[Cartoon Forum] The Unique Hub for European Animation

The Cartoon Forum is neither a festival nor a traditional trade fair — it is a European co-production forum dedicated to TV and platform animation programmes. For three days, producers from across Europe pitch their projects to a concentrated gathering of broadcasters, investors, and potential partners.

In this relaxed yet highly professional setting, participants strengthen commercial ties, meet new contacts, and accelerate financing deals, with one in three projects securing financing within just 2 to 3 years of presentation. Annick Maes, General Director at CARTOON, guides us through this year’s edition, discusses trends, and gives us an insight into upcoming projects.

>>>> Read our Cartoon Forum Special Insert

CARTOON’s initiatives significantly contribute to shaping the conversation within the European Animation Industry. How can Cartoon Forum open up to new possibilities?

Since its creation in 1990, the Cartoon Forum has been the key event for pitching pre-selected TV animation projects. Here co-productions are finalised, pre-buys agreed, distribution deals negotiated, rights options discussed, and secondary rights licensed.

Over the years, 1,017 projects – with a combined budget of €3.69B – have secured financing and gone into production or been broadcast worldwide. Nearly 40% of the projects presented at Cartoon Forum achieves financing and enters production.

Cartoon Forum plays a crucial role in structuring the European animation market by creating a strong network of transborder cooperation, rebuilding trust, and proving that the EU offers a wealth of high-quality animation.

What is the vision for the 2025 edition?

In recent years, the animation industry has faced significant challenges due to the ongoing economic crisis, which has led to financing difficulties and a decrease in the number of projects being approved. Producers are increasingly in need of new leads, partners, and funding opportunities to address critical budget gaps. In 2025, CARTOON is responding with targeted initiatives aimed at supporting producers and meeting the current market needs. 

The Fill the Gap platform provides an opportunity for producers who pitched at Cartoon Forum in the last three years and are still seeking financing. The initiative is designed to connect these producers with potential partners, secure final financing, and expedite the production process by enhancing exposure and networking opportunities. 

In the frame of the Animated UK Meets Europe initiative, three exciting UK animation projects will be presented in a dedicated session, complementing the main pitching programme. To emphasize the importance of cross-border collaboration, there will be a panel on the significance of co-productions. The discussion will bring together leading European buyers and broadcasters to share insights and success stories, creating an opportunity to celebrate achievements and address any barriers as the focus shifts toward EU funding alliances.

>>>> Read the full interview in our Cartoon Forum Special Insert