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.

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:

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).

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

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, BAI, Animation 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”

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.
7^th – 12^th 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.

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.

Gearing up for the fourth edition, ACE Producers has selected three upcoming producers based in The Netherlands and Overseas Territories to participate in the ACE Mentoring Programme NL 2024. The programme aims to support emerging producers in reaching the next level of their careers and developing their international network.

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

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

 

SELECTED PRODUCERS FOR ACE MENTORING PROGRAMME:

Ewoud Bon, Provider Films – The Netherlands
Mentor: Dagnė Vildžiūnaitė (ACE 33), Just A Moment – Lithuania

Sasha Gertsik, GROM Productions – The Netherlands
Mentor: Helen Ahlsson (ACE 19), Nordic Drama Queens – Sweden

Sam Godfried, Yalla docs – The Netherlands
Mentor: Lisa Marie Russo (ACE 11), Fly Film Company – 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!

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