NEW PARTERSHIP WITH ROMA LAZIO FILM COMMISSION

ACE Producers is delighted to announce a new partnership with the Roma Lazio Film Commission. A three-year agreement has been set up between the two institutions which will support ACE’s international network activities and encourage Italian producers, and those of the Lazio region, to benefit from ACE’s programmes and network.

Jacobine van der Vloed, Director and Head of Studies at ACE Producers, said of the partnership, “We are thrilled to be working with the Roma Lazio Film Commission, a foundation which has a long history of supporting international productions and encouraging cross-county collaboration. We look forward to working with such an iconic region for European cinema.”

Cristina Priarone, RLFC’s Director General affirmed “We are delighted to develop our relationship with ACE Producers through this partnership. Over the next three years we will improve our mutual opportunities. Strong collaborative European relationships, such as this one, are key to increase the amount of co-productions and to tighten good creative synergies among European producers. Roma Lazio Film Commission always values this kind of initiatives that brings knowledge and shared experience. We look forward to collaborating with all the valuable people at ACE to open up new ways for European producers to work together creatively and commercially, in the future.”

The Fondazione Film Commission di Roma e del Lazio works for the development of the audiovisual sector, for the promotion of the territory and for the development of coproduction, serving as a point of contact between the principal national and international companies and Lazio, the traditional land of great cinema. It offers support and guidance regarding the financial resources of the Lazio regions available to the audiovisual industry. The Foundation, as member of major international networks and in connection with major institutions, is committed to taking care of key issues for the industry like creativity development, professional training, sustainability and audience and film culture development.

PRODUCERS SELECTED FOR ACE MENTORING PROGRAMME EU 2023

ACE Producers has selected 10 outstanding up-and coming producers for the ACE Mentoring Programme EU 2023 from Europe and beyond. The programme aims to support emerging producers in reaching the next level of their careers and extending their international network by providing them with the opportunity to learn from established mentors from the ACE Producers Network actively working within the European film industry.

ACE Producers’ main goal is to strengthen experienced producers, however, the ACE Mentoring Programme intends to share the collective knowledge of the ACE Network with a new generation of producers. Mentors have been matched according to the specific needs of the selected producers and their projects. The mentorship includes meetings throughout the year at international festivals and events as well as online.

The programme is supported by the Creative Europe MEDIA Programme and the Netherlands Film Fund.

SELECTED PRODUCERS FOR ACE MENTORING PROGRAMME 2023:

Reece Cargan, UK, Bombito Productions
Mentor: Anna Maria Kantarius (ACE 30), Garagefilm International AB – Sweden 

Leeona Duff, Ireland, Up On Blue Bridge Productions
Mentor: Oliver Simon (ACE 12), K5 Film – Germany 

Anna Gawlita, Poland, Kijora Film
Mentor: Jamila Wenske (ACE 24), Achtung Panda! Media GmbH – Germany 

Thomas Hakim, France, petitchaos
Mentor: Thanassis Karathanos (ACE 17), Twenty Twenty Vision – Germany 

Maria Ibrahimova, Azerbaijan, Cinex Productions
Mentor: Dries Phlypo (ACE 20), A Private View – Belgium 

Tonio Kellner, Germany, Neopol Film
Mentor: Paul Miller (ACE 10), Escape Pictures – Greece 

Zsofi Lili Kovacs, Germany/Hungary, Fiskultura
Mentor: Lisa Marie Russo (ACE 11), Fly Film Company Limited – United Kingdom 

Ilona Tolmunen, Finland, Made Film
Mentor: Oliver Neumann (ACE 23), Freibeuter Film – Austria 

Alise Rogule, Latvia, Mimafilms
Mentor: Stienette Bosklopper (ACE Series), Circe Films BV – The Netherlands 

Sahar Yousefi, Canada, NAVA Projects
Mentor: Sarah Sullick (ACE 18), Bright Pictures – United Kingdom 

Together with ACE Training Days, the ACE Mentoring Programme is part of ACE Springboard, a combination of programmes focusing on emerging independent producers to strengthen careers at an early stage. ACE Springboard provides participants with the tools needed to be adaptable and innovative in an ever-changing film industry – for a successful new generation of independent producers!

Please find more information here:
https://ace-producers.com/springboard

For more information please contact:
ace@ace-producers.com

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CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – ACE SERIES SPECIAL 5

ACE Producers is pleased to announce the call for applications for the ACE Series Special 5, with thanks to support from Creative Europe MEDIA and LIAA – Latvian Investment and Development Agency.

