The Eurovision Creative Forum – the annual showcase of the best tried and tested new formats from Active and Associate Members of the EBU – has expanded into two new genres.

The event, which takes place in Berlin during Eurovision TV Meetings (9-11/9) traditionally features the best in Factual & Entertainment formats.

However, the 2013 edition has been extended to include Fiction, in the form of scripted formats, during the Eurovision Fiction Creative Forum (9/9) and Children’s Formats, during the Eurovision Children & Youth Creative Forum (11/9).

In order to qualify, formats must have been aired in the country of origin in the previous 12 months.

Eurovision Head of TV Bettina Brinkmann said two half days had been set aside before and after the Eurovision Creative Forum to view formats in the two new genres.

As with previous editions, only Factual & Entertainment formats showcased during the Eurovision Creative Forum will be considered this year for the ‘SEVEN Best formats’ award. Prize winners will be announced during an evening awards ceremony.

“The Forum was launched in 2006 as an opportunity for Members to screen and showcase innovative, recent programme formats, to pool their creative potential and establish an international PSM format network,” Mrs Brinkmann said. “Since then, the event has increased in popularity and we are now seeking to replicate the format’s success. The creation of these two new categories highlight the importance of winning formats in creating balanced programming.”

Ms Brinkmann said the Creative Forum had been the starting point for many international successes.

“Along the way, various formats have been adapted for other markets and awarded prizes. ‘Serious Request’ from NPO, Netherlands and ‘Never ever do this at home’ from NRK, Norway, which were awarded prizes in 2009 and 2011 respectively, are just two examples.”

The Forum is also open to public service media outside Europe, including Asia, Canada and the USA and is organized by the EBU in cooperation with German broadcaster ZDF with the support of the Eurovision Formats Core Group.

 
ABOUT Eurovision

Eurovision, operated by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), is the industry's premier distributor and producer of top quality live sport and news, as well as entertainment, culture and music content.

The Eurovision satellite and fibre network is the largest and most reliable in the world directly plugged in to public service media everywhere.

Eurovision's staff of experienced media professionals acquire and manage media rights on behalf of EBU Members, and provide network, transmission and events services to the broadcasting industry.

web: www.eurovision.com - twitter: @EBU_Eurovision , @Eurovision_TV