From 23-25 April, industry professionals gathered in Marseille for this year’s edition of Cartoon Next, a pivotal European event exploring the future of animation and its intersections with new technologies. Among the experts was Mirko Goran Marijanac, media sales executive at Barcelona-based DeAPlaneta Entertainment. The powerhouse is a leader in children’s and family content, with operations in key European territories – Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Eastern Europe – and beyond. In this interview, Marijanac shares his impressions of the event, discusses current market trends, including the growing role of AI, and outlines DeAPlaneta’s editorial strategy and business priorities across key international territories.

Cineuropa: Could you please talk about your activities at this year’s Cartoon Next?
Mirko Goran Marijanac: This year, as every year, Cartoon Next was full of interesting projects and innovative panels where experts from all kinds of fields shared their invaluable insights and experiences. In my case, I had the chance and the privilege to be one of the four experts on three out of the eight projects selected this year, and to give some suggestions and possible improvements to each project.

Did you notice any particular trends regarding content and technology?
For sure, it’s all about how we can use — in an ethical and careful way — and get the most out of AI and its associated tools.

What were the most interesting takeaways you gained from the event, including the panel discussions and informal talks?
Despite the incredibly challenging current landscape of the audiovisual world – especially regarding animation and children’s content – I noticed an improvement for both content creators and broadcasters. For sure, we will keep talking about AI and all of the related new technologies in the coming months, and how they can help producers and distributors like us become more efficient at doing our job.

How would you describe DeAPlaneta’s editorial policy and your job in more detail? What type of content are you seeking?
It’s clear that at DeAPlaneta, we have a strong DNA orientated towards classics and appealing to feelings of nostalgia. We already have well-established experience with preschool shows, and now, with recent acquisitions of young-adult animation and live action for kids, we are trying to build the best and most diverse portfolio. Additionally, we are experts in building strong franchises and in producing digital content to support the launch of our series and get the audience to spend more time with our characters – both via physical products and via interactive ones.

I am personally responsible for our sales strategy for Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the CIS. Therefore, I attend the most important markets in these regions, representing DeAPlaneta and looking for original content for both co-productions and distribution opportunities. At the moment, we are actively looking for original content with high international potential for a target audience aged six and above.

How would you assess the current business climate, particularly for European animated content?
I think it’s fair to say that this year has been really challenging for all kinds of actors in Europe – and internationally – working in the animation field. Despite the reduction in budgets at several broadcasters across Europe and the lack of new and original content in the international landscape, I believe that in the coming months, we will experience an improvement that will help every player achieve better results, and which will hopefully lead to new and amazing productions.