Over the past few years, the animation industry has been heavily impacted by the ongoing economic crisis. This has led to financing challenges and a reduction in projects being green lit and going into production, creating further obstacles for producers. Many are now urgently seeking fresh leads, new partners and funding opportunities to fill critical gaps in their project budgets.
To support producers in these difficult times and respond more effectively to the current needs of the industry, CARTOON has refreshed the Cartoon Forum Lounge into the "Fill the Gap" initiative. On offer will be a trailer's screening at Thursday's Coffee Show and a special Matchmaking sessions with buyers, distributors and potential co-producers (upon registration). You can already have a look to the registered buyers at Cartoon Forum.
What is "Fill the Gap"
This initiative offers Cartoon Forum 2024 pitching producers who are still missing part of their financing a chance to return in 2025 to help completing their budget, and move forward to the production stage.
Selected projects will benefit from:
- Trailer diffusion during the Thursday Coffee Show (shown in the restaurant).
- Participation in the Matchmaking sessions on Thursday afternoon.
- Presence in the Cartoon Forum mobile app.
These visibility and networking opportunities aim to help producers connect with new partners, complete their financing, and kick off production as soon as possible.
Eligibility criteria
The criteria to apply to the "Fill the Gap" initiative are as followed:
- Have pitched a project at Cartoon Forum 2024
- Have at least 70% of the budget secured
- Already have a commissioned broadcaster (written proof required – Letters of Intent will not be accepted)
- Be able to provide a 30 to 45-second trailer by August 18, 2025 for screening during the Coffee Show on Thursday, September 18, 2025
- Commit to participating in the Matchmaking sessions on Thursday afternoon, if selected (registration to Cartoon Forum 2025).
Selection Process
For this first edition, a maximum of 12 projects will be selected to participate in the "Fill the Gap" initiative. Selection will be made by a CARTOON Selection Committee which will prioritise:
- Geographical diversity across Europe
- The nature and size of the remaining financial gap
- Producers who are not pitching a new project at Cartoon Forum 2025
For questions, feel free to contact Nino Zen (nino.zen@cartoon-media.eu).