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

ACE Producers will be hosting an information session about the ACE Animation Special 2024. This session will offer producers the chance to hear about the application process, eligibility criteria and workshop programme of the 2024 edition.

Monday 13^th November 2023 – 15:00 CET
Online Information Session: ACE Animation Special 2024

Please sign up for the session by completing this form.

ACE ANIMATION SPECIAL
The ACE Animation Special 2024 will be held in Dingle (Ireland) between 19 and 24 March 2024. It is organised thanks to Creative Europe MEDIA, the Netherlands Film Fund, Screen Ireland and Animation Ireland, in close collaboration with Animation Dingle.

The workshop is aimed at experienced producers who want to diversify their activities to include, and/or deepen their knowledge of developing and producing long-form/feature film animation production for an international audience (cinema, broadcast or streaming). Producers experienced in animation that are looking to internationalise their network are also welcome to apply.

WORKSHOP DATES
19 – 24 March 2024

LOCATION
Dingle, Ireland

 

More information on the ACE Animation Special and how to apply can be found at this link.

ACE Producers and Independent Film Foundation are excited to announce the 12 emerging producers selected to participate in the third edition of ACE Training Days Poland, a workshop aimed at strengthening upcoming producers from Central Eastern European countries. Focusing on “The Essentials of Co-Producing: What’s the Deal with Negotiating”, it gives the participants the opportunity to learn from established producers and film professionals and to further develop their international network. The ACE Training Days Poland is supported by the Polish Film Institute.

The 2-day interactive workshop (22 and 23 November) will include plenary sessions and case studies, as well as group meetings and round table discussions, provided with the help of ACE consultants and producers who have notably strong track records in negotiation, international financing, co-production, sales, and distribution, and who will share their knowledge and international expertise.

The Training Days Poland is connected to the ACE 33 Financing Strategies Workshop (20 – 25 November, Warsaw), which is a workshop within the ACE Annual Programme organised for the selected 18 experienced producers from Europe and beyond.

 

SELECTED PRODUCERS FOR ACE TRAINING DAYS POLAND:

Joanna Banach, Kosmos Production – Poland

Péter Fülöp, FP Films – Hungary

Enea Gramo, Art Film – Albania

Viki Réka Kiss, Good Kids, Hungary

Marta Krzeptowska, Orka Film – Poland

Olha Matat, Evos Film – Ukraine

Rūta Petronytė, Smart Casual – Lithuania

Livia Radulescu, Redwood Productions – Romania

Marta Romanova-Jekabsone, Kultfilma – Latvia

Ewa Sokołowska, Warsaw Film School – Poland

Gabriela Suciu, Atelier de Film – Romania

Sylwia Szczechowicz-Warszewska, Film Office – Poland

 

Together with the ACE Mentoring Programme, the ACE Training Days are 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, for more information please contact us at ace@ace-producers.com.

ACE Producers is excited to announce the election of its new president, Marleen Slot (ACE The Netherlands).

Having been elected by the ACE Executive Board, Marleen will serve as president of ACE Producers starting from 19 April 2024, taking over from current president, Antoine Simkine, who held the role since 2018.

Marleen has been a member of ACE Producers since her participation in the ACE 19 Annual Programme in 2009. Over the past years, she has regularly returned to ACE workshops as a speaker, consultant, and expert. Since 2020, Marleen is a board member for ACE Producers and currently is serving as vice-president.

Marleen founded Amsterdam-based film production company Viking Film in 2011. International in scope, Viking Film creates high-quality films for both Dutch and international audiences with a special focus on arthouse and animation films. Marleen started her career at Lemming Film, where she worked for 8 years as a producer.

Marleen will collaborate closely with Director, Jacobine van der Vloed, in developing ACE’s vision and strategy. Both will work together as they take ACE forward and build on the substantial achievements that have occurred over the past few years.

Commenting on her election, Marleen said: “I feel very honoured to be elected the new president of an organisation that is so dear to me and such an important part of my career and life since 2009. I strongly believe in the power of ACE as a training organisation but even more as a place for producers to share and network, where you can be vulnerable and open and share successes and mistakes. Collectively we can make the difference and bring our films to a higher level.”

Departing president Antoine Simkine comments: “I am delighted to announce that my esteemed friend and colleague, Marleen Slot, has been chosen and duly elected by the board to undertake the important mission of President. Marleen played a pivotal role in the relocation of ACE from France to the Netherlands, and now, it is her time to contribute further to our organization’s growth and solidify position of ACE as Europe’s premier producers’ association. I extend my heartfelt wishes for Marleen’s utmost success in this new responsibility, eagerly anticipating the official transition that will take place in April 2024 during our annual reunion in Bordeaux.”

ACE Producers is pleased to announce the call for applications for the fifth ACE Animation Special. The workshop, which will be held in Dingle (Ireland) between 19 and 24 March 2024, is organised thanks to Creative Europe MEDIA, the Netherlands Film Fund, in close collaboration with Screen Ireland, Animation Ireland and Animation Dingle.

The workshop is aimed at experienced producers who want to diversify their activities to include, and/or deepen their knowledge of developing and producing long-form/feature film animation production for an international audience (cinema, broadcast or streaming).

16 to 18 producers will be selected for the workshop, preferably with a long-form/feature-length animation project at concept stage. 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.

WORKSHOP DATES
19 – 24 March 2024

LOCATION
Dingle, Ireland

ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS

• To be an owner, partner or associate of an independent film/animation/TV production company;
• To be an ACE member or producer with a similar level of experience;
• To have a long-form or feature-length animation project at idea or concept stage; producers without a project are also welcome to apply but must demonstrate a clear motivation.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
28 November 2023
Up to 18 places available

HOW TO APPLY
For more information or to request an application form, please contact info@ace-producers.com

ACE Producers has selected twelve emerging producers for the ACE Training Days Norway. Taking place from October 10 to 12, 2023 in Oslo, Norway, the workshop will focus on “The Essentials of Sustainable Film Production”.

