This year’s Cartoon Forum, running in Toulouse from 15-18 September, once again sets the stage for international collaboration in animation. Among the highlights is the return of Animated UK Meets Europe, an initiative that has quickly become a focal point for bridging UK and European talent. As discussions on co-productions gain renewed momentum, Animation UK’s executive chair, Kate O’Connor, shares some insights into the challenges, opportunities and outlook for the sector.

Cineuropa: How has the “Animated UK Meets Europe” initiative evolved since its inception, and what makes this year’s edition particularly significant for fostering UK-European co-productions?
Kate O’Connor: In 2023, the Animated UK Meets Europe initiative provided a focal point for collaboration between UK producers and their European counterparts. Born of the need to rebuild bridges following Brexit, the initiative was originally a pilot session at Cartoon Forum, supported by a range of broadcasters and new pitches. It aimed to ensure that UK voices could still be heard in the European market, even though the UK’s formal participation was restricted. This year’s edition is particularly significant because it takes place at a moment of renewed optimism: the new British government has put creative industries at the heart of its growth agenda, new tax reliefs and targeted funding are in place, and the bilateral memorandum of understanding between the BFI/British Film Commission and Film France/the CNC signals a commitment to deeper ties. In this climate, Animated UK Meets Europe is not simply a showcase, but also a bridge for future co-productions.

Could you explain the criteria used by BBC Children’s and S4C to select the three showcased projects this year, and what qualities made them stand out for international co-production potential?
The three projects showcased this year were carefully chosen by BBC Children’s and S4C, with the latter selection originally part of a pitching competition organised by AUK and C21. The approach focused on three main criteria: editorial distinctiveness, international resonance and co-production viability. Editorial distinctiveness means that each project had a clear and original voice. International resonance is about universality: themes and characters that could travel, connect with young audiences across languages and cultures, and spark interest from broadcasters beyond the UK. Finally, co-production viability meant that projects had to be at a stage where European partners could meaningfully join, with flexible budgets and creative openness.

The selected projects stood out not only for their creativity, but also for their adaptability, showcasing of humour, emotional depth or strong character design. Crucially, they are presented with realistic pathways to financing and production that make them credible candidates for minority or majority European co-partners.

In your view, what are the key factors that make a UK-European co-production successful, both creatively and commercially, in today’s animation landscape?
Today, successful co-productions depend on three interlinked factors: creative chemistry, financial structure and trust. Creative chemistry involves both partners feeling that their cultural identity and editorial input are respected. Financial structuring includes deals that balance public service broadcaster investment, tax reliefs and private equity or distributor advances. Trust is the foundation: partners must be confident in each other’s capacity to deliver, creatively and operationally, in a highly competitive global marketplace.

How does this initiative help UK producers and creatives gain visibility and credibility in European markets, particularly for emerging talent?
One of the initiative’s most powerful impacts for us has been visibility. For emerging UK producers, Cartoon Forum is not just about pitching; it is about being seen alongside European peers. Sharing a stage under the Animated UK Meets Europe banner signals to commissioners and investors that UK projects are open to partnerships, serious about international collaboration, and backed by broadcasters of repute. Credibility comes not only from the endorsement of the BBC and S4C, but also from the act of being curated.

With major broadcasters like the BBC, YLE and France Télévisions involved in the Cartoon Talk panel, what insights do you hope producers will take away with them about building strong co-production relationships?
The involvement of major broadcasters such as the BBC, YLE and France Télévisions in the Cartoon panel chaired by Vanessa Chapman makes this year’s edition especially valuable. Producers will hear directly from decision makers about what they seek in co-production partners: early communication, shared creative ambition, clarity around editorial influence and robust production planning. The panel is also expected to shed light on how broadcasters balance cultural mandates with international collaboration, insights that are vital for producers navigating increasingly complex financing landscapes.

What are the biggest challenges that UK animation studios face when seeking European partners, and how does “Animated UK Meets Europe” help overcome them?
The challenges facing UK studios in pursuing European partners are real. Reduced funding and commissioning opportunities have to be balanced with the lingering anxieties about editorial control and the division of rights. Animated UK Meets Europe helps by creating a safe, brokered space where UK and European producers can meet, explore ideas and understand each other’s constraints. The initiative also acts as a confidence signal: projects showcased here come with institutional backing and are positioned as serious opportunities, not speculative pitches.

Beyond Cartoon Forum, how do you see the initiative shaping the future of UK animation on the international stage?
Beyond Cartoon Forum 2025, the potential of Animated UK Meets Europe is considerable. We campaign hard to rejoin Creative Europe and talk to our government representatives often. Looking forward, we would love to embed Animated UK Meets Europe as an annual fixture, widening participation to include more regional UK studios, fostering training and mentoring opportunities, and aligning with bilateral agreements and funding streams. A huge thanks to Annick [Maes] and the team at Cartoon Forum for this opportunity.