The new framework is dedicated specifically to television and online series. It aims to strengthen independent producers and draws from existing rules for the film sector. The Convention is warmly welcomed as a landmark agreement by CEPI, despite strong doubts expressed earlier in the process.
By Eirini PolydorouWednesday 26 November - The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe officially adopted the final text of Convention on the Co-Production of Audiovisual Works in the Form of Series.
This is the first international legal framework specifically dedicated to independently initiated and co-produced television and online series.
The Convention introduces a distinct set of rules tailored for series. It provides producers cooperating across borders with a framework adapted to multi-episode and multi-season production.
Benefits for independent producers include clearer and stronger rules on protection of rights and more equitable participation in revenues. Additionally, by improving access to public support schemes, reducing administrative barriers and clarifying obligations, the convention makes it easier for independent producers from different countries to work together.
CEPI, the European AV Production Association, welcomed the Convention as “a major step forward for the Co-production of TV Series across Council of Europe Member States”.
CEPI President Anthony Muldoon said, “This Convention strengthens independent producers, supports fairer access to rights and revenues, and promotes the transparency our industry needs. The spirit of the independent production sector is strong in this Convention, and it will enable European producers to craft stories across borders with greater ease and flexibility, helping more original European stories reach European audiences.
The Convention’s framework is complimentary to and builds on the success of the existing framework for film co-production established by the Council of Europe’s Convention on Cinematographic Co-production.
Background and next steps
The proceedings towards the Convention evolved in response to series having become a dominating format in the global offer of audiovisual works, while frequently made by partners from different countries.
Earlier this year, EFAD and CEPI had expressed doubts and a “deep disappointment by the PACE opinion framing the Convention as a competitiveness instrument”. They highlighted that the Convention “risks being stripped of its essential objectives” and strongly suggested focusing on empowering “independent producers, safeguarding cultural diversity, and ensuring that European stories continue to thrive in all their diversity”.
The Convention will be opened for signature in early 2026 and will enter into force once three states have ratified it. The timeline will depend on the pace of national procedures.
Find more here
Image by Núcleo N7 from Pixabay
