12 LEADING INDEPENDENT PRODUCERS SELECTED FOR THE ACE LEADERSHIP SPECIAL

ACE Producers has selected 12 acclaimed film and television producers from 10 different territories for the third edition of the ACE Leadership Special.

Following two successful editions, the workshop aims to help producers sustain solid business foundations, improve performance and prospects for their teams and their companies and further develop their personal leadership and entrepreneurial skills to flourish when faced with change. The workshop format will allow the small group to benefit not only from the knowledge of the workshop consultants but also from each other’s lived experiences.

ACE director Jacobine van der Vloed said of the selection “The quality of applications that we received this year goes to show how in demand this type of training is for producers. We look forward to once again creating a safe space for the participants where they can grow and thrive”.

The programme is supported by Creative Europe MEDIA, the Netherlands Film Fund, and the Mallorca Film Commission. It will take place in Bergen (The Netherlands) in June and in Mallorca (Spain) in September 2024 along with online elements over the summer.

Among the Consultants are Jeroen Achterberg, Jo Bishop (The Coaching Cabin) and Mark van der Grift (True Brands).

SELECTED PRODUCERS

Amra Baksic Camo – Bosnia & Herzegovina – SCAA/pro.ba

Pavel Berčík – Czech Republic – Evolution Films

Agustina Chiarino – Uruguay – Bocacha Films

Sylvain Corbeil – Canada – Metafilms

Benjamin Domenech – Argentina – Rei Pictures

Galilé Marion-Gauvin – Canada – Productions l’unité centrale

Hanneke Niens – The Netherlands – KeyFilm

Floor Onrust – The Netherlands – Family Affair Films

Evelin Penttilä – Estonia – Stellar Film

Katrin Pors – Denmark – Snowglobe

Jussi Rantamäki – Finland – Aamu Film Company

Nima Yousefi – Sweden – HOBAB

 

Please find more information here.

For further details please contact:
alwilliams@ace-producers.com

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12 PRODUCERS SELECTED FOR THE ACE LEADERSHIP SPECIAL

ACE Producers has selected 12 acclaimed film and television producers from 9 different territories for the second edition of the ACE Leadership Special.

Following a successful first edition in 2022, the workshop aims to help producers sustain solid business foundations, improve performance and prospects for their teams and their companies and further develop their personal leadership and entrepreneurial skills to flourish when faced with change. The workshop format will allow the small group to benefit not only from the knowledge of the workshop consultants, but from each other’s lived experiences.

ACE Director Jacobine van der Vloed said of this year’s selection: “The large number of applications we received really goes to demonstrate the widespread need and desire that producers currently have to establish a sound footing for their companies. We’re delighted to offer this incredible selection of producers the opportunity to do just that.”

The programme is supported by Creative Europe MEDIA, Netherlands Film Fund, CFAP and the Veneto Film Commission. It will take place in Veneto in June and in Amsterdam in September 2023 along with online elements over the summer.

Among the Consultants are Jeroen Achterberg, Jo Bishop (The Coaching Cabin) and Mark van der Grift (True Brands).

SELECTED PRODUCERS

Damon D’Oliveira – Canada – Conquering Lion Pictures

Félize Frappier – Canada – Max Films Media

Janne Hjeltnes – Norway – The Global Ensemble

Siniša Juričić – Croatia – Nukleus Film

Kristine Knudsen – Norway – Den siste skilling

Fabian Maubach – Germany – Sommerhaus Filmproduktion

Christof Neracher – Switzerland – hugofilm features

Iris Otten – The Netherlands – Juliet (at Pupkin)

Marica Stocchi – Italy – Rosamont

Nadia Trevisan – Italy – Nefertiti Film

Frans van Gestel – The Netherlands – Topkapi Films

Mariusz Włodarski– Poland – Lava Films

 

A previous version of this post also included Paloma Mora (Spain – TV ON Producciones) as a participant. Unfortunately, she had to withdraw from the workshop.

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PRODUCERS SELECTED FOR ACE MENTORING PROGRAMME EU 2024

For the third consecutive year, ACE Producers has selected 10 talented up-and-coming producers for the ACE Mentoring Programme EU 2024 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 offering them the opportunity to learn from established mentors from the ACE Network actively working within the international film industry.

Each selected producer has been carefully matched to a mentor according to their specific needs. The programme includes (online) meetings throughout the year, intending to share the ACE Network’s collective knowledge with a new generation of producers.

