NEXT STEPS 2026

forthcoming

NEXT STEPS 2026 is an innovative training series designed to address gender underrepresentation in the European audiovisual industry by empowering female professionals and fostering inclusive corporate cultures. Through two tailored programmes - Audiovisual Women and Series' Women - the initiative enhances the leadership, entrepreneurial, and digital innovation skills of mid- to senior-level female professionals across the audiovisual value chain. The training also targets hiring managers, providing them with targeted training in diversity management, helping them build diverse and competitive teams and adopt best practices for inclusive recruitment. NEXT STEPS 2026 aims to bridge the skills gap in the industry by offering advanced training in digital leadership, innovation management, and business strategy, and digital tools, alongside tailored mentoring and networking opportunities. The Audiovisual Women program targets 15 female professionals and up to 15 hiring managers, while Series’ Women focuses on 15 female producers of European drama series with unfinished projects, also paired with up to 15 hiring managers. Both programmes offer immersive training, access to industry markets, project pitching, and collaborative opportunities that foster greater visibility for female professionals and female-led projects. In line with Creative Europe's MEDIA priorities, NEXT STEPS 2026 promotes digital transformation, sustainable business models, and cross-border as well as cross-sector collaboration, contributing to a more diverse, resilient, and competitive audiovisual sector. By training hiring managers to build diverse, competitive teams, NEXT STEPS 2026 strengthens the industry's ability to adapt to evolving market demands, ensuring that women and underrepresented groups are central to shaping the future of the European audiovisual industry.