Intergovernmental org The Council of Europe has adopted what it says is the first international legal framework designed to make it easier for indie TV co-productions to get made. 

A human-rights body that also runs funding body Eurimages, the council supports programming and runs a development awards program. Its new framework (longwindedly called the “Convention on the co-production of audiovisual works in the form of series”) introduces a revamped set of rules for series co-productions—rules that previously only existed for films. 

The convention is aiming to make it simpler for indie producers from different countries to work together. The rules will streamline administration procedures, clarify obligations, create clearer rules for rights and revenue-sharing, and improve access to public funding.

It also introduces an obligation for “media service providers” (in other words, broadcasters and streamers) to share audience data on series that have official co-production status. 

Producers can expect clearer criteria for financial and creative contributions and more predictable rules around IP ownership, according to the council. 

The convention is set to be signed by Council of Europe member countries in early 2026, and it will become enforceable after three countries ratify it. 

The European Producers Club (EPC)—which represents dozens of companies, including Amsterdam-based animation studio Submarine (Fox and Hare Save the Forest)—is excited about the framework, which it helped develop. “A joyful day for all independent producers,” enthused EPC president Dariusz Jablonski in a release. “The adoption of this new convention promises to be a great new tool for more co-productions.” 

Image courtesy of The Council of Europe.