By admin 
Toulouse, France – The vibrant heart of European animation pulsed with recognition and forward-looking vision as Cartoon Forum, the continent’s premier co-production event, concluded its 2024 edition by bestowing its prestigious Cartoon Tributes. Attendees, a dynamic assembly of creators, producers, broadcasters, and investors, cast their votes to honor the individuals and companies who have demonstrably shaped and propelled the European animated series landscape. This year’s ceremony, held against the backdrop of intense pitching sessions and vital industry debates, not only celebrated past achievements but also heralded a new era of environmental consciousness with the introduction of the Ecoprod-Cartoon Tribute.
The coveted Producer of the Year award was presented to Bobby Prod, a French powerhouse that has consistently pushed the boundaries of animated storytelling. Their presentation of "The Broos" at Cartoon Forum in 2024 proved to be a prescient choice, as the series has since found a popular home on ARTE France. "The Broos" exemplifies the potent synergy between digital-first content creation and traditional animation, a model that has allowed it to cultivate a dedicated audience and foster a deep connection between its creators and their community. This approach is not a recent development for Bobby Prod; it’s the bedrock upon which their 15-year legacy has been built. The studio has carved out a distinctive identity characterized by its irreverent humor, unwavering commitment to creative freedom, and a penchant for bold, narrative-driven content.
Bobby Prod’s impressive portfolio spans the reimagining of beloved intellectual properties, such as "Creatures Commandos" and "Dead Cells," demonstrating their ability to breathe new life into existing worlds. However, the studio, along with its sister company Bobbypills, is increasingly focusing on the development of original intellectual property. This strategic pivot is yielding remarkable results, most notably with the critically acclaimed queer animated feature "Jim Queen." The buzz surrounding "Jim Queen" is palpable, with the film currently being showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), further amplifying its international reach. The recent announcement that Jordan Firstman has been attached as the lead voice cast for "Jim Queen" underscores the project’s significant momentum and its potential to become a landmark in animated cinema. The success of "The Broos" and the burgeoning recognition of "Jim Queen" solidify Bobby Prod’s position as a leading force in contemporary European animation, adept at navigating the evolving media landscape and championing diverse narratives.
The Investor/Distributor of the Year award recognized the astute vision and strategic acumen of Folivari International, the independent sales agency arm of France’s Folivari. Established just two years ago, Folivari International has rapidly distinguished itself by curating a compelling slate that artfully balances in-house productions with carefully selected third-party acquisitions. Their success is evidenced by a string of hit series, including the impactful "Samuel," and a pipeline of highly anticipated projects currently in various stages of production and development. Among these promising ventures are "Pil’s Adventures," "Ted & Paula’s Tadpole Journey," "Nino Dino," and "The Baker Street Four," all of which were strategically presented at Cartoon Forum, underscoring the event’s critical role in their development and market introduction. Folivari International’s commitment to nurturing a diverse and high-quality catalogue positions them as a pivotal player in facilitating the financial viability and global distribution of European animated content.
The esteemed Broadcaster of the Year award was bestowed upon the BBC, the United Kingdom’s public-service broadcaster, a formidable entity with a profound influence on the global animated TV series economy. This recognition highlights the enduring and vital connections that persist between European animation and the UK, even in the post-Brexit era. Through its dedicated children’s services, CBeebies catering to preschoolers and CBBC serving school-aged audiences, the BBC consistently functions as a major commissioner and co-producer of children’s animation. Their programming philosophy places a strong emphasis on fostering original content and cultivating robust partnerships with independent production companies. The BBC’s consistent presence at Cartoon Forum has proven instrumental in bringing European animated series to its platforms, with numerous projects, including "Duck & Frog," "Maddie + Triggs," "Piggy Builders," "Pablo," and "Dungeons & Kittens," having been acquired for broadcast following their pitches at the event. This ongoing collaboration underscores the BBC’s unwavering commitment to championing diverse and high-quality animated programming for young audiences worldwide.
This year’s Cartoon Tributes marked a significant milestone with the introduction of a fourth category: the Ecoprod-Cartoon Tribute. This inaugural award was established to acknowledge a European animation production company or initiative that has demonstrated exceptional dedication and made a tangible contribution to advancing sustainability within the sector. The Ecoprod-Cartoon Tribute is presented in partnership with Ecoprod, a distinguished French non-profit organization committed to supporting the audiovisual industry’s environmental transition. The introduction of this award reflects a growing industry-wide awareness and imperative to adopt more environmentally responsible practices.
The three nominated companies for the inaugural Ecoprod-Cartoon Tribute were carefully selected by Ecoprod itself, a testament to their rigorous evaluation process and commitment to identifying genuine leaders in sustainability. The winning company was chosen based on its demonstrable commitment to integrating sustainable practices across its operational framework, its production methodologies, and its narrative choices. This new tribute signifies a crucial step forward, signaling the animation industry’s proactive engagement with environmental stewardship and its recognition of the importance of sustainable creative ecosystems.
The very first Ecoprod-Cartoon Forum Tribute was awarded to Gao Shan Pictures, a dynamic 2D and 3D animation service studio and production company based in Réunion Island, France. Gao Shan Pictures has established a formidable reputation for creating bold, distinctive, and meaningful films that resonate with international audiences, all while maintaining sustainability as a central tenet of its operations. This unwavering commitment to eco-conscious production is not merely a superficial endeavor; it is deeply embedded in the very fabric of the company’s identity, influencing both the selection of its storytelling projects and the meticulous execution of its production processes. Their impressive credits include contributions to "In Waves," "The Smurfs," "Jim Queen," and "Allah is Not Obliged," showcasing a diverse range of projects where their sustainable ethos is evident.
At Cartoon Forum 2026, Gao Shan Pictures presented "The Roots of My Hair," a compelling 2D animated series specifically tailored for teenagers aged 12 to 15. This series is an adaptation of the eponymous best-selling graphic novel, further demonstrating the company’s ability to translate impactful stories into engaging animated formats. The inclusion of "The Roots of My Hair" in their slate, alongside projects like "Jim Queen," highlights Gao Shan Pictures’ dedication to producing content that is not only artistically significant but also ethically produced, aligning with the evolving values of both creators and audiences.
The significance of the Cartoon Tributes extends beyond the accolades themselves, as all nominees across the various categories shared a strong and established connection with Cartoon Forum. These companies have consistently utilized the event as a vital platform for pitching their projects, securing essential financing, and fostering critical connections within the broader European animation industry. This year’s nominees represented a broad spectrum of European talent, with companies hailing from the Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Spain, and Sweden, underscoring the truly pan-European scope of the event and the collaborative spirit it fosters.
Since its inception in 1990, Cartoon Forum has played an indispensable role in fostering the co-production and distribution of European animation across television and emerging new media platforms. The event’s enduring impact is quantifiable; it has facilitated financing for over 1,053 animated series, collectively securing more than €3.83 billion (approximately $4.39 billion) in funding. This remarkable track record solidifies Cartoon Forum’s position not just as a networking event, but as a crucial engine for the growth, innovation, and international success of the European animation sector, with the addition of the Ecoprod-Cartoon Tribute signaling a progressive and responsible future for the industry.
