What is the vibe?
If you love a good thriller or high-stakes drama, the Tallinn TV Beats Co-Financing Market is officially having a moment. Taking place from November 16-17, the event is showcasing ten series from across Europe that are all vying for a massive $56,000 Council of Europe Series Co-Production Development Award.
With production budgets getting tighter these days, this cash is a total W for indie creators who need co-producers to bring their visions to life. According to co-head Petri Kemppinen, this year’s lineup is packed with more big-name talent than ever before.
The standout shows
- Fortel: Polish legend Dariusz Jabłoński is dropping a spy thriller set in Rzeszów, a town that unexpectedly became an arms-dealing hotspot near the Ukrainian border. It’s giving chaotic, real-time tension.
- Breaking the Ice: This Estonian YA drama goes way beyond your typical ice skating aesthetic. It’s an intense look at the dark side of elite sports, focusing on a Russian hockey prodigy and an Estonian skater fighting back against abusive coaches and parents.
- When Devils Rule: Rodrigo Susarte’s Spanish project is in the mix, alongside Belgium's The Inheritance.
- Happy New Year!: A Lithuanian drama that hits hard, following a girl who seeks justice after being spiked at a NYE party when everyone else refuses to address the crime.
Why it matters
In a world where international tensions are at an all-time high, it’s not surprising that espionage and oppressive regimes are the main character of this year's TV slate. These creators aren't just making content; they’re trying to capture the feeling of the modern world in real-time.
