Public broadcasters shine at Cartoon Forum ⁢2023

A spotlight on state-funded animation

The Cartoon Forum ​in Toulouse, running from September 16-19, has become a beacon for the European animation ⁣industry, especially in these challenging times. With the market facing a downturn due to reduced streaming investments, public broadcasters have⁢ stepped up, offering a lifeline ​to producers navigating these turbulent waters.

Celebrating public broadcasters

This year, all four nominees ‍for the Broadcaster of the⁢ Year award at Cartoon Forum are public stations: Arte (France/Germany), RTS (Switzerland), RTV (Slovenia), and 3Cat (Spain). ​This marks ‌a significant shift, highlighting the crucial⁢ role of state funds in sustaining the animation industry. Additionally, for the second year in a row, 15 members of the European Broadcasting⁣ Union‌ (EBU) have united to co-develop ⁤and finance‍ two selected projects, showcasing a collaborative spirit that ‍is vital for the industry’s growth.

Fostering collaboration in Central⁤ and Eastern Europe

A⁤ notable ⁤feature of this 35th edition ‌is the meeting of 10 additional broadcasters from Central ⁣and Eastern Europe. This initiative aims to foster‌ further⁤ collaborations and create a more dynamic market. The ⁤idea is simple yet powerful: if one broadcaster acquires ⁣a title, ⁢others ‍might quickly follow,‌ creating a domino effect that benefits all parties involved.

A​ strong⁤ signal from broadcasters

Annick‌ Maes, the director of Cartoon Media, emphasizes the⁢ importance of this support from broadcaster partners. “We take this ⁤as a very strong signal from our broadcaster partners toward animation,” she says. “We can see⁢ that they support us,‍ that they want to unite ‍us,​ and that they want to make this industry stronger.”

Maes also reflects ‌on‍ the origins of Cartoon Forum,​ which ⁣was established 35 years ago​ to ⁤bridge the gap between broadcasters and producers. “This kind of work is very important to us – it goes right back to our origins,” she adds.

Adapting to market changes

The current ‍market contraction ⁤has led to ⁤a​ shift in‍ format, with producers adopting⁣ a more‍ cautious approach. ⁤Maes notes an increase in specials and one-offs that⁤ can double as pilot projects. One example is the Franco-Belgian special A Lamb’s Stew from La Cabane Productions and Thuristar. This‍ model offers greater agility, allowing producers to use sales figures from the special to‍ launch a ⁤series.

A​ focus on inclusion and diversity

This year’s Cartoon Forum ‍also brings a​ wave of positive news regarding inclusion. There is near parity between male and female attendees, and ‌the selected projects reflect a rising trend in female protagonists⁣ and perspectives. This signals more female-led teams in both productive and creative positions.

New blood and fresh perspectives

With over 25% of this year’s selection coming from first-time participants, Maes ⁤sees a clear connection between the‍ influx⁣ of new talent and ​a surge in young adult and adult-oriented titles.‍ “This ⁢new generation uses animation to express ⁢inner emotions and to tell personal⁣ stories,” she says. Since 2019, there has been a substantial increase in projects aimed at adult audiences, and this​ year, that number has nearly tripled.

The role of public and streaming services

Public outfits like France Television, Arte, ‍and Belgium’s VRT and RTBF, alongside‌ streaming services like Crunchyroll and ADN, have played a significant role in supporting this boom. However, equivalent broadcasters in‍ Scandinavia have ⁢been slower to embrace older-skewing fare.

Anticipation for the event

With titles ⁣like Marie Curie’s Great War, Mechozaurs: The Voice from Afar, Queerstory, ​ The Broos, Tilt, and Ultra on display, the ‌organizers of Cartoon Forum ⁤are eager to see how the event‌ unfolds. “We are all ‌so very curious ‌to know what the rooms will be ⁢filled with,” says Maes. “Who might attend, ⁣and what might the results yield in three months’ time?”

A bright future for animation

As the industry continues‌ to evolve, the support from public broadcasters and the collaborative efforts of the ⁣EBU members offer a glimmer of hope. The Cartoon Forum remains ⁤a vital platform for showcasing innovative projects and fostering partnerships ‌that will shape the future ⁣of animation.