Facing a ‘Global Animation Crisis,’ European Industry Heavyweights Debate AI, Media Regulations, Co-Production Support and Sustainable Practices at Barcelona’s Animar BCN

variety.com:

Jamie Lang Barcelona’s Animation BCN wrapped this afternoon after three days of working groups, roundtables and networking events focused on ways that the region’s animation industry can weather a “global animation crisis.” This year’s third edition gathered 90 delegates from 60 European industry organizations in 24 countries to address the key themes and topics faced by the animation industry today, including artificial intelligence, sustainable animation practices, media regulation and the benefits of co-production.

The gathered professionals, which included producers, distributors, broadcasters, film fund organizers and government representatives, participated in a series of four targeted working groups in which several shared conclusions were made about the future of European animation.

Among the attendees were Lucia Recalde, Deputy Director and Head of Unit Audiovisual Industry and media support programs, DG Connect, European Commission; Patricia Hidalgo, Director of Children’s & Education at the BBC; and Edgar Garcia Casellas, Director of ICEC, the Catalan governmental culture industry division. 1 – Strengthening Media Regulation Citing the tremendous reach of free streaming platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, Animar attendees agreed that greater child protections on digital platforms are needed.

The working group recommends applying the Audiovisual Media Services (AMVS) Directive to all platforms that provide audiovisual content.