Georgia is moving closer to deeper integration with the European audiovisual space by signing the Council of Europe Convention on the co-production of television and streaming series at the Series Mania Forum. The convention, also signed by France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Poland, and Portugal, is the first international legal framework dedicated specifically to independent TV and streaming series co-productions.
Culture Minister Tinatin Rukhadze emphasized the benefits for Georgian creators, stating that participation in the convention will “facilitate access to international funding mechanisms and strengthen partnerships with European producers,” allowing local companies to co-develop and co-finance projects that would otherwise be beyond their reach.
The initiative builds on the long-standing European Convention on Cinematographic Co-Production, which has facilitated cross-border filmmaking across Europe for decades, and which was modernized in 2017 to reflect industry changes. Until now, its primary focus was feature films, but the new treaty specifically targets high-end television and serialized audiovisual content, supporting independent producers and creating clear, shared rules across borders.
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset stressed the treaty’s strategic importance, saying: “This treaty will better establish the position of independent producers in a market dominated by non-European players, against a backdrop of economic models dictated by algorithms.” He also highlighted the link to international recognition: “This treaty represents a strategic signal for the future resilience of European production and a reminder that Europe is strongest when policymakers, creators, public service media and industry move together.”
Citing past successes under the cinematic co-production framework, Berset pointed to Joachim Trier’s Oscar-winning film Sentimental Value as an example of how structured collaboration and support from initiatives like Eurimages can achieve global acclaim. The new series co-production convention aims to replicate these conditions for television, enabling high-quality European series to reach comparable visibility and success.
For Georgia, the treaty offers both economic and cultural advantages: co-productions can qualify as “national” productions in multiple countries, opening access to public funding, tax incentives, and distribution quotas. The move also supports cultural diplomacy and international visibility. As the Georgian Ministry of Culture noted, “The convention will help showcase Georgian stories to wider audiences and integrate our creative sector into European networks.”
Georgia has already taken steps to attract international productions, including cash rebate programs and hosting foreign shoots, and officials see the convention as a pathway toward long-term industry growth, foreign investment, and alignment with European audiovisual standards.
By Team GT
