ACE Producers has selected 13 emerging producers for the ACE Training Days NL 2022.

Jasper Boon, Boondocs
The Netherlands

Fee Buck, PANDORA FILM Produktion
Germany

Esther Busch, Le Berg
Germany

Aydin Dehzad, Kaliber Film
The Netherlands

Maarten D’Hollander, Krater Films
Belgium

Fabian Driehorst, Fabian&Fred
Germany

Christine Duttlinger, Komplizen Film
Germany

Rogier Kramer, Dutch Mountain Film
The Netherlands

Corine Meyers, Studio Biarritz
The Netherlands

Rinskje Raap, Rinkelfilm
The Netherlands

Philipp Raube, Die Neue Lux
Germany

Monique van Kessel, Make Way Film
The Netherlands

Olivia Sophie van Leeuwen, HALAL
The Netherlands

The workshop is aimed at strengthening upcoming producers from the Netherlands and the neighbouring countries Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. Focusing on “The Marketing & Promotion of Your Projects in an International Context”, it gives the participants the opportunity to learn from established producers and film professionals and to further develop their network.

The 2-day workshop (4 – 6 April 2022) will enable the selected producers to gain more knowledge on the international context of audiovisual production, concentrating mainly on the landscape of co-productions and financing a film internationally, but will also provide additional knowledge on the set-up of international markets and film festivals.

Together with the ACE Mentoring Programme, the ACE Training Days NL 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!

The ACE Training Days NL is set up with the collaborating partners Netherlands Film Fund, NAPA, Film Forward and Eye Filmmuseum. 

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

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

ACE Producers is pleased to announce the call for applications for the ACE Series Special, with thanks to support from Creative Europe MEDIA and FFF Bayern.

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 2022 workshop will be held in Munich, Germany with the support of FFF Bayern 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 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) and Christian Vesper (Fremantle).

PROGRAMME DATES
31 October – 5 November 2022
With other online elements

LOCATION
Munich, Germany

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.

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.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
13 June 2022

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

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

ACE Producers is seeking an Events & Communications Coordinator for the ACE Annual Programme, the ACE Network & ACE Springboard Training Days to join its international team. With a small staff of 6 employees, we require a highly organised, proactive and driven individual.

Do you want to work within a vibrant atmosphere, coordinating events and communications, bringing your expertise to an international network of independent feature film & drama series producers and get to know more about the European independent film industry? Join us!

DESCRIPTION – ACE PRODUCERS

ACE Producers is a network of experienced feature film & drama series producers behind Europe’s finest producer training programme. The organisation has developed a strong successful brand in providing top quality executive education in creative (co-) producing and entrepreneurialism, delivering continuous life-long and dynamic learning.

Strengthening independent producers, ACE Producers uses the power of the ACE Network’s collective knowledge to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities in an everchanging industry. ACE enables profound collaborations through honest dialogue in the safe trusted space of the ACE Network and fosters valuable exchange of high-level knowledge about the independent audiovisual industry in Europe and beyond.

An adaptable, approachable organisation, ACE is famous for delivery of its core selective training programme for experienced producers. Each year, up to 20 new ACE producers are accepted into the ACE Network, after completing the main ACE programme of advanced training, which consists of three workshops during one year. The collective learning emphasises the key position and unique responsibilities of the producer throughout the whole process of making a film: development, production, marketing and delivery to audiences/distribution.

Reflecting their creativity and dynamism, ACE producers are frequently featured among the award-winners in Cannes, Berlin and Venice, at the Oscars, European Film Awards, etc. Recent feature films such as Oscar-winners “The Father” by Florian Zeller, and Palme d’Or winner “Titane” by Julia Decourneau” have been produced by members of the ACE Network.

ACE Producers was set up in 1993 and now has over 250 active members from more than 45 countries. Network members gather for further training and professional events at all major festivals and markets during the year, and regularly co-produce with each other. The association is governed by an Executive Board consisting of 20 international film professionals.

JOB DESCRIPTION – EVENTS & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Job purpose:

The role sits within a small team that works in close collaboration to deliver a range of projects and workshops. The Events & Communications Coordinator assists the Events Manager, coordinates all communications and organises the ACE Springboard Training Days programmes.

