Press release: Convention on Coproduction of Series adopted
EFAD warmly welcomes the adoption of the Convention on the co-production of audiovisual works in the form of series by the Council of Europe.
Today, the Council of Ministers of the Council of Europe formally adopted the Council of Europe Convention on the co-production of audiovisual works in the form of series, recognising audiovisual art as a public good.
The Convention will safeguard cultural diversity, empower independent producers, and ensure that European audiences — and viewers around the world — continue to enjoy diverse and distinctive stories. By adopting this instrument, the Council of Europe strengthens the European audiovisual ecosystem, fosters fair and sustainable collaboration, and delivers lasting cultural value to audiences.
Today’s adoption finalises a long process aimed to develop a first international convention aimed to support the production of series, stemming from the Budapest Drama Process. EFAD members have supported its development since the beginning and are deeply convinced that it will reinforce the diversity of European co-production of works in the forms of series, complementing the successful Convention on Cinematographic Co-production.
It responds to the rapid growth of series as an cultural and artistic form, and introduces a set of coproduction rules, facilitating collaboration for independent producers from different European countries to build projects together. It supports the actors taking the most risks and ensures balanced and equitable rights and revenue sharing.
EFAD President, Chris Marcich, says :
« This voluntary, flexible and modern framework will facilitate access to national public funding and thus enhance collaboration opportunities for European co-producers, supporting independent productions with an artistic and creative component, and ensure that audiences benefit from a diverse flow of European series. EFAD will continue working with member states and industry stakeholders to support its effective implementation. We would like to express our deep gratitude to the staff of Council of Europe for their excellent work and cooperation with all stakeholders in the process.”
EFAD members are looking forward to the ratification of the Convention by the Member states, to start supporting new stories and projects under this framework.
About EFAD:
European Film Agencies Directors association (EFAD) brings together 38 national film and audiovisual agencies from European countries. EFAD membership covers the European Union countries, with two members from Belgium, as well as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Montenegro, Norway, the Republic of North Macedonia, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. EFAD members are government or government associated public bodies, in charge of national funding for the audiovisual sector and with a responsibility to advise or regulate on all aspects of audiovisual policies.
Contact:
Chris Marcich, EFAD President
Sevara Irgacheva, EFAD Secretary General
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