A hands-on workshop for experienced producers who want to deepen their knowledge of developing and producing TV drama series for an international audience and/or integrate a series division into their companies. The workshop is open to members of the ACE Network or other producers of a similar level.

16-18 producers are selected for the workshop, each with a series in development. Focusing primarily on the creative and financial aspects of TV series production, the ACE Series Special will also offer sessions on working with broadcasters and streamers, marketing, audiences, international approaches and business strategies. The workshop gives producers a chance to work on their projects through one to one meetings with experts and group sessions with their peers.

The core of the 2023 workshop will be held in Riga, Latvia with the support of LIAA – Latvian Investment and Development Agency and Creative Europe MEDIA. Further sessions will be held online before the workshop.

Topics covered include:

  • The financing scheme of series in an international context;
  • Discovering the market potential and finding an (international) audience;
  • Strategically integrating a series department into an existing (film-)production company;
  • Understanding the different production structures of series development
  • Working with streamers and broadcasters.

Previous consultants include Reno Antoniades (Lee & Thompson LLP), Piv Bernth (Apple Tree Productions), Caroline Benjo (Haut et Court), Lars Blomgren (Banijay), Noemi Ferrer Schwenk (DR Sales), Mario Gianani (Wildside), Ed Guiney (Element Pictures) Elizabeth Kilgarriff (Firebird Pictures), Monica Levy (Federation), Marc Lorber (Lionsgate), Davide Nardini (Amazon Italy), Leontine Petit (Lemming Film) and Christian Vesper (Fremantle).

SERIES SPECIAL

DEADLINE
6 June 2023

WORKSHOP DATES
30 October – 4 November 2023

ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS
  • To be an owner, partner or associate of an independent film/TV production company;
  • To be an ACE member or producer with a similar level of experience;
  • To have a TV drama series in development that is at a relevant stage
    and suitable for co-production.

Producers from any country are welcome to apply, however, please note that the majority of spaces will be reserved for producers from MEDIA countries.

FEES
€2.500 (€2.250 for ACE Network Members).
The fee covers full board, accommodation and training during the workshops.
Travel costs are not included.

HOW TO APPLY
To request an application form please email info@ace-producers.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
ace-producers.com/series-special

PRODUCERS SELECTED FOR ACE Training Days NL 2023

Twelve emerging producers have been selected for the upcoming ACE Training Days NL. Taking place from March 27 – 29, 2023 in Amsterdam, the workshop will focus on “The Essentials of International Co-Production, Sales and Distribution”.

Aiming to emphasise the importance of international collaboration at an early stage in producers’ careers, half of the selected participants are from the Netherlands while the other half are from companies based in neighbouring Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg. They are all at relatively early stages in their careers, looking to expand their network and learn more about the international context of the audiovisual industry.

This interactive workshop will include plenary sessions and case studies, as well as group meetings provided with the help of ACE consultants and producers who have notably strong track-records in marketing and promotion of international co-production projects, and who will share their knowledge and international expertise.

The ACE Training Days NL was set up in collaboration with the Netherlands Film Fund – a key funder of ACE Producers.

PRODUCERS SELECTED FOR THE ACE TRAINING DAYS NL 2023:

Ewoud Bon, Provider Films – The Netherlands/Curaçao

Ruby Deelen, HALAL – The Netherlands

Maike Drinhausen, Heimat Films – Germany

Sacha Gertsik, Grom Productions – The Netherlands

Lisa Herbers, JUNAFILM – Germany

Regina Jorissen, 2 Pilots Filmproduction – Germany

Nynke  Jurgens, Keyfilm – The Netherlands

Thomas Mataheru, DotInk Cinema – The Netherlands

Baptiste Ménage, Deal Productions – Luxembourg

Nicky Onstenk,  IJswater Films – The Netherlands

Joyce Palmers, Amok – Belgium

Leopold Pape, Elemag Pictures – Germany

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SELECTED PRODUCERS ANNOUNCED FOR FOURTH EDITION OF ANIMATION SPECIAL

ACE Producers has selected 16 experienced independent producers for the 4th edition of the ACE Animation Special. The intensive workshop is designed to provide extensive knowledge of how to diversify business with developing and producing long form/feature film and series animation productions for an international audience including cinema, broadcast and streaming. Supported by Creative Europe MEDIA and NL Film Fund, and organised in close collaboration with Screen Ireland, BAIAnimation Ireland, Animation Skillnet and Animation Dingle, the ACE Animation Special will take place between 21 and 26 March 2023 in Dingle, Ireland.

