Markets

NEM Zagreb 2025 opened with strong momentum, immediately revealing how deeply the video industry is shifting. From the first day, creators, producers, AI experts, and media executives showcased how storytelling and production are evolving under the influence of new technologies, changing audience behavior, and modern monetization models.

The opening panels set the framework for the discussion ahead. Regional producers reflected on the past five years of CEE production, while telecom and broadcaster CEOs debated the influence of artificial intelligence on strategy, distribution, and long-term planning. Their joint message was clear: AI is no longer an optional tool—it is becoming central to every decision made in the content ecosystem.

AI’s growing role was further highlighted through a series of presentations and masterclasses. Largo.ai’s Sami Arpa demonstrated why AI is rapidly becoming a creative co-pilot in modern video creation, while market analysts and technology innovators explored how streaming behavior, virtual production, and Europe’s creative sovereignty are being reshaped by technological acceleration. A dedicated session on licensing content to AI platforms also underscored the emerging opportunities for monetization.

New voices and emerging creators found their place in the spotlight through the NEM Awards: Live Pitch. Three pre-development TV series were presented to an international audience, reflecting the next generation of European storytelling. Earlier that day, local Croatian projects also benefited from a special market and pitch session, reinforcing the growing potential of regional creativity on a global scale.

Q&A conversations on Day 1 offered a more intimate look into the production process. Speakers discussed how projects evolve from pitch to screen and how international co-productions can thrive despite financial or casting challenges. Case studies such as Soviet Jeans and GLINA illustrated the importance of perseverance, strategic partnerships, and the changing role of streaming platforms in reviving long-standing IPs.

The first day closed with a festive welcome drink hosted by A1 International Business, creating the perfect environment for networking. Attendees enjoyed locally curated street-food and informal discussions, setting a warm tone for the rest of the event.

The second day of NEM Zagreb continued to highlight innovation through a mix of panels, presentations, and specialized talks. From video advertising trends to YouTube strategies and behavioral marketing, speakers examined how content discovery and audience engagement are transforming across platforms. A networking lunch sponsored by HAVC offered additional opportunities for collaboration.

Day 2’s panels brought in leading voices from advertising, streaming, and telecoms to discuss topics ranging from original format adaptation to the rapid growth of micro-dramas and vertical video. Experts emphasized that 2026 will be a decisive year, driven by the rise of social video, streaming-first strategies, new monetization models, and the emergence of agentic AI tools that are reshaping the advertising market.

Additional sessions explored creative and operational challenges in the industry. From the role of music in branding to scalable OTT ecosystems for telcos, speakers offered practical lessons on production, distribution, and innovation. A keynote from Big Talk Studios provided an insider look into Emmy-winning creative development, stressing the value of combining artistic vision with entrepreneurial clarity.

The event concluded with the Christmas Party hosted by Pickbox and the NEM Awards Ceremony, recognizing outstanding achievements in both pre-development and finished TV series. Winners were celebrated before an international audience, highlighting the region’s growing visibility and ambition. As the fifth edition of NEM Zagreb came to an end, participants left with new connections, renewed motivation, and a clear sense that the industry is heading into a year defined by transformation, flexibility, and creativity.