Zagreb, 13th December 2024 – NEM Zagreb officially concluded its third and final day of the 2024 edition. The final day was dedicated to sharing knowledge through a Creative Europe MEDIA Desk Croatia workshop and two premium MasterClasses conducted by industry powerhouses who have made a significant impact on the field:
John Altman, Film Composer, Music Arranger, Orchestrator, Conductor and Saxophonist shared his musical experience in the TV industry and “the art of collaboration” with producers, directors, editors, clients and musicians. The Panel Room was filled with curious TV professionals who wanted to learn more about the practicalities of balancing creativity with the ability to negotiate the sometimes-murky politics of media work.
“I never made a demo for James Bond, Titanic, or Monty Python. I never did one for Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Diana Ross, or any of the other artists I wrote for—George Michael included. I just went straight in and did it. It’s interesting because that trust was there back then. I think it’s eroded a bit these days. It’s so easy to make demos, use focus groups, and bring in multiple voices. Many composers, I think, are very confused because they’re being pulled in so many directions”, shared Mr. Altman.
During his impressive career, Mr. Altman composed, arranged, and orchestrated music for over 50 films, including Titanic (period music), Monty Python’s Life of Brian, Léon: The Professional, and James Bond films GoldenEye and No Time to Die, for which he arranged and conducted music at the request of Hans Zimmer. Among his accolades are an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA Award.
“When you play music with people, you adapt to what they do while also contributing your own input. This concept carries through an entire music career. For instance, if you’re writing for an artist, you consider their style and sound. I would never play saxophone with Prince the same way I played with Van Morrison. It’s about understanding the nature of collaboration”, explained Mr. Altman and amazed the audience.
Larry Bass, Founder & CEO, ShinAwiL, shared tips on how to survive the upcoming 2025 and explained building sustainable businesses in a rapidly changing environment: “We don’t stay in Ireland waiting for opportunities. Instead, we take our game to the international market, forming partnerships with streamers, co-production partners, distributors, and writers.
Content is global, so you’ve got to think globally to compete. So, what are you doing about these new buyers, changing trends, and evolving demands? With commissioners, how do you plan to secure commissions from cash-strapped broadcasters and streamers? Sometimes, just asking yourself these questions can help you find the answers”.
Mr. Bass has built ShinAwil into a production powerhouse behind the biggest smash hit TV shows in Ireland, since 1999. His latest work includes a new original crime drama BORDERLINE. The six-part series is streaming on MGM+ UK, Roku US and coming soon to ZDF Germany.
He also worked on shows such as Dancing with The Stars, The Voice of Ireland, The Apprentice, Dragons’ Den, MasterChef Ireland, Popstars and Home of the Year.
One of NEM Zagreb’s biggest supporters is Creative Europe MEDIA Desk Croatia whose representatives, Martina Petrović, Head of Creative Europe MEDIA Desk and Carolin Große Hellmann, Head of Serial Storytelling / European Showrunner Programme at ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln, presented the European Showrunner Programme.
During a workshop that followed, a European Showrunner Think Tank explored the unique opportunities and challenges of the show running role and specially focused on the distinctions of the role between Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Western European countries. The moderator was a double NEM Awards winner (2019, 2023) – Daria Stilin, screenwriter and film director, successfully entered the TV industry and is currently working as a co-creator and writer of an 8-part TV drama series for Drugi plan/Beta Film/ZDF.
The second part of the Script Surgery for Top 3 in the Best Pre-Development Project Awards was also held leaving participants inspired and eager to work on their next project.
Detailed information about all the events is available at NEM Zagreb 2024 official website.
NEM Zagreb 2024 is co-funded by the European Union, through the Creative Europe MEDIA sub-programme.
