Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural Series Mania Melbourne, the world-renowned TV festival will return to ACMI to deliver an array of industry events and free public screenings. Premiering series from around the world Series Mania Melbourne gives both fans and members of the local TV industry a chance to see the latest global trends in drama, comedy and web series. The festival includes a free public program alongside a dedicated industry day full of Q&As with key creatives, panel discussions and masterclasses.
Series Mania Melbourne is the sister festival of Series Mania, a 10-day event lauded as the Cannes of the TV industry. Series Mania Melbourne was announced yesterday at the program launch of Series Mania 2018 in the French city of Lille by Xavier Bertrand, the prefect of the Hauts-de-France region, and Laurence Herszberg, founder and general director of Series Mania.
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said: "Victoria is a hub for Australian television production and talent and at a time when we're experiencing a boom in TV and web series, Series Mania Melbourne will bring us the best selection of new local programs alongside ones to watch from across the globe. We were proud to host Australia's first Series Mania in 2017 and look forward to building on its success this year."
Victoria’s two major creative industry agencies, ACMI and Film Victoria, will once again come together to provide a launch pad for local television and web series while attracting global interest and investment. A testament to Victoria’s international standing when it comes to television drama, Melbourne is the only city outside of Europe to host Series Mania.
ACMI CEO and Director Katrina Sedgwick commented: “We're delighted to partner again with Film Victoria for the return of Series Mania Melbourne. ACMI is the home of screen culture and we can’t wait to share the best must-see local and international series with the watchers, makers and lovers of great TV.”
The 2018 festival will build on the success of the first Series Mania Melbourne which held sold out screenings and world premieres of critically acclaimed series including Sunshine and Get Krack!n, alongside in-depth discussions with acclaimed showrunner and creator of Breaking Bad Vince Gilligan.
Film Victoria CEO Caroline Pitcher said “Melbourne TV fanatics will be treated to an array of series from across the globe while both public facing events and a dedicated industry day will provide local TV producers, writers and directors with the latest global trends in drama, comedy and web series.”
Series Mania Melbourne is jointly presented by ACMI and Film Victoria, and takes place at ACMI from 19 – 22 July 2018. Industry day will be held on Friday 20 July and tickets go on sale Wednesday 13 June. Tickets to public events will be available from Monday 2 July 2018. Most public events are free but audiences are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. More at acmi.net.au/seriesmania