New: Cartoon Forum is now open to producers without a selected project (observers)

Registration is open for the annual TV series hub to take place from 11-14 September 2012 in Toulouse, southwestern France.

New: European producers who didn’t submit a project can also take part in Cartoon Forum as “observers”. Previously only observers from the host country were accepted. Due to a potential settlement of the event in France for three years, CARTOON has decided to broaden the registration criteria in order to maintain the European diversity and cooperation, vital for the European animation’s strength.

Cartoon Forum registration – List of hotels

Cartoon Digital (19-22 June): cross-media animation and interactive entertainment

The next conference will be entirely dedicated to the digital world through case studies and best practices.

New: Latin American producers and gaming companies at Cartoon Connection EU-Canada

The third Cartoon Connection EU-Canada (Quebec, 10-13 December 2012) will be a special edition: the programme will focus on the synergies between gaming companies and animation producers. As usual, there will be 3 half-days of one-to-one meetings to foster co-productions and project cooperation.

Another new feature: animation professionals from several Latin American countries will join the European and Canadian participants in order to widen co-production opportunities. 

More info - Euronews report on Cartoon Connection Korea

European Film Awards: submit your animated feature by 15 June

Do you have a European animated feature released after 1 July 2011 (be it at a festival or at a regular cinema)? You can easily submit it to compete for the European Film Awards.

All you need to do is return the submission formtogether with 6 DVDs, 1 press book and information about the cast and crew (nationality) by 15 June 2012.

The Awards Ceremony will take place on 1st December 2012 in Malta where the three nominated directors will be fully invited.

Submission form - Regulations (PDF)

Cartoon Cine day #2: Distribution, broadcasters’ involvement and media partnerships

After a traditional Bavarian Welcome Dinner in the famous Augustiner Bräustuben, Cartoon Cine went on with an intense second day of conferences and debates attended by over 80 participants from 20 countries. It started with an interesting panel on distribution with StudioCanal, Senator and Wide House who gave their views on distribution models and acquisition strategies. All three speakers agreed that a very good script and a close understanding of the audience were key elements for success.

France 3 Cinéma’s Managing Director Daniel Goudineau explained the criteria for involvement of the channel in terms of target and type of animation. France 3 Cinéma invests 2.8 M EUR per year in animation films and has supported 15 animation films from 2007-2011.

Cartoon Cine day #1: from market insights to social networks' dos and don'ts

What a better way to start a conference about animated features than to get a thorough survey and enlightening data? Susan Newman-Baudais from the European Audiovisual Observatory shared key findings about the production, performance and circulation of children’s films, comparing animation and live action. For instance, animation is much less dependent on home market.

Do you have a low marketing budget for your film? Xavier Roth from Agence Mercredi gave practical tips on using social networks to promote a film practically for free and highlighted dos and don’t. Knowing that “82% of online people are on social networs”, it is worth exploring their full potential!

Finally the first afternoon sessions ended by the presentation of the Indian market by Ehjaz Elias and the opportunities for European producers.

Why is animation the leader of European audiovisual exports?

Join the international conference Cartoon Cine from 23-25 April in Munich to learn more about animated features. Cartoon Cine will give you keys to increase the distribution of your animation film across borders and efficiently promote your film. Among the programme:

• Distribution: pre-financing and co-production strategies of distributors (StudioCanal, Wide House, Senator)
• Broadcasters’ involvement in animation films: France 3 Cinema, DR (tbc)
• Financing: available tax shelters and incentives in Europe and compatibilities
• New platforms: partnerships with Netflix and Hulu
• Marketing: deals with media agencies and use of social networks
• Surveys: latest statistics on European animated films circulation and audience
• Case studies

Programme - Videos