“Innovation and co-development are key in an industry in which technological leadership is vital”
12/15/2023 – The two professionals talk about the support program for Ibero-American digital animation Ibermedia Next
We spoke with Victor Herreruelacoordinator of the technical unit of the Program Ibermediay Jara Ayucardirector of marketing policies at the ICAA, about the Ibermedia Next program, which has just announced the first supported projects (read news) in the South Window.
(The article continues below – Advertising information)
Cineuropa: What is the long-term vision of Ibermedia Next in terms of supporting the film industry in Europe and Latin America?
Victor Herreruela: The Ibermedia Program’s support for the industry is absolute and is in the DNA of all the actions we have carried out over the last 25 years. In the specific case of the Ibermedia Next pilot line, we are currently deploying the part of the aid that is not the financial contribution. We are holding individualized meetings with each of the beneficiary projects with the aim of designing personalized training, consulting, promotion and dissemination programs that will be developed throughout 2024 and part of 2025. In parallel, we are attentive to synergies that may appear in towards the financing of future editions that allow strengthening transatlantic audiovisual cooperation.
Jara Ayucar: The opportunity to build bridges in the animation of the Ibero-American region has become a reality with this strategic and relevant project, for which we at ICAA have made a strong commitment thanks to the Next Generation EU funds of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR). Right now it is too early to talk about the future, but from the institutions that we support Ibermedia Next we will work to study the possibilities of giving it continuity.
How does the program plan to adapt to future changes and challenges in film production?
V.H.: This Ibermedia Next pilot call is a declaration of intentions about how we want to be part of the future of audiovisuals in the Ibero-American region. Stimulating innovation and co-development are key to projecting ourselves into the future of the sector in an industry in which technological leadership is of vital importance. The great reception of the call, with more than 100 proposals received, and the 14 selected projects are an important example of attitude to shape the coming audiovisual. The key will be to promote the development of new formulas in a constantly evolving audiovisual and technological context.
What are the types of projects that Ibermedia Next seeks to promote and support?
V.H.: One of the defining characteristics of Ibermedia Next has been the type of projects that we have the capacity to support. Prototypes, teasers, pilots, short films and video clips made in digital animation were eligible. In the case of the 14 selected projects, there have been 5 teasers, 4 pilots, 2 short films, 2 prototypes, 1 VR installation, and 4 projects that we frame within VR experiences. All beneficiary projects are in line with the objectives of Ibermedia Next: supporting a new generation of Ibero-American creators who display their talent through animated productions and innovative digital content that escape the usual formats.
Is there any particular approach in terms of genres, themes or formats that are being considered for future calls?
V.H.: The conception of this aid and in the selection process by the Valuation Committee has sought a balance between ‘the how’, that is, the use of open source and/or disruptive technologies, and ‘the what’ is counted. In the selected projects we can see how they use innovative or yet to be developed technologies to narrate universal demands, such as feminism, environmental protection, mental health, or more local issues such as care and minority languages and cultures or social and political problems.
How is international collaboration being promoted between participants in projects supported by Ibermedia Next?
JA: One of the primary objectives of Ibermedia Next, and one that we at the ICAA have strategically opted for from the beginning, is to bring together professionals from both sides of the Atlantic to tell stories with soul thanks to new animation technologies. Once selected, in addition to the economic boost, one of the keys to the Ibermedia Next pilot aid is its professional support for the beneficiary projects, with specific consulting programs and support at key events in the sector, in addition to the creation of an integrated professional community. by the beneficiaries, who already know each other and have opportunities to share their progress.
V.H.: Additionally, for the Ibermedia Next call we developed the matchmaking tool Ibermedia Next Plazaa platform where professionals in the sector can come into contact and establish synergies.
What are the emerging trends in the film industry that the program sees as relevant for the future?
V.H.: In relation to the Ibero-American animation industry, and in view of the projects received and selected by the Ibermedia Next call, the technologies that promote open source are clearly emerging, with what that means in the medium and long term: the establishment of networks of direct and disinterested collaboration between all participants in the professional community. On the other hand, we observe disruptive innovations such as video game technology applied to audiovisuals, real-time rendering engines, generative AI, LLM (Large Language Model), VR/AR/XR or photogrammetry, among others…
(The article continues below – Advertising information)
2023-12-15 17:07:27
#Víctor #Herreruela #Jara #Ayucar #Coordinator #technical #unit #Ibermedia #Program #director #marketing #policies #ICAA
