Sony Pictures Television Launches New Award at MIA Market in Rome

sony Pictures Television Launches New Drama Award at MIA Market

October 6, 2025

Rome, Italy – Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is set to inaugurate the Sony Pictures Television Award this week at the MIA Market, a prominent Italian industry event focused on audiovisual content. the inaugural prize will be presented to the victor of the annual MIA Drama Coproduction Market & Pitching Forum, as determined by a specialized jury assembled by Sony Pictures Television.

A diverse collection of 15 projects are competing for the honor,including Rage,a drama set in 1980s Paris centered on the skinhead subculture,directed by xavier Dolan. also in contention is Hitler’s Horses: An Arthur Brand Story, a Dutch production detailing an art theft examination, brought by Femke Wolting of Submarine and penned by Ed McCardie.

The competition further features submissions originating from Palestine,the United Kingdom,the Czech Republic,Finland,Greece,Switzerland,Ireland,Norway and Italy,highlighting the global reach and ambition of the market.

SPT Strengthens Commitment to International Coproduction

This initiative demonstrates Sony Pictures Television’s sustained support for the MIA Market. katherine pope, President of Sony Pictures Television Studios, delivered a keynote address at the event last year and will return this week to present the newly established accolade. This marks SPT’s first year as the official sponsor of the Drama Coproduction Market.

Both SPT and MIA have jointly expressed that the award reflects a collective dedication to discovering innovative perspectives, encouraging worldwide collaborations, and producing narratives capable of resonating with audiences internationally.

“We’re thrilled to partner with MIA and Gaia Tridente’s amazing team and establish the Sony Pictures Television award for best drama Project 2025,” stated Pope. “The Drama Coproduction Market at MIA brings together creators from around the world who are pushing boundaries and thinking globally. We’re excited to support these kinds of bold projects that can travel across cultures while maintaining their unique voice.”

Gaia Tridente, head of MIA, has consistently championed her market as a pivotal launchpad for promising projects. She emphasized that the Sony Pictures Television Award solidifies a notable partnership and underscores the value of MIA as a platform for international collaborations.

Tridente added, “This award celebrates the drama projects and talents that emerge from our market, reinforcing our mission to connect creativity and business on a global scale. Together, we aim to foster stories with worldwide resonance and provide producers with concrete opportunities to grow and succeed.”

MIA Market Expands Offerings for 2025

The MIA Market, now in its eleventh year and fourth under Tridente’s leadership, officially commenced today and continues throughout the week, serving as a precursor to the upcoming MIPCOM event. This year’s market boasts an expanded program, including a Book Adaptation Forum and the Apollo Series training initiative, developed in collaboration with Series Mania Institute and Goteborg Film TV’s Drama Vision track.

Attendees can also anticipate a short-film showcase titled ‘Vertical,’ AI workshops led by Largo.ai, and an Industry Insider Bootcamp hosted by UTA. The event will also feature the traditional panel discussions, content presentations, networking opportunities, and market screenings.

The 2024 edition of the MIA Market saw a 10% increase in participation, attracting 2,800 industry professionals.

Event	Year	Participants
MIA Market	2023	2,800
MIA Market	2024	3,080 (estimated)

Did You Know? international film and television coproduction is experiencing a surge, driven by demand for diverse content and financial incentives offered by various countries.

Pro Tip: Networking events like the MIA Market are crucial for forging partnerships and securing funding for creative projects.

What impact will this award have on the visibility of independent drama projects? How will the focus on international coproduction shape the future of television storytelling?

The Growing Importance of International Coproduction

The film and television industries are becoming increasingly globalized. International coproduction allows companies to pool resources, access new markets, and diversify their content offerings. This trend is fueled by the rise of streaming platforms, which require a constant stream of fresh content to satisfy their growing subscriber bases. According to a recent report by Screen International, global film and TV production spend reached a record high in 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Sony Pictures Television Award

• What is the Sony Pictures Television Award? It is indeed a new award presented at the MIA Market recognizing excellence in drama coproduction projects.
• Who is eligible for the award? Projects participating in the MIA Drama Coproduction Market & Pitching Forum are eligible.
• What is the MIA Market? It’s a leading Italian industry event focused on audiovisual content and international collaboration.
• Why is Sony Pictures Television sponsoring this award? SPT aims to support innovative storytelling and foster global coproduction opportunities.
• what are some of the projects competing for the award? Rage and hitler’s Horses: an Arthur Brand Story are among the projects in contention.
• When did the MIA Market begin? The market is now in its eleventh year.
• What other events are happening at the MIA Market this year? There’s a Book Adaptation Forum,Apollo Series training,AI workshops,and an Industry Insider Bootcamp.

