HBO Max Names 12 European Writers for Script Engine Talent Program
HBO Max has selected 12 screenwriters from France, Germany, Italy and Spain for the 2026 Script Engine Program, a four-month development initiative run with WBD Access, Warner Bros. Discovery's talent development division The Hollywood Reporter.
The program asks each writer to build an original, locally rooted series concept and pitch it to HBO Max executives in November. Between now and then, they will move through workshops, masterclasses and networking sessions led by HBO Max executives and industry experts. Frank Spotnitz will serve as lead facilitator and mentor. Sarah Aubrey, HBO Max's head of original programming, oversees the original slate the program feeds into.
The curriculum was developed together with the Series Mania Institute, the training arm of the Lille-based television festival. HBO Max completed its European rollout this year, launching in Germany, France, Italy and the U.K.
The 12 writers bring credits spanning scripted drama, crime procedural and streaming originals across several European markets. The French cohort consists of Tolula Dada (Gangs of London, Grantchester), Justine Gautier (Petits Secrets en Famille, Leo Mattei) and Storm Sigal-Battesti (Off Season, Careme). From Germany: Tunde Aladese (Transatlantic, Shuga), Stefanie Ren (A Thin Line, Nicht tot zu kriegen) and Ben Braeunlich (Tatort, Professor T.).
The Italian writers are Tommaso Matano (Curon, Survivors), Emanuele Mochi (Zio Gianni) and Simona Nobile (5 minuti prima). Spain is represented by Jesica Aran (Campamento Newton, Bandidos), Lidia Fraga (Auga Seca, Montecristo) and Miguel Mayorga Moscoso.
For a platform that only finished its European launch this year, the program is a concrete step toward building a local-language pipeline rather than relying on licensed imports or U.S. series dubbed for each market. The writers come from the four countries where HBO Max has just planted its flag. Whether any of their pitches become commissioned series is a question for the executives in November — the program guarantees development, not a greenlight.