This interactive workshop will include plenary sessions and case studies, as well as group meetings provided with the help of ACE consultants who will share their knowledge and expertise.

The ACE Training Days Norway has been set up in collaboration with the Norwegian Film Institute. It is connected to the ACE 33 Content Development Workshop (9 – 14 October, Oslo), which is a workshop within the ACE Annual Programme organised for the selected 18 experienced producers from Europe and beyond.

The ACE Training Days Norway is kindly supported by The Norwegian Film Institute, Oslo Filmfund, Østnorsk filmsenter, Midtnorsk filmsenter, and Oslo Film Commission

SELECTED PRODUCERS FOR ACE TRAINING DAYS NORWAY 2023

Karianne Berge, Indie Film AS

Sara Beate Eira, Screaming Fox Productions

Tøri Gjendal, Nordisk Film Production AS

Kjersti Sofie Greger, Klipp og Lim

Lillian Løvseth, Trollfilm

Bente Maalen, Blaane film AS

Ragna Midtgard, STÆR

Malene Oppheim, Oppheim Film

Vincent Saunders, Goodtime Picture

Kristoffer Sindre Vittersø, Monster AS

Sarah Winge-Sørensen, Stray Dogs

Dzenan Tarakcija, Blattematik AS

 

Together with the ACE Mentoring Programme, the ACE Training Days are 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, for more information please contact us at ace@ace-producers.com.

Lamia Chraïbi – Moon a Deal Films – France/Morocco
“The Shelter” directed by Talal Selhami

Marija Dimitrova – List Production – North Macedonia
“Parno” directed by Igor Ivanov

Adis Djapo – SCCA/pro.ba – Bosnia and Herzegovina
“Supermarket” directed by Nermin Hamzagic

Eve Gabereau – Modern Films – United Kingdom
“Cold Enough for Snow” directed by Jemima James

Emilia Haukka – Aamu Film Company – Finland
“Abyss” directed by Aino Suni

Monica Hellström – Ström Pictures – Denmark
“Bethlehem” directed by Larissa Sansour & Søren Lind

Dragana Jovović – Non-Aligned Films – Serbia
“In the Shadow of the Horns” directed by Ognjen Glavonić

Lionel Massol – Films Grand Huit – France
“Deepfake” directed by Ismaël Joffroy Chandoutis

Filipa Reis – Uma Pedra no Sapato – Portugal
“Cantiga” directed by Miguel Gomes

Esko Rips – Nafta Films – Estonia
“Serafima & Bogdan” directed by Veiko Õunpuu

Aline Schmid – Beauvoir Films – Switzerland
“A Year Without Summer” directed by Flurin Giger

Johannes Schubert – SCHUBERT – Austria
“Keep Her Quiet” directed by Franz Böhm

Radu Stancu – deFilm – Romania
“Magnum Opus” directed by Bogdan Mirica

Anton Máni Svansson – Join Motion Pictures – Iceland
“The Love that Remains” directed by Hlynur Pálmason

Marc Tetreault – Shut Up & Colour Pictures Inc – Canada
“Place of Ghosts” directed by Bretten Hannam

Snežana van Houwelingen – This and That Productions – Serbia
“Folk Play” directed by Mirjana Karanovic

Dagne Vildziunaite – Just a moment – Lithuania
“Kopeck” directed by Lina Lužytė

Agnieszka Wasiak – Lava Films – Poland
“Black Water” directed by Aga Woszczyńska

 

ACE Producers has selected 18 experienced independent producers to join the ACE Network after completing the 33^rd edition of its ACE Annual Programme. The selected producers from 17 different territories will attend three workshops throughout 2023 and 2024 moving the projects with which they applied forward.

The selection committee consisted of members of the ACE Board and Network, consultants, ACE president Antoine Simkine and director and head of studies Jacobine van der Vloed.

“We are looking forward to welcoming this experienced group of independent producers to the ACE 33 Annual Programme. They each bring their own expertise and perspective, and we’re excited to get to know them and collaborate over the coming months. They will make a fantastic addition to the ACE Network.”, Jacobine van der Vloed commented.

 

Four events make up the core of the training. The first workshop, dedicated to content development, will take place in Oslo, Norway in early October and will include group sessions and individual meetings, analysing the concepts, dramaturgy, and target audiences of producers’ projects. The workshop is supported by The Norwegian Film Institute, Oslo Filmfund, Oslo Filmkommisjon and Media Desk Norway.

In November, the second workshop, which offers the producers advice on possible financing strategies for their projects, will take place in Warsaw, Poland, with the support of the Polish Film Institute and in collaboration with Independent Film Foundation. The week-long workshop will be made up of interactive sessions exploring international financing opportunities and strategies through detailed analysis of the producers’ finance plans, with input provided by high-grade professionals from across the industry. The sessions offer 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.

The third workshop will look at the producers’ business strategies, providing them 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. The Business Prospects Workshop will take place in France and is immediately followed by the ACE Annual Reunion, where the new producers will be officially welcomed into the ACE Network.

The Annual Reunion 2024 will be held in Bordeaux, France with the support of the ALCA Nouvelle Aquitaine, CNC and Département de la Gironde.

The ACE Annual Programme is supported by Creative Europe MEDIA, Netherlands Film Fund, Procirep, German Films, Téléfilm Canada, Screen Ireland, Focal and APA – Audiovisual Producers Association.