German Animation Showcase at EFM Offers Both Kids Fare, Adult Pics
Berlin’s EFM Animation Days recently showcased a diverse range of upcoming German animated projects, spanning both family-friendly entertainment and more mature themes. The industry event, held on Friday, featured pitches for eight distinct projects, signaling a robust period for animation production within Germany.
A Spectrum of Storytelling
The projects presented drew inspiration from both classic literature and contemporary children’s books. Modern adaptations were pitched for Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island” and “Der Struwwelpeter” by Heinrich Hoffmann. Also highlighted were animated versions of the children’s books “Troll and the Oliver” and the “Onno &. Ontje” series, alongside a project rooted in local folklore – the Wild Hunt.
Feature Film Focus
Several feature film projects were unveiled during the showcase. Leipzig-based Blaue Pampelmuse presented “Onno and Ontje – Friends are the Best Gift,” based on the works of Thomas Springer, which tells the story of a solitary fisherman and his unlikely friendship with an otter. Little Dream Entertainment showcased an anthropomorphic reimagining of “Treasure Island,” featuring a feline heroine named Jane Hawkins in a musical adventure.
Fabian&Fred, based in Hamburg, pitched “Struwwel,” a story centered on a young girl who brings a wild character from a picture book to life. The studio envisions the project as a “multiplatform story universe,” capitalizing on the enduring popularity of the original source material.
Exploring Diverse Genres
Beyond family-oriented fare, several projects aimed at adult audiences were also presented. Studio Film Bilder introduced “Your Spotted Skin,” a romantic comedy about a cow and a lion facing societal skepticism. Brave New Work pitched “Angst,” a dark exploration of 1930s Germany centered on a young woman and a decadent illusionist.
Funding and Collaboration
Many of the projects are actively seeking co-producers, funding, and distribution partners. Blaue Pampelmuse is looking for two co-producers for “Onno and Ontje,” with an estimated budget of €5.2 million ($6.2 million), and has already secured backing from the German Federal Film Board (FFA) and Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung (MDM). Little Dream Entertainment is seeking similar partnerships for “Treasure Island,” supported by Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein (MOIN) and Film und Medien Stiftung NRW. “Your Spotted Skin” has already secured €5 million ($5.9 million) towards its €10 million budget, with support from multiple regional and national funding bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of stories are being adapted for animation?
The projects include adaptations of classic literature like “Treasure Island” and “Der Struwwelpeter,” as well as contemporary children’s books like “Troll and the Oliver” and “Onno & Ontje,” and stories based on local folklore.
Are these projects solely aimed at children?
No, several projects, such as “Your Spotted Skin” and “Angst,” are specifically targeted towards adult audiences, exploring themes like romance and the darker aspects of historical periods.
What stage of development are these projects in?
The projects are at various stages, from early development seeking co-producers and funding, to projects that have already secured partial funding and are actively seeking distribution partners.
As these projects seek collaborators and funding, it will be interesting to see which ones ultimately come to fruition and how they contribute to the evolving landscape of animated storytelling.