Animation in Europe Expands

Animation in Europe, a federation of producers from across the region, has expanded its base, welcoming associations from Austria, Latvia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and Armenia.

The federation now features professionals from 27 European countries (the EU, plus Norway, the U.K. and Armenia) and 30 associations. It held its General Assembly at Annecy, where it elected a new board and unveiled priorities for the year ahead.

The new board includes Ivan Agenjo (DIBOOS/ProAnimats, Spain), Philippe Alessandri (AnimFrance, France), Annemie Degryse (VOFTP, Belgium Flanders), Moe Honan (Animation Ireland, Ireland), Robert Jaszczurowski (SPPA, Poland) and Reka Temple (HAPA, Hungary).

The federation has set four strategic priorities for the year ahead: lobbying for stronger support of the animation sector in an upcoming revision of the EU’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive; the development of a European carbon footprint calculator; support for Anima Mundi, an academic research initiative; and “a constructive dialogue with European broadcasters to rethink the business model for animated series and promote original content.”

“We can be proud that, after less than a decade, Animation in Europe has succeeded in federating 27 countries and 30 associations within the EU and in becoming a key discussion partner of the European Commission on essential topics such as the regulation and the MEDIA program,” said Philippe Alessandri, chairman of Animation in Europe.