Europa Distribution is set to host its fifth consecutive workshop at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival and Market in June.

Speakers confirmed include Marc Vandermeyer from Cartoon Movie (Belgium), Stephan Schesch, Producer of Moonman (Germany), Frank Johnsen, Distributor at EuropaFilm (Norway), Anne Sanchez from the communication agency Mercredi (France) and Quentin Molina from StudioCanal (France). The panel will be moderated by Jean-Paul Commin.

The workshop, involving 20 indie distributors, will focus on the opportunities and challenges faced by releasing European animated movies.

One of the key questions which will be addressed is how European animation films can compete with their American counterparts.

The session will combine market data on animation movies, feedback from producers and distributors on their release and marketing strategies, and expert opinion on viral marketing and merchandising.

The following day will present case studies of animated feature releases, including The Tales of the NightThe Great Bear and Colourful.