New8: A Groundbreaking Drama Collaboration in Europe

In a historic move, eight prominent public service broadcasters from North-Western Europe have come together to form an extraordinary alliance named New8. This groundbreaking collaboration was officially announced at MIA – Mercato Internazionale Audiovisivo 2023, an esteemed event held in Rome. The initiative marks a significant milestone in European television and is set to redefine the landscape of high-quality drama series.

Panel PRESS conference:
Hans-Jørgen Osnes (NRK), Elly Vervloet (VRT), Simone Emmelius (ZDF), Anna Cronemann
(SVT) and moderator Jon Ola Sand at the launch of New8 in Rome.

A Union of Public Service Values

New8 comprises ZDF (Germany), NPO (The Netherlands), VRT (Belgium), SVT (Sweden), DR (Denmark), YLE (Finland), RÚV (Iceland), and NRK (Norway). These distinguished broadcasters are renowned for their commitment to public service values and have joined forces to create a synergy that promises to deliver exceptional content to audiences across Europe.

Hans-Jørgen Osnes, Head of International Financing Drama at NRK, expressed excitement about this unique collaboration, emphasizing its potential to become the largest drama collaboration in Europe. He stated,

“New8 will strengthen the public service broadcasters throughout Europe and give their audiences a unique access to bold, modern, and innovative high-end drama from all the partners.”

Simone Emmelius, SVP of International Fiction at ZDF, highlighted the significance of having ZDF as part of New8, citing their vast experience in international co-productions. Emmelius said,

“With ZDF on board, New8 gains one of the most experienced international co-production partners for its network. Hopefully, New8 will also unite the audience and strengthen bonds between Europeans.”

A Pledge to Co-Produce Exceptional Content

One of the key objectives of New8 is to co-produce eight TV series annually, starting from 2023. These series will be the product of collaborative efforts between the member broadcasters, ensuring a diverse range of content. Furthermore, New8 is dedicated to ensuring the broad distribution of each other’s projects, enriching the offerings of their local audiences, and making a more substantial impact in the international media sector.

Symbolic signing of the New8 Contract at MIA in Rome: Frederieke Leeflang,
Chairman of the Board NPO, Birgir Sigfùsson, Head of media and production RÙV,
Anna Croneman, Head of Drama SVT, Henriette Marienlund, Head of Drama DR,
Jarmo Lampela, Head of Drama YLE, Nadine Bilke, Program Director ZDF, Ase
Marie Bendiksen, Head of International Content Sales NRK, Lieven Vermaele,
Director of Partnership and Operation VRT.

Elly Vervloet, International Drama Expert at VRT, spoke about the collaboration’s potential to enhance their local offerings:

“By exchanging content that is built on the partners’ public service ambitions, we can strengthen our offer to our local audiences and create a bigger impact in the international media sector.”

Building on a Nordic Tradition

New8’s formation builds upon a longstanding tradition of trust-based collaboration among Nordic public service broadcasters, who have previously exchanged their best dramas. These exchanges have resulted in notable successes, such as ‘Exit’ and ‘The Thin Blue Line,’ which garnered substantial international audiences.

Now, New8 extends this collaborative model to other EBU broadcast members, bringing renowned series like “The Twelve” (VRT), “Red Light” (NPO), “The Crash” (NPO), “Kudamm 63,” and “The Swarm” (co-produced by ZDF) into the fold. With releases starting in 2024, the partnership is poised to take European drama to new heights.

Anna Croneman, Head of Drama at SVT, expressed enthusiasm about the expanded collaboration:

“At SVT, we are incredibly happy to join forces with such powerful partners as ZDF, VRT, and NPO to be able to offer our audience even more high-end drama.”

Territories and Timeline

The TV series produced under the New8 collaboration will initially be published in the German-speaking territories (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) and in The Netherlands, Belgium (Flemish-speaking), Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Norway. The agreement between the partners is set to last for an initial period of three years, with the first series greenlit in 2023 and available for publication in all participating territories from 2024.

Symbolic signing of the New8 Contract at MIA in Rome: Frederieke Leeflang, Chairman of the Board NPO, Birgir Sigfùsson, Head of media and production RÙV, Anna Croneman, Head of Drama SVT, Henriette Marienlund, Head of Drama DR, Jarmo Lampela, Head of Drama YLE, Nadine Bilke, Program Director ZDF, Ase Marie Bendiksen, Head of International Content Sales NRK, Lieven Vermaele, Director of Partnership and Operation VRT.

A Collective Effort to Elevate European Fiction

Frederieke Leeflang, chair of the board of NPO, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in the face of increasing competition:

“In a time when there is increasing competition for the eyes and ears of European viewers, this feels like a logical step that we have to take as public broadcasters, especially when it comes to efficient use of public money.”

Henriette Marienlund, Head of Fiction at DR, underlined the significance of New8 in the European market dominated by international streaming services:

“We wish to strengthen the Nordic and European collaboration on creating, distributing, and financing quality series.”

Ville Vilén, Director of Creative Contents and Media at YLE, described New8 as a remarkable opportunity to collaborate and offer top-quality drama series:

“It is a great opportunity to join forces and collaborate with ZDF, NPO, and VRT in addition to the proven collaboration with the Nordic public companies.”

Birgir Sigfússon, Head of Media & Production at RUV, expressed confidence in the reception of New8 projects:

“We are convinced that the New8 projects will be well received in all territories.”

New8 represents a pioneering leap in the European television landscape, uniting public service broadcasters in a collaborative effort to create high-quality drama that resonates with audiences across the continent. As this exceptional partnership unfolds, viewers can anticipate a new era of gripping storytelling and innovative content that transcends borders and strengthens cultural bonds among Europeans.