Europe’s Premier Animation Industry Event – Call for Projects Opens for the 20th Animation Production Days (APD 2026)

Animation Production Days (APD), the flagship business platform for the European animation industry, has officially announced that the project submission phase for its 20th edition (APD 2026) is now open. Scheduled to take place from May 5 to 7, 2026, in Stuttgart, Germany, APD cordially invites animation project holders worldwide to submit their work and join this premier event.

As the leading co-production and financing market in the German-speaking region, Animation Production Days is dedicated to building efficient bridges for animation projects from across Europe and beyond. The event annually brings together approximately 180 industry leaders to expand professional networks, forge strategic alliances, and engage in in-depth discussions on cutting-edge industry trends.

Broad Project Scope, Focus on Full Industry Chain Collaboration

From now until February 4, 2026, animation producers can submit project proposals spanning feature films, TV series, mobile content, games, cross-media/transmedia, and virtual reality (VR). Selected high-potential projects will have the opportunity to participate in curated one-on-one meetings during the event with representatives from global broadcasters, streaming platforms, international sales agents, distributors, and financing institutions, enabling precise matchmaking with potential partners. These meetings are meticulously arranged based on mutual interests submitted in advance.

Early Bird Offers and Talent Program, Fostering the Future of the Industry

To encourage early participation, projects successfully submitted by January 15, 2026, will benefit from reduced accreditation fees under the Early Bird offer. The general project submission deadline is February 4, 2026.

Concurrently, APD 2026 has established a dedicated “Talent Programme” for industry newcomers. This programme targets young European producers and creative teams (maximum of two persons) developing promising animation projects. Up to eight projects will be selected to receive complimentary APD accreditation, tickets to the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS) and FMX – Film & Media Exchange, along with covered accommodation costs. The programme aims to connect emerging talents with industry experts, facilitating their entry into the European market.

Registration Opens for Investors and Co-Producers

APD also welcomes content seekers and collaboration partners. The “Investor Accreditation” is open to representatives from broadcasters, streaming platforms, global sales agencies, funding bodies, and distributors seeking premium new content. Attendees will gain access to a carefully curated selection of diverse projects and can discuss collaboration possibilities directly with the creative teams. The “Co-Producer Accreditation” provides an excellent platform for production companies and studios interested in participating in projects as co-producers or service providers. The Early Bird offer also applies to these accreditations until January 15, 2026.

Stuttgart Animated Week: Three-in-One, Co-creating the Future

Animation Production Days is the central component of “Stuttgart Animated Week.” This animation week also features the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS, May 5-10, 2026) and FMX – Film & Media Exchange (On-site: May 5-7 | Online & On Campus: May 8, 2026). The trio of events converges nearly 5,000 industry professionals in Stuttgart annually, collectively forming an ideal platform for gaining insights, establishing collaborations, and actively shaping the future of the animation industry.

For detailed registration information, project submission guidelines, and participation criteria for all categories, please visit the official website:

Project Submission (Producers): https://animationproductiondays.de/registration/producers/

Talent Programme: https://animationproductiondays.de/registration/talents/

Investor Accreditation: https://animationproductiondays.de/registration/investors/

Co-Producer Accreditation: https://animationproductiondays.de/registration/co-producers/

About Animation Production Days (APD):
Animation Production Days is Europe’s premier co-production and financing market for the animation industry, specializing in facilitating efficient connections between producers, creators, and potential partners. It serves as a key industry nexus for propelling projects from concept to market realization.