MEDIA @ Seriencamp Conference 2026
The SERIENCAMP CONFERENCE 2026 in Cologne looks to the future: How are new formats and technologies changing serial storytelling? What skills will be needed in the future, and how can international co-productions be successful?
The Creative Europe Desk NRW is a partner for several program items.
In the spotlight: the MEDIA-funded thriller series “Droneland”(LUX/DE/NL/PL, €1 million). A work-in-progress presentation will provide insights into the project’s current status. A case study will explore the complex financing of this international co-production.
Experts will discuss how education and continuing education must adapt in a changing media landscape during the“Future of Media Training” fishbowlsession. The event is held in collaboration with the Mediengründerzentrum NRW.
The “Nostradamus Report,” presented by media analyst Johanna Koljonen, will address new trends and challenges for the audiovisual industry. A panel discussion will follow.
The “European Writers Desk” authors’ network, an initiative of the Creative Europe Desks, will also be represented at the conference.
Program
Keynote & Panel: Nostradamus Report Tue., June9 , 2026, 1:45–3:15 p.m., Cinenova / Room 1
Media analyst Johanna Koljonen will present the latest “Nostradamus Report.” Who will determine the value and success of stories in an increasingly fragmented media landscape? This will be the focus of the subsequent panel discussion.
Partners: TV Drama Vision, Swedish Institute & Creative Europe Desk NRW
Work in Progress: “Droneland” Tue, June9 , 2026, 3:20–4:45 p.m., Cinenova / Hall 1
Producers Katarzyna Ozga (Iris Group) and Siegfried Kamml (Syrreal Entertainment), creator and showrunner Nicolas Steil (Iris Productions), and editor Claus Wunn (ZDF) will offer a first look at the MEDIA-funded thriller series “Droneland”.
Case Study: The Co-Production Puzzle—Financing & Creative Alignment Wed., June 10, 2026, 10:30–11:30 a.m., Herbrand’s / Bahnhaus
“Droneland” is also the focus of the Deep Dive session. Katarzyna Ozga (Iris Group), Nicolas Steil (Iris Productions), and Siegfried Kamml (Syrreal Entertainment) will discuss the complex financing puzzle and challenges in creative implementation. Heike Meyer-Döring (Creative Europe Desk NRW) will moderate the session.
Partner: Creative Europe Desk NRW
Fishbowl: Future of Media Training Wed., June10 , 2026, 10:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m., Herbrand’s / Rondell
How will education and training in the media sector change? What role will new technologies play, and which skills will be important in the future? This interactive session focuses on new competencies, career profiles, and learning formats. Before the discussion, Sinah Swyter (UFA Fiction), Dr. Kathrin Brunner and Oliver Czeslik (mYndstorm Productions), as well as Esther Gronenborn (MMAI), will provide initial insights in short keynote speeches.
Partners: Mediengründerzentrum NRW & Creative Europe Desk NRW
European Writers Desk @ Seriencamp Conference
Cologne-based writer Christian Kaps will discuss comedic perspectives on the panel “What’s So Funny? Comedy As A Point Of View.” Kerstin Höckel will speak in a fishbowl session about vertical storytelling and microdramas. Together with Rahel Dietze, Kerstin will pitch the series idea “European Dreamers” at the “Writers’ Vision Pitch.”
Panel: What’s So Funny? Comedy As A Point Of View Tue., June 9, 2026, 3:00–4:00 p.m., Herbrand’s / Bahnhaus
Fishbowl: Turn the Screen? Vertical & Microdrama and the Future of Storytelling
Wed., June 10, 2026, 2:00–5:00 p.m., Herbrand’s / Rondell
Pitch: Writers’ Vision Pitch Wed., June10 , 2026, 10:15–11:15 a.m., Cinenova / Hall 2
Dates
SERIENCAMP CONFERENCE & FESTIVAL: June 9–11, 2026
PLOT NEXT: June11 & 12, 2026
Location: Cinenova , Herbrandstraße 11, 50825 Cologne
For more information and accreditation, visit www.seriencamp.tvund www.whattheplot.com.