On January 27, 2021, Wallimage presented the new ‘Wonderland’ concept to animation producers from Wallonia, within the frame of the ALICE project. The proposal, resulting from a close collaboration with film fund Pictanovo and international law firm Taylor & Wessing, received enthusiastic approval.
Bringing together European regional film funds collaborating under frame agreements, the proposed mechanism will give co-producers the support they need to build pitch materials for projects involving identified animation studios. By directing funds to co-productions of projects in their creative phase, it addresses key legal and funding challenges animation stakeholders had identified in previous meetings. Quoting producer Cédric Iland from Umedia, "It [is] very interesting and clearly opens up new possibilities.”
Through this newly designed instrument, the ‘Wonderland’ encourages early collaborations between film funds, producers and animation studios. It responds to an urgent need to consolidate the European animation industry and network in face of growing competition from major new players in the industry - including streaming platforms.
The discussion ended on a very promising note, with the stakeholders recognizing ALICE crucial role to advance the animation industry in Europe. Interesting questions were raised, pertaining to the responsibility of the co-producers and the possibility to integrate sound studios into the new model.
For ALICE, the next steps will be to fine-tune the proposal according to feedback collected across its six territories, and then test it. The partnership will continue to progress with the full support of the industry actors who are excited to see, like Alice Gorissen, Director of the animation studio Dreamwall, puts it: “something concrete [is] taking shape that will have a definite impact on our activities". A first milestone has been achieved; more is to come.
More details here': www.interregeurope.eu/alice/events/event/4175/presenting-the-wonderland-concept/
