The New8, a powerful alliance of eight major European broadcasting corporations, has successfully extended its collaborative agreement for an additional three-year period. This renewal underscores the initiative's proven track record in fostering European co-productions and amplifying regional talent on a global stage. Launched in late 2023, the New8 has already been instrumental in the creation and distribution of 24 original series, demonstrating a robust model for cross-border media endeavors. Leaders from the participating broadcasters emphasize a shared commitment to nurturing what they term “European potential” in content, driven by a desire to craft stories with broad appeal and cultural significance while also navigating the evolving financial landscape of the industry.
This renewed commitment highlights the consortium's ambition to deepen its strategic and production-level connections, especially pertinent as the global streaming market undergoes significant shifts. By pooling resources and expertise, the New8 aims to empower European creatives, offering them enhanced opportunities for development and international exposure, ultimately enriching the global content ecosystem with diverse and compelling narratives.
Expanding European Co-Production Horizons
The New8, a joint venture among eight prominent European broadcasters, has officially prolonged its collaboration for an additional three years. This decision, announced at the Göteborg Film Festival's TV Drama Vision, reflects the notable achievements of the partnership since its inception. This alliance has already facilitated the development, production, and release of 24 original series, showcasing a thriving model for European co-production. The participating broadcasters, including SVT (Sweden), DR (Denmark), YLE (Finland), RÚV (Iceland), NRK (Norway), VRT (Flanders/Belgium), NPO (The Netherlands), and ZDF (Germany), collectively represent a substantial market of 142 million potential viewers, more than double the size of France. This extensive reach provides a fertile ground for cultivating and distributing diverse content.
Elly Vervloet, international drama expert at VRT and chair of New8, underlined the crucial role of this collaboration, particularly noting that the full impact of their initial three-year efforts is only now becoming apparent due to the inherent timelines of series development and production. Each year, the New8 initiative has greenlit eight original series, accumulating a rich catalog of 24 titles to date. This long-term commitment allows for the meticulous crafting of narratives and the comprehensive support required for high-quality productions. The alliance serves as a critical platform for European talent, offering them unparalleled opportunities to access broader markets and engage with diverse audiences, thereby strengthening the continent's position in the global entertainment industry.
Nurturing European Talent and Overcoming Industry Challenges
Jasmin Maeda, SVP of international fiction, co-production and acquisition at ZDF, emphasized the group's aspiration to elevate New8 to new levels of cooperation, aiming for even closer collaboration to introduce European talents to international markets. This forward-looking approach addresses the increasing complexities and financial pressures faced by the industry, making such collaborative opportunities more vital than ever. Hans-Jørgen Osnes, NRK Head of International Financing and a key figure in the partnership's formation, commended the seamless communication among the heads of drama from all eight broadcasters. He noted that this trust-based relationship fosters an environment where creative development can flourish without the constant burden of securing funding, allowing more focus on the artistic process.
The New8’s focus on “European potential” guides its content selection, seeking series that resonate with a broad audience, specifically targeting viewers aged 18-45, while also maintaining cultural relevance and offering bold, engaging storytelling. To ensure creative harmony and streamline the production process, the alliance has established a system where a local commissioner acts as the sole point of contact for each production, mitigating the challenges of managing feedback from eight different sources. Furthermore, the New8 has refined its process by introducing an additional round of content meetings. This adjustment allows participating members to engage in more in-depth discussions about projects, fostering mutual learning and providing invaluable feedback from experienced drama executives, distinguishing their approach from the initial three-year term and promising even more impactful results.
