The upcoming, 14th edition of the CEE Animation Forum, set to take place in Pilsen from 10-12 November, brings exciting news for European animated series creators: the Council of Europe Series Co-Production Development Award, complete with a €50,000 cash prize, will be given to one exceptional project already on the path to international co-production.

This award emerges from a new partnership with the Council of Europe, home of Eurimages, under its Pilot Programme for Series Co-productions, which aims to support high-quality series made as international co-productions, empower independent producers and foster new relationships. The CEE Animation Forum is the first industry event dedicated to animated works to be included in the programme’s partnering measure.

Held every November in Pilsen, the CEE Animation Forum is a leading pitching, financing and co-production platform in Central and Eastern Europe, and a key meeting point for the wider European animation industry. 

Since its launch in 2013, the CEE Animation Forum has supported a range of animated series, while more than 350 projects have been presented and successfully matched with co-production partners. Over the years, it has strategically prioritised series development through a range of targeted professional activities. As a result, the forum has established itself as the go-to platform in the region for the financing and co-production of high-quality animated series.

“Animated series are a format that requires specific support, and we have been focusing on it since the beginning. We are pleased that our efforts have been recognised by the Council of Europe and that, through this partnership, we can bring additional support to the animation sector,” says Marta Jallageas, managing director of the CEE Animation Forum.

The CEE Animation Forum presents a diverse pitching competition spanning four categories: TV or Web Series and TV Specials, Feature Films, Short Films, and Student Short Films. In addition to pitching, the event features tailored one-on-one business meetings, an online market, master classes and specialised closed-door sessions with key industry stakeholders, including broadcasters, producers and educational institutions.

Each year, the event presents around 30 selected projects and engages nearly 200 professionals from across Europe. Its other awards include valuable cash and non-monetary prizes, such as placements in top European training programmes and markets, alongside services worth more than €50,000. 

The CEE Animation Forum is supported financially by Creative Europe – MEDIA, the Czech Audiovisual Fund, the Czech Audiovisual Producers’ Association, the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic and the Pilsen region.