Series Mania Institute Launches ‘Serial Bridges Baltics’ to Elevate Regional Storytelling
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The Series Mania Institute is bolstering the Baltic region’s television industry with the launch of “Serial Bridges Baltics,†a new workshop designed to foster collaboration and connect Baltic screenwriters and producers with the European market. The inaugural session, scheduled for November 13-17 at Tallinn’s TV Beat forum, aims to amplify the growing recognition of Baltic series despite budgetary constraints.
Bridging the Gap for Baltic Series
The workshop will bring together six writer/producer duos from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, representing some of the region’s most promising talent. Participants include Estonia’s raoul Suvi,writer of the upcoming Berlinale Series Market 2025 title “My Dear Mother†and the critically acclaimed “Traitor†; Latvia’s Juris Kursietis,a writer and director known for “Soviet Jeans,†“The Exhalted,†and “Oleg†; and Lithuania’s Gabija SiurbytÄ-,an actor,writer,and producer behind “Troll Farm.â€
“We are delighted to be organising such a workshop in Estonia for all Baltic talent,†stated a senior official at the Series Mania Institute, who also oversees other international workshops under the ‘Serial Bridges’ banner. “Despite tighter budgets than in Western Europe, Baltic series are increasingly recognized and appreciated by the international market, as exemplified by “Soviet Jeans†from Latvia, which was presented at Series Mania in 2024. this is a dynamic that we want to support.â€
A Collaborative Ecosystem
The initiative is a partnership between the Series Mania Institute, the Institute Français, and Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event. According to a co-head of TV Beat Forum, “Building this bridge between TV Beats and Series Mania Institute was a fast but smooth and exciting process.†He further expressed confidence that the workshop’s format — combining expert mentorship with a final pitch to industry professionals — will cultivate new skills and unlock opportunities for future co-productions.
Mentorship will be provided by a team of experienced industry professionals, including Hungarian writer/producer Gabor Krigler, a former HBO Europe creative executive, and Finnish writer Jemina Jokisalo (“Money Shot†). Additional expertise will come from Emmanuelle Guilbart,co-CEO of About Premium Content,Emmanuel Eckert,former deputy director of acquisitions at Mediawan rights,and French-Swedish producer Patrick Nebout (“Whiskey on the Rocks†).
Diverse Projects Reflect Regional Creativity
Speaking about the submitted projects, a representative from the Series Mania Institute noted they were “pleasantly surprised by the diversity of the projects submitted, particularly in terms of series genres.†While thrillers and dramas addressing the current geopolitical landscape are well-represented, the selection also includes comedies, fantasy stories, and horror projects.
“Several submissions showed a certain ingenuity in seeking to connect local stories with the international market by targeting the right partners,†the representative added.“This aligns perfectly with the spirit of Serial Bridges: building bridges while respecting local DNA, overcoming funding limitations through European partnerships, and striving for worldwide appeal while remaining true to cultural specificities.â€
The culmination of the workshop will be a pitch event on November 17, where the Baltic teams will present their projects to a professional jury. The winning series will secure a coveted entry to Series Mania Forum 2026.
Projects in Advancement: A Glimpse into the Baltic Landscape
“Serial Bridges Baltics†is supported by the Estonian Ministry of Culture, the estonian Film Institute, Elisa Eesti in Estonia, and Latvian pubcaster LRT. Here’s a closer look at some of the projects selected for the workshop:
- “Aurora Newsroom†(“Aurora.Redakcija,†6×52’, Latvia, Estonia, Finland): A contemporary spy thriller from “Soviet Jeans†co-helmer Juris Kursietis, following journalist Guna Vilka (“Lynx†) as she investigates an explosion at a Latvian wind farm.
- “Codename: Lighthouse†(“Salasõna: Majakas,†6×42’, Estonia): From the creators of the hit series “Traitor,†this project centers around a nuclear device briefcase and the secrets surrounding the fall of the Soviet Union.
- “Midnight Stories†(“ŠiurpnakÄ io istorijos,†8×25’, Lithuania): Created by Gabija SiurbytÄ- and Ernestas Jankauskas, this young adult thriller blends psychological horror with Lithuanian folklore.
- “shadows of the Swamp†(6×52’, Latvia): A crime and supernatural drama from the Abele brothers, exploring a series of disappearances in a misty Baltic village and uncovering a dark WWII atrocity.
- “The Outskirts†(“Nomale,†8×50’, Latvia): A thriller inspired by series like “Squid Game†and “Lost,†exploring themes of survival and morality in a remote woodland hotel.
- “Therapies†(“Terapijos,†7×30’, Lithuania): A drama about a sharp-tongued professor navigating a cancer ward and forging unexpected connections with fellow patients.
These projects demonstrate the breadth of creative talent emerging from the Baltic region and the potential for compelling, internationally resonant storytelling. The “Serial Bridges Baltics†workshop represents a meaningful step towards unlocking that potential and establishing the Baltics as a key player in the global television landscape.
