Tallinn, Estonia – November 15, 2023: The TV Beats Forum marked its second day with the much-anticipated revelation of the winners of the TV Beats Co-Financing Market, now in its third year.
Among the compelling entries, the Estonian drama series project, “Behind the Iron Curtain,” emerged as the standout, clinching the top honor of a 3000 euro cash prize sponsored by Elisa. The jury praised the series for its captivating portrayal of a local setting amidst an international song contest, offering profound insights into the challenges of personal freedom in an era marked by societal constraints. The series was hailed not only for its potential to captivate audiences worldwide but also for its prospects as a natural co-production beyond the screen.
In a special acknowledgment, the Ukrainian project “The Pride is Not Available in Your Region” received commendation from the jury. Recognizing the series as a reflection of contemporary turmoil and resilience, the jury highlighted its themes of survival, hope, diversity, and unity. The emphasis on accepting oneself and others resonated deeply with the panel, prompting their decision to endorse the project for its artistic representation of societal struggles amid a backdrop of conflicts, violence, and discrimination.
The competition witnessed a total of eight projects vying for collaborative partnerships, evaluated by an esteemed international jury comprising individuals such as Anna Rohde, Content Editor at Beta Film Group; Emmanuel Eckert, Deputy Acquisitions Director at Mediawan; and Isabelle Hulten, an Executive Producer known for successful projects like “Billy the Kid,” “The Swarm,” “Who Shot Otto Mueller,” and “Rebus.”
Adding further accolades, the Lithuanian project “Cold” secured the No Problemo Music award. Recognizing the series’ potential to incorporate diverse music elements to enrich its emotional depth, Agnieszka Sękowska, general manager of No Problemo Music, commended the team behind “Cold.” This award grants the production access to the Audio Network library for tracks in its production and promotional materials, without constraints on time, territory, or usage. No Problemo Music serves as the Polish sub-publisher representing Audio Network across Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Belarus, and Ukraine.
Moreover, the Seriencamp Conference award was bestowed upon the Slovakian project “Frontwards,” offering an exclusive invitation to join the Seriencamp Story Exchange. The jury was impressed by the uniqueness of the series’ plot and setting, emphasizing its potential for a compelling co-production. The project’s blend of genres, including crime, mystery, and psychological drama, along with its nuanced character development, solidified its position as an innovative addition to the realm of series.
The Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, occurring from November 13 to 17, serves as a comprehensive five-day summit for film and audiovisual industry professionals, coinciding with the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. The 2023 edition promises a series of events addressing the most pressing issues and trends in the sector, underscoring its significance as a pivotal gathering for industry experts and enthusiasts alike.
