MIA and CEE Animation Workshop Held in Rome
A one-day training and networking event organized by MIA | Mercato Internazionale Audiovisivo, in collaboration with CEE Animation, was held on Monday, 14th October in Rome. The workshop aimed to introduce key topics such as intellectual property licensing, showcase successful animation projects, and explore Italian co-production opportunities, while fostering a network among participants and experts in the field.
The participants — producers/authors from different countries, predominantly Italy, were provided with valuable insights and networking opportunities in the field of animation production, especially in regards to strengthening connections with Italy and Italian producers. The event’s opening was followed by tutors’ presentations from Alessandra Principini (Fundraiser, Movimenti Production / VP of Cartoon Italia) and Pablo Jordi (CEO & Producer, Pikkukala – PROanimats/Animation in Europe).
The panel discussion, Alliances and Strategies for Program Licensing brought together key industry players in as speakers: Francesco Manfio (General Manager & Producer, Gruppo Alcuni, Italy), Gianluca Ferrara (Head of Italy & International Head of Toys, DeAPlaneta Kids & Family, Spain / Italy), Nele De Wilde (CCO, Audiovisual & Music – Executive Producer Peyo Company, Belgium), Matteo Olivetti (VP, Licensing Sales & Strategy, Rainbow spa, Italy). The session was moderated by Christina Angelucci (Publisher of Licensing Magazine and European Animation Journal, BM SRL, Italy).
This panel focused on proven experiences and expert advice, questioning If there is a formula for successful contemporary Licensing strategies. It explored whether a Licensing strategy should work hand in hand with the production of a TV series or feature film. Finally the discussion examined how to choose the right property to create and expand its potential through Licensing in global markets.
The case study A Creative Journey from Gaming Sensation to Highly-Anticipated Animated Series by Owen Dennis, creator and executive producer of the animated series Among Us (CBS Studios, Innersloth) and showrunner at CBS, provided an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the incredible journey of one of the most beloved titles in recent history. Owen Dennis discussed the process of adapting the wildly popular social deception game which took the world by storm and amassed over 500 million monthly active users, into a highly-anticipated animated series. The series features a star-studded voice cast, including Elijah Wood, Dan Stevens, Yvette Nicole Brown, Ashley Johnson, Patton Oswalt, among many others.
The hardships and the potential of animation feature film co-productions with Italy were the focus of the panel Animation Co-Productions with Italy: Tapping Into the Potential in Feature Film Production. A thoughtful analysis of this topic was provided by speakers Andrea Occhipinti, (President & CEO, Lucky Red, Italy), Evelina Poggi (CEO Producer, Lynx Multimedia Factory, Italy), Carlo Stella (Partner & Producer, MAD Entertainment, Italy) and Paul Cummins (CEO, Telegael, Ireland). The panel was moderated by Eleanor Coleman (Animation Acquisitions & Co Productions, Indie Sales, France).
Mercato Internazionale Audiovisivo – official website.