From Idea to Pilot: Creating a Series That Can Actually Be Made - Part 1

This two-part workshop guides participants through the development of a series from concept to pilot, with a focus on clarity, production awareness, and sales potential. We will define what makes a strong protagonist, build a compelling series engine, and shape a pilot that naturally generates a story extending beyond episode one. The workshop combines narrative tools (conflict, stakes, character wound) with practical constraints (budgeting resources, contained worlds, shootable scenes). Participants will leave with a focused synopsis, a pilot outline, a clear teaser direction, and a concrete strategy for how and where their project can live. Internationally successful series creators will guide you through this two-day intensive workshop and support you in bringing your own project to life. The workshop is hosted by the international series festival die Seriale in cooperation with the Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (Department Media/Motion Pictures). The workshop tutors are Florencia Sokol and Sofía Szelske, both screenwriters and award-winning creators.

Registration closed.

Reception and Networking

Reception and Networking

Welcome

Official welcome by Csongor Dobrotka – die Seriale Festival Director.

Between Touchdowns and the Apocalypse: New Series Formats from Hesse

This panel brings together three strikingly different projects that explore the human condition across diverse genres. In the documentary "Women Taking the Field," we follow the players of Giessen's female American football team as they challenge male-dominated structures and transform a sports team into a chosen family. The search for belonging continues on a more personal scale in the documentary pilot "ANTIOCH – On the Trails of History," where filmmaker Lucas Yalaza travels from Wiesbaden to his ancestral home to rediscover a heritage hidden beneath ancient ruins. Finally, the animated series "Task Force Querlitz" takes these themes of resilience into the realm of the absurd, following an overworked team of social workers trying to maintain order in a city where meteorites turn children into musical instruments and dogs into bureaucrats. Join the creators of these Hessian-based productions as they discuss the journey from pilot to series, the power of visual storytelling, and how – whether through documentary or animation – we can transform complex ideas into meaningful narratives.

Fostering a Community for Structural Improvement

What opportunities emerge when a film scene does not wait for change, but takes it into its own hands? In recent years, this is exactly what has happened in Hesse: through close collaboration between institutions, creatives, and political stakeholders, new structures have developed whose impact extends far beyond the region. This panel explores how these developments became possible, what new impulses are currently emerging, and what is needed to sustain structural progress in the long term. Bringing together perspectives from funding bodies, advocacy groups, and industry practice, the discussion offers concrete insights and develops shared approaches for a future-oriented, interconnected series landscape.

Bridges to Hessen: International Perspectives on Series Creation

What happens when the greatest distance you travel is the one within yourself? Join us for an intimate look at two compelling Argentinian series that explore the bittersweet reality of leaving home. In "NOBODY," we follow Sandra as she travels from Argentina to Giessen, Germany, only to discover that the silence she tried to outrun followed her across the ocean. It's a haunting exploration of isolation and the uncomfortable truth that we cannot escape ourselves. In contrast, "The Day Before Leaving" captures the frantic, final 24 hours of Teo's life in Buenos Aires. What should be a structured farewell turns into a chaotic and unexpected encounter involving a roommate, a rabbit, and the realization that saying goodbye is never as simple as packing a suitcase.

Open Air Screening – Block 1

Open Air Screening of series and pilots from the current Official Selection. All screenings in original language with English subtitles.

Location: Lottehof, Lottestrasse 8–10, 35578 Wetzlar

free entry

Open Air Screening – Block 2

Open Air Screening of series and pilots from the current Official Selection. All screenings in original language with English subtitles.

Location: Lottehof, Lottestrasse 8–10, 35578 Wetzlar

free entry

Entry & Festival Pass Pick Up

Opening

Dr. Janina Rojek – Managing Director of the "Hessen Film and Media Academy (hFMA)," Amarú Frida and Daria Solovieva – who will moderate the Educational program, and Csongor Dobrotka – die Seriale Festival Director, will open this year's Educational.

Festivals Worldwide – A Circuit to Display and Celebrate Series

How do series travel to festivals worldwide, and what role do these platforms play in connecting creators, audiences, and industry players? This panel looks at the international festival circuit as a space for exchange, visibility, and facilitation. Dipu Bhattacharya, the head of the Web Series World Cup section within the Digital Media World Cup, speaks with several festival directors. Together, they will discuss how they select and present series, what distinguishes or unites their regional scenes, and how festivals are evolving in response to new formats and audiences.

The Heart's Compass: Navigating Connection, Desire, and the Digital Abyss

What defines us in an era where traditional roles are crumbling and the digital world is ever-expanding? This panel brings together a diverse group of creators to explore the complex layers of human connection, from the intimate spaces of the heart to the haunting pull of the screen. We dive into the "deconstruction of love" through sharp comedies like "Lara" and "The Sun is for Everyone," where characters grapple with shifting dynamics and label-free relationships. We witness the power of friendship and female perspective in "I have something to share with you," and the awkward, fleeting sparks of modern dating in the series "Venus Under Threat." The conversation takes a darker turn with "Mukbang," a portrait of our digital obsessions, and escapes into the epic realm of "Ren: The Girl with the Mark," where the search for one's old life becomes a battle for survival. Join the creators of these six distinct productions as they discuss the journey from concept to screen, the challenge of reflecting a generational mirror, and how – whether through laughter, magic, or the digital abyss – storytelling helps us find our own way forward.

Indonesia Unfolding – A New Wave of Serial Storytelling

For the first time, our festival presents Indonesian series in Germany. This panel explores the emerging landscape of Indonesian serial storytelling, from independent creators to local industry developments. The discussion also highlights the role of institutions like the Goethe-Institut in supporting creative work. With contributions from series creators of our Official Selection, the panel offers insights into the creative and cultural practices shaping Indonesia's series scene today.

Thinking Ahead: Spotting & Setting Trends

What does it actually mean to think ahead in a fast-changing media landscape? This panel looks at how creatives can move beyond and above reacting to trends and instead anticipate, shape, and embed them. It is not only about anticipating the future, but actively creating it through storytelling. The discussion explores different approaches to identifying emerging formats and audience behaviors, from vertical series to innovation research. It also addresses the growing role of AI as both a creative tool and a driver of change. Bringing together different perspectives, the panel asks how ideas can be embedded in trends.

Building effective content strategies across the different Social Media Platforms

A practical conversation on how to design and implement a content strategy that truly fits each platform. We will explore how to identify the right channels, adapt messaging for different audiences, and show how to create content that performs. During this workshop, we will highlight current trends, best practices, and actionable steps to elevate your digital presence.

by registration (free entry)

Film & Media Meetup LIVE

Once again, Seriale hosts the Film & Media Meetup to bring together creators from Hesse and around the world. Directly following the Educational programme, the event offers a relaxed setting for exchange, networking, and insights into current industry developments. In an informal atmosphere, participants can connect over a drink, discuss projects, and build meaningful relationships. A highlight of the meetup is the opportunity to take part in Speed Meetings designed to facilitate quick and efficient networking. Whether at the beginning of a career in the film and media industry or in the context of developing new projects, the meetup provides access to relevant contacts, ideas, and opportunities.

The Film & Media Meetup is organized by Film- und Kinobüro Hessen, Filmhaus Frankfurt, hFMA, Junge Generation Hessischer Film, and Queer Media Society Hessen. It is held in cooperation with "Ich will zum Film" by Crew United, Kuratorium junger deutscher Film, Pensionskasse Rundfunk, ZAV - Künstler[*innen]vermittlung, and MBF - the Rental. The project is funded by Hessen Film & Medien GmbH.

Speed Meetings

Opening & Screening Block 3

Screening Block 4

Screening Block 5

Networking Night

Opening

Official Welcome by festival director Csongor Dobrotka, and the Seriale Pro host Celina Schmitt.

Artistic Ambition vs. Market Demands: Marketing Strategies for Independent Series

This panel focuses on the specific challenges and strategies involved in marketing independent series as cultural and artistic works. It addresses how visibility can be created in a highly competitive media landscape, the role of social media and target audience engagement play, and how creators can position their projects between artistic ambition and market demands. Bringing together experts from marketing, social media, content creation, the festival circuit, and distribution, the panel opens up a dialogue on current practices and future perspectives for promoting independent serial content.

Networking Break

Co-Production Essentials: Navigating Challenges, Seizing Opportunities

This panel focuses on international co-productions and explores how creative projects can be successfully developed across national borders. The discussion will cover opportunities, challenges, and proven strategies for effective collaboration between producers, funding bodies, and creative professionals.

Networking Break

Inside the K-Content Boom: A Producer's Perspective

While the global explosion of K-culture is well-known, navigating the actual production landscape requires insider knowledge. Speaking from the perspective of a Korean native and active Content Producer in Seoul, this Keynote offers a firsthand look at the current state of the K-content market. It will unpack the realities of digital production, the latest shifts in streaming and media strategy, and what global creators can learn from the mechanics of the Korean creative industry.

Lunch Break

Vertical Visions: Rethinking Film Production for a New Era

The panel focuses on the current rise of vertical series formats and their growing international presence. The discussion centers on marketable creative concepts, production strategies, and the unique opportunities the format offers for socially relevant topics and emerging talent. Together, the experts will discuss how vertical series are expanding the landscape of television series and what potential they hold for innovative, digital, and social formats.

From Idea to Pilot: Creating a Series That Can Actually Be Made - Part 2

This two-part workshop guides participants through the development of a series from concept to pilot, with a focus on clarity, production awareness, and sales potential. We will define what makes a strong protagonist, build a compelling series engine, and shape a pilot that naturally generates a story extending beyond episode one. The workshop combines narrative tools (conflict, stakes, character wound) with practical constraints (budgeting resources, contained worlds, shootable scenes). Participants will leave with a focused synopsis, a pilot outline, a clear teaser direction, and a concrete strategy for how and where their project can live. Internationally successful series creators will guide you through this two-day intensive workshop and support you in bringing your own project to life. The workshop is hosted by the international series festival die Seriale in cooperation with the Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (Department Media/Motion Pictures). The workshop tutors are Florencia Sokol and Sofía Szelske, both screenwriters and award-winning creators.

Registration closed.

Pitch Contest

The Pitch Contest offers 13 international series creators a platform to present their projects to an international expert Jury. The talented creators will have the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas, receiving insightful questions and valuable feedback from the Jury. Join us for a celebration of creativity!

Screening Block 6

Screening Block 7

Networking Night

Business Meetings DIMA – Digital Market

The DIMA Digital Market brings together a diverse range of exhibitors presenting their companies, festivals, projects, and organizations. Through a dedicated booking system, participants can schedule one-on-one meetings, creating targeted opportunities to connect directly with industry professionals. The Business Meetings are designed to foster exchange across the international series landscape and adjacent creative industries. Alongside series creators and producers, participants include professionals from fields such as marketing, sound and music, design, social media, and digital content production, as well as companies and organizations seeking collaborations in storytelling, branded content, or audiovisual communication. The market creates a dynamic interface between creative talent and potential partners, both from Germany and abroad. Meeting slots can be booked via the Seriale website. A limited number of appointments will also be available for spontaneous registration during the festival and on the market day. Interested exhibitors can apply for a market stand by sending an email to pro@die-seriale.de. Participating companies and institutions are welcome to bring presentation materials such as roll-ups, posters, or flyers. Setup is possible from 30 minutes before the event begins.

by registration only

Desa Timun (The Cucumber Village) – Shadow Puppet Workshop

A fun and hands-on workshop where children and families create their own shadow puppets of "Desa Timun" characters. Participants will also learn to tell simple stories using the Aniwayang technique – combining light, shadow, and imagination to bring their creations to life.

Screening Block 8

Screening Block 9

Desa Timun (The Cucumber Village) – Live Shadow Puppet Performance

A heartwarming live performance that brings traditional Indonesian shadow puppetry (wayang kulit) into a playful cartoon world. Follow the adventures of three mischievous mouse-deer siblings – Cila, Cili, and Cilo – as they introduce themselves and share the things they love in their village, Desa Timun. Blending handcrafted puppets, live storytelling, music, and humorous interactive games, this show invites children and families to experience a magical theater of light and shadow. With its cute characters and strong cultural roots, Desa Timun offers a joyful introduction to Indonesia's rich heritage in a way that feels fresh, fun, and deeply engaging.

Red Carpet

The Red Carpet event sets the perfect mood for the 12th Seriale Award Ceremony. We invite you to join us for a festive start to the evening as we raise a glass to this year's achievements. Enjoy the reception as a space to connect with fellow guests and capture the excitement of the night during our photo session. An evening of celebration and shared anticipation awaits – the perfect moment to celebrate our passion for serial storytelling together.

by invitation only

12th Award Ceremony of die Seriale

Following the Red Carpet event, the 12th Seriale Award Ceremony will honor this year's most outstanding series and pilots. A total of 18 awards will be presented to the projects selected by an international jury of experts. Once again, the ceremony will be beautifully accompanied by the musical talents of pianist Lada Nevmyatullina.

by invitation only

Aftershow

Celebration & Networking.

Location: Âu Lac

by invitation only

Location Tour

"Let's fix it in post?" – The Perspective from the Audio Department

"Let's fix it in post?" is a common phrase in film production – especially when it comes to sound. But in reality, many decisions made during production directly impact what is possible in post. In this workshop, Kerthekan Balasubramaniam (Royal Blue Audio), a freelance sound designer, re-recording mixer and sound supervisor, shares insights into the audio post-production workflow and highlights why early collaboration between departments is essential. Using real-world case studies, the session explores common challenges that arise when sound is treated as an afterthought, and how these can be avoided through better communication and planning in pre-production. Topics include the collaboration between location sound and audio post-production, as well as the collaboration between composers and the audio post-production team. The session also covers practical considerations such as microphone choices, handling of diegetic music, and identifying moments for sound and music early in the process. The workshop is designed as an insight-driven session with practical examples and space for discussion.

Screening Block 10