Fifty newly developed animation projects from 17 countries have been selected for the 19th edition of Animation Production Days (APD). From May 6–8, producers and creatives will be presenting their projects to potential partners in pre-arranged one-to-one meetings in Stuttgart.
A premiere business confab for animation projects in Germany, APD is held concurrently with the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS) and the FMX – Film & Media Exchange during Stuttgart Animated Week, offers a unique platform for financing, developing and presenting animation projects.
Selected Projects and Genres
A record number of 103 projects were submitted for this year’s edition of APD. The 50 selected projects include 28 TV series, 10 feature films and four TV specials. There are also eight cross-media projects, two of which include virtual reality elements. Around a quarter of the projects have been developed for preschool children and 40% are for six- to 12-year olds, while almost 15% are aimed at families and around 20% are for young adults and adults.
An overview of the selected projects can be found on the APD website.
Organizers point out that the mix of genres among the selection is extremely broad this year. As always, comedy and adventure projects top the list, but coming-of-age and fantasy dramas, animated documentaries, a thriller, a Western and a biopic are also being presented. More than a third of the projects deal with issues around diversity and inclusion; 20% address the protection of the environment and sustainability.
Focus Switzerland
This year, APD is focusing on Switzerland. Germany’s smaller neighboring country has a fascinating, diverse and substantial animation scene and is being represented at APD with four projects and around ten participants. With support from SWISS FILMS, Presence Switzerland, GSFA Swiss Animation and the Consulate General of Switzerland in Stuttgart, Switzerland is also the country in focus at this year’s ITFS.
International Participation
Twelve projects have been selected from Germany this year with Spain, Denmark and France (five each) as well as Finland, Italy and England (three each) also being strongly represented. In addition, there are projects from Armenia, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, Norway, Poland and Serbia.
In 70% of the projects, at least one woman is taking a leading role, either as a producer and/or director. The total production volume of the projects is around 170 million euros. Two companies, Ibrido Studio and LØV Film, are presenting their projects as part of a cooperation between APD and the CEE Animation Workshop.
APD Talent Program
Of the submitted projects, 26 were applications for the competitive APD Talent Program, which selects just eight European projects every year. In addition to receiving free accreditation, the young producers and creatives participating in the program also get the opportunity to discuss their ideas with experienced industry experts at APD, make new contacts and find partners for their projects.
Extended Program and Networking
In addition to the one-to-one meetings in the co-production and financing market, the APD Conference (for the first time being held in the ITFS Festival Centre) and numerous specialist events, including the Opening Reception and Networking Lunches, are also part of the program.
More information and registration available through animationproductiondays.de.
Win 'The Art of DreamWorks Dog Man'! 
