Emerging Euro producers lead Forum projects

Projects from Belgium, Ireland and Finland will make up nearly a third of all projects at this year’s Cartoon Forum, as those territories continue their emergence as key European production hubs.

A total of 69 animated projects – the same number as last year – will be screened at the September event, which will be held in Toulouse for the second year in a row, as part of a three year agreement with the city.

Among the projects are eight from Belgium, seven from Ireland and five from Finland, or a combined 29% of all projects on show.

France remains Europe’s leading animation producer and present 21 new projects, while the UK retains second place with 10. However this is eight down on the combined 39 screened at the event last year.

Elsewhere, German producers will represent five series, Spanish firms three and Polish prodcos two. Dutch, Danish and Swedish companies will each present one, with Luxembourgian, Portuguese and Swiss companies present as coproducers. Nearly half of all projects are coproductions between two or more countries.

Forty-five per cent of the series are aimed at the 6-12 age bracket, while preschool shows account for 33% and 10% target young adults and older age groups. Cartoon Forum organiser CARTOON didn’t specify which demos the remaining 12% target.

Furthermore, the growing importance of digital adds-ons and apps to animated projects was emphasised by 43% of projects being cross-media proposals.

The total investment of the projects stands at €217 million (US$283.8 million) and 400 hours of programming, according to CARTOON. The organisation claims its event has helped 500 animated series obtain financing, raising a cool €1.7 billion in the process.

This year’s event, on September 17-20, will include an animation festive open to the public and demonstrations of the animation development process for students.