CEE Animation Workshop 2026: Final Module
The fourth and final module of CEE Animation Workshop 2026 will take place from October 19–23. The eighth generation of participants will reunite online for two days of 1:1 meetings with decision-makers, followed by three days of group work, lectures, and presentations.
CEE Animation Workshop brought together 31 international animation professionals, including two career-oriented participants and two script consultants in animation trainees. During the year-long programme, participants developed 12 projects from the early concept stage to a fully developed production package and pitch. Through a combination of group work, personalised sessions and lectures, they received invaluable feedback, enhanced their understanding of the animation industry, developed advanced skills to strengthen their competitiveness in the market, and found opportunities to further their careers.
The programme was led by internationally renowned professionals who brought their wealth of expertise and experience in animation. Established producers Annemie Degryse (Lunanime Productions, Belgium; and Les Productions de Milou, France) and Réka Temple (Cinemon Entertainment, Hungary) joined the training as main group leaders and Phil Parker (United Kingdom) and Rita Domonyi (Hungary) worked as group leaders – script advisors.
The fourth module will once again welcome guest experts from various fields of the animation and AV industry, offering participants valuable insights into key aspects of developing, financing and sales. Martina Peštaj, a trained media child psychologist, children’s content commissioner at the Slovenian national broadcaster and festival selector for events including Animafest Zagreb, will introduce the Young Audience Rating System (YARS). Danka Krasnohorská will share practical advice on working with sales agents and securing the best deals, while Christophe Erbes, an experienced commissioner, writer and producer, will explore how to approach broadcasters and position projects for television, alongside tips on making the most of Cartoon events.
Dirk Beinhold, founder and CEO of leading German animation production company Akkord Film, will draw on more than 30 years of experience to discuss co-productions, cash flow and financing. Finally, Finnish producer and writer Aleksi Hyvärinen, co-founder of Don Films and an internationally recognised voice on AI in independent filmmaking, will explore the creative possibilities and challenges of using artificial intelligence in film production.
The eighth edition of the CEE Animation Workshop took place between February and October 2026 and consisted of four one-week modules; two modules were organised on-site: February 23–March 1 in Lillehammer, Norway, and July 27–August 2 in Budapest, Hungary. The first online module took place in May, while the fourth and final module takes place online in October 2026.
CEE Animation Workshop is organised by Slovene Animated Film Association (DSAF), CEE Animation, Hungarian Animation Producers Association (HAPA) and Slovak Association of Animated Film Producers (APAF).
CEE Animation Workshop is financially supported by Creative Europe – MEDIA Programme of the European Union, Ministry of Public Administration, Republic of Slovenia, Østnorsk Filmsenter, Filminvest, Innlandet fylkeskommune, Lillehammer kommune, Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, Czech Audiovisual Fund, Czech Audiovisual Producers’ Association and National Film Institute Hungary.