Key responsibilities:
Communications

• Coordinating all internal and external communication, and implementing the overall ACE Marketing Strategy
• Coordinating PR & Publicity activities, and producing all publicity and advertising material
• Drawing up texts for newsletters, press releases, calls for applications, the website and other publicity materials

Events

• Organising and coordinating the ACE Springboard Training Days programmes and supervising all related communication towards participants, consultants and partners
• Assisting the Event Manager in organising and coordinating the ACE Annual Programme and Network events, the ACE Insight Sessions and festivals, this includes organising transportation, catering and overnight stays for the participants, consultants and team
• Coordinating the creation of workshop materials
• Representing the association during ACE events and those where ACE participates as a partner or co-organiser

Desired profile:

• At least 2 years of work experience in event coordination and demonstrable experience in communications;
• Flexible worker, being prepared to take on tasks outside remit when needed, keen on networking and collaborating closely with a small team;
• Ability to efficiently plan and manage multiple assignments to meet deadlines;
• Attention to detail, preciseness in the execution of tasks and solution-oriented working approach;
• Excellent communication and organisation skills in a multi-cultural environment;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is a must, and additional languages are a plus;
• Essential knowledge of Microsoft Office and skilful in the use of InDesign and Photoshop;
• Friendly and outgoing;
• Interested in film and the film industry.

Starting date: preferably April 2022

Period: An annual contract with the with intention of a permanent employment in the future

Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Position: Full-time (part-time working from home is possible)

Salary: Corresponding to knowledge and experience

Please send us your CV and a cover letter explaining why you’re the right person for the job before 1st of March 2022.

For further questions and applications contact: info@ace-producers.com

Application deadline: 2 May 2022

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 project in development that is suitable for co-production and aimed at the international market along with their application.

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.
10th – 15th October 2022 in Tromsø, 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.
21th – 26th November 2022 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.
27th – 30th March 2023 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

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.
31st March – 2nd April 2023 in San Sebastian, Spain

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
If you are considering applying, please contact info@ace-producers.com to establish your eligibility and organise a meeting with producers’ liaison Al Williams.

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 our website for more information on the Annual Programme and application process.

PARTNERS
ACE Producers is supported by Creative Europe, the Netherlands Film Fund, Procirep, German Films, Téléfilm Canada, Screen Ireland, Focal and Rai Cinema.

ACE Producers is pleased to launch the ACE Leadership Special with thanks to support from Creative Europe MEDIA and the Netherlands Film Fund. A new workshop aimed at experienced producers looking to establish sound business foundations for their companies and develop their personal leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

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 “Masters of 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
• ­ Should be available and able to commit to attend the entire workshop

WORKSHOP DATES
20 – 22 June 2022
12 – 14 September 2022
With other online elements

LOCATION
The first workshop will take place in the Netherlands, whilst the destination of the second is to be confirmed.

ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS

• ­ 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

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.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
14 April 2022

HOW TO APPLY
Applicants will be asked to explain in a motivation letter their leadership challenges, the current situation of their company, their long-term thinking and plans for the future.

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

For the second consecutive time, ACE Producers has selected 3 upcoming producers based in the Netherlands to participate in the ACE Mentoring Programme NL 2022. The programme aims to support Dutch 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, NAPA, Film Forward and Eye Filmmuseum.

 

SELECTED PRODUCERS FOR ACE MENTORING PROGRAMME:

Adrienne Liron, 3 Minutes West
Mentor: Tom Dercourt (ACE 16), Cinema Defacto – France

Layla Meijman, Studio Ruba
Mentor: Jamila Wenske (ACE 24), Achtung Panda! – Germany

Loes Koomen, Room for Film
Mentor: Marleen Slot (ACE 19), Viking Film – The Netherlands

 

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:
maegenefabias@ace-producers.com

The ACE Mentoring Programme aims to support upcoming producers in managing their careers and developing their international network, by providing them with the opportunity to learn from established mentors actively working within the European film industry.

The goal is to help these emerging producers reach the next level of experience and help them in the development of their international network.

Each year up to 10 producers, based in the EU or a Creative Europe MEDIA Programme country, will be selected for the Mentoring Programme EU. However, there are also three spaces open for producers from non-EU countries. With this, ACE Producers wants to contribute in creating a film industry that is more inclusive and diverse.

After being selected, each producer will be matched to a mentor according to their specific needs. Throughout the year, the producers will have up to 4 meetings with their mentor, online or if possible in person at international festivals and events.

To best benefit from the programme, we ask producers to have a full-length project in development – fiction, animation or documentary.

PROGRAMME DATES
March – December 2022 with a total of 4 meetings held throughout the year.

ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS

• Emerging producers with some experience in production, who are looking to expand their knowledge of international co-production, feature film financing, production, sales, and (online) distribution;
• Producers should have at least one credit on a film or TV series, without necessarily having a full production credit;
• Producers need to have a full-length fiction, animation or documentary project in development;

PARTICIPATION

• Participation fee is 300€ for each participant.
• All travel and accommodation expenses that may arise will not be covered by the organisation.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
25 February 2022 (up to 10 places available)

HOW TO APPLY
Send the following documents (in English and combined into one PDF) to
info@ace-producers.com:

• A motivational letter;
• Company profile;
• Producer’s biography & filmography;
• List of current projects in development (with information and status on each project).

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Maegene Fabias at maegenefabias@ace-producers.com