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What innovative financing models are prioritized for the SPT Global Co-Production Award?

Recognizing International Co-Production Excellence

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) has announced the launch of a new award recognizing excellence in international television co-production at the MIA Market in Rome. This initiative underscores the growing importance of global collaboration in the television industry and aims to champion projects that successfully navigate the complexities of international financing and production. The award debuted at the 2025 MIA Market, a key event for the film and television industry focused on international co-production, held from October 8-12, 2025.

The “SPT Global co-Production Award” – Details & Criteria

The newly established “SPT Global Co-Production Award” will be presented annually to a television project demonstrating extraordinary creative quality and prosperous international partnership. Key criteria for selection include:

* Innovative Financing Models: Projects utilizing creative and effective financing structures involving multiple international partners.

* cross-Cultural collaboration: Demonstrable evidence of strong collaboration between production teams from different countries.

* Originality & Storytelling: Compelling narratives with worldwide appeal and strong artistic merit.

* Market Potential: Projects with clear potential for international distribution and audience engagement.

* Production Challenges Overcome: Recognition of projects that successfully navigated logistical, regulatory, or cultural hurdles inherent in international co-productions.

MIA Market: A Hub for International TV & Film

The MIA Market in Rome has rapidly become a crucial meeting point for producers, distributors, and financiers seeking international co-production opportunities. Its focus on fostering connections and facilitating deals makes it the ideal location for SPT to launch this award. the market provides a platform for showcasing projects at various stages of development – from concept to finished product – attracting a diverse range of industry professionals. this year’s market is expected to host over 2,500 attendees, representing more than 70 countries.

Why Sony Pictures Television is Investing in co-Production Awards

SPT’s investment in this award signals a strategic commitment to bolstering the international television landscape. Several factors drive this decision:

* Expanding Global Reach: Co-productions allow SPT to access new markets and audiences beyond its conventional territories.

* Access to Diverse Talent: Collaboration with international partners brings fresh perspectives and creative talent to projects.

* Risk Mitigation: Sharing financial burdens and production responsibilities reduces risk for individual companies.

* government Incentives: Many countries offer attractive tax incentives and funding opportunities for international co-productions.

* Demand for Local Content: The increasing demand for locally relevant content globally necessitates international partnerships to deliver authentic stories.

Benefits of International Co-Production

international co-productions offer a multitude of benefits for all parties involved. These include:

* Financial Advantages: Access to funding sources unavailable domestically.

* Creative Enrichment: Blending diverse cultural perspectives and storytelling techniques.

* Expanded Distribution Networks: Leveraging the distribution channels of multiple partners.

* Enhanced Production Value: Combining the expertise and resources of different production companies.

* Increased Market Visibility: gaining exposure to a wider international audience.

Real-world Examples of Successful International Co-Productions

Several recent television series exemplify the success of international co-production:

* Dark (Netflix/Germany): A German science fiction thriller co-produced with Netflix, achieving global acclaim.

* Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) (Spain/Netflix): A Spanish crime drama that became a global phenomenon thanks to its Netflix partnership.

* The Bureau (Le bureau des Légendes) (France/Canal+): A critically acclaimed French spy thriller that gained international recognition through co-production and distribution deals.

* Babylon Berlin (Germany/Sky): A lavish German past drama co-produced with Sky, attracting a large international audience.

These examples demonstrate the potential for international co-productions to deliver high-quality, commercially successful television content.

The Award’s Impact on the industry

The SPT Global Co-Production Award is expected to have a positive impact on the industry by:

* Raising Awareness: Highlighting the benefits and opportunities of international co-production.

* Encouraging Collaboration: Inspiring producers and financiers to explore new partnerships.

* Setting a Benchmark: Establishing a standard for excellence in international co-production.

* Supporting Emerging Talent: Providing a platform for showcasing innovative projects and emerging filmmakers.

* Driving Investment: Attracting further investment in the international television market.

Jury & Prize Details

The inaugural jury for the SPT Global Co-Production Award comprises leading industry experts in international television financing and production. The winning project will receive a cash prize of €10,000 and mentorship opportunities with SPT executives. Details regarding the application process and eligibility criteria can be found on the MIA Market official website (https://miamarket.it/). The deadline for submissions is September 15, 2025.