Series Accelerator Programme
EWA Network partners with Netflix to launch Series Accelerator Programme for women film producers in Europe
The European Women’s Audiovisual Network (EWA Network) is teaming up with Netflix to launch the Series Accelerator Programme. The programme will bring together women film producers who want to expand their creative range by deepening their knowledge of series production.
EWA will curate three industry-led workshops supported by Netflix’s Creative Equity Fund, offering emerging and mid-career women film producers practical insight and upskilling tailored to the European series production landscape. Participants must have a minimum of one feature film credit in film and apply with a series project in early development. They will also each receive a €5,000 grant to further develop their work.
The application portal will open on October 30 and the deadline to apply is November 30.
WHO CAN APPLY?
The programme is open to women-identifying producers established in Europe (citizens of 46 Council of Europe countries) who are members of EWA Network. EWA is currently accepting new members. The applicants need to have a fiction series project in the early development stage and have produced a minimum 1 full-length feature film credit and maximum 5 full-length feature films credits (minority co-productions included) and no series credits.
Applications are welcomed regardless of race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability or sexual orientation.
The full eligibility criteria is below.
- Full members of the EWA Network
- Women-identifying producers established in Europe [citizens of one of the 46 Council of Europe countries]
- Have produced a minimum 1 full-length feature film credit and maximum 5 full-length feature films credits (minority co-productions included) and have no series credits
- Have a fiction series project in early development stage with scriptwriter(s) attached, of 6 to 12 episodes with duration of 25-52 minutes each, based on original script or a screen adaptation of IP. No content restrictions apart from the fact that it must be fictional (drama-documentary not considered, drama based on a true story will absolutely be considered);
- Are motivated to grow professionally and expand their professional skills by developing a fiction series
- Must be fluent in English
- Cannot be a public official
TIMELINE
The call will open on October 30 through the EWA website. The programme will host 3 intensive one week programmes in a 6 month period between January and June 2024. The deadline to apply will be November 30.
The first workshop will take place in January 2024 at Netflix’s EMEA Headquarters, in Amsterdam.
The second online-only workshop will take place from the 8th to the 10th of April 2024.
The final workshop will take place in June 2024, in SerienCamp in Koln, where participants will pitch their series ideas to an audience of industry figures.
PARTICIPANT SELECTION
An independent selection committee of three industry specialists will select eight participants for the programme. The selection committee will take into account the creative excellence and the quality of series projects that the applicant’s are applying with as well as the applicant’s motivation for applying for the programme.
CONTENT OF THE WORKSHOPS
The first workshop will focus on series development, the second will focus on financial and business aspects, while the third and final workshop will focus on packaging and presenting the project to industry decision-makers.
DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
Each participant will receive a grant of €5,000 to further develop their work upon completing the programme. As part of their application, participants will need to outline a simple draft budget on how they would plan to spend the funds. Eligible expenses are outlined in the Terms and Conditions.
THE SELECTED PARTICIPANTS
THE BROCHURE
Should you have any questions, please contact contact@ewawomen.com
WHY ARE WE LAUNCHING THIS PROGRAMME?
“We are proud of the programme we have developed. We believe it will give women film producers the edge they need to explore new creative territory, but also to access opportunities in the creative market more competitively. Netflix is the ideal partner for this programme as they are a great ally in supporting diverse voices in the industry; we’re excited about supporting women producers to bring series with a strong European flavour to life.” - Anamaria Antoci, Executive Director of EWA
“We have so many incredibly talented women working in film production right across Europe, with the transferable skills that series production needs. This programme is about demystifying the crucial creative and practical differences between film and series, and encouraging female-led teams to compete with confidence for series commissions, develop resilient businesses and career paths, and remain in the screen industries for the long haul.” - Edel Brosnan, Director of Strategy at EWA
“This programme is the opportunity that many creative producers have been waiting for, it paves the road to navigate the specific ecosystem of drama series producing. Producers are welcome to bring all the creativity, diversity and thematic range that enriches European auteur cinema. NETFLIX's support is fundamental, it will make it possible to find new voices, hidden stories from genuine and lesser known universes and opening the door to tackle longer and genuine stories.” - Alexia Muiños Ruiz, Director of Programmes EWA Network.
“We are delighted to be partner with the EWA on this program, because we are committed to building new pathways for talent within the entertainment industry through our Fund for Creative Equity, and we know that women are still underrepresented in Europe’s series fiction industry.” Netflix Fund for Creative Equity co-lead Krysia Kozniewska.