Animation in Europe: Aim and Activities

A non-profit organisation, “Animation in Europe”, the federation of European Animation Producer Associations (founded in 2017), held its annual meeting in Annecy during the Annecy International Animated Film Festival and Market 2019 and elected the board listed below, who have an extensive range of TV, movie, production and distribution experience, for the next two years. They will work on a voluntary basis.

Chairman: Philippe Alessandri (France)
Treasurer: Annemie Degryse (Belgium)
Vice Chairs: Moe Honan (Ireland), Dirk Beinhold (Germany) and Tom van Waveren (Netherlands)
General Secretary: Mar Sáez Pedrero (Spain)

On this occasion, Animationweek had an interview with Philippe Alessandri, President, Founder and CEO of Watch Next Media, who will continue to serve Animation in Europe as the Chairman in the next term.

Interview with Philippe Alessandri

Animationweek: Could you please let us know the aim and main activities of “Animation in Europe”? Could you please give us some examples?

Philippe Alessandri: Animation in Europe represents the interests of independent producers and distributors of animated series and films. We insist on having mandatory investments and a European content quota for all networks and platforms in Europe, implementing fair trade terms regarding length of rights and IP ownership while maintaining public support on a national and European level. The vote of the AMS Directive last year was a major step towards achieving these goals.

Animationweek: How was Animation in Europe established?

Philippe Alessandri: When I was elected President of the French Animation Producer Association in October 2015, I started to talk to my European counterparts about the idea of a federation able to lobby the EU. The feedback was so positive that 12 countries were represented when we officially launched the organization a year later.

Animationweek: Who can apply for the support from Animation in Europe and how can they contact and receive their support?

Philippe Alessandri: Producer Associations from EU countries can apply for support (production companies will need to apply directly to their national association). They can contact any member. The Assembly will examine their request and, if it is considered relevant, will take action.

Animationweek: Could you please let us know the future plan of Animation in Europe?

Philippe Alessandri: Animation in Europe will continue to focus on the implementation of the AMS Directive (providing necessary information for our members to work together with their governments) as well as working closely with Creative Europe on reforming media funding.

At the time of writing, Animation in Europe is made up of 18 independent Producer Associations representing 15 different European countries listed below:

• Belgium: ANIM.BE & V.O.F.T.P.
• Czech Republic: ASAF
• Denmark: Animationscirclen & Producentforeningen
• France: SPFA
• Finland: Finnanimation
• Germany: Produzenten Allianz & Animation Germany
• Italy: Cartoon Italia
• Ireland: Animation Ireland
• Lithuania: Lithuanian Animation Association
• Norway: Virke Produsentforeningen
• Poland: SPPA
• Portugal: APPA
• Spain: DIBOOS & Pro-Animats
• The Netherlands: VNAP
• United Kingdom: Animation UK

Originally published at https://animation-week.com on July 9, 2019.