Fiction Magnet's mentoring programme "FM:stories" enters its second round
Joint venture between ndF neue deutsche Filmgesellschaft and ZDF Studios co-operates again with Seriencamp Conference
Unterföhring and Mainz, April 9th, 2024
After a successful and inspiring year, the mentoring programme of Fiction Magnet, a joint venture of ndF neue deutsche Filmgesellschaft and ZDF Studios, is entering its second round in cooperation with Seriencamp Conference, which takes place from 5 to 7 June 2024 in Cologne, Germany! Up-and-coming writers (young or old) can now apply for mentoring.
We are looking for an idea for a series that will be developed as part of the mentoring programme with the support of experts from production and international distribution. In contrast to other funding programmes, FM:stories is intended to be a partner and mentor beyond this series project, a creative home.
The programme offers insights into the numerous productions of the Fiction Magnet, but also sparring at eye level. In addition, ZDF Studios will provide insights into the international marketing of serial formats and ZDF/Das kleine Fernsehspiel will provide insights into ZDF's talent development programme.
The call for applications is deliberately not only aimed at university graduates, but the prerequisite for an application is that an audience has already been reached with texts - whether poetry slam or theatre play, screenplay or advertising copy.
The mentoring programme also includes participation in a selection of exclusive workshops at the Seriencamp Conference, where the annual networking meeting of previous mentees will also take place.
FM:stories was held for the first time as part of the Seriencamp Conference, Germany's largest industry event for broadcasters, streamers, producers and authors, in 2023. Jessica Hölzl, one of last year's winners, says: "Mentoring not only greatly expanded my network, but above all helped me to sharpen who I am as an author and how I can utilise my individual strengths in the future." And Elena Carina Lorscheid, another participant in the mentoring programme, adds: "ndF was incredibly open and trusting - from day 1 we were allowed to get a taste of everything and our individual strengths and requirements were encouraged. I had a great time and would recommend anyone to apply for the programme!"
All information on the "FM:stories" programme can be found at https://www.ndf.de/news/fmstories/ and information on Seriencamp at www.seriencamp.tv.
Information on the programme:
Who is the programme aimed at? Screenwriters, playwrights, poetry slammers, copywriters, poets - anyone with a passion for great stories!
How much experience do you need to have? A prerequisite for your application is that you have already reached an audience with texts.
What are the benefits of taking part? You will gain insights into our work, become part of our creative network and together we will develop your series project.
What exactly do I submit? Everything we need to know about you and the stories that move you. You describe your series idea (a maximum of three suggestions are possible here) on one page per series.
Do I have to be in a specific genre? No - high-end drama, comedy, even documentary series, all genres are possible. The Fiction Magnet with ndF neue deutsche Filmgesellschaft and ZDF Studios as shareholders covers all genres.
How does it all work? Send us your cover letter, information about yourself and a maximum of three project ideas to seriencamp@ndf.de by 12 May 2024
What happens if you are selected? You will receive a message from us by 27 May 2024 with all further information.
When and where will the SERIENCAMP CONFERENCE take place? From 5 to 7 June 2024 in Cologne.
Will travel costs be covered? We will cover your travel costs to the conference and the mentor meetings as well as the registration for Seriencamp. Individual events may also take place digitally.
About ZDF Studios
ZDF Studios is a commercial subsidiary of ZDF, one of the largest TV broadcasters in Europe. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Mainz, Germany, the ZDF Studios Group operates more than 30 direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates in Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom spanning TV production, distribution and services. The parent company, ZDF Studios, is responsible for global programme distribution, realisation of international co-productions, acquisition of licences and merchandising of successful programme brands under its own name, for ZDF and third parties. ZDF Studios has the largest German-language programme inventory in the world and a constantly growing range of international productions, consisting of series and mini-series, television films, documentaries and children's programmes.
The companies of the ZDF Studios Group cover the entire value chain from the development of scripted and unscripted TV content to production, marketing and monetizing, including TV and streaming licences as well as merchandising and online rights. The positioning of ZDF Studios as an integrated media company enables the development of innovative, outstanding and high-quality programmes and makes the Group an attractive workplace for German and international talent to flourish in a very inspiring and creative environment.
Contact ZDF Studios
Christine Denilauler (VP Marketing and Corporate Communications), ZDF Studios GmbH, Erich-Dombrowski-Str. 1, 55127 Mainz/Germany, Tel.: +49 6131-9911130, email: christine.denilauler@zdf-studios.com, www.zdf-studios.com