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

SELECTED PRODUCERS FOR ACE MENTORING PROGRAMME EU 2024:

Arthur Cohen, Elementary – France
Mentor: Richard Johns (ACE 7), Argo Films – United Kingdom

Joana Domingues, Caracol Protagonista – Portugal
Mentor: Eve Gabereau (ACE 33), Modern Films – United Kingdom

Antra Gaile, Air Productions – Latvia
Mentor: Yorgos Tsourgiannis (ACE 20), Horsefly Productions – Greece

Andrea Gori, Lumen Films – Italy
Mentor: Alise Gelze (ACE 28), White Picture – Latvia

Geneviève Gosselin-G., Le Foyer Films – Canada
Mentor: Annabella Nezri (ACE 31), Kwassa Films – Belgium

Jenni Jauri, Silmu Films – Finland
Mentor: Judy Tossell (ACE 9), Egoli Tossell Film – Germany

Paulina Lorenz, JÜNGLINGE FILM – Germany
Mentor: Stienette Bosklopper (ACE Series 1), Circe Films – The Netherlands

Wangechi Ngugi, Monsoons Creative Studio LTD – Kenya
Mentor: Christine Kiauk (ACE 23), Coin Film – Germany

Louise Riousse, Laterna Films – Mexico
Mentor: Alessandro Amato (ACE 32), dispàrte – Italy

Romas Zabarauskas, Naratyvas – Lithuania
Mentor: Radu Stancu (ACE 33), deFilm – Romania

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 their 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!

More information on the ACE Springboard Programmes can be found here.
For questions, contact us at ace@ace-producers.com.

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PRODUCERS SELECTED FOR ACE ANIMATION SPECIAL 2024

ACE Producers is delghted to announce that it has selected 17 experienced independent producers for the 5th 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, Screen Ireland, the Netherlands Film Fund and Animation Ireland, the ACE Animation Special will take place from the 19th to the 24th March 2024 in Dingle, Ireland, in collaboration with the Animation Dingle festival.

Al Williams, Specials Manager at ACE Producers said: “We are delighted to be going to Dingle once again this year. Ireland is such an inspirational hub for animation in Europe, making it the perfect location to gather together these talented producers.”

Producers will attend with animated features and series projects in early development. Focusing primarily on the creative and financial aspects of feature and longform 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.

Among the Experts / Consultants of this year’s edition are Eleanor Coleman (Indie Sales), Giovanna Ferrari (Cartoon Saloon), Kristine Knudsen (Den siste skilling), Sébastien Onomo (Special Touch Studios), Martin Pope (Magic Light Pictures), Simon Quinn (Big Fat Studio) and Paul Young (Cartoon Saloon).

ANIMATION SPECIAL 5 – SELECTED PARTICIPANTS

Naima Abed – United Kingdom – Paradise City

Darya Bassel – Ukraine – Moon Man

Ciarán Deeney – Ireland – EZ Films

Fabian Driehorst – Germany – Fabian&Fred

André Fetzer – Luxembourg – AMOUR FOU

Dominiks Jarmakovičs – Latvia – Studio Locomotive

Vladimer Katcharava – Georgia – 20 Steps

Eun-Zi Kim – Germany – Freelance

Amanda Livanou – Greece – Neda Film

Hélène Mitjavile – France – Melocoton Films

Koji Nelissen – The Netherlands – Keplerfilm

Fabrice Otaño – France – DISNOSC

Joanna Ronikier – Poland – Running Rabbit Films.

Paul Schleicher – United Kingdom – Snafu Pictures

Guntis Trekteris – Latvia – Egomedia

Stephen Vandingenen – Belgium – A Private View

Konstantinos Vassilaros – Greece – StudioBauhaus

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 6

ACE Producers is pleased to announce the call for applications for the ACE Series Special 6, with thanks to support from Creative Europe MEDIA and the collaboration of ICEX Spain Trade & Investment.

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 2024 workshop will be held in Madrid, Spain thanks to the collaboration of ICEX Spain Trade & Investment and Creative Europe MEDIA as well as on-site support from Madrid Film Office. 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.

Professionals from companies such as Fremantle, BETA, Banijay, Federation and Lionsgate regularly attend as consultants, along with producers and showrunners offering no-holds-barred case studies and discussions.

SERIES SPECIAL

DEADLINE
4 June 2024

WORKSHOP DATES
4 November – 9 November 2024

LOCATION
Madrid, Spain

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;
  • To be fluent in spoken English.

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 specials@ace-producers.com

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

In collaboration with:

On site support by:

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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 34 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 2024

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.
7th – 12th October 2024 in Leiden, The Netherlands

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, public and private funding schemes, and the global marketplace in the digital age.
18th – 23rd November 2024 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.
April 2025, exact dates and location to be announced.

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, opinions and practical advice in an informal but confidential environment.  Warts-and-all case studies, production company showcases, insider-information sessions, and more.
Directly following the Business Prospects Workshop, exact dates and location to be announced.

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 commit to attending 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 ace@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 34 Annual Programme is supported by Creative Europe MEDIA, Netherlands Film Fund, Polish Film Institute, Procirep, German Films, Téléfilm Canada, Screen Ireland, Roma Lazio Film Commission, Focal and APA – Audiovisual Producers Association.