Join us on Thursday 17 September, from 14:45 to 15:40, in the Blue Room to take part in the "Fill the Gap" financing session!
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. The programme will kick off with a trailer screening during Thursday's Coffee Show, followed by a 5-minute pitch for each selected project in the Blue Room, before concluding with One-to-One Meetings with buyers, sales agents and potential co-producers (upon registration). You can already have a look at the registered buyers at Cartoon Forum.
This initiative is a unique opportunity for your project to secure the final funding it needs - don't miss out!
Discover this year’s "Fill the Gap" projects
More information about the projects available on the mobile app!
What is “Fill the Gap”
This initiative offers former Cartoon Forum pitching producers who are still missing part of their financing a chance to return in 2026 to help completing their budget, and move forward to the production stage.
Selected projects will benefit from:
- Presence in the Cartoon Forum mobile app.
- 5-minute presentation to potential investors in the Blue Room.
- Trailer diffusion during the Thursday Coffee Show (shown in the restaurant).
- Participation in the One-to-One Meetings on Thursday afternoon.
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
- Have at least 70% of the budget secured
- Already have a commissioned broadcaster with a endorsement letter explaining the project's strenghts and the reasons it is worth investing in (written proof required – Letters of Intent will not be accepted)
- Be able to provide a 30 to 45-second trailer by 21 August 2026 for screening during the last Coffee Show. The trailer has to be different than the one presented during your last participation at Cartoon Forum.
- Commit to participating in the One-to-One Meetings on Thursday afternoon, if selected (registration to Cartoon Forum 2026).
How to apply
If you have pitched a project at a CARTOON event within the last four years, you will receive an application form.
If you are eligible, please prepare the following documents:
- A detailed financing plan
- Broadcaster commitment: please provide written proof of the commitment of a commissioning broadcaster to the project (e.g. a development agreement or equivalent document).
- Project visuals
Please provide the following three images:
1 vertical still
- 1920x2560 px, 300 DPI, RGB, jpg, max. 10MB
- WITH the title of your project
- WITH the logos or name of the production companies
1 horizontal still
- 1920x1150 px, 300 DPI, RGB, jpg, max. 10MB
- Without any text
- This image has to be different from the vertical one.
- WITH a discrete mention of the copyright
1 square still
- 650x650 px, 72 DPI, jpg only, max. 1 MB
- WITH a discrete mention of the copyright
Selection Process
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
For questions, feel free to contact Samuel Quentin (samuel.quentin@cartoon-media.eu).