Producers applied with animated features and series projects in early development. Focusing primarily on the creative and financial aspects of feature and long form animation production, the ACE Animation Special will offer sessions on animatic story development, international production workflows, the creative dynamics of animation production, financing strategies and international distribution. The workshop will also include one or more sessions on physical line production as well as case studies on completed animation projects. Group sessions, plenary sessions and one to one meetings will together build a workshop where producers learn from each other’s experiences and those of key industry guests.

Experts/consultants confirmed for this year’s edition include Sébastien Onomo (Special Touch Studios), Simon Quinn (Big Fat Studio), Martin Pope (Magic Light Pictures), Marleen Slot (Viking Film), Eleanor Coleman (Indie Sales), Paul Young & Giovanna Ferrari (Cartoon Saloon), Michael Ryan (GFM Animation), Sarah Muller (BBC) and John Reynolds (Sow You Entertainment).

Rozálie Brožková – Czech Republic – Vernes s.r.o.
“The Seniors”

Dan Dixon – United Kingdom – Snafu Pictures
“The Gigantic Beard That Was Evil”

Claire Finn – Ireland – Lighthouse Studios
“Savage Town”

Eurydice Gysel – ACE Belgium – Czar Film & TV
“WOLF 302M”

Kathryn Kennedy – ACE Ireland – Kennedy Films
“The Thin Place”

Mark Lacey – United Kingdom – Enemy Films
“Rabbit”

Cameron MacLaren – Canada – MacLaren Productions
“The Perdu Woman”

Marianne Mäkelä – Finland – napafilms oy
“Last Carriage”

Carla Mooney – Ireland – Cardel
“A Hairy Situation

Patrice Nezan – ACE France – Les Contes Modernes
“The True Story of Joan of Arc”

Simon Österhof – Sweden – Soja
“Albatross”

Radim Prochazka – ACE Czech Republic – Kuli Film
“Babu in the Night City”

Beata Rzezniczek – Poland – Madants
“Pale Pink”

Eirik Smidesang Slåen – Norway – ImaginærFilm
“Adil”

Chris Stenger – Netherlands – Family Affair Films
“The Marbelle of Bloom”

Ruben Thorkildsen – Norway – Storm Films
“CysteMfailure”

ACE 33 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

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.

EFM Producers and Projects Hub – Partnership

In partnership with the European Film Market and the Berlinale Co-Production Market, ACE Producers will co-host the Producers Consultancy with ACE which is aimed at all international producers attending the EFM with a professional business goal. Based on one of the core competences of the European Film Market as a sales and distribution platform, the EFM Producers Hub provides a working environment for professionals during the Berlinale. It will be a key location for producers to meet and network with potential partners.

Located at the Producers & Projects Hub on the 2nd floor of the Gropius Bau from Friday 17th of February to Tuesday 21st of February, the EFM Producers & Projects Hub in collaboration with ACE Producers, will offer daily round-table discussions with experts.

The programme will be announced at the beginning of February and it will be possible to sign up to the round-tables via the EFM website.

Round Tables

The Round Table Sessions will take place daily from 17th to 21st of February. At five tables located at different spots of the Producers & Projects Hub, around six producers per table will have discussions and consultancy with an expert of ACE Producers.

The experts are the consultants and moderators of each session. They lead the discussion in order to optimise the outcome for the participants.

Producers can apply to participate in up to two sessions at a certain table between table 1 to table 5, during the whole EFM upon availability. The sign-in form is available here.

PRODUCERS SELECTED FOR THE ACE MENTORING PROGRAMME NL 2023

After two successful editions, ACE Producers has selected, again, 3 upcoming producers based in the Netherlands and in Overseas Territories to participate in the ACE Mentoring Programme NL 2023. The programme aims to support emerging producers in reaching the next level of experience and developing their international network.

The selected participants have been matched to a mentor of the ACE Producers Network according to their specific personal needs. The mentorship includes meetings throughout the year at international festivals and events, and online.

The ACE Mentoring Programme has been set up in collaboration with the
Netherlands Film Fund.

 

SELECTED PRODUCERS FOR ACE MENTORING PROGRAMME:

Corine Meijers, Studio Biarritz – the Netherlands
Mentor: Lisa Marie Russo (ACE 11), Fly Film Company Limited – United Kingdom

Sulin S.F. Passial, Pantalla Chica Productions – Curaçao
Mentor: Marija Razgute (ACE 30), M-Films – Lithuania

Tom Van Blommestein, Lemming Film – the Netherlands
Mentor: Helena Danielsson (ACE 13), Viaplay Studios – Sweden

 

Together with ACE Training Days, the ACE Mentoring Programme is part of ACE Springboard, a combination of programmes focusing on emerging independent producers to strengthen careers at an early stage. ACE Springboard provides participants with the tools needed to be adaptable and innovative in an ever-changing film industry – for a successful new generation of independent producers!

Please find more information here:
https://ace-producers.com/springboard

For more information please contact:
ayumifilippone@ace-producers.com

Oscar Nominations 2023

BEST PICTURE
TRIANGLE OF SADNESS by Ruben Östlund
Produced by Erik Hemmendorff (ACE Sweden)
Co-produced by Giorgos Karnavas (ACE Greece) and Per Damgaard Hansen (ACE Denmark)

BEST DIRECTING
Ruben Östlund for TRIANGLE OF SADNESS by Ruben Östlund
Produced by Erik Hemmendorff (ACE Sweden)
Co-produced by Giorgos Karnavas (ACE Greece) and Per Damgaard Hansen (ACE Denmark)

INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM
CLOSE by Lukas Dhont
Co-produced by Laurette Schillings (ACE the Netherlands), Frans van Gestel (ACE The Netherlands) and Jacques-Henri Bronckart (ACE Belgium)

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Ruben Östlund for TRIANGLE OF SADNESS by Ruben Östlund
Produced by Erik Hemmendorff (ACE Sweden)
Co-produced by Giorgos Karnavas (ACE Greece) and Per Damgaard Hansen (ACE Denmark)

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
A HOUSE MADE OF SPLINTERS by Simon Lereng Wilmont
Executive producer Signe Byrge Sørensen (ACE Denmark)

LIVE-ACTION SHORT FILM
LE PUPILLE by Alice Rohrwacher
Produced by Carlo Cresto Dina (ACE Italy)

Call for Applications – ACE Leadership Special 2023

ACE Producers is pleased to announce the Call for Applications for the second edition of the ACE Leadership Special. This workshop is aimed at experienced producers looking to establish sound business foundations for their companies and develop their personal leadership and entrepreneurial skills. The workshop is made possible thanks to support from Creative Europe MEDIA, the Netherlands Film Fund, Veneto Film Commission and CFAP.

The world of audiovisual production is changing rapidly. In order to survive and thrive in this dynamic environment, solid leadership is more important than ever. This asks for a strong vision, and the ability to operate with ever greater flexibility and agility. The ACE Leadership Special will help company-owning producers discover their own personal vision and gain the tools needed to adapt and flourish when faced with change.

ACE Leadership Special will help producers harness their capabilities and innate skills, raising their confidence to allow them to provide effective leadership for their production companies and teams, and to become Leaders Through Change.

Open to members of the ACE Network and other experienced, established producers of a similar level, the ACE Leadership Special will take place over two 3-day residential workshops with additional online sessions complementing them. 12 producers will be selected, each with their own experiences from running a company and their own unique entrepreneurial capabilities, allowing the small group to benefit not only from the knowledge of the workshop consultants, but from each other’s lived experiences.

The ACE Leadership Special will help participants upgrade their capabilities in an all-encompassing approach through three interlinking themes: the human being, the entrepreneur, and the manager. Focusing on this triad of roles, the programme will cover the following topics:

  • How to be a more effective leader: Improving personal leadership and management performance by looking at the human being behind the leader
  • How to plan and form strategy as an entrepreneur in a changing world: Improving the performance and prospects of the business
  • How to get the most from the team you rely upon: Improving the performance of the people involved in the business

DATES
18 – 21 June 2023
17 – 20 September 2023
With other online elements

LOCATION
The first workshop will take place in the region of Veneto, Italy, thanks to the support of the Veneto Film Commission. The second workshop will be in the Netherlands.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Should be an owner or partner in an audiovisual production company
  • Should have been the delegate producer (i.e. the principal responsible producer) of at least one theatrically-released feature film, documentary or a high-end drama series which has been broadcast or aired online.
  • Should be available and able to commit to attend the entire workshop
  • Producers from any country are welcome to apply, however, please note that the majority of spaces will be reserved for producers from MEDIA countries.

FEES
€3.500 (€3.250 for ACE Network Members).
The fee covers full board, accommodation and training during the workshops. Travel costs are not included.

SCHOLARSHIP
Based on our support from Creative Europe MEDIA, bursaries are available for producers from low capacity production countries: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine. Decisions to award scholarships are made by the selection committee. The scholarship is never more than 1/3 of the overall fee. We encourage participants to apply for financial support with their national/regional funding bodies first.

DEADLINE
6 March 2023

HOW TO APPLY
Applicants will be asked to submit a biography, company profile and motivation letter (explaining their leadership challenges, the current situation of their company, their long-term thinking and plans for the future) to info@ace-producers.com. Feel free to reach out for further information.