In a dynamic panel at TCCF 2024, leaders from Europe’s entertainment industry explored the pathways for deepening collaboration between the Asia and Europe. Moderated by Jean-Romain Mico, an advisor to the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA), the panel showcased key strategies for bridging cultural, logistical, and financial divides to unlock mutual benefits in media production and distribution.
The discussion began with an overview of Taiwan and Europe’s similarities in the media landscape, such as diverse cultural narratives, robust public funding, and an increasing appetite for international partnerships. Jean-Romain Mico underscored the drive to leverage these assets, especially in film and TV, by building new alliances with Asia.
The panel included influential voices from France and Germany, each bringing unique insights into how European companies are reshaping their approaches to the Asian market. Anna Nobi of Gaumont TV France shared her experiences developing international hits like Lupin and The Art of Crime, detailing how strategic content tailored to local tastes plays a pivotal role in global success. “With established series, we can break barriers while resonating with universal themes, offering compelling stories to audiences around the world,” Nobi remarked.
Guillaume Pommier, Co-Chief of Distribution at Federation Studios, emphasized Federation’s long-standing dedication to cross-border co-productions, revealing that their network spans over 200 clients globally and is increasingly focused on Asian partnerships. “With Federation’s scale across 35 production companies in eight countries, we’re committed to collaborating with Asia to elevate our shared storytelling potential,” he said.
Jan Ehlert of Constantin Film outlined his company’s robust strategy for producing and distributing in Asia. Constantin has achieved widespread acclaim with titles like Verbrechen and Schuld, and Ehlert noted that Asian markets offer fresh opportunities for growth. “By tapping into local talent and creative resources, we’re building productions that reflect a fusion of cultural influences, creating stories that resonate globally.”
Meanwhile, Renan Artukmaç, producer at Cinefrance Studios, highlighted Cinefrance’s recent expansion into Asia, including subsidiaries in Tokyo and Taipei. Artukmaç shared details about Cinefrance’s latest projects, many of which incorporate Taiwanese and Japanese talent. “For us, it’s not just about bringing French content to Asia, but about integrating local stories and talent to develop universal narratives,” he said, pointing to Cinefrance’s recently launched international sales division.
Looking Ahead: Building Sustainable, Culturally Resonant Media Projects
Panelists agreed that cross-continental partnerships offer powerful avenues for increasing production value and market reach. The session concluded with calls for continued collaboration, underlining the goal of establishing long-term, sustainable co-productions. The representatives expressed optimism about future initiatives, particularly as they continue to innovate with both the high production quality expected by European markets and the regional appeal that resonates with Asian audiences.
