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Going European 2025: Co-Production Training & Pitching Opportunity for Writers – Now Open for Entries
A one-year professional development programme for series creators from the former Yugoslavia, culminating in a project pitch at CineLink Drama during CineLink Industry Days
Going European offers an exceptional chance for writers to enhance their skills and develop their projects for an international audience. In partnership with CNC (Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée, France), Series Mania (France), Conecta Fiction Entertainment (Spain), and CineLink Industry Days – Sarajevo Film Festival (Bosnia and Herzegovina), with the support of Creative Europe MEDIA, this programme provides a unique co-production training experience tailored for writers.
The programme is designed to strengthen artistic collaborations between writers and directors, fostering international co-productions of live-action TV series. Over the course of this intensive one-year programme, five selected teams will gain in-depth knowledge of the legal, regulatory, contractual, editorial, and industrial aspects of co-producing international series. Through best practice sharing, networking with peers and industry experts, and focused skill-building, participants will develop their abilities in co-writing, co-development, and co-production.
The CNC will select three teams, while Conecta Fiction Entertainment and Sarajevo Film Festival will each select one team based on similar criteria. CineLink Industry Days is specifically seeking a team from the former Yugoslavia region (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia) to stimulate international co-production prospects for emerging series creators. The team must be constituted by two representatives with two different nationalities and that can demonstrate previous writing / directing experience or training.
Programme Benefits
The team selected for Going European will have the opportunity to showcase their project in a special wildcard slot at the prestigious CineLink Drama Pitch during CineLink Industry Days in Sarajevo in August 2025. This platform allows participants to present their projects to a broad network of industry professionals, gaining invaluable exposure and insights for further development.
Programme Focus and Requirements
Going European emphasizes personal skill development, offering participants a robust understanding of co-production challenges, co-creation processes, and industry standards. While project development will be supported indirectly through skills growth, the programme’s primary focus is on enhancing the personal expertise of each participant.
Applicants must submit a series concept (including a synopsis, treatment, and motivation letter) and should be in the early development stages. No production company attachment is required, and the selected team will be chosen by the CineLink Industry Days selection committee.
Application deadline: January 6, 2025.
Training Components
The programme includes:
• Co-creation challenges (writing, directing, artistic direction)
• Co-production challenges (rights, financing, distribution, promotion)
• Regulatory/legal/contractual considerations
The training also includes a think tank component to share best practices across the European industry.
Programme Schedule
• Series Mania: March 21-28, 2025, Lille, France
• Conecta Fiction & Entertainment: June 18-21, 2025, Toledo, Spain
• CineLink Industry Days: August 2025, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Eligibility Criteria
Each applicant must meet at least one of the following criteria:
• Recent work in fiction, animation, or documentary film or television.
• Past audiovisual projects with development agreements.
• Notable achievements in theater or published literary work.
• Relevant degree or training in audiovisual writing or directing.
For additional details and to apply, click [HERE].
Going European: A Co-Production Training for Writers is organized in partnership with CNC and supported by the Creative Europe MEDIA program.
* This label does not prejudge the status of Kosovo and is in accordance with Resolution 1244 and the opinion of the ICJ on Kosovo's declaration of independence