Every year ACE Producers accepts 18 experienced film producers into the renowned ACE Network after completing ACE’s Annual Programme of executive education. Interested producers are asked to submit a feature film project in development that is suitable for co-production and aimed at the international market along with their application.
Application deadline: 2 May 2023
Four events make up the core of the training programme, held in four different locations.
OCTOBER – CONTENT DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
Through pitching practice training and sessions on leadership and core values, the producers learn more about themselves and each other, their own businesses and the types of projects they produce. Group sessions and walk & talk discussions provide insight into early development problems such as preparing intention notes, working with talents and maintaining good relationships with writers and directors. During group sessions led by consultants, producers are encouraged to offer each other script advice, and analyse financing plans and marketing materials. Participants also benefit from individual consultancy meetings analysing the concepts, dramaturgy, financing plan, and target audiences of their projects.
8th – 14th October 2023 in Norway
NOVEMBER – FINANCING STRATEGIES WORKSHOP
Interactive sessions exploring international financing opportunities and strategies through detailed analysis of producers’ finance plans, with input provided by high-grade professionals from across the industry. A uniquely open exchange of experience and ideas which sheds light on the evolution of co-production practices, of public and private funding schemes, and of the global marketplace in the digital age.
20th – 25th November 2023 in Warsaw, Poland
APRIL – BUSINESS PROSPECTS WORKSHOP
Sessions on business growth, designed to provide producers with models of sustainable company management and ways to build businesses that have real value. Group sessions and panel discussions guide the producers through keener applications of marketing techniques and diversified commercial activities.
15th – 18th April 2024 in France
APRIL – ACE PRODUCERS ANNUAL REUNION
Held in a different country every year over a long springtime weekend, and open to all members of the ACE Network, this event is an occasion for experienced producers to share news, knowledge, opinion and practical advice in an informal but confidential environment. Warts-and-all case-studies, production company showcases, insider-information sessions, and more.
19th – 21st April 2024 in Bordeaux, France
ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS
- Be an owner, partner or associate of an independent production company;
- Have been the delegate producer (i.e. the principal responsible producer) of at least one theatrically-released feature film;
- Have a fiction feature film project in development which is designed to attract international finance and distribution – ideally in the form of a first draft screenplay or long treatment;
- Be available and make a commitment to attend a selection interview during the first week of September, the Content Development Workshop (October), the Financing Strategies Workshop (November), the Business Prospects Workshop and the Annual Reunion (both in April).
APPLY
Please contact info@ace-producers.com to establish your eligibility or to set up a meeting if you have any questions about the programme.
Applications will primarily be evaluated on the producers’ track record and motivation, followed by the strength of the project and its co-production and collaborative potential.
Visit the workshop section of the ACE Producers website for more information on the Annual Programme and application process.
PARTNERS
The ACE 33 Annual Programme is supported by Creative Europe MEDIA, the Netherlands Film Fund, Polish Film Institute, Norwegian Film Institute, Oslo Film Commission, ALCA Nouvelle Aquitaine, CNC, Gironde Department, Procirep, German Films, Téléfilm Canada, Roma Lazio Film Commission, Screen Ireland, Focal and Rai Cinema.