ACE Animation Special 7

Programme Profile

The ACE Animation Special, held in Dingle, Ireland, between the 17th and 22nd of March 2026, is supported by Creative Europe MEDIA, the Netherlands Film Fund, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Animation Ireland and is organised in close collaboration with Animation Dingle.

The workshop is aimed at experienced producers who want to diversify their activities to include, and/or deepen their knowledge of, developing and producing long form/feature film animation production for an international audience (cinema, broadcast or streaming).

Up to 18 producers will be selected for the workshop, preferably with a long form/feature length animation project at concept stage. Focusing primarily on the creative and financial aspects of feature and longform animation production, the ACE Animation Special will offer sessions on animatic story development, international production workflows, the creative dynamics of animation production, financing strategies and international distribution. The workshop will also include one or more sessions on physical line production as well as case studies on completed animation projects. Group sessions, plenary sessions and one to one meetings will together build a workshop where producers learn from each other’s experiences and those of key industry guests.  

Topics covered include:

• Story development and defining the rules of the world of your story;
• Visual world building and asset creation;
• International production workflows in multi-country co-productions;
• Financing strategies for films with productions schedules of two years or more;
• Strategically integrating an animation department into an existing (film-) production company;
• The broadcaster’s view – when broadcasters can become involved and what they expect.

This programme is supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland through the Screen Stakeholders Funding Scheme.

Testimonials

Set in a dream location, international producers, each with different experiences, come together to share, listen, and learn from the best professionals.

- Konstantinos Vassilaros – Animation Special 5

A comprehensive and immersive experience with a strong and supportive group of fellow producers, alongside top international consultants.

- Kathryn Kennedy – Animation Special 4

Eligibility Conditions

Applicants must:

• be an owner, partner or associate of an independent film/animation/TV production company;
• be an ACE member or producer with a similar level of experience;
• have a long form or feature length animation project at idea or concept stage; producers without a project are also welcome to apply but must demonstrate a clear motivation.

Application Procedure

For more information or to request an application form, please contact: specials@ace-producers.com

The application deadline for the ACE Animation Special is Wednesday, 22nd October 2025.