Sep 11, 2019
Berlinale 2020: New Head for Berlinale Series, and “Drama Series Days” Becomes “Berlinale Series Market”

Over the years, episodic content has become a potent and steady part of the Berlinale programme.

In February 2020, Zoo Palast cinema will once again host the Berlinale Series programme, which is open to the public. The successful industry platform taking place at the same location will henceforth be known as “Berlinale Series Market” (previously “Drama Series Days”). The “Berlinale Series Market” and its annual conference programme are organised by the European Film Market, the Berlinale Co-Production Market and Berlinale Talents.

The Berlin International Film Festival has been emphasising series in the official programme since 2015 with Berlinale Series. The programme is curated by Carlo Chatrian, Artistic Director of the Berlinale. He has appointed Julia Fidel as the new head of Berlinale Series.

Julia Fidel has previously worked for the sections Panorama and Generation - including as a member of the selection committee in the latter. In addition to her festival work, she has contributed to numerous film productions, and works as a film choreographer and press agent.

“I am pleased to welcome Julia Fidel as head of Berlinale Series. In recent years, serial narration has given the language of cinema a new push, making a big contribution in shaping how we see ourselves through iconic characters or topics. The Berlinale was the first film festival to embrace this format, and we would like to encourage it and help it grow organically within the rest of the programme, providing a sound platform both for the audience and the EFM," says Carlo Chatrian.

The “Berlinale Series Market” (formerly “Drama Series Days”) is accessible to accredited professionals. It will continue to offer a focused, high-quality programme of conferences and networking spaces to meet the wishes of industry professionals. In addition, another selection of curated market screenings is planned. The “Berlinale Series Market” will take place at the Zoo Palast from February 24 to 26, 2020. Parallel to this, Berlinale Series will present its premiere screenings there.

Katharina Böndel, in charge of the “Berlinale Series Market”, Anna-Katharina Brehm, responsible for the conference programme, and Julia Fidel will work together on all events pertaining to episodic content.

In 2020, the Berlinale Co-Production Market is organising the sixth edition of the “Co-Pro Series” pitching event for producers, commissioning editors, distributors, and other financiers of serial formats. Until October 23, 2019, serial projects that are in development and seeking financing can apply for “Co-Pro Series”.

For more information about Berlinale Series and “Berlinale Series Market” go to:

www.berlinaleseries.com and www.berlinaleseriesmarket.com.

Contacts:

Head of Berlinale Series
Julia Fidel /

Project Management “Berlinale Series Market” (incl. Market Screenings)
Katharina Böndel /

Conference Programme “Berlinale Series Market”
Anna-Katharina Brehm

Head of “Co-Pro Series”
Martina Bleis

The official partner for the 2020 “Berlinale Series Market” at the European Film Market is the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW, and the platform is supported by Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg and UNVERZAGT VON HAVE.

Press Office
September 11, 2019