Cartoon Movie has matured into an essential spot on the calendar for attendees even though the quality of the new projects was noticeably uneven this year. Courtesy of CARTOON.

The seventh annual Cartoon Movie attracted some 450 participants March 10-12 to the German town of Potsdam — just outside Berlin. Organized by Cartoon and funded by the European Media program and various German film organizations, the event aims to expand production of European animated feature films by presenting movies at various stages of development to potential investors and distributors.

Cartoon president Stefan Thies (left) and co-director Corinne Jenart both feel that the inclusive attitude of Cartoon Movie makes the attendees from all the European countries feel welcome and more inclined to work together.

Although the quality of new projects was noticeably uneven this year, Cartoon Movie has matured into an essential spot on the calendar for attendees. For the first time, activity outside the presentation halls was every bit as important as what was happening inside. In other words, it has become a crucial meeting place for the fast-expanding animated feature sector in Europe.

“We feel it was a very positive atmosphere — outside of the official sessions as well as inside. This is very promising for the future. It means that not only can we produce together — we can do the marketing together as well,” says Cartoon president Stefan Thies of NFP Animation in Berlin.

Cartoon co-director Corinne Jenart adds, “Our strategy is to help people talk to each other. We are now also doing the same for producers from the new European countries — we are ensuring that people can join in.” Cartoon quite rightly claims a share in the credit for overall growth in the market, with 60 films presented in previous editions now completed and 19 in production — with a combined budget of €460 million. This year another 50 projects were presented with a total budget of €289 million.

Each year, three Cartoon Movie Tributes are voted by participants and awarded to individuals or organizations that have made a significant contribution to European animation. This years winners were Ralph Christians, France 3 and Piet De Rycker and Thilo Rothkirch.