ProSiebenSat.1 Searches for Co-Pro Partners

Last month, ProSiebenSat.1 TV Deutschland put out an open call to the international TV market for proposals regarding the development of international scripted series co-productions. It’s the first time that a German commercial broadcaster has engaged in an initiative like this, coming as part of an effort to “explore the market in a much wider scope,” says Koby Gal-Raday, the senior VP of international co-production at ProSiebenSat.1.

“This new initiative allows us to support the early and fragile development stage and to be in direct dialogue with production companies and writers from around the world,” he adds.<img alt=”” src=”data:

Writers, showrunners and production companies are invited to present early-stage concepts for series, with ProSiebenSat.1 particularly interested in episodic, returning, one-hour series with 13 episodes per season. “We are focusing on traditional genres such as crime and medical, but also romantic comedies,” says Gal-Raday, adding, “any fresh concepts that allow close-ended weekly stories will be considered. We also welcome concepts for serialized ‘must-see TV’ miniseries or series six to ten hours long. While the procedurals do not need to have a German element, the serialized shows need to present a significant and clear German angle in terms of story lines, characters, etc.”

In general, ProSiebenSat.1 is looking for “fresh and compelling series with cinematic appeal,” Gal-Raday says. The submissions should also present strong potential for the international market and be “entertaining and accessible” for broad audiences. “The projects should transcend national traits and boundaries and appeal to international audiences through exciting settings, fascinating characters, riveting story lines and universal themes,” he adds.

ProSiebenSat.1 will choose up to 15 projects that will then enter a development process. The broadcaster’s international co-production department will provide editorial input and also support the efforts to find the right international partners to finance the program.

“We are enhancing [our focus on] international co-production as a crucial part of our stations’ prime-time schedules,” says Gal-Raday. “Besides our excellent and strong local productions of German TV movies and series, as well as highly successful acquisitions of series and films, we are trying to broaden the possibilities to find and create the most interesting TV programming for our audiences.”

Gal-Raday adds that the new co-pro initiative is part of ProSiebenSat.1’s aim of becoming “a leading force in creating new, high-quality original programming for our German audience and, at the same time, for audiences around the world. We hope to give a home to new and leading creative individuals and production companies with the ambition to reach an international audience.”

The call for proposals runs through August 3.