Ukrainian Television Series Production: Localization of Co-Produced Content

Abstract

Ukrainian Television Series Production: Localization of Co-Produced Content

The aim of this studyis to examine how television content produced in collaboration with Russian production companies or targeted at the Russian/Russian-speaking market has been adapted to Ukrainian realities.

Research methodology. To achieve the stated objective, the following general research methods were employed: description, analysis, synthesis, comparison, generalization, and forecasting. The descriptive method was used to highlight the efforts of Ukrainian production companies aimed at localizing television series content. Methods of analysis and synthesis were employed when examining changes in co-production and purely national scripts. The comparative method helped analyze the nature of localization in Ukrainian television series during the period of collaboration with Russian production companies (prior to 2022) and the subsequent abandonment of that collaboration. The generalization method was used to formulate conclusions, while the forecasting method proved useful in assessing the prospects for Ukrainian television content on national television channels.

Results. The role of national stereotypes in the localized (and, consequently, decolonized) segment of Ukrainian television series production has been identified, and a connection has been established between public demand and qualitative changes in the content of domestic television programming, specifically the removal of Russian imperial narratives.

Novelty. This article attempts to trace the evolution of Ukrainian production companies’ approaches to creating television content, highlighting the increasingly pronounced localization of domestic television series and the move away from nationally neutral scripts.

Practical significance. The findings can be applied in the professional work of screenwriters, showrunners, and media producers to create high-quality television content free of Russian narratives and to promote it in the market.

Key words: television content, stereotype, co-production, media landscape.