Markets

The fifth edition of COMING NEXT from FRANCE, organized by TV France International and Series Mania, will take place in Lille on Tuesday, March 26, at 3pm as part of the Series Mania Forum.
Five series, all brand new but already available for export, will be presented in the Eurotop Auditorium of the Lille Grand Palais in this showcase session for international buyers of upcoming French fiction series.
In the two years since its inception, Lille’s prestigious Series Mania festival has become an industry reference. It is now the perfect opportunity for distribution and production companies to raise the profile of ambitious and innovative projects on the international market.
The five series presented:
• Algiers Confidential by About Premium Content (APC)
• Voltaire in Love by Siècle Productions
• Derby Girl by France tv distribution
• Stalk by France tv distribution
• Stratum by Futurikon
“If there is one word that best describes this year’s selection for COMING NEXT from FRANCE, it is varied – and it’s wonderful to be able to say that,” says Sarah Hemar, Executive Director of TV France International.
“The selection is varied in terms of subject matter, encompassing costume drama and feminist sports comedy as well as a series that examines the paranoia inherent in our connected world, spy drama, and science fiction mystery. It’s also varied in terms of the profiles of the companies behind the projects. Two companies that originally specialized in animation (Watch Next Media and Futurikon) are venturing into live action with their first project, joining as they do Siècle Productions, Noon Kabo Productions and Silex Films. There is also variety in terms of French broadcasters with the 100% digital France.tv Slash channel presenting alongside traditional players like France Television and Arte,” she adds.
“Creativity and energy are two other words that define French fiction these days. Over the last ten years, that dynamic has resulted in an increase in interest from international buyers and recognition at festivals. This is demonstrated once again in Lille this year, where There Were Ten is in competition. It was presented at COMING NEXT last year by Federation Entertainment and Escazal. Derby Girl is also showing in one of the festival’s Comedy Nights.”