Quirino Lab, the new training program promoted by the Ibero-American Animation Quirino Awards, will take place from November 19 to 22 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Quirino Lab is an initiative of the Quirino Awards together with the Tenerife Council, through Tenerife Tourism and the Tenerife Film Commission.
Geared to animation executive producers, this advanced seminar combines intensive professional development with a strategic vision of the sector, and seeks to boost individual careers and promote a qualitative leap in animation production in the region.
The launch of Quirino Lab sees Tenerife reaffirm its commitment to developing the island’s animation industry. In 2024, the animation sector generated 19 million euros in Tenerife, accounting for 32% of total investment in the island’s audiovisual industry. The island has also hosted the Ibero-American Animation Quirino Awards every year since their inception in 2018.
During the Lab’s launch at this year’s edition of the Annecy Animation Festival, Quirino Awards director Silvina Cornillón stated:
In the world of animation, executive producers are the engines that drive creativity and bring projects from paper to screen. However, in a sector in constant technological and market transformation, these professionals need to continuously update their skills and strategies in order to lead changes in the industry. Quirino Lab was created in response to this reality, offering an intensive program that provides a stimulating environment for the exchange of advanced knowledge as well as for collective reflection on innovation in the sector and new business strategies.
Focused on innovation from all perspectives, the program is divided into different modules that will be carried out during the first three days of the Lab under the mentorship of renowned experts in the international animation industry, specialists in different thematic areas of the sector, and professionals from other sectors with relevant expertise for executive production.
Topics to be addressed include market trend analysis (including new exploitation formats and target audience redefinition), the use of emerging technologies, and the application of AI to production. There will also be reflection on organizational methodologies, team management, IP development, and the financial development of production companies and animation studios, among other topics. Once the workshops are completed, a networking day with companies from Tenerife will take place, as well as other social events.
For the design of the content, structure, and work dynamics of Quirino Lab, the organizers included contributions and reflections gathered during the Futures Lab, an activity organized within the framework of the Quirino Awards in collaboration with the Ortega-Marañón Foundation, which sought to identify the challenges and opportunities faced by the animation sector. The opinions gathered in a survey of industry professionals were also taken into account in structuring the program.
The program will also incorporate a special Futures Lab session focusing on executive production in animation. The conclusions, proposals and visions shared during the Quirino Lab sessions will form a strategic guide to strengthening one of the industry’s most important pillars.
Registration for Quirino Lab will be open from July 8 to August 5 for active animation executive producers. Candidates must be residents or nationals from one of the 23 countries in the Ibero-American region, in addition to having produced at least one series or one feature film, or three animated short films. Professionals with proven a background in executive production in relevant commissioned work, service, or other animated content may also apply. The Lab’s quota is limited to 20 people and paid places are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, provided they meet the requirements and submit all required documentation in a timely manner.
Registration for the Lab costs 1,200 euros and includes seminar activities and meals. Accommodation and transport are not included. The rules are available here.
