Markets

NEM Zagreb set the stage once again for high-level discussion on the future of scripted formats, as industry executives and creatives gathered on December 9 at the Esplanade Hotel. The panel “Original TV Series Formats and Adaptation,” sponsored by Viaplay Group and held in the Emerald Ballroom, was moderated by Maria Chiara Duranti, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Formatbiz and author of a recent book dedicated to scripted formats.

The session brought together key figures from major broadcasters and production companies: Igor Draguzet (Chief Content Officer, CME), Rahela Štefanović (Editor in Chief HTV, HRT), Kelly Alchanati (Creative Producer & Showrunner, Argonauts Productions), Tereza Polachová (Director of Content, Czech Television), Vanda Rapti (EVP, Viaplay Select & Content Distribution, Viaplay Group), and Katarzyna Franus (Creative Producer, TVP).

Over the course of the conversation, panelists offered a comprehensive look at current market strategies, regional specificities, and the ongoing evolution of scripted IP across Europe.
Igor Draguzet opened the discussion with an overview of CME’s broad adaptation activity across the six markets in which the group operates. Among the examples he shared was the Italian medical franchise Doc – In Your Hands, which CME was the first to adapt internationally, preceding the U.S. version later commissioned by FOX. The American remake notably shifted the protagonist from a male to a female doctor, illustrating the flexibility of the format. Draguzet also revealed that CME committed to the project before the full format bible had even been completed, underscoring the company’s confidence in the property’s potential.

HRT’s Editor in Chief, Rahela Štefanović, outlined the broadcaster’s commitment to original scripted content grounded in local culture and identity. While adaptations remain part of the editorial mix, HRT’s primary focus is on homegrown storytelling. She cited the Croatian version of the Norwegian teen hit Skam as a strong example of how an international format can be reinterpreted with local relevance.

For Viaplay Group, scripted output remains one of its strongest assets, and EVP Vanda Rapti highlighted the continuous appeal of Nordic Noir on the global stage. However, she also pointed to a broadening demand: comedies, family-oriented dramas, and emotion-driven series are increasingly prominent within Viaplay’s slate, reflecting a shift toward tonal diversification in a market long defined by thriller-driven storytelling.

Tereza Polachová recalled her time at HBO Europe, where the Israeli psychological drama In Treatment became a defining adaptation success. HBO Europe’s version not only resonated strongly with viewers, running for two seasons, but also established a creative and production model that influenced subsequent remakes throughout the region.

From the Greek perspective, Kelly Alchanati described an industry that frequently turns to format adaptation but is increasingly investing in original scripted development. She referenced the Greek version of Non dirlo al mio capo, produced from the Italian original, as one of several strong adaptations in recent years. Still, she stressed the sector’s growing determination to strike a balance between imported IP and homegrown creativity.

Representing TVP, Katarzyna Franus highlighted Poland's expanding reputation as a creative and production hub for Eastern Europe. With strong infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, and increasing interest from international partners, Poland is positioning itself as a key territory for both adaptations and original scripted output.

The panel underscored a clear trend across Europe: while format adaptation continues to play a central role in content strategies, broadcasters and producers are increasingly focused on building unique storytelling identities that can resonate locally and travel globally.