Darius Jabloński, Kadri Kousaar and Rodrigo Susarte Make the Cut at Tallinn TV Beats Co-Financing Market (EXCLUSIVE)

The TV Beats Co-Financing Market in Tallinn has revealed its competitive roster of ten television series vying for the €50,000 Council of Europe Series Co-Production Development Award this November. The event, part of the larger Industry Tallinn & Baltic Event during the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, represents a significant opportunity for producers across Europe and Canada to secure funding and co-production partnerships amid tightening development budgets.

This year’s selection stands out for its geographical diversity and thematic depth, featuring projects from Belgium, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania, Poland, Spain, and Canada. According to industry insiders from TV Beats, this marks an unprecedented gathering of established creators and production companies, underscoring the event's growing influence as a nexus for bridging the Baltics, Central Eastern Europe, and Nordic countries.

Among the highlighted entries is the Polish spy thriller “Fortel,” developed by renowned filmmaker Dariusz Jabłoński. Set in the border town of Rzeszów near Ukraine, the series explores contemporary espionage and arms dealings through the perspective of a CIA officer entangled in a complex mission involving Russian saboteurs. Jabłoński’s engagement lends the project a timely resonance, reflecting current geopolitical tensions.

Estonian contributions include “Stormbird,” a historical thriller helmed by acclaimed director Kadri Kousaar. The narrative centers on an 18-year-old fugitive navigating survival and resistance within Soviet-occupied Estonia in 1949, providing a rare dramatization of this era through a personal and female lens. Another Estonian project, “Breaking the Ice,” delves into the world of youth sports, depicting the emotional and physical pressures endured by young athletes against the backdrop of national tensions.

The market also features “Intimacy on Prescription,” a Czech tragicomedy set in the 1970s that examines the pioneering work of a couples sex therapist. This series uses its psychiatric clinic setting to confront societal taboos around desire, shame, and communication, drawing from authentic historical sources.

Irish and Canadian co-production “Tanner” offers a unique take on intelligence services operating amidst corporate and governmental complexities, following a former Irish intelligence officer investigating a missing teenager and unraveling widespread conspiracies. This project emphasizes the intersection of democracy, sovereignty, and corporate influence within a modern European context.

Belgium’s “The Inheritance” presents a psychological thriller rooted in the tension between animal welfare and hunting communities. Set in Limburg’s Hoge Kempen national park, the drama explores familial conflict sparked by an unexpected inheritance, highlighting regional and ethical issues.

Icelandic-Finnish-Estonian collaboration “Kalmann” adapts a crime novel series about an unconventional sheriff solving murders with distinctive instincts, blending Nordic noir traditions with warmth and humor. Production is anticipated to begin in 2027.

Lithuania’s “Happy New Year!” confronts darker themes of youth culture and justice through the story of a young woman seeking retribution after a spike-drinking incident at a secluded New Year’s party. This drama is noted for its raw, authentic portrayal of contemporary social challenges.

Spanish series “When Devils Rule” infuses political thriller elements with supernatural motifs, depicting a fractured society grappling with extremism and hidden demonic influences at the highest levels of power.

Adding a fresh spin to the spy genre, Finland’s “The Woman Who Roared” combines thriller, humor, and emotional depth. It follows a recently widowed woman who uncovers a secret international spy network operating out of Helsinki Zoo, tied to nuclear weapons hidden by her late husband.

The selection evidences a strong thematic focus on espionage, historical oppression, and societal conflicts, resonating with the current geopolitical climate affecting the Baltic and Central European regions. The TV Beats Market’s role in enabling independent producers to access financing and international partners is particularly critical as public funding and commission budgets contract.

Beyond the main competition slate, additional series seeking financing and distribution will be showcased in the “TV Beats Screenings” and “TV Beats Coming Soon” programs, details of which are forthcoming. The event’s organizers emphasize the importance of nurturing projects in early development stages, reflecting the evolving landscape of European television production.

Overall, the 2023 TV Beats Co-Financing Market promises to be a pivotal platform for innovative storytelling across genres and borders, spotlighting narratives that engage with contemporary issues, historical reflection, and complex human experiences.