The grounds for a renaissance in European fiction: transnational writing, production and distribution approaches, and strategies

This chapter deals with changes that have taken place in the European fiction scenario and charts the production and distribution of premium scripted television series in several European countries over the last ten years. It analyses the national histories and transnational connections among the main players behind the current growth of European premium television fiction. A discussion of some background data demonstrates the sector’s importance in the European and global television and media landscape. Building on quantitative research (e.g. industry reports, datasets, players’ shared knowledge) and qualitative findings (interviews with executives, managers and stakeholders), a series of steps is identified in the emergence of a distinct new kind of original fictional production in each country and in the European marketplace as a whole. Professional routines, industry assumptions and best practices are discussed from the different yet highly interconnected viewpoints of screenwriters, production companies and commissioners. Several shared strategies, approaches and trends provide common ground, playing a fundamental role in developing transnational titles and in circulating national productions and co-productions on a global scale.