The Erich Pommer Institut (EPI) has selected 15 female producers from 10 countries for the upcoming fifth edition of its European female leadership program Series Women.

The Potsdam, Germany-based provider of advanced training for professionals in the international audiovisual industry, EPI is committed to increasing the visibility and industry exposure of female producers and female-driven projects by supporting selected female producers directly and boosting individual careers. Through Series Women, producers receive curated mentoring from acclaimed international industry professionals to help their professional development. They will participate in training opportunities addressing such topics as visibility, leadership and digital entrepreneurship, among other things. The goal is also to provide them with deeper knowledge about the European drama series industry. A key element of the program is 1:1 pitching coaching for the series project they bring to Series Women.

Major networking opportunities provided include the participation at two of Europes key series markets: TV Drama Vision presented by the Gteborg Film Festival in Sweden and the Series Mania Forum in Lille, France.

An online diversity training course designed specifically for hiring managers or decision-makers at the producers companies is also part of the offering.

Series Women is funded by Creative Europe Media, with the Series Mania Forum serving as the event partner. Other partners of the EPI program are FOCAL, Vlaams Audiovisueel Fonds (VAF), Screen Ireland, European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs (EAVE), European Womens Audiovisual Network (EWA), Gteborg Film Festival, Women in Film Television International (WIFTI), and The European Producers Club (EPC).

For us at the Erich Pommer Institut, Series Women is more than just a training program. It is a place where female producers can exchange ideas, gain confidence and find support to help them advance in a demanding industry, said Gabriela Seidel-Hollaender, project manager for the international female leadership programs at the EPI. We are proud to be oering this training opportunity for the fifth time and thus helping create a more sustainable, competitive European drama series industry.

Check out the selected participants after EPI received a record number of applications this year.

Annie Barclay, Feline Films Ltd., Ireland

LieseloIe Belon, le bon film, Belgium

Golda Sophia Bonhoeer, kami Vision, Germany

Suzan de Swaan, Smarthouse, The Netherlands

Joana Domingues, Caracol Studios, Portugal

Sophya Kallista Frohberg, LeIerbox Filmproduktion, Germany

Elina Gedina-Ducena, Mistrus Media, Latvia

Liisa Karpo, Napafilms, Finland

Olivia Kpalt, Studio Zentral, Germany

Franziska Lindner, Saxonia Media, Germany

Tamara Milosevic, Recycled TV AG, Switzerland

Anika Naglmller, Krutart s.r.o., Czech Republic

Gergana Stankova, Menclips Ltd, Bulgaria

Ss Storm Thstesen, Freelance Producer, Denmark

Laura van Wulpen Palthe, Millstreet Films, The Netherlands