MEDIA is the EU support program which aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the European film, TV and new media industries and increase the international circulation of European films and programs. There currently exists the following support schemes for animation companies:

1) Support for the Development of Animation projects for cinema or television, with up to 50% match funding towards eligible costs of developing animation projects of a minimum of 24 minutes.

2) Support for International TV Co-productions. Independent European production companies can apply for up to 500,000 Euros towards a co-production. Projects must include at least two broadcasters from MEDIA member states in different language zones. 50% of the budget must be in place already and the production should be scheduled to start within 6 months of submitting the application.

In addition to these schemes, MEDIA also supports a number of animation specific markets, festivals and courses such as the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film, and the course in CARTOON Masters Feature. For details on all these and more, visit www.mediadesk.co.uk