ProSiebenSat.1 issues drama copro call

Germany broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1 has issued an open call to the international market as it launches a search for coproduced scripted series.

The Unterfoehring-based network wants writers, showrunners and production companies to submit proposals for television series with a “broad and entertaining, cinematic appeal”.

A comprehensive evaluation process led by Koby Gal-Raday, ProSiebenSat.1 TV’s senior VP of international coproduction and documentaries will lead to the development of up to 15 projects by the end of this year.

Specifically, ProSiebenSat.1 wants to put episodic primetime drama projects, including crime and medical procedurals and romcoms, into development.

“Exceptional” serialised miniseries and series that can introduce a “significant German angle” are also being courted, and all proposals should have strong international appeal, ProSiebenSat.1 said.

The move comes after ProSiebenSat.1’s chief rival, RTL, inked a pact with US broadcaster NBC and French commercial channel TF1 to create procedurals with international appeal.

“Our new initiative is part of ProSiebenSat.1 TV Deutschland’s strategy to enhance international co-production as integral and crucial part of our stations’ prime time,” says Gal-Raday.

“We aim to become a creative home for leading showrunners and production companies and a leading force in creating new high quality original programming suitable for our local audiences and audiences around the world.”

Further to the development plan, ProSiebenSat.1 added its local German drama team would “offer its support in finding the best international partners for the production of the selected projects”.

The submission period begins today and ends at 11.59pm on August 3, with projects submitted through a website.