Xavier Rambert from Nota presented an conference titled A Glance at Local Hits with an International Potential on the first day of Series Mania in Lille.
As the scripted landscape continues to shift in response to economic, cultural, and industrial changes, the trends defining 2024 paint a picture of a market simultaneously cautious and creatively bold.
In particular, he noted an increase of female empowerment in stories, like in Queen of F*ing Everything (Finland) exemplify the global rise of female-driven narratives, often placing women in roles traditionally dominated by men. These stories frequently unfold in harsh, morally complex environments, reflecting both contemporary and historical struggles for gender equality.
An other topic is the importance of period drama as a mirror to better understand the present, one of this example is M-The Son of the Century broadcast by Sky Italy in 2025, or Whiskey on the Rocks, as historical fiction is gaining traction. These stories offer viewers both social commentary and escapism - Rambert confirmed.
Finally, the rich and the business world is a good narrative driver of series like Los Casablanca”(Chile): A tale of family revenge and unexpected love set against a backdrop of vineyards and power. While The Colour of Love (Portugal/Angola/Brazil) in which romance and secrets are the ingredients. A new entry comes from Africa with Love, Law, and Betrayal” (South Africa), a series in which a woman fights for justice in elite legal circles.
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In conclusion, as European producers navigate a consolidated yet creatively vibrant landscape, here are key takeaways: lean into crime and drama for safety and stability. Tap into IP, especially literary IP, to reduce risk and appeal to international buyers. Introduce comedic tones, even in unexpected genres, to increase relatability. Focus on female-led stories, particularly in settings where women break traditional boundaries.