In times of challenges and fragmentation globally, we need stories built on shared beliefs, values and dreams. We need stories with relevance and resonance that speak across the echo chambers dividing us. We need stories that can unite us across generations and countries in Europe, and hopefully make changes for the better.
​In times of challenges and fragmentation globally, we need stories built on shared beliefs, values and dreams. We need stories with relevance and resonance that speak across the echo chambers dividing us. We need stories that can unite us across generations and countries in Europe, and hopefully make changes for the better.
EWC’s current pilot session, Bridging Generations/connecting audiences is designed to address this challenge.
In Bridging Generations/connecting audiences, we will encourage cross-generational storytelling. Teams of experienced writers – young and old – can apply together to co-create original TV series, bringing fresh perspectives through innovative storytelling.
The primary goal is the co-creation of a TV series. The secondary goal is to explore the potential of adapting each project to other formats, such as games, web series, podcasts, feature films, social media and other audiovisual narrative formats.
The selected teams of writers will participate in three immersive camps across Europe, where they will develop, test and try out their projects, turning them into concepts ready to be commissioned for further development.
Program
6 to 8 teams from different countries, each with their own concepts for a TV series (early stage of story development), will be selected to participate in three immersive camps across Europe (France, Sweden and Spain), where they will develop, test and try out their projects, turning them into concepts ready to be commissioned for further development in collaboration with broadcasters, sales agents, audience experts, audience panels and producers attached to the projects. Additionally, format consultants will work with each team to explore the potential of adapting their story into another format, such as a game, web series, podcast, feature film, social media or another audiovisual narrative format.
All our participants (teams of writers, broadcasters, sales and producers) will follow a collective process specially designed for Bridging Generations/connecting audiences together with our operators Le Groupe Ouest, Leading Creative Talent and our Special Advisory Board.
The camps are primarily focused on practice and learning by doing. Each team will be assigned a tutor with experience in writing TV series. The teams will explore their stories from different angles and perspectives through a mix of creative exercises based on pre-writing methodology and classic workshop sessions with feedback from the other participants, format consultants, audience panels, etc.
Our Goal
The primary goal is to develop the selected TV series concepts Into impactful, important and engaging TV series with the potential of crossing borders and generations in Europe, and to get them ready to be commissioned for further development.
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The secondary goal is to explore the TV series IP for adaptation into other audiovisual narrative formats.
Camp no. 1
07 - 11 April
Brignogan / France
Team Building, Concept Testing and deciding on theme.
Explorational camp focusing on team building and testing the selected concepts with co-creating and pre-writing tools. .
Camp no. 2
9 - 13 June
Malmö / Sweden
Concept development.
A workshop camp focusing on further development of concept. Audience perception of themes. Introduction to additional formats with format consultants.
Camp no. 3
22 - 26 September
Spain (City TBC)
Proof of Concept.
Last project development push, integrating live audience feedback and exploration of selected additional format for each project.
The teams are expected to develop their projects further with deliveries prior to the forthcoming camp.
Writers will attend to all camps.
Broadcasters, sales, and producers of the projects will be included in the second and third camp (TBA)
The teams and eligibility criteria
We will select 6 to 8 teams from different countries. All applicants must be EU citizens. Each team must include one younger writer (aged 38 and under) and one older writer (aged 39 and above) with an age gap of at least 10 years.
Younger writers must meet at least one of the following criteria:
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Be the creator or showrunner of a TV series.
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Be the creator or writer of a game, web series, short film, podcast or any other audiovisual narrative format.
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Have written at least one episode of a TV series.
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Have written a theatre play that was performed to the public.
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Have a writer’s credit on a feature film.
Older writers must meet at least one of the following criteria:
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Be the creator or showrunner of a TV series.
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Be the head writer of a TV series.
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Have written at least two episodes (minimum of 25 minutes each) of a show that aired in at least two countries, including the country of origin.
Teams must submit a concept in the early stage of story development (not yet at treatment or script stage). The teams must be open to making changes to the story as part of the development process. Teams must have resolved all legal copyright issues before applying. When applying, teams do not need a producer attached but can include a one at a later stage during the session.
Remuneration
The teams selected will receive remuneration of €3000 for each writer. The writers must cover their own travel expenses to and from the camps. Accommodation and subsistence will be covered by EWC for all three camps.
Selection criteria
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Emphasis on the age gap between the younger and older writers.
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Evaluation of the team's experience.
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Consideration of cultural, national and gender diversity within the team.
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Recommendations and/or involvement from broadcasters and/or producers.
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Consideration of the cross-generational potential of the project.
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Evaluation of the cross-border potential of the project.
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Assessment of the potential impact of the concept.
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Overall quality of the project.
Once the call closes, the selection process will begin in January and continue throughout February. The selection committee will consist of EWC, Bridging Generations’ Special Advisory Board, EWC General Advisory Board and Le Groupe Ouest. The shortlisted teams will be interviewed online. A final selection of 6 to 8 teams will be made and we will announce these teams at Series Mania in March 2025.
The Call
The call is open from October 16th 2024, to December 31st, 2024.
What to include in the application?
When applying, the following documentation will be requested: Name, email address, phone number and: 1. short bio for each of the writers on the team applying. 2. Filmography with links to prove credits. 3. Recommendation letters from a broadcaster and/or producer (if available). 4. Concept - Summarise your concept in up to 3000 characters. - Motivate the concept summary in up to 1500 characters by addressing: - Why this genre, universe, characters? - What is the status of the concept? - What is the cross-generation and cross-border potential of the story? - What is the potential impact of the story? 5. Motivation video: Teams should make a joint motivation video, including: - How did your team meet? - Who are you individually? Please provide information about your background, explain why you are applying for the BG programme, and state your expectations and goals. (maximum 2-minute video).
Our special advisory board
For the purpose of giving input to the design and planning of Bridging Generations/connecting audiences, we have created a Special Advisory Board. With each their field of expertise spanning from public broadcasting, streaming, gaming, social media, AI, and beyond, they bring fresh, exciting perspectives. Their diverse expertise and backgrounds provide valuable insights and suggestions, guiding our design for the Bridging Generations program, which promotes intergenerational collaboration and innovation.