The highly attractive panel Public Service Media: A Fight Worth Fighting For raised a serious question about the uncertain role of PSM in today’s turbulent landscape despite their undeniable contributions to democracy. Regional PSM representatives discussed the topic with Noel Curran, Director General, EBU. More details here.

The Secrets of Music in Films and TV Series: Why We Cry, Cheer, and Remember was one of the panels that filled the Panel Room. Musical experts and showrunners put soundtracks in focus and discussed the importance of a film or TV series identity. Music royalty John Altman, Film Composer, Music Arranger, Orchestrator, Conductor and Saxophonist, shared this experience in the industry:

“Writing music for media is a collaboration—and, in fact, all music should be collaborative. However, some composers who reach the point of writing for film become overly protective of their work, saying, "You can't touch my music." But it's important to consider that the director has probably lost their favorite scene, the editor has had their best work cut out, and the screenwriter's best line might have been removed from the script. So why should the music be any different?”

Panel Alliances: Join Forces for a Stronger Future sponsored by Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) and hosted by CEETV’s Yako Molhov brought to the table a topic on strategic partnership plans that are crucial for Europe's television industry.
Bartozs Witak, General Manager, SVP of CEE, MENA and Turkey, BBC Studios: „I think the challenges are, more or less, the same for everyone. Financing and budgeting will likely remain issues moving forward. On one hand, the market is increasingly crowded, competition is fiercer, and stakeholder expectations continue to grow.“ A detailed summary of the discussion here.

How effectively can low-production countries leverage their cultural background by creating niche and catchy content that resonates with domestic and international audiences? Answers were given during the panel State of Play in the CEE vs. High-Production Countries

What are the best strategies for identifying and approaching potential investors for your project? The panel From Concept to Capital brought solutions for leveraging industry relationships to attract and secure investments.

During Content Showcase, a program presenting new projects and ideas, attendees had the opportunity to get inspired from projects noted on influential TV industry events such as Riga IFF, Conecta Fiction & Entertainment, Serial Killer and Heart of Europe as well as United Content HUB.

Individual Script Surgery workshops continued with its three-day agenda and provided an in-depth analysis of the best projects that entered the NEM Awards in the Best Pre-development Project Award powered by HAVC.

Right before the NEM Awards Ceremony and a lavish Christmas Party by Mediavision, attendees gathered in the main Panel Room for a Welcome Drink by